GAMETI/RAE LAKES - More adults are furthering their education in Gameti now that the community offers high school courses.

Katrina Mantla, 15, studies in one of the brand new high school classes at Gameti's Jean Wetrade Gameti School. The school just opened the community's first high school program thanks to an expansion to the existing K-9 school. Katrina is one of eight high school students this term. - Photo courtesy of Matt Clements

Jean Wetrade Gameti School began offering Grade 10 courses this fall after its 870-square-metre expansion was completed.

The addition includes a culture room, seminar room, a gymnasium, a kitchen, washrooms and two classrooms, creating space for older students to learn at a high school level.

Eight students, three of them adults, are currently enrolled in the school's new Grade 10 classes and as they move up through the ranks over the next two years, the school plans to add Grade 11 and 12 courses.

The current high school courses available are in the college preparation (dash 2) stream, and the school has hired one new teacher this year.

Principal Matt Clements said the school plans to hire another new instructor next year, so the school will have six teachers in total.

The school previously offered kindergarten to Grade 9 classes and students who wanted to enrol in high school had to travel to Behchoko to attend Chief Jimmy Bruneau School, which was for many a major obstacle to graduation.

"We've had several adults come back and many more that have voiced their intention to get their high school here," Clements said.

"So that's another huge positive for this community because we have so many people who haven't finished their high school and it's a great opportunity for them."

Alice Mantla had been planning to move to Behchoko with her daughter, Katrina, before the 15-year-old started Grade 10 in late August, but now she doesn't have to leave her home.

"I'm happy that she went back to school over here. I was scared to send her off somewhere," said Mantla, who is planning to register as a Grade 10 student herself for the upcoming semester.

"We'll be in the same classes," she said, adding she is looking forward to graduating alongside her daughter.

"That would be good."