Welcome
Since 2013, Coast Mountain Academy has been providing a rich and dynamic educational experience. As a young and evolving school, we have been fortunate to ‘live’ the learning process along with our students. To build the vibrant culture that is such an important piece of our institution, we have needed to be creative, thoughtful, caring, adaptable and resilient. Ironically, these are the very same qualities that we aim to develop in our students. I believe our graduates demonstrate these characteristics and are well-prepared when they embark on their post-secondary journeys.
A founding belief of Coast Mountain Academy is that education is not limited to the classroom.
Fortunately, our campus is situated in an incredibly diverse natural environment that allows our teachers to bring learning to life outside the walls of our school. Coast Mountain Academy’s E3 (Enriched Experiential Education) program ensures our students have a variety of learning experiences both on and off-campus to enliven the academic experience. All students participate in our LEAD (Leadership Expeditions for Academic Discovery) program which provides students with dynamic multi-day trips into the outdoors every year. On these trips, students learn new skills and develop an appreciation of the natural world. Over a student’s career at CMA they will travel to a variety of places: from the unique landforms of Garibaldi Park to the gold-rush history of the Yukon River. These expeditions provide students with authentic opportunities to develop character, confidence, and resilience.
In addition to perusing our website, I encourage you to visit our school so you can meet our faculty and staff who are passionate and dedicated to creating an amazing educational experience for our students. On campus you will come across a happy and dynamic student body with a wide variety of talents and interests. I encourage you to look closely at our interdisciplinary approach to teaching both at the middle school and senior school level, as well as the opportunities for choice and the variety of options students have in their studies.
I look forward to one day welcoming you in person to the Coast Mountain Academy community.
Mr. Brett Logan
Head of School
Meet our Team
Brett Logan
Brett’s educational aspirations are to create an increased sense of unity between classroom subjects and outdoor education, and to inspire his students to face challenges with grace. The greatest memories Brett has made in his 7 years at CMA are undoubtedly from LEAD trips: The roar of the Five Finger Rapids and the excited wonderment it brings to student faces on the Yukon River, the slow and curious lines that student fingers trace over stone ruins in Incan Peru, and the epic photoshoots atop Panorama Ridge with students young and old. It is these shared experiences, along with the unmistakable energy one feels when walking down the steps to the turf field at Quest, on a crisp fall day, when early snow cloaks the Tantalus Range, and the leaves are a rich red, that remind Brett what an exciting time it is to be involved with this young and progressive school.
Brett holds a degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Biology from The University of British Columbia, a certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language, various Outdoor Trip Leading designations, and a Bachelor of Education from Simon Fraser University with a minor in Physical and Outdoor Education.
Crista Wiles
Crista is always looking for new ways to expose people to different perspectives or learn herself. She has been sharing her passions with teenagers in a variety of roles but mostly as a teacher and coach. Crista finds meaningful ways to explore and develop global stewardship through informed leadership wherever possible. Ms. Wiles designs and implements creative courses based on the needs of her students and tries to use her settings as much as possible.
She has experience designing and implementing creative courses based on the needs of a variety of populations. Crista began her career working with youth at risk at the Boundless School in Ontario and worked with World Class Academy for three years, a traveling high school for student-athletes earning their education while exploring the unique rivers and cultures of the world. Combining adventure therapy with literature and life skills is her happy place and she is always looking for new ways to expose people to different perspectives.
Crista completed an Undergraduate Degree in Humanities & Biology at St. Francis Xavier University and a Bachelors of Education Degree from the Schulich School of Education at Nipissing University. Ever since she has been finding meaningful ways to explore and develop global stewardship through informed leadership.
Melahnie Moodie
Melahnie is intrigued by brain science, psychological development, and well being. In a rapidly changing world, it is more important than ever to have self-compassion and the ability to process pressures, emotions, and different stressors. Melahnie enjoys working with students to help them develop strategies that enable them to cope with current challenges. In her counselling, Ms. Moodie draws on strategies based on mindfulness, cognitive behavioural therapy, and positive psychology. She also knows that you don’t always need to work on a problem to benefit from counselling but can use the tools of psychology to realize potential, improve performance and enhance well-being.
She is continually on the path of professional and personal development and enjoys bringing effective tools and resources to CMA staff and students. Ms. Moodie cares about helping to create inclusive learning environments that are welcoming and honour uniqueness and diversity.
