Relocating to Calgary for school? Let us know and we’d be happy to make some living recommendations.
Your Guide to Calgary Schools
Calgary’s education system is renowned for its excellence and offers a range of options to suit various learning needs. Whether you’re relocating for a new job or family reasons, you’ll find that Calgary provides top-notch educational opportunities from preschool through post-secondary education.
Preschools
Preschools In Alberta, preschool education for three and four-year-olds is not mandatory and is typically managed by community groups or private educators. These preschools set their own tuition and program fees, which are not subsidized. Most preschools offer half-day programs several times a week. The choice of preschool is flexible and not bound by geographic location.
The Calgary Board of Education (CBE)
The Calgary Board of Education (CBE) The CBE is a public school board with 220 schools serving Kindergarten through Grade 12 across Calgary. It provides a diverse range of programs, including specialized curriculums in science, athletics, arts, and languages. The CBE offers immersion programs in English, French, Spanish, German, and Cantonese, as well as online instruction. It supports inclusive education with Special Education instructors available as needed.
Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD)
Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD) The CCSD offers Roman Catholic education and serves students in Calgary and surrounding areas such as Airdrie, Cochrane, and Chestermere. It is smaller than the CBE and provides immersion language programs, including French. CCSD schools often combine grades, with some serving K-Grade 9 or Grade 7-12 in one facility. Although religion is a key subject, the Roman Catholic Church does not control CCSD schools.
Bishop Carrol High School offers a unique self-paced program for independent learners, allowing students to earn their diploma at their own speed. CCSD schools also participate in inter-school athletics, competing with public schools both locally and provincially.
Charter Schools
Charter Schools Calgary features several charter schools, a system first adopted by Alberta and modeled after similar systems in the U.S. These publicly funded independent schools operate under a fixed-term charter and focus on specific educational disciplines such as traditional learning, girls-only programs, science and technology, or gifted education. Charter schools may require uniforms, charge higher fees than public schools, and often have waiting lists for enrollment.
Private Schools
Private Schools Calgary’s private schools provide exceptional educational opportunities and enrichment. These schools are partially funded by the province but primarily rely on tuition and fees paid by students. Private schools are categorized as accredited or registered. Accredited schools require provincial exams and certified teachers, while registered schools, which do not receive provincial funding, are not subject to these requirements but must still meet similar educational outcomes.
Specialized Programs For additional educational advantages, consider schools offering specialized programs such as:
French & Spanish Immersion
International Baccalaureate Advanced Placement
National Sport School
If you’re already familiar with the quadrant of Calgary you’d like to live in, our relocation guides can help you explore nearby schools. For those relocating to Calgary specifically for education, let us know, and we can offer tailored living recommendations.
Already know which quadrant you’d like to live in? Explore the schools nearby with our relocation guides.