Sea to Summit
Sea to Summit
How It Works
Ocean Crest Academy offers a unique secondary program that blends BC Curriculum academics with learner-led, outdoor experiential education. Our model is built around a cohesive journey connecting mountain and ocean environments, with students progressing through five developmental stages from Grade 8 to Grade 12.
At the heart of Ocean Crest Academy is our home base in the vibrant village of Cumberland, located on Dunsmuir Avenue. From this central location, students have immediate access to Cumberland's parks, the expansive community forest, and our own backyard garden.
A Partnership Model
Ocean Crest Academy partners with an established BC academy program to deliver the academic program. Students are formally registered with our partner school, all courses meet BC Ministry of Education requirements, and students work toward the Dogwood Diploma.
This model ensures students receive a recognized, high-quality academic education, while fully participating in Ocean Crest Academy's immersive learning experience. Certified teachers deliver and assess all core academic subjects.
Program Structure
01
Students are registered with our BC academy program partner. All courses meet Ministry of Education requirements and lead to the Dogwood Diploma.
02
Students regularly engage in field studies, outdoor expeditions, place-based science and environmental research, and real-world projects connected to local ecosystems.
03
Mountain Program: alpine ecology, biodiversity, glaciology, and backcountry expeditions. Ocean Program: marine science, watershed studies, salmon enhancement, and coastal exploration. Culminating in the Sea-to-Summit Capstone.
04
Explorer (Gr. 8) → Builder (Gr. 9) → Pathfinder (Gr. 10) → Creator (Gr. 11) → Visionary (Gr. 12). Each stage deepens academic understanding, outdoor skills, and leadership capacity.
05
Our small class sizes allow us to know each student as an individual, provide personalized academic and mentorship support, and foster a strong sense of belonging and community.
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Students graduate with a BC Dogwood Diploma, strong academic foundations, outdoor leadership certifications, and experience in research, conservation, and community projects.
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OCA works in partnership with local conservation and environmental organizations, outdoor education providers, and Indigenous knowledge holders and community partners.
The Three Programs
Mountain Program
Our Mountain Experience Program takes learning to new heights by blending BC Curriculum academics with hands-on alpine exploration. Guided by skilled educators, students apply science, math, and social studies in the field — studying alpine geology, glaciology, biodiversity, and climate change, as well as using data for expedition planning and field research.
Each year builds in challenge and responsibility: Grade 8 day hikes and sit-spot journaling, Grade 9 biodiversity surveys and overnight backcountry trips, Grade 10 glaciology expeditions, Grade 11 alpine field research with mentorship, and Grade 12 leadership in multi-day stewardship projects supporting the Sea to Summit Capstone.
Students graduate with confidence, outdoor certifications, teamwork skills, and a profound respect for the land.
Ocean Program
Our Ocean Experience Program immerses students in coastal and marine ecosystems, connecting BC Curriculum in Science, Math, and Social Studies with hands-on conservation and cultural learning.
Through the Explorer → Visionary journey, students progress from Grade 8 tidepool studies and beginner kayaking, to Grade 9 multi-day paddling expeditions with marine biodiversity tracking, Grade 10 watershed science through the Salmon Enhancement & Fly Fishing Program, Grade 11 marine restoration projects, and Grade 12 student-led conservation initiatives tied to their Sea to Summit Capstone research.
By combining field science with Indigenous stewardship teachings, students learn to protect marine environments, gain paddling certifications, and grow as collaborative leaders who respect the power and fragility of our ocean ecosystems.
Sea to Summit Capstone
The Sea to Summit Capstone Program is the pinnacle of the Ocean Crest Academy experience — an interdisciplinary, student-led expedition and research project that unites the Mountain and Ocean Programs into one powerful learning journey.
Students integrate English 12, Math, Science, and Career-Life Connections as they design and lead their own multi-day expedition exploring the connections between alpine watersheds and coastal ecosystems. Research topics may include snowpack effects on salmon habitats, watershed health, or conservation strategies for local species.
This culminating experience concludes with the Sea to Summit Symposium, where students present their findings to families, peers, and community partners. Seniors also act as mentors, guiding younger students in outdoor skills and conservation ethics. The Capstone fulfills the BC Career-Life Connections graduation requirement and leaves students with a lasting legacy project.
Review the full academic curriculum or start your application.