Melahnie has four degrees including a Bachelor of Science with a focus in sustainability from Royal Roads University, a Bachelor of Education with a focus on creativity in the classroom, a Master of Education with a focus on curriculum design, leadership & student engagement, and a Master of Arts in counselling psychology with a focus on mindfulness, all from UBC.
Evan Sharp
Evan sees politics, economics, history, and philosophy in everything. Taking the long view of human social and intellectual activity brings both empathy and criticism to how we individually and collectively grope towards the future. Evan provokes students to see the world with more than their own worldview by focusing on the interconnectedness and dependence within our globalized civilization. His teaching relentlessly requires critical thinking and emphasizes the fundamentals for university preparation while also empowering student’s autonomy, creativity, and intellectual fun. As CMA’s technology teacher, Mr. Sharp also promotes technological literacy in students from a place of contagious geeky passion: we live in a time of remarkable innovation that can be harnessed by the curious to do even more remarkable things.
He holds a BA and MA in Classics from the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University respectively, a BEd from the University of Toronto (History & Philosophy). Since 2015 Evan has been a Level 2 Google Certified Educator and is a founding leader of the BC Google Educator Group; a professional development network for Google Educators.
Court Ashbaugh
How are we to deal with the climate crisis? Inequality? A pandemic? There are only a few ways we can look at these kinds of problems that are productive and our continued existence requires us to engage them. Math and physical science learning helps build our capacity for abstract, rational, constrained thought by giving us practice working with models, measurement, and predictions, in a coherent framework. This thinking starts at the tangible then extends to things we can only imagine and it provides powerful metaphors through which problems, such as those listed above, can be approached. Mr. Ashbaugh’s efforts with students intend to offer an array of opportunities to practice a.r.c. thinking ranging from purely theoretical to experimental to experiential. His underlying motivation in education is to build capacity for this kind of thinking in those with whom he works and to ensure his own such development is ongoing.
Court has a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry & Math from UBC and a Masters of Science in Physics from the University of Connecticut. He then came back to British Columbia to attend UBC to get his Bachelor of Education in Senior Science & Math. From 2013 to 2018 he was a Professional Chemist (ACPBC).
Neena Bauck
Neena is amazed by the elegance and beauty of mathematics and loves teaching her students how to be curious about math. She encourages them to look at mathematical relationships from different points of view and to value their own ideas and individual approaches when solving problems. Ms. Bauck provides students with opportunities for rich learning and exploration through a variety of open-ended problems and fun hands-on activities. She believes curiosity leads to understanding, so she challenges students to always ask why a formula or method actually works. She invites collaboration and discussion in class so that her students can share their insights, make connections, and develop their mathematics vocabulary.
She enjoys fostering positive and exciting energy in her classes, as students build their understanding and make new connections as young mathematicians. Ms. Bauck’s students are often encouraged to use whiteboards and non-permanent surfaces to actively engage with a problem and to illustrate and share their thinking. There’s always a student solution she hasn’t seen before, and this is what makes math so exciting. To enrich the curriculum, Neena strives to include anecdotes and historical context about each topic, so that her students also learn about mathematics as a discipline with its own rich history, famous personalities, and celebrated problems.
Neena has a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics & Chemistry from UBC Okanagan and a Masters in Science from Simon Fraser University in Mathematics Education.
Audrey Beauchamp
Mme. Beauchamp believes that learning new languages allows for meaningful connections, opens new opportunities and helps give a conscious view of the world. She likes to learn with her students by creating fun and comfortable space, by encouraging each one to be unique and discover their own strengths.
She visited the West Coast on a summer vacation and found the beautiful area hard to leave. She now enjoys mountain biking right from her door, hiking and backcountry skiing in the winter. She loves travelling and learning more about other cultures.
Mme. Beauchamp received her Bachelor of Education at the University of Montreal. She has spend most of her career in Quebec but has also taught French in Brazil.
Travis Busschaert
Travis is fascinated by the current and historical connections between scientific advancement and the resulting effects on cultures and society at large. Technological advance occurs at ever-greater rates and demands a generation of scientifically literate youth. Mr. Busschaert, or Mr. B (as he is fondly referred to around campus) uses enthusiasm and awe to engage and inspire his students to recognize the wonders of science and the natural world. He also challenges them to consider the potential impacts or consequences that science and technology can have on the environment both locally and globally. He strives to evoke a sense of stewardship in his students as they begin to grasp many of the potential positive impacts they and their peers can be a part of. A self-described lifelong learner, Travis is a firm believer in interest-driven learning and continues to pursue new avenues of learning that he continues to share with CMA students and staff.
