Why are 13-year-olds studying at Okanagan College?

College freshmen are no longer the youngest students on campus at Okanagan College.

As of September, the Grade 8 and 9 students from Holy Cross School in Penticton have been getting their education at the St. Carlo Acutis Legacy Academy, which is located at the college.

Michele Cumberland teaches the class of 20 students, who are mostly 13 and 14 years old. Outside their own classroom at the college, students are allowed to use facilities like the gym, library and cafeteria, and they enjoy the outdoor areas when the weather allows.

“They think it’s amazing, they love seeing what goes on here,” Cumberland said. “I think it makes them feel a little more grown up.”

Although college students are at different stages in their lives, Cumberland said there haven’t been any problems with the yo