REVIEW OF Lycée international de Calgary BY parent, Deniz Basibuyuk

(5) Student Experience

My daughter enjoyed the school environment and the size of the school allowed kids to feel like it’s their home. She has always felt like she was academically ahead of her age group compared to different schools. Having friends from every country in the world, allowed her to feel like a citizen of the world and she already has a great network around the world. In the school environment, kids are exposed to different world views and culture, which allows them to develop skills of empathy. Teachers are very dedicated. Not to mention the strength of language skills. It is the only school in Calgary where kids can learn French like a native language- not only as a second language. The school also provides the luxury of a safe roof, whichever country they might need to go to. Parents can choose the luxury and comfort of having their children in the same school from maternal and kindergarten- all the way to high school graduation.

(4.5) School Leadership

School administration is managing to be a world-wide school as well as fitting amongst the geography they are in. I believe they do great work with that, even though the challenge is that families are all from different countries and school systems so pleasing everyone might be difficult sometimes. When the staff in administration changes, we don't see dramatic changes in the school because they don't follow individual methods but worldwide proven AEFE guidance. They are keen on giving the french language education via French teachers directly. Up until now they have given the expat teachers the privilege of working and by doing so they have assured the greatest quality in teacher selection. School administration is always open to discussion and criticism or feedback and they are very friendly. They are inclusive of parent feedback and ideas.

(5) Teaching

Lycee has great teachers and a remarkable academic program. Once in a while some kids might switch to other schools and feedback from all students that have changed schools is that they feel academic ease in other schools and they feel like one or two grades more advanced then the other schools. They are keen on giving the french language education via French teachers directly. Up until now they have given expat teachers the privilege of working and by doing so they have assured the greatest quality in teacher selection. Because school is not so crowded, teachers become like the kids’ family too. Saying this they definitely provide the discipline of french education system. Graduates of lycée obtains success in university education all around the world.

(5) Academics

Lycee has great teachers and remarkable academic program. The students are educated to be international, academically. Academically very well furbished teachers are chosen for the subjects. Classroom sizes support the quality of the education since teachers can interact with each student individually during the classes. Lycee students have tendency towards math, and science and language arts. Proven teachers in those fields support this tendency. They are keen on giving the french language education via French teachers directly. Because school is not so crowded, teachers become like the kids’ family too. Saying this they definitely provide the discipline of french education system.

(3.5) Extracurriculars

School always has great teachers for music, art and physical education. Students present their artwork through exhibitions and once a year there is a talent show and concert including all grades. School is represented in track and field, badminton tournaments and many others. But given the school's population, when it comes to team sports, this presents a challenge sometimes because of the small number of students. If there is not enough demand, school is not represented in inter-school sports competitions. Gym facilities are great. Two years ago a climbing wall was also added as an indoor facilities. There is an outdoor school field as well, where students can play soccer and other field sports. Outdoor playground for younger ages has also been renovated recently. Gym facilities are used with special gym clothing, shorts and t-shirts of Lycee Louis Pasteur, which gives students the feeling of a team no matter what the activity.

(5) Students

Not very many high school students. So they cannot have the joy of being in crowded classes but on the other hand they get very private education because of this. My daughter enjoyed the school environment and the size of the school, which allowed kids to feel like it’s their home. Having friends from every country in the world, allowed her to feel like truly like a citizen of the world and she already has a great network around the world. In the school environment kids are exposed to different world views and culture, which allows them to develop skills of empathy. Teachers are very dedicated. Not to mention the strength of language skills. It is the only school in Calgary where kids can learn french as a native language not only like a second language.

(4.5) School Life

There are many after-school activities such as theatrical skills, chess, sports. Kids can go out at lunchtime after grade 7 and discover the neighbourhood in groups. The school is located in one of the most secure neighbourhoods of Calgary, in Mardaloop. Most kids know each other, regardless of their age, there is a hot lunch program if kids and parents choose to enrol as well. Parents are very involved, either by volunteering or participation in the gatherings. There is school gala once every year. Because of the size of the school, there is a big brother/sister attitude that older students have informally and in a very positive way shown towards younger students. There is science labs, computer room, music room, art room. Every term, there is parent teacher meetings 3 times in an education year.

(4.5) Community

Because of the number of students, parents develop great friendships too. Parents get together even when kids are not in the gatherings. Teachers, parents, students and administration socially interact together as well as separately. Lifetime friendships are built in this school. There is a real community feeling. School has a gala once every year parents get together. Being exposed to other countries' AEFE schools, Lycee is a part of one very large community. Students celebrate their birthdays together. Exchange students also feel like they're a part of a very big community through AEFE. Many parents choose to have all their kids at the school if they have more than one kid. Because of the size of the school, students can develop very healthy communication between older and younger grades.

(4) School Location

Marda Loop is a great neighbourhood in town. Kids are allowed to leave the school grounds at lunchtime and discover the neighbourhood. They have great parks outside the school grounds in close proximity and kids really enjoy visiting them in groups and sometimes picnic there during lunch if the weather is pleasant. Location of the school allows parent to run some of their errands as there are many retail opportunities and supermarkets close proximity of the school. For families coming from other parts of the town, school being just off the Crowchild, access to anywhere in the city is made easier. There are two popular ice-cream places close by the school and kids look for spring time to visit those with friends and parents after school time.