Travis is not only an accomplished teacher but a talented woodworker. He has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Wilfred Laurier University, a Bachelor of Education from the University of Western Ontario, as well as a Certificate in Fine Woodworking from Selkirk College in Nelson.
Rebecca Cairney
Rebecca’s deep love for the land and adventure informs her pedagogy and shapes how she views the world. When not at school you will find her playing in our beautiful backyard. She feels inspired by the creative, collaborative and critical thinking required while in the mountains. She continuously integrates this into her teaching. She feels the environment in which we live has infinite potential to enliven learning, as education is not limited to the classroom.
Rebecca completed an Undergraduate Degree in International Development at the University of Guelph and a Bachelors of Education Degree from the University of British Columbia. She continues to use her formal and informal education to drive her connection to the education of her students, involvement in her community and love for the environment.
Rachel Chambers
Rachel believes that education should be very much centered around interactions with the immediate world and that experiences offer the perfect in-depth learning opportunities.
From an early age, she felt the call of the outdoors and this influences much of her teaching and adventuring. Ms. Chambers has traveled to over thirty countries and particular highlights include backcountry expeditions in the Northern Territories, hiking in the Himalayas and taking her students to Iceland.
Originally from the UK, Rachel has a Bachelor in Geography from Oxford University and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education from Exeter University. Before leaving for Canada she worked at Cornwall’s top high school as a Teacher of Geography and Head of Lower School. During this time, she led the school’s Mountaineering Club and qualified as a Duke of Edinburgh Award Assessor. Rachel is currently studying for a Masters of Education at Thompson Rivers University.
Natasha Harvey
Ms. Harvey is committed to lifelong learning and believes that curiosity and wonder are the keys to engagement. She believes that her role as an educator is to inspire students to ask questions, and to create a learning environment that supports students in discovery. By examining current events, Ms. Harvey hopes that students develop critical thinking and an appreciation for diverse perspectives. Her practice is informed by the First Peoples Principles of Learning; particularly that learning is reflexive, reflective, experiential, and relational, and that learning requires an exploration of one’s identity.
The mountains have felt like home to Natasha for as long as she can remember. Whether she is skiing, hiking, biking, or running through their contoured ridges, she is guaranteed to have a big smile plastered to her face. Her pedagogy is driven by her connection to place and her love for exploration. She has worked as a backcountry chef at a plethora of remote lodges and continuously seeks new ways to learn from exciting backyards.
Natasha holds a bachelor in Business Management, a minor in Psychology, and recently obtained her Bachelor in Education from the University of British Columbia
Dana Irvine
Mr. Irvine has been an educator for a number of years in Alberta, Japan, and British Columbia.
He has been a homeroom teacher in Grades K, 1, 2 and 4, a Physical Education teacher to all elementary grades, and taught English in Japan for many years teaching in a private junior high school as well as teaching employees of some of Japan’s largest corporations.
Mr. Irvine has created and taught programs throughout his career in education that help construct and maintain healthy habits within the walls of his schools, throughout communities, in forests, and across an ocean. Highlights for him are the Japanese Penpal Program, Grandbuddies, and his Outdoor Education Program. These initiatives were designed with the hope that children could develop a deeper understanding of worlds they may never had had a chance to encounter and thus assist in expanding knowledge and appreciation for other cultures, the elderly and our planet.
Most recently, Mr. Irvine filled many roles within SD48, and worked at Coast Mountain Academy as a substitute teacher. The CMA team quickly realized what an asset he is to any educational team and are thrilled he is now a permanent member of the team. Mr. Irvine (or Mr. I as the students already call him) is really looking forward to getting to know the entire community of learners and educators at CMA and hope they can help each other in achieving success together in the new school year.
An avid mountain biker and general outdoor enthusiast, Mr. I started mountain biking in 1990 and has ridden them since then from fully rigid to fully suspended transferring from BMX racing.
Chris Ketcheson
Mr. Ketcheson is a teacher that believes diverse ways of teaching are needed to meet the needs of diverse students in a world that is constantly changing. Above all, connections and relationships are key to effective and meaningful learning – teaching should respond to the needs of the students, the school’s community, and the natural world around it, and doing so still means being rigorous and thorough in our learning. Chris is elated to be at CMA, where outdoor connections and play are a huge part of learning.
