Calgary French and International School

A full French immersion setting for children aged 3 through Grade 12. A CFIS education is robust, well rounded and is welcoming and adaptable to the needs of individual learners. Important aspects of each of our divisions can be found at each link above. Our early childhood program fosters students’ growth across all areas of early development and learning, keeping French language acquisition at the core of all we do. Carefully planned learning experiences target children’s individual needs and interests, in the areas of language development, social-emotional competence, early literacy, early numeracy, scientific exploration, gross and fine motor skills, health and well-being, and artistic appreciation and expression. In the Early Childhood Education Division (ECE) we:

• Offer an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach to early French immersion education
• Emphasize internationalism and character development
• Provide meaningful interactions with people and objects
• Encourage leadership development
• Create an environment full of happiness and joy
• Employ research-based pedagogy
• Follow a play-based, emergent-curriculum model
• Strive to balance physical, intellectual and emotional learning
• Observe and document each child’s progress during authentic play-based tasks
• Offer music, visual arts, and physical education classes with dedicated specialist teachers
• Communicate intentionally and regularly with parents
• Include hands-on learning through field trips and invited classroom guests

Our ECE programming includes a variety of program options:

• Preschool: half-day (morning) and full-day programs
• Junior kindergarten: half-day (morning) and full-day programs.
• Multi-age full-day program for three and four year olds.
• Kindergarten: full-day program
• Before- and after-school care (additional fees)

We teach students, not subjects. The elementary team cares about your child’s academic and emotional success. The Elementary Division:

• Provides each student with individualized attention
• Balanced approaches to teaching and learning
• Sets appropriate learning targets for each student and uses a small group and individualized approach
• Uses a team approach to support each student’s transition from grade to grade
• Works collaboratively with parents in ensuring that each student thrives
• Enriches curriculum through the infusion of UNESCO themes and values
• Provides students with opportunities to connect with other students both locally and internationally

Balancing student life and wellness, we:

• Recognize students' need for a diverse and well-balanced program
• Allows students the opportunity to develop physically through cooperation, teamwork and the opportunity to play in physical education
• Focus on creativity, critical thinking and taking risks and allow each student to be an artist through visual arts
• Foster musicality through rhythm, voice, and introduction to and playing of instruments
• Creating a sense of belonging, the ability to play together, and mastery of an instrument through the band program
• Develop a third language, Spanish, through cultural connections, and learning language through dance, poem, play, crafting
• Supporting students in leading philanthropic initiatives for their school and community

In Junior High, students develop in a full French immersion academic environment that is challenging, supportive, and engaging. CFIS students in Grades 7 - 9 Exceed provincial and national standards, receiving a world-class education, Receive individualized attention , Experience customized and individualized learning opportunities for support and, specialized-investigation learning, Develop eloquence in French and English and proficiency in Spanish, Access advanced lab equipment, technology, robotics, and 3D design tools, Participate in co-curriculars, such as an active sports program, visual arts, instrumental and vocal music, drama, musical drama, community service, and various specialized clubs, many with an international theme. Receive opportunities for national and international perspective development through a focus on culture, leadership and global responsibility. Participate in safe, unique, and enriching cultural experiences abroad to become engaged global citizens.

In Senior High within our full French immersion setting, each student takes clearly articulated steps toward their academic future and professional career. CFIS students in Grades 10 - 12:

• Thrive academically, exceeding provincial and national standards
• Learn in small classes, ensuring individual attention
• Experience customized and individualized learning opportunities
• Receive individualized academic planning and university admissions support
• Are accepted to and thrive in university programs of choice
• Access advanced lab equipment allowing for individualized and complex experimentation and investigations
• Access the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program to prepare students for success in higher education through independent research, critical thinking, and rigorous learning outcomes. Read about the IB Bilingual Diploma here.
• Develop national and international perspective through a focus on culture, leadership and global responsibility
• Experience safe, unique, and enriching cultural experiences abroad to become engaged global citizens

Our leading-edge programs exceed all provincial and national pedagogical standards. At CFIS, excellence in all academic areas is supported by our vibrant literacy program and enhanced by a wide range of enriched co-curricular clubs and student experiences. CFIS students learn from specialist teachers in visual arts, music, physical education, travel studies, drama & musical theatre, and speech & debate.

Developing globally aware and prepared students with more than 80 teams, clubs, activities, and other co-curricular opportunities CFIS students have the opportunity to engage with the world at every grade level. As multilingual learners in a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Associated School, CFIS students lead age-appropriate advocacy and humanitarian work related to their studies in their community and around the world through their engagement in our travel studies program, Round Square and through the delivery of globally-recognized International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme.