An evaluation of the Northwest Territories’ (NWT) Northern Distance Learning Program is guiding improvements to the program. These changes will strengthen student access to virtual high school programming, expand program delivery, and improve how program success is tracked across the territory.

Northern Distance Learning allows students in Grades 10 to 12 to stay in their home communities while taking live, online high school courses that may not be offered at their local school. The evaluation, conducted between 2023 and 2025, examined how effectively the program supports students in small and remote communities and identified opportunities for improvement.

The results show that Northern Distance Learning has increased access to Grade 10 to 12 courses across the territory. Students benefit from live classes, real-time interaction with teachers, and chances to connect with other students in different communities.

Since the program’s inception in 2014-2015, students from small and remote communities have completed courses with Northern Distance Learning, increasing their ability to earn credits toward graduation and expanding their potential to directly enter postsecondary pathways without needing to leave their home communities for a larger centre.

The evaluation also found areas that need improvement, which include student attendance and engagement; how the program collects and reports data; and the level of in-person support available at schools.

In response to the evaluation, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has accepted the findings and is taking action on seven recommendations to strengthen the program. Based on these recommendations, the GNWT will improve data collection to support ongoing improvement. As the education system continues its transition to the British Columbia curriculum, access to Northern Distance Learning will be expanded to all eligible students in Grades 10 to 12 (under the age of 21) beginning in the 2026–2027 school year. This will include students in communities that are not currently eligible, such as Inuvik, Yellowknife, Hay River, and Fort Smith. The focus will be on prioritizing students in small and remote communities.

Quote

“Northern Distance Learning helps students stay in their home communities while accessing the courses they need to graduate and pursue post‑secondary pathways. In response to this evaluation, the government will strengthen and expand the NDL program to reach more students in ways that work for them.  This expanded program will provide greater flexibility to students, bring additional access to courses, and reduce reliance on southern institutions to provide similar services, while still prioritizing access for students in small and remote communities.”

- The Honourable Caitlin Cleveland, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment

Quick facts

• Northern Distance Learning offers live, online Grade 10–12 courses to students in small and remote communities across the Northwest Territories.
• The evaluation of the program was conducted between 2023 and 2025, using program data from 2018 to 2022.
• The evaluation found that the program improves access to high school courses, helps students earn credits, and supports course completion.
• Areas identified for improvement include student attendance and engagement, consistency in data collection and reporting, and the availability of in‑person supports at the school level.
• The GNWT accepted the evaluation findings and is taking action on seven recommendations to strengthen student supports, improve program delivery, and enhance monitoring of outcomes.
• As part of the transition to the British Columbia curriculum, Northern Distance Learning will be expanded to include all students in Grades 10 to 12, with full eligibility beginning in the 2026–2027 school year.

Related links

• Northern Distance Learning evaluation
• Northern Distance Learning evaluation management response
• All about Northern Distance Learning
   

For media requests, please contact:

Agata Gutkowska
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Department of Education, Culture and Employment
Government of the Northwest Territories 
agata_gutkowska@gov.nt.ca