Originally from Halifax, and growing up ‘a bit all over the place’, Chris came to BC to complete a BSc in marine biology and fell in love with the west coast. Sharing that appreciation for the natural world was a big part of his motivation to go into teaching. After working in summer camps in BC, he started teaching abroad in Colombia, gaining two years experience and solidifying a decision to become a BC certified teacher. Returning to Canada, he received a BEd from SFU with a minor in environmental education and a strong focus on international teaching and indigenous perspectives.
After the tumultuous year of 2020, Chris is now happily living in Squamish and looking forward to exploring the beautiful sea to sky region even more.
Gemma Ribas
Ms. Ribas believes that education is a holistic way to create responsible awareness within individuals in regards to oneself and what surrounds us. For her, education must be based on the principle of freedom (ability to discern and decide), responsibility (ability to control what depends on us), respect (respect oneself and not invade, that is, respect what is different) and prevention (behavior that creates and contributes to well-being). Under these foundations, she believes that education must be created in a pleasant and healthy environment and provide the opportunities for everyone to be heard and have a voice.
She is an adventurous and passionate person spending most of her free time travelling, getting acquainted with new cultures, climbing, hiking, kayaking and skiing with her dog.
Ms. Ribas holds a Bachelor Degree in Special Needs from the University of Barcelona (UAB) and a Master’s Degree in Ecological Education from the “Institut Internacional d’Ecologia Emocional – Barcelona”. She moved to Squamish 4 years ago looking to expand her career by working, creating and offering outdoors opportunities for people with learning differences.
Chris Rich
As a teacher, Chris believes deeply in the power of connection and wonder – creating a space where a student’s natural curiosity can both inspire and inform their learning. He believes in the importance of establishing an engaging and dynamic learning environment, where students feel comfortable to take risks, be creative, and seek learning outside of their comfort-zone. He aims to challenge his students to engage actively in their own learning, to be creative and critical thinkers, and to seek both a connection with, and a deeper understanding of, the world around them.
Born and raised here on the West Coast, the rugged natural landscape of the Sea to Sky has served as both home and playground for Chris. From a young age, he developed a deep connection with the outdoors, and it was only a matter of time before climbing, skiing, paddling and mountain biking began fueling his lifelong passion for adventure.
Prior to arriving at Coast Mountain Academy, Chris spent a little over 15 years in West Vancouver classrooms, and brings more than 20 years of coaching, guiding, and outdoor educational leadership experience to the CMA community. He has past training as a whitewater rafting guide and as a swiftwater rescue technician, and currently holds his 40 hour wilderness first aid certificate. He is also a PMBIA certified mountain bike guide and instructor, and loves sharing his stoke for riding bikes with kids of all ages. Academically, Chris holds a Diploma in Sport Sciences, a Bachelor of Human Kinetics in Exercise Physiology, a Bachelor of Education, and a Graduate Diploma in Outdoor Experiential Education. Before transitioning into teaching, Chris spent time working and volunteering in brain, spinal cord, and cardiac rehabilitation in a variety of settings within Vancouver Coastal Health.
Miriam Tingle
Coming Soon!
Tracy Keeling
Tracy loves to share her passion for innovative education and CMA. If you live in the Sea to Sky corridor you have likely met her at any number of community events or potlucks ‘talking up’ CMA, our philosophy, and amazing team.
In her role as Director of Admissions & Communications, Tracy is most often a family’s first point of contact at CMA. She loves supporting families through the application process, and one of her greatest joys is telling an excited applicant “you got in.”
She is passionate about challenging the status quo, education, climate action and loves working with young people. She obtained a B.Sc. in Environmental Science from the University of Western Ontario, a post-graduate diploma from Capilano University, and studied Marketing at BCIT.
Bri Oliver
Bri takes great pride in supporting the staff, students, and parents at CMA. A long career with McDonalds has provided Bri with a solid foundation in customer service, communications and organization. Bri was an industry leader when it came to creating and maintaining systems for the company and loves to plan, organize, and execute these systems.
Later in life Bri looked to satisfy her creative side, and opened a photography studio in both BC and MB. She was quick to adapt to the never ending changes in the cut throat industry, and kept her business thriving for over a decade. Her biggest challenge in life has been raising her 4 boys alongside her husband, preparing them for a successful life.
