Calgary Academy

Since our earliest days as pioneers in inclusive education, Calgary Academy has lived and breathed by a simple yet profound ethos: we place the individual needs of each student at the heart of everything we do. Rooted in this commitment, the spirit of Calgary Academy is embodied by a unique and authentic energy. Our growth-oriented, nurturing and inclusive culture promises that each student will be empowered to exceed their own expectations and to believe in the boundless opportunities the future holds. Hope, belonging, and a palpable sense of optimism fill our school and our hearts. Calgary Academy’s four pillars and guiding principles are woven throughout innovative programming proven to be incredibly successful since our inception; however, the true essence of Calgary Academy can only be captured by a feeling that is difficult to portray with words but undeniable in spirit. It is a feeling that fosters safety and life-long loyalty, and it is why Calgary Academy is a place so many families, students, staff, and alumni are so proud to call home.

Every child has untapped potential. Our REACH principles and Four Pillars are woven throughout our programming, empowering students with the tools and confidence they need to unleash their potential and embrace their futures. At CA, REACH is a way of life. These principles embody our core beliefs and guide the way our students interact with each other and the world. These words aren’t just words on a wall. For us, REACH is embedded in community, and we strive to live and speak them every day. Students learn to embrace REACH by seeing examples of its success in every aspect of our school, from their fellow students and our staff. Once students are comfortable with REACH, it serves as an essential guide and positive reference point for decision-making and social success.

At Calgary Academy, we strive to help our students develop their self-confidence and social skills as well as academics. We’re here to suggest, guide and support our students in building a future that’s broader than just amazing grades. By staying true to our pillars, we can help our students build amazing lives. We teach students the core processes necessary to build an effective learning toolbox. Once students are at or above grade-level, we provide enrichment opportunities that enable them to tackle more complex tasks.

By complimenting time management, organization and planning strategies with transferable skills such as test preparation, note making and test taking, we ensure students can use their toolbox to achieve success in learning and life. We teach students how to choose actions and assess consequences as they develop the foundational skills required to have healthy social experiences wherever they go.

By developing meaningful student-teacher relationships, we make sure every student has the opportunity to succeed and that every accomplishment is celebrated. As a student’s self-esteem and self-confidence grows, it ignites a passion for success in every aspect of their lives. For close to 40 years, we have changed the lives of our students and their families by embracing exceptional learners within a caring and inclusive culture. We continue to empower our students by helping them understand themselves, accept challenges, and develop the knowledge and skills to thrive.

The way we live, learn, and work today reflects ongoing, often transformational change. Our learning model is designed to balance the legacy elements of Calgary Academy with dynamic instruction that engages students and builds skills for success in an ever-changing world. At CA, we place the individual needs of each student at the heart of everything we do. Students are at the centre of our learning model with a focus on wellness, self-awareness, belonging, and relationships.

The learning model has three instructional approaches to meet Alberta Education curriculum outcomes and competencies: direct instruction, integrative learning, and flex learning. Balancing these approaches is how we deliver engaging, innovative, student-focused experiences that develop essential knowledge, skills, and habits of mind. Every child is unique, and every child learns differently. That’s why we design instruction that ensures students who enter our classrooms have a learning experience tailored for them.

Every child learns differently. Our programs are designed to teach students the way they learn best so they can unleash their potential. By embracing that ethos and converting it to practice, we empower students to surpass their expectations and achieve outstanding personal success. When a child is struggling with their learning, their skill acquisition suffers, and their self-confidence and self-concept are at stake. There isn’t a moment to spare in providing the support they need. Our founding Academy program helps students understand their own unique way of learning, builds on strengths, and develops transferrable tools and strategies that empower learning and open up a world of possibilities.

Our Collegiate program pushes students to collaborate, to challenge themselves and others, and to engage richly in the world around them. With a focus on preparing for post-secondary, students leave with the mindset and skills to continually take on new challenges. The earliest years in a child’s education are the most impactful. The program features three themes: exploration, connection, and motivation. Our Kindergarten program provides students with a strong foundation in literacy and numeracy and a head start on the skills, knowledge, and strategies they require to enjoy school and engage successfully in Grade1.

Integrated studies are where we showcase our holistic approach to education. We know eureka! moments are just as likely to occur on the stage or sports field as they are in a classroom. By giving students a variety of ways to explore what they love, we help them develop additional intelligences and capacities, and have a lot of fun doing it! Academy and Collegiate students in the same grade are combined for physical education, integrated studies, lunchtime and breaks. This gives students a larger community to build friendships within and ensures our students always have company on the playground.

In high school (grades 10–12), students select two options that run for the full year. In Grade 10, one of these options must be Physical Education or Outdoor Education. All students also complete the Alberta Education-mandated Career and Life Management (CALM) course, as well as our comprehensive three-year career preparation program. After the first semester of Grade 10, students can choose if they wish to continue in physical education.