The two-room school began operation in May 1971 to assist children of the Cowichan Tribes adjust to the public education schools.  It was built directly behind the fifth Koksilah Elementary School which opened in 1958 on Boal Road at a cost $78,000, 70% of which was provided by the Canadian government with the remainder shared between the BC government and the Cowichan School District. 

 

Chief Dennis Alphonse and his wife Philomena officially opened Koksilah Orientation School on Friday, October 15, 1971.  Within three years the orientation school was considered part of the Koksilah Elementary School complex.  Today the former Koksilah Elementary School is now an educational trades facility operated jointly by School District 79 (Cowichan Valley) and Vancouver Island University.