Calgary offers excellent education options for families across the city. The schools in Calgary Canada provide quality learning in safe and supportive environments. Parents can choose from public and Catholic systems that serve thousands of students every year.
Understanding Calgary’s School System
The schools in Calgary Canada operate under Alberta’s K-12 education system. Students start in kindergarten and continue through Grade 12. The system divides into three main levels:
- Elementary school (Kindergarten to Grade 6)
- Junior high school (Grades 7 to 9)
- High school (Grades 10 to 12)
Calgary has a wide network of excellent Kindergarten to Grade 12 (K-12) schools across its two systems including the Calgary Board of Education and the Calgary Catholic School District. Both systems provide free education to all eligible students.
Two Main School Boards
Calgary Board of Education (CBE)
The Calgary Board of Education runs the public schools in Calgary Canada. The CBE has over 245 schools educating 121,000 students from Kindergarten to Grade 12. This makes it the largest school board in Alberta.
Key features of CBE schools:
- Accepts all students regardless of religion
- Over 50 specialized programs available
- Serves diverse learning styles and abilities
- Founded in 1885 as Calgary’s first school district
Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD)
The Catholic system serves families who want faith-based education. The Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD) being the largest Catholic school district in Alberta serves over 47,000 students in 106 schools located in Calgary, Airdrie, Cochrane, Chestermere and the Municipal District
Catholic schools offer:
- Faith-integrated curriculum
- Strong community values
- Academic excellence
- Character development programs
Finding the Right School
Every child has a designated school based on their home address. The schools in Calgary Canada use catchment areas to determine which school your child can attend. Every child in Calgary has a designated school depending on their home address and the program they choose.
Steps to find your school:
- Visit the school board website
- Use the school finder tool
- Enter your home address
- Review available programs
- Contact the school directly
Junior High Schools in Calgary
The junior high schools in Calgary serve students in Grades 7 to 9. This important transition period helps prepare students for high school. Junior high schools focus on:
- Building independence
- Exploring different subjects
- Developing social skills
- Preparing for high school courses
Both CBE and CCSD operate junior high schools in Calgary throughout the city. These schools offer core subjects plus elective options like music, art, and technology.
Transportation Options
Schools in Calgary Canada provide various transportation options. Students can use:
- Yellow school buses
- City transit buses
- Walking or biking to nearby schools
- Parent drop-off and pickup
Transportation is provided by yellow school buses or city transit buses and Handi-Bus service when required. Special transportation is available for students with disabilities.
Special Programs Available
The schools in Calgary Canada offer many specialized programs:
Academic Programs:
- Advanced Placement (AP)
- International Baccalaureate (IB)
- French Immersion
- Spanish Bilingual
Arts Programs:
- Fine Arts Academy
- Music programs
- Drama and theatre
- Visual arts
Athletic Programs:
- Hockey Canada Skills Academy
- Various sports teams
- Fitness and wellness programs
Other Options:
- Home Study programs
- Single-gender classes
- Alternative education
Recent Developments
Calgary’s education system continues to grow. The schools in Calgary, Airdrie and Chestermere are still in the planning and design stages — meaning they’re at least two years away from opening new construction addresses increasing enrollment numbers.
The provincial government announced funding for 16 new schools in the Calgary area. This investment shows the commitment to quality education in the region.
Choosing Between Public and Catholic
Parents can choose between public and Catholic schools in Calgary Canada. Consider these factors:
Choose Public Schools If:
- You want secular education
- Your child needs specific special programs
- You prefer larger school options
- Location is most important
Choose Catholic Schools If:
- You want faith-based education
- You value smaller class sizes
- Character development matters
- You support Catholic values
Registration Process
Registering for schools in Calgary Canada follows these steps:
- Determine your designated school
- Gather required documents
- Complete registration forms
- Submit immunization records
- Attend orientation sessions
Registration typically opens in January for the following school year. Early registration ensures your child’s spot in their designated school.
Support Services
Schools in Calgary Canada provide comprehensive support services:
- Special education programs
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Counseling services
- Learning support
- Mental health resources
These services ensure all students can succeed regardless of their starting point or challenges.
Community Involvement
Calgary schools encourage strong community connections. Parents can participate through:
- Parent councils
- Volunteer opportunities
- Fundraising events
- School advisory committees
This involvement helps create supportive learning environments for all students.
Looking Forward
The schools in Calgary Canada continue to evolve and improve. New facilities, updated technology, and innovative programs keep Calgary’s education system competitive. Families can be confident about their children getting quality education which prepares them for future success.
Whether you choose public or Catholic education, Calgary offers excellent options. The city’s commitment to educational excellence ensures that students have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in supportive school communities.
