The Cortes Island Academy (CIA) is a pilot program of School District 72 in collaboration with Cortes Island Community Foundation, Folk University, and the people of Cortes Island. The CIA pilot program will begin with the school year in September of 2022 and end with the term in late January of 2023. The CIA will offer two quarters (10 weeks each) of immersive, experiential, project-based learning on Cortes Island in its first year, with the intention of continuing with unique annual offerings. These offerings will be overseen by SD72 teachers and staff with local facilitators, mentors, and knowledge holders to ensure that the program truly represents the unique talents, opportunities, and natural offerings of Cortes Island. Students from throughout the school district, including international education students registered with SD72, will be available to register for either one of the 10-weeks or the entire 20-weeks of offerings. (Priority given to Cortes Island students.)