Calgary

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Separate Schools

Faith-based school system (primarily Catholic) offering education alongside a focus on religious values.

Sections

1. Education System Structure

Separate Schools in Calgary are part of Alberta’s publicly funded education system. They are distinct from public (non-denominational) schools in that they integrate Catholic faith-based education into their curriculum. Key features of the structure include:

  • Grade Levels:
    • Elementary Schools: Kindergarten to Grade 6
    • Junior High Schools: Grades 7 to 9
    • High Schools: Grades 10 to 12
  • Curriculum: The schools follow the Alberta Education curriculum, which includes core subjects (English, Math, Science, Social Studies) and electives, but also incorporates religious education, prayer, and Catholic values into daily learning.
  • Governance: The Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD) oversees the operation of Separate Schools in Calgary. It is one of the largest Catholic school districts in Canada.

2. Eligibility Requirements

Separate Schools in Calgary are open to students who meet specific criteria. While they are publicly funded and accessible to many, there are some eligibility considerations:

a) Religious Affiliation

  • Priority is given to students who are baptized Roman Catholics or whose parents/guardians are Roman Catholics.
  • Non-Catholic students may be admitted in some cases, but this is subject to space availability and the discretion of the school principal.

b) Residency

  • Students must reside within the boundaries of the Calgary Catholic School District.
  • Proof of residency (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement) is typically required during the application process.

c) Age Requirements

  • Kindergarten: Children must be 5 years old on or before December 31 of the school year.
  • Grade 1: Children must be 6 years old on or before December 31 of the school year.

d) Immigration Status

  • Separate Schools are open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and certain categories of international students. Families on work or study permits may also be eligible, depending on their immigration status.

3. Costs

Separate Schools in Calgary are publicly funded, meaning there are no tuition fees for Canadian citizens and permanent residents. However, there are some costs to consider:

a) School Fees

  • While tuition is free, schools may charge nominal fees for:
    • Field trips
    • Extracurricular activities
    • School supplies
    • Technology or resource fees (e.g., Chromebook rentals in some schools)
  • These fees vary by school but are generally affordable (e.g., $50–$200 per year).

b) Transportation Fees

  • The CCSD provides bus transportation for students who live beyond a certain distance from their designated school.
  • Transportation fees for the 2023–2024 school year are approximately $465 per student annually, with discounts for families with multiple children.

c) International Students

  • International students are required to pay tuition fees, which range from $12,000 to $15,000 per year, depending on the grade level.

4. Application Procedures

The application process for Separate Schools in Calgary is straightforward but varies slightly depending on the student’s status (e.g., Catholic vs. non-Catholic, Canadian vs. international). Below are the steps:

a) For Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents

  1. Find Your Designated School:
    • Use the CCSD’s online school locator tool to determine your designated school based on your home address.
  2. Complete the Registration Form:
    • Registration forms are available online on the CCSD website or can be picked up at the school.
  3. Provide Required Documents:
    • Birth certificate or proof of age
    • Baptismal certificate (if applicable)
    • Proof of residency (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement)
    • Immigration documents (if applicable)
  4. Submit the Application:
    • Submit the completed form and documents to the designated school. Some schools may require an in-person appointment.
  5. Attend an Orientation (if applicable):
    • Some schools may invite families for an orientation or meeting with the principal.

b) For International Students

  1. Contact the CCSD International Student Program:
    • International students must apply through the CCSD’s International Student Program.
  2. Submit Required Documents:
    • Passport
    • Study permit
    • Academic transcripts
    • Proof of English proficiency (if required)
  3. Pay Tuition Fees:
    • Tuition fees must be paid in advance for the school year.
  4. Receive Confirmation:
    • Once accepted, the student will receive a letter of acceptance to use for visa or study permit applications.

5. Local Considerations Specific to Calgary

When enrolling in Separate Schools in Calgary, there are some unique local factors to keep in mind:

a) Faith-Based Education

  • Catholic teachings are integrated into all aspects of school life, including daily prayers, religious studies, and participation in Mass. Families who are not Catholic should be comfortable with this environment.

b) School Boundaries

  • Calgary Catholic schools operate on a boundary system, meaning students are typically required to attend the school designated for their residential area. Exceptions may be made for special programs or space availability.

c) Specialized Programs

  • Many Separate Schools offer specialized programs, such as:
    • French Immersion
    • Advanced Placement (AP) courses
    • Fine Arts programs
    • Sports academies
  • These programs may have additional application requirements or fees.

d) Transportation Challenges

  • Calgary is a sprawling city, and while bus services are available, families should plan for potential delays or long commutes, especially during winter months.

e) Cultural Diversity

  • Calgary’s Catholic schools are known for their inclusivity and cultural diversity. Students from various ethnic and linguistic backgrounds are welcomed, creating a rich and supportive learning environment.

6. Additional Resources

For more information or assistance, you can contact the following:

By understanding the structure, eligibility, costs, and application process, families can make informed decisions about enrolling their children in Calgary’s Separate Schools. These schools provide a high-quality education rooted in Catholic values, making them a popular choice for many families in the city.