Tanya Bastian
Tanya was born in Vancouver but was raised in Smithers, BC on a 160-acre farm. She spent her teenage years riding, training, and showing horses before starting on her educational path to becoming a Chartered Accountant. Tanya has spent the majority of her career as an auditor at KPMG working with municipalities, school districts, not-for-profits, and private clients.
Tanya traded in the four legs of a horse for the two wheels of a mountain bike and has declared that biking is now her current passion. She moved to Squamish from Victoria to take advantage of our biking trails and other outdoor pursuits. Tanya can normally be found enjoying these pursuits with her pup, Meeka.
Board of Directors
Geoff Park
Geoff Park is the Chair of the CMA Board of Directors, founder of Camp Summit, and a proud CMA parent. He had a dream to start a school in Squamish that he would have liked to attend. Thanks to his drive and determination that school now exists and his 2 daughters get to go there every weekday.
Geoff Park
Geoff Park is the Chair of the CMA Board of Directors, founder of Camp Summit, and a proud CMA parent. He had a dream to start a school in Squamish that he would have liked to attend. Thanks to his drive and determination that school now exists and his 2 daughters get to go there every weekday.
Amongst all the initiatives that Geoff is involved in, his full-time role as the founder and Director of Camp Summit, an Outdoor Education Centre in Squamish takes up most of his time. Summit works with many of the top schools in BC and beyond and welcomes over 3,000 students & campers per year through various outdoor and experiential education programs. Geoff is very involved in the Squamish Community having sat on the Board of the Squamish Community Foundation and Tourism Squamish as well as currently sitting on the BC Camps Association Board of Directors and the Ashlu Creek Foundation.
David Greenfield
David Greenfield is a valued founding member of the CMA Board of Directors, founder of the Sea to Sky Gondola, and an all-around really nice guy. His dream of creating a local independent school for his family and the Sea to Sky Corridor has been realized. Now David is the proud parent to a CMA Alumnus from the Class of 2019.
David Greenfield
David Greenfield is a valued founding member of the CMA Board of Directors, founder of the Sea to Sky Gondola, and an all-around really nice guy. His dream of creating a local independent school for his family and the Sea to Sky Corridor has been realized. Now David is the proud parent to a CMA Alumnus from the Class of 2019.
David is a principal and founder of the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish, principal and founder of the Malahat Skywalk in Mill Bay, BC, and a principal at Groundeffects Development Inc. He is currently working at developing major tourism projects in BC and North America. David has been keenly interested in improving education options in the Sea to Sky corridor and brings a solid business perspective to CMA.
Toran Savjord
Toran Savjord is a founding member of the CMA Board of Directors, Vice President Strategic Planning, Assessment & Institutional Effectiveness at Capilano University, extremely active community volunteer, and busy parent of 4 with one currently at CMA and an Alumnus from the Class of 2020. Does he ever sleep?
Toran Savjord
Toran Savjord is a founding member of the CMA Board of Directors, Vice President Strategic Planning, Assessment & Institutional Effectiveness at Capilano University, extremely active community volunteer, and busy parent of 4 with one currently at CMA and an Alumnus from the Class of 2020. Does he ever sleep?
Toran’s career began as an educator and administrator specializing in outdoor recreation and adventure tourism. His experience in post-secondary extends to program creation and developing certificates, diplomas, and degrees for colleges and universities throughout B.C. His current role with Capilano University keeps him busy, but he still finds time to serve on numerous boards and committees including the Squamish Sustainability Corporation, Tourism Squamish, Squamish Official Community Plan Advisory Steering Committee, Coast Mountain Academy, and previously on the Quest University Canada Foundation, and the Squamish Nordic Ski Club.
Jeremy Black
Jeremy Black brings over 30 years of varied business, financial, and leadership experience. In addition to significant financial, strategic, and governance expertise, Jeremy also brings a passion for raising good humans (2 of whom attend CMA).
Jeremy Black
Jeremy Black brings over 30 years of varied business, financial, and leadership experience. In addition to significant financial, strategic, and governance expertise, Jeremy also brings a passion for raising good humans (2 of whom attend CMA).
