Education in Calgary: An Overview of School Options
Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions families make when moving to Calgary. The good news? Calgary offers a wide range of high quality education options to suit different learning styles, values, and family needs; from public and Catholic schools to private, charter, and alternative programs.
This guide provides an overview of Calgary school options, along with a look at school choices in surrounding communities for families considering life just outside the city.
Public School Options in Calgary
Calgary Board of Education
The Calgary Board of Education (CBE) is Calgary’s largest public school system, serving students from kindergarten through Grade 12 across communities throughout the city. In addition to regular programming, the CBE offers a wide range of alternative and specialized options, including French Immersion, bilingual programs, International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement, arts-focused programs, gifted education, and career and technology studies. Most students are assigned a designated school based on their home address, although some specialized programs have separate application requirements, boundaries, or lottery processes. For families moving to Calgary, understanding both your designated schools and the alternative programs available can be an important part of choosing the right community.
Calgary Catholic School District
The Calgary Catholic School District offers faith based public education from Kindergarten through high school.
Key features include:
Religious education integrated with the Alberta curriculum
Strong academic and extracurricular offerings
French Immersion and IB programs at select schools
Special programs such as French Immersion, Spanish Bilingual, and the Hockey Canada Skills Academy
Schools located throughout Calgary’s communities
Catholic schools are open to Catholic students and, in some cases, non-Catholic families depending on availability.
School Options in Communities Around Calgary
Served by Rocky View Schools and Catholic boards, Airdrie offers modern schools, strong extracurriculars, and growing program options.
Cochrane schools benefit from smaller class sizes, community involvement, and access to both public and Catholic education.
Close to Calgary, Chestermere offers family friendly schools with expanding facilities to match the town’s rapid growth.
Okotoks, High River & Strathmore
These communities combine small-town charm with solid public and Catholic schooling options, appealing to families seeking space and a slower pace.
Alternative Options
Charter Schools in Calgary
Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, offering specialized educational approaches.
Common focuses include:
Academic rigor and traditional instruction
Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)
Classical education models
Language and cultural studies
Charter schools in Calgary are unique within the public school system. While they follow the Alberta Ministry of Education curriculum, each charter school has its own distinct mission, philosophy, or instructional style, ranging from arts-focused programs and girls-only schools to gifted education and STEM innovation. Some notable examples in Calgary include Calgary Classical Academy, Almadina School Society, Calgary Arts Academy Society, Calgary Girls’ School Society, Connect Charter School, Foundations for the Future Charter Academy, STEM Innovation Academy, and Westmount Charter School.
Private Schools in Calgary
Private schools in Calgary provide a wide range of educational philosophies and environments.
Options include:
Religious private schools (Christian, Islamic, Jewish)
Montessori and Waldorf-inspired programs
Independent academic schools
Small class or individualized learning models
When considering a private school, families should think about factors such as school type, location, size, pupil-to-teacher ratio, tuition costs, and academic focus. It’s also helpful to review the breadth of courses, specialized programs, school values, transportation options, and how the school’s approach fits your child’s individual learning style and needs.
Tuition varies by school, and many private schools offer campus tours and admissions interviews.
French Immersion & Bilingual Programs
Calgary families interested in second-language education have access to a variety of French Immersion and bilingual programs through both the public and Catholic school systems. French Immersion is available at select elementary, junior high, and high schools, while bilingual programs may be offered in languages such as Spanish, German, Mandarin, and others depending on the school and grade level. These programs give students the opportunity to build strong language skills while completing the Alberta curriculum, and can be an excellent fit for families who value cultural learning, communication skills, and a more globally focused education.
Online & Home Education Options
For families seeking flexibility, Calgary also offers:
Online and blended learning programs
Outreach schools for self directed learners
Parent directed homeschooling (supported through Alberta Education)
These options can be ideal for families who travel frequently, relocate mid year, or prefer customized learning schedules.
Christian Schools in Calgary
Christian schools in Calgary offer families a faith based approach to education combined with strong academic programming and supportive school communities.
Options include:
- Partially government-funded Christian schools
- Fully private Christian schools
- Kindergarten through Grade 12 programming
Many Calgary Christian schools integrate faith, leadership, character development, and academics into daily learning. Tuition varies by school, with some Alberta Christian schools offering lower tuition than fully private schools in other provinces due to partial government funding.
High School & Post-Secondary Pathways
Public Highschool Options
Calgary offers a wide range of public high school options through the Calgary Board of Education and Calgary Catholic School District. In addition to traditional academic programming, many high schools offer specialized opportunities such as International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP), French Immersion, fine arts, athletics, career and technology studies, and dual-credit programs. School boundaries and program availability vary across the city, so families should consider both their designated high school and any alternative or specialized programs that may suit their teen’s interests, learning style, and future goals.
International Baccalaureate
Offered at select public, Catholic, and independent schools, IB programs emphasize critical thinking, inquiry-based learning, communication, and international-mindedness. Depending on the school, students may have access to the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), or the more intensive Diploma Programme (DP) in high school. IB can be an excellent fit for students who enjoy a structured academic environment, independent learning, and exploring subjects from a broader global perspective.
Post Secondary in Calgary
Post secondary pathways in Calgary offer students a wide range of options, from research based university degrees to hands on polytechnic training and skilled trades apprenticeships. Institutions like the University of Calgary, Mount Royal University, SAIT and Bow Valley College provide programs aligned with Alberta’s key industries, including energy, healthcare, technology, aviation and business. Whether a student is pursuing academic studies or career focused training, Calgary supports multiple pathways to meaningful employment and long term opportunity.
Tips for Choosing the Right School
When narrowing down school options, consider:
Commute time and transportation
Program availability and application deadlines
Class sizes and learning style fit
Extracurricular opportunities
Long term academic pathways
School boundaries, lotteries, and enrollment policies can vary, so early planning is key.
Want Help Choosing the Right Area?
Schools often influence where families choose to live. As a Calgary area realtor who helps families relocate from across Canada and beyond, I can help match neighbourhoods to school preferences, compare Calgary vs surrounding communities, consider youth sports, and ultimately support you so you can choose the best location with confidence. Connect to explore your options.