About ADHD
According to ADHD Canada, ADHD is the most common childhood psychiatric disorders as it comprises approximately 35 percent of kids who visit mental health clinics.
Those close to children with ADHD often misunderstand their symptoms. What some may judge as mischief or apathy can actually be symptomatic of a larger condition. As ADHD Canada notes, "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurologically based development disorder usually diagnosed in early childhood or adolescence." While there are no scientific diagnostic tests for ADHD, medical professionals use a range of observation-based techniques to identify whether one has this condition. Some common signs and symptoms of ADHD include:
- Hyperactivity
- Hastiness
- Restlessness
- Distractibility
- Disinterest in any particular thing (e.g., rapidly changing television channels)
Alberta's ADHD Schools
Alberta offers many excellent private schools that ensure your child with ADHD does not fall behind in class. Because ADHD children have a tendency to lose focus, small class sizes are an important tool through which instructors ensure everyone concentrates on learning and understands the lessons. Here, special needs students often have more opportunities to participate in class or to be asked questions than they would in other schools.
Private schools in Alberta, furthermore, provide special needs students with extra help before and after class. Your child could talk to his or her teachers in a more personal and relaxed setting than they would during regular class hours. With specialized staff and resources, special needs private schools in Alberta will provide the necessary encouragement, support, and environment to nurture your child's success at school.
In short, teachers spend a lot of time nurturing and supporting their students, which makes falling behind less likely than it would be in another type of school without specialized ADHD resources and supports. The presence of dedicated teachers is extremely important, as their support, compassion, and encouragement can boost students' self-esteem and allow them to realize their potential.
Choosing a Private School: The Process
Selecting a private school may seem like a daunting challenge. But, if you plan everything early (ideally, 16 months prior to enrolment), this process can be less stressful. Ask a lot of questions when you visit the school. Talk to the school's parents, teachers, administrators and current students. Make sure the school's administrators know everything they can about your child to help them decide whether they can best support your child.
Be sure to check out our list of Alberta's ADHD private schools on this page. This includes schools in Calgary, Edmonton, Banff, and Red Deer.
Child-specific advice on school choice
For child-specific insights on choosing a school, read our guide. We explore how school choices crucially depend on kids' unique traits, such as their mental and academic focus, social tendencies, activity level, academic interests (such as art and STEM), and other attributes (such as giftedness, special needs (including ADHD), learning disabilities, and social issues).
To customize over 350 school profiles with insights unique to your child's traits, create a child profile through your user account.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Alberta schools for ADHD are there?
There are 6 Alberta schools for ADHD that are Our Kids trusted members.
How much is tuition at Alberta schools for ADHD?
Tuition fees for Alberta schools for ADHD range from $8,000 to $26,170 per year with an average tuition of $16,725 per year.
What’s the largest school?
Of the Alberta schools for ADHD, the largest is Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School with 735 students in Grades K to 12.
Are Alberta schools for ADHD good?
We interviewed both parents and students. You can read reviews about Alberta schools for ADHD on this page.
Is there a private school expo where I can meet with Alberta schools for ADHD?
Yes. You can meet with private schools and education experts at the Our Kids Private School Expos held every year in September and October. These events are designed for both parents and students. Find event details and ticket info here.
