North Island Distance Education School (NIDES) is changing with the times, and to reflect this, both the name and branding of the school are changing.
Following the district protocol, and working with students, staff, parents, school trustees and a local marketing company, NIDES renamed itself “Navigate”. Although the legal name of the school is still North Island Distance Education School (NIDES), for branding and marketing purposes the school will now be known as Navigate. The branding will incorporate both names: “Navigate: powered by NIDES.”
“"Navigate" was chosen because it reflects the school's commitment to personalized learning, exploration and the sense of being on an educational journey, says principal Jeff Stewart.
Stewart says that the name and logo were changed for multiple reasons. Historically NIDES was known as a school for North Island students living at a distance from a brick-and-mortar school. NIDES now serves students in 130 secondary schools located throughout BC, over 1200 cross-enrolled students, and over 1300 adult students, making the name of the school less appropriate.
Stewart and his team have developed and initiated innovative new programs, like the recently announced Fine Arts eCademy, the ENTER program and the Rosetta Stone TOTALe® program.
“Some of our programs are cutting-edge in the education world and all of them use technology in useful and progressive ways” says Stewart, “It was time to ensure our school’s brand reflected that.”
Navigate is also preparing the school for the International Online Student market, which is currently in its infancy in the province. The new name and branding will appeal to this market, says Stewart.
The staff at Navigate will be launching their brand in the new year and will launch a new website at the end of January.
Navigate (NIDES) is a distance education school located in the former Tsolum School building in Courtenay and serving students throughout Vancouver Island. They offer online courses for students from kindergarten to adult. Courses are taught and facilitated by B.C.-certified teachers.
– Navigate