La Loche will have a new Ducharme Elementary School built alongside the existing Dene High School in time for classes to start in September, 2024.

Representatives from the Village of La Loche and the Northern Lights School Division were joined by Premier Scott Moe and Education Minister Dustin Duncan on Monday to make the announcement. The provincial government has kicked in 24 million dollars for the construction of the replacement school for Ducharme Elementary. It will be located on the east side of the Dene High School and will accomodate about 475 students from pre-kindergarten through Grade 6. Construction is projected to begin this summer, once the design and planning phase is completed.