Jeremy Black lives in Whistler, is the father of two sons who are thriving at CMA, and is currently the Chief Financial Officer of Metrie. Before joining Metrie in 2018, Jeremy was the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Whistler Blackcomb, where he led finance, investor relations, information technology, and strategy development initiatives. He has held executive and senior leadership roles in several highly successful Vancouver-based companies, including Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers and Intrawest, and is a Board Director for Technical Safety BC. In the community, Jeremy has served on the Board of Whistler Youth Soccer Club and has been the Treasurer of 1st Whistler Scouts. In his non-working time, you can usually find Jeremy on his skis or his mountain bike, relishing all that the Sea to Sky has to offer.
Victoria Smith
Victoria Smith is one of two new additions to the CMA Board of Directors and brings expertise in infrastructure planning, community engagement and sustainability gained through many years working in both the public and private sector. Victoria is a proud parent of one current and one future CMA student and looks forward to contributing to this amazing mountain community.
Laura Dobell
Laura Dobell is one of two new additions to the Board of Directors, and parent to a middle school student at CMA. Recently returned to BC, Laura brings her entrepreneurial experience and enthusiastic personality to support the board, administration, staff and students.
CMAP – Coast Mountain Academy Parents
My name is Jennifer Black, and I am one of the parents who helps lead our parent group, CMAP (Coast Mountain Academy Parents). My husband and I feel incredibly lucky to have such a special school for our boys to attend.
CMAP strives to build a vibrant school community for our students and families through volunteerism, fundraising, and as ambassadors for CMA. By liaising with CMA staff, faculty, alumnae and parents, CMAP volunteers work to build bridges between school, home, and the broader community, creating an ever-deepening spirit of community.
We meet monthly via Zoom, our meetings provide topics of discussion that are meaningful to us as parents of young learners. In addition to the discussion topics, each meeting will cover upcoming important dates, fundraising ideas, and other schoolwide events.
We are very excited to come together as a positive community during this very uncertain time. I know I speak for many of us when I say how grateful we are to have a school so full of rich, meaningful learning experiences and that our children can attend school all day.
-Jennifer Black
CMAP Chair & Proud CMA Parent
CMA Mission
Simply stated, we at CMA endeavour to graduate inspired leaders with the exceptional academic, social, and emotional preparedness common to conscientious and successful global citizens.
Coast Mountain Academy offers:
- Challenging and Rigorous Academics
- Low Teacher to Student ratios
- Focus on Student Engagement
- Passionate Professional Educators
We create dynamic indoor and outdoor classroom experiences to support the wholistic development of students.
Our program fosters opportunities for well-rounded and deep learning. Our students, as future citizens of Canada and the world, will require skill sets for jobs that have yet to be created. 10 years ago many of today’s most sought after careers did not yet exist. Creativity, Collaboration, and Critical Thinking are top amongst the transferable skills required for well-being and success in the 21st century.
The qualities that our teaching methods nurture include:
- A knowledge-seeking disposition
- Desire to explore ideas of personal interest
- Self-awareness
- Critical thinking skills
- Resilience / strong work ethic
- Motivation to seek out answers or people/resources that can contribute to personal knowledge
- Empathetic relationship and communication skills (collaboration mindset)
- Desire to challenge current perspectives and expand physical and cognitive capabilities
- Affirmative attitudes and challenge/opportunity mindset
- Acceptance of a diversity of perspectives and identities
Our very highest ambition is to create experiences that nurture students’ sense of wonder and promote the pursuit of life-long learning. If we can inspire our students to become curious and resilient knowledge-seekers then we believe we have met the objectives of our professional callings as educators and contributed to a fulfilling life for our students.
CMA Philosophy
Coast Mountain Academy was established to provide an independent secondary school option in the Sea-to-Sky corridor. From the very beginning, we have taken inspiration from the people and places that are unique to this part of the world. Our programs have been designed to make the best use of exceptional local teaching venues and are focused on being responsive to the needs of the community. With this inspiration, we endeavor to create a school culture that promotes the integration of grade levels and inspires students to practice their citizenship from the local to global scales.
As a small school, we will have many opportunities to travel together, learn together, and create the connections that students will sustain throughout their time at CMA and beyond. Community is very important to the success of students and the extent to which the climate of learning can extend beyond the school itself. Our commitment is to draw in all the CMA stakeholders and involve them in meaningful ways.
