Changes are coming to the Near North District School Board in West Nipissing.
This September, White Woods Public School will become a kindergarten to grade six school, with grades 7 and 8 going to Northern Secondary.
The high school will then operate as a grade 7-12 school.
“This change will have a positive impact on students at both White Woods and Northern Secondary,” reads an update from the board. “It will allow White Woods to serve its Kindergarten to Grade 6 students more comfortably, improving access to appropriate learning spaces and support services. This replicates the successful model that is in place at most secondary schools in Near North District School Board.”
Officials say White Woods is currently over capacity, with two junior classes using the library as a classroom, while there is space available at Northern. In the long term, the board says the plan for Northern is to transition to a kindergarten to grade 12 school, with White Woods eventually sold to Conseil scolaire publique de Nord-Est de l’Ontario.
That will allow École secondaire publique Nipissing Ouest students to move from Northern to White Woods.
While a final date has not yet been confirmed, the transition may occur at the start of the 2027–2028 school year.
“This combined school model has been successfully implemented in other locations and has provided positive experiences for both elementary and secondary students,” states the board.
Renovations will also take place at Northern before moving in the Kindergarten to Grade 6 students.
Officials say they will create clearly defined, age‑appropriate spaces, including separate entrances for elementary and secondary students and designated areas to support their daily learning needs.
An Information Night is taking place on Wednesday, June 17 from 6 to 7 p.m., for families to learn more and ask questions.
