Glenmore Christian Academy

Glenmore Christian Academy first opened on September 1, 1980 in the First Alliance Church basement with 60 students in grades 1 through 6, along with an ECS (Kindergarten) program and the Agapeland Preschool program. The students in grades 1 through 6 were in three split classes (Grade 1/2, Grade 3/4, Grade 5/6) with 20 students each.

​With the completion of the Christian Education addition to First Alliance Church, the enrollment was expanded to approximately 240 students in September of 1981, adding Grade 7 and 8 to the school. To accommodate the promotion of the Grade 8 class the following year, Grade 9 was added. A senior high school program with grades 10 and 11 operated for two years. Because this met with mixed success, it was discontinued with the emphasis being placed on building a quality program for students in Kindergarten to Grade 9.

​During the summer of 1987, the Board was informed at Dr. Oakley Junior High School would become vacant for September. After satisfactory arrangements were negotiated with the Calgary Board of Education, the school was relocated for September 1987. After four years at Dr. Oakley, and the eventual termination of the lease, plans to construct the first phase of a new building were put into effect, and a 52,000 square foot facility was created in the south of Calgary. The current Glenmore Christian Academy opened on September 3, 1991.

A new 554 seat theatre* was constructed in 2000 to facilitate an increased focus on the arts. Then, in September of 2005, a 350 seat cafeteria opened for service. Parking lot upgrades took place over the summer of 2005 to provide expanded parking. The next few years would also see a second full size gymnasium being built. On February 1, 2012, the new Junior High wing opened with a new band room, drama room and chapel space. The Junior High wing was designed to provide more natural light, and to encourage creative thinking, including providing furniture with innovative designs.

​It has been apparent that God has had his hand on the school from its inception. We are deeply indebted to Him for His guidance and direction over the years. The significance in the lives of GCA students will be determined over time, as the students take their place in the Christian community.

Welcome to GCA Elementary! With over 500 students, it is our priority to ensure that each child gets plenty of individualized attention. We achieve this by offering four to five classes per grade with a maximum of 20 students (K to Gr 3) or 25 students (Gr 4 & 5) per class.* Our newest Junior Kindergarten program, along with our Kindergarten program, has an adult to child ratio of 10:1.

In our Elementary school, Bible is more than a class: it is infused into every subject we teach. Using the Alberta curriculum as a base, our unique, Biblically infused, accelerated academic program starts in Junior Kindergarten. Strong literacy and numeracy skills are introduced to give our students the fundamentals of reading, writing and mathematics before entering Grade 1. Students learn the importance of teamwork and problem solving, as well as begin to nurture and develop a life-long relationship with Christ. Using a collaborative approach, students are given the opportunity to learn a range of subjects from a team of expert educators. They are also introduced to multimedia and research tools in order to help prepare them for our changing technological world.

Service to others is a focus throughout all of the grades. Both the school as a whole and the individual grades take on service projects for the school year in order for students to learn the importance of empathy and charity, as well as support the community on local, national and international levels. These projects continue on into Junior High as our students gain the fundamental skills and understanding behind servant leadership.

In Junior High, our goal is to create a dynamic Christian environment where students excel at learning while developing life-long relationships within our community, and with Christ. In order to facilitate a smooth transition into the new grade, and foster strong relationships, grade groupings go on overnight retreats at the start of the school year. These experiences offer opportunities for students to bond with staff and with each other while enjoying the benefits of outdoor education. Our Grade 9 students spend February break building homes for those in need, and serving poor communities in Mexico on a Mission Trip.

Throughout the year, our students are offered the opportunity to discover who they are, and nurture their God-given talents through chapels, small group sessions, our Mission to Others program and other Christian-based initiatives. Leadership growth is also enhanced through mentorship opportunities with students in the Elementary school.

​Our accelerated, Biblically infused curriculum includes core subjects (math, science, language arts, social studies) as well as the addition of 'option' courses: Band, Art, Drama, Outdoor Education and TDI (Technology, Design & Innovation). Students can explore either French or Spanish as their second-language option. Junior High is a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) environment, allowing for digital literacy growth alongside regular classwork.

Outside of regular classes, students can pursue interests in artistic and athletic endeavours. Our GCA Royals athletic teams participate in a variety of sports through the CISAA (Calgary Independent School Athletic Association) League. Students also regularly utilize our expansive theatre for chapels, assemblies, band concerts and our extensive musical theatre production. Clubs such as the Art Club, Drama Club, Student Leadership Team and more are other opportunities for students to explore their interests. Potential for growth in all aspects of life is encouraged as our students mature into young adults, and servant leaders.