Affiliations
CMA is presently a member or involved with the following organizations:
- FISA BC (Federation of Independent School Associations) – Member
- Squamish Chamber of Commerce – Member
- BC Ministry of Education – Class 2 Independent School (Class 3 pending)
- ISEEN (Independent Schools Experiential Education Network) – Member
- Squamish Independent Education Committee – Convened by CMA
We have presented at the following events:
- Squamish Breakfast Club
- Whistler Learning and Education Taskforce
- Rotary Club of Squamish
CMA is seeking affiliation with the following professional organizations and associations:
- ISA BC (Independent Schools Association of BC)
We have been represented at the following meetings, conferences, and workshops:
- Institute for Innovation in Education Conference 2016 – Vancouver Island, BC
- Google Apps For Education (GAFE) Conference 2015 – Kamloops, BC
- National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Conference 2012 – Seattle, WA.
- Squamish Mayor’s Forum on Education – Squamish, B.C.
- Saints’ Institute 2012 and 2013 – St. George’s School. Vancouver, B.C.
Location
Coast Mountain Academy is located in beautiful Squamish, British Columbia, Canada on the Quest University campus, which itself is located on the traditional territory of the Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh) First Nation.
Our campus borders on Garibaldi Provincial Park, a protected wilderness area with kilometres of hiking and mountain biking trails. To the West and South, we overlook the rugged peaks and valleys of the Tantalus Mountains and Howe Sound, Canada’s southernmost fjord.
These natural surroundings provide Coast Mountain Academy with a vast outdoor classroom that inspires the academic and social activities of our school.
Take a virtual tour of Squamish and the Sea to Sky Corridor with this amazing local video. This is why Squamish is the place to live, work, and learn.
FAQ
What grades does CMA teach?
CMA offers grades 7 – 12.
Is Coast Mountain Academy an ‘Outdoor School’?
“Outdoor Schools” are typically focused on outdoor education or programs that expose students to natural environments and build the ‘hard skills’ related to outdoor pursuits.
Coast Mountain Academy’s primary objective, on the other hand, is to provide a rigorous academic program that supports and promotes university preparation. Courses will meet and exceed the standards set by the internationally recognized, BC Ministry of Education endorsed, British Columbia Certificate of Graduation, also known as the “Dogwood Diploma”.
CMA’s classes are taught predominantly in classrooms, though we do believe in the power of ‘taking kids outside’ to engage their sense of discovery. As a result, we explore outdoor classrooms and work to take our curricula outside whenever appropriate.
Are students able to use the Quest cafeteria?
Yes. Students have supervised lunch blocks which have been carefully scheduled to allow enough time for the walk to and from the Quest cafeteria. As Quest has full residence facilities, their cafeteria provides a wide range of hot and cold meal options at a competitive price.
Is there transportation service from outside of Squamish?
Yes. You can read more about this topic on our Transportation page.
How does CMA meet and evaluate students with different combinations of learning styles?
The CMA faculty explore diverse ways in which components of a student’s evaluation can be differentiated and / or individualized; allowing them to demonstrate subject comprehension in a meaningful and effective way appropriate to the student themselves.
The concept of student-designed assignments recognizes that students are able to demonstrate comprehension and deep understanding in ways other than those created by a teacher or the Ministry of Education. Such assignments are better able to take into consideration a student’s interests, abilities and specific learning styles. By having the student assist in the design of the evaluation criteria, we encourage accountability, promote engagement, and provide a means for creative expression.
On what criteria are admissions be based?
A fundamental premise of CMA’s educational philosophy holds that a student’s capacities, competencies, and potential cannot be evaluated from grades alone. Thus, our admissions policy will take a wholistic approach. In addition to past academic performance, we will include consideration of a student’s involvement in music, the arts, sports, community service, global stewardship and other extra-curricular interests. The ideal CMA student will demonstrate the personal motivation to invest him/herself fully both in the CMA community and in his/her own personal learning and development.
CMA will review each prospective student’s current academic standing and will interview both the parents and the student to allow all parties to share their goals and expectations. As a new school, CMA’s traditions, character and reputation will be shaped by our inaugural classes. We look forward to welcoming students who will thrive in our dynamic environment and who, in turn, will contribute positively to the school’s development.
What qualifications are required of CMA teachers?
All CMA faculty are certified BC teachers. Many hold advanced degrees in their academic field and / or in Education. Most Faculty also hold relevant professional development qualifications, advanced first aid certificates, and wilderness skills certifications.
For details on each CMA faculty member, see our staff biographies.
How is the CMA instructional programming model unique?
The CMA curricula are an ongoing and collaborative process between faculty members and the Head of School. The essential framework for all courses includes the following elements:
- All core subjects satisfy the requirements of the BC Ministry of Education Dogwood Diploma.
- Where beneficial, subjects are integrated to provide a wholistic approach to learning and increased context between disciplines. In practice, this means linear (“full year”) combined-subject courses where teachers can connect closely-related knowledge which is technically part of more than one Ministry of Education course.
- Student’s academic studies are connected to application in the real world through regular instruction outside the contemporary classroom environment (see E3). Our region is rich in learning venues and we believe strongly in place-based education opportunities.
- Technology is integrated into every stream of the curricula to enable a higher level of collaboration, efficiency, and accountability than ever before.
- Daily Physical Activity (Ministry of Education DPA) is an important focus of the CMA program (see PE + Math).
What are the benefits of teaching at CMA?
Do you have a passion for education? For you, is teaching a calling, not just a job? Would you like to have direct input into how courses are taught and the opportunity to create the programs of which you have always dreamed? CMA can be a vehicle for you to exercise your educational and professional ambitions.
Coast Mountain Academy will require a great deal of investment and ongoing commitment to accomplish our mission and fulfill our vision. If you are searching for a career path that could lead towards your life legacy, Coast Mountain Academy might just be the right place for you.
Where do teachers get to teach?
Teachers will have the opportunity to teach in modern classrooms, on top of mountain peaks, in, (literally in) rivers, on lakes, at cultural events, in foreign countries, libraries, rock faces, university campuses, while travelling…see where this is going?
Although our contemporary indoor classroom will be the primary learning venue, other options will be explored for their ability to enhance the teaching and learning experience. Our teachers will recognize the climate of learning as extending beyond the walls of the school itself and will work to reflect this in the experiential component of the IPM and the participatory design of the CMA educational system.
What skills do CMA teachers need?
In order to be successful at CMA, faculty and staff will need to come prepared for the trials and inevitable challenges associated with developing, opening, operating, and growing a school. This teaching experience will be unlike any other you may have had in that it will require more investment, both personal and professional, and yield more reward than most other positions in education otherwise could.
Our teachers will join our education community as stakeholders in, and contributors to, a ‘climate of learning’. They will work with parents, students, administration, external assets, etc. in order to facilitate a contiguous educational system aimed at enhancing teaching and learning opportunities for other stakeholders.
Work with us
Coast Mountain Academy is an independent day school located at the incredible campus of Quest University Canada, in Squamish, British Columbia. CMA promotes excellence in education through innovative and inspiring programming models for students in grades 7 to 12.
Our unique style of teaching and learning is informed by findings from current academic research and time-tested educational philosophies. CMA strives towards the application of emergent teaching innovations and dynamic learning venues, both of which are carefully applied to meet the needs of an evolving 21st-century pedagogy.
Simply stated, we at CMA endeavour to graduate inspired leaders with the exceptional academic, social, and emotional preparedness common to conscientious and successful global citizens.
Drawing on the experience of some of the most successful educational innovators across North America, we are creating highly-engaging indoor and outdoor classroom experience to support the holistic development of students. Smaller class sizes, longer class periods, and an emphasis on cross-curricular learning will take full advantage of our rich natural environment. Our priorities are to enable our students with the skills and support to earn their education and develop proficiency in written and oral communication, empathetic relationships, and critical analytical thinking — the keys to success in post-secondary education and beyond.
See our Common Questions page for more details on what a CMA teacher will bring to the school.
Application Process
We encourage you to send your resume, cover letter and supporting resources to [email protected] for future consideration and for our substitute teacher list.
At Coast Mountain Academy we like to do things differently. In addition to the standard type-written CV, please feel free to express your creativity in other ways. We are seeking creative knowledge seekers to join our team, so show us how you stand out. What will make you the teacher that students talk about 20 years from now? Be innovative. Be engaged. Be inspired.
Formatting submissions:
Applications should be addressed to Mike Slinger, Head of School.
For organizational purposes, please send us one file that includes all of the relevant information. Use the following file name format: “Lastname, Firstname – Application for (insert position)” (i.e. teacher, staff, driver, administration, etc.)
Thank you very much, we look forward to reading your submissions.
Current Opportunities
Staff Opportunities
Thanks for your interest! Currently, we do not have any staff opportunities.
Faculty Opportunities
Thanks for your interest! Currently, we do not have any faculty opportunities.
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