Our Kids lists numerous schools from across Alberta, including in Calgary, Edmonton, Banff, and Red Deer. There are several private and independent options in these cities, including Montessori, boarding, Christian, Waldorf, traditional, preschools, special needs schools, and others. Read more
It’s one of the biggest decisions you’ll make for your child. Let our experts and school insiders guide you through your best options, red flags to watch out for, and tips to a successful application.
Private School Expo - Fall 2023 Yes, I want to attend
"Choose to Succeed, at Banbury Crossroads School. We offer a truly unique learning experience, with self-directed, collaborative, tutorial-style classrooms that average 8:1 students per teacher.
—From the school
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Calgary, Alberta 17 Avenue SW/69 Street SW "Rundle students enter their post-secondary schools of choice thanks to our enriched academics and character, leadership, and wellness pillars. We proudly live by our values, Together: Be Kind, Be Curious, Be Well." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta "Calgary French & International School's immersive French language learning environment and enriched curriculum for children aged 2 to grade 12 inspires a deep curiosity, respect and exploration of the world around them." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta "Our Academy (in-person) and Studio (online) personalized programs are designed for students with a diagnosed learning disability to achieve their potential through outstanding support within and outside the classroom." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta Blackfoot Trail S.E/Glenmore Trail "With 100% post-secondary acceptance, WIC empowers students to follow their passions, be creative and embrace challenges. A rigorous curriculum along with hands-on learning ensures a well-rounded experience for students." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta 162 Ave SW/24 St SW "Glenmore Christian Academy (GCA) is a private school in Calgary with specialist educators in academics, arts, and athletics. Our mission is to Teach Truth, Inspire Excellence, Experience Christ and Serve through Love." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta 17th Ave SW/Richmond Road SW "In addition to academics, our focus on mentorship, hands-on learning in and outside the classroom, and character development, will allow our students to thrive academically and personally as they discover who they are." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta "Academy is strengths-based and remediation-focused. Collegiate is for those learning at or above grade-level. Blended+ is personalized for Grades 9-12 that empowers them to learn in-person, hybrid, and off-campus." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta Crowchild Trail/Flanders Ave. SW "Clear Water Academy is the only private Catholic school in Alberta. We offer a rigorous academic program from Jr. Kindergarten to Grade 12 for students of all faiths. 100% of our students pursue post-secondary education." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta 37 Street NW/Bowness Rd NW "Foothills Academy is an independent school for students with diagnosed Learning Disabilities in grades 3 - 12. Small class sizes allow the experienced staff to create a positive learning environment." —From the school
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Okotoks, Alberta Range Road 12/306 Ave W "Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School is an independent, private coeducational, continuum IB (primary, middle, and diploma programme) day school for Kindergarten - Grade 12, located just outside of Calgary, AB." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta Bowness Rd NW/Bow Crescent NW "River Valley is a Pre-K to Gr. 6 school bolsters the natural curiosities and wonder of childhood to ensure that every student will flourish academically and socially." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta Garrison Blvd SW/33 Ave SW "Lycée international de Calgary is the only school in Calgary to teach the French Ministry of Education and Alberta Education curricula. 3-years-old to Grade 12. All linguistic backgrounds are welcome. Small class sizes." —From the school
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Edmonton, Alberta Groat Road/107 Avenue "Progressive Academy's programs inspire students from preschool to grade 12 in Edmonton, Alberta. Wonderful faculty, wide range of experiential opportunities and high expectations ignite a desire to learn." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta "Calgary Waldorf School’s rich and engaging curriculum carefully balances academic, artistic and practical activities to stimulate intelligence and encourage creativity." —From the school
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Be sure that all schools you research are registered with the Alberta Board of Education. Research all the web resources you can find. You can find video tours of some Alberta private schools linked to the profiles below. Learn all you can about the school's reputation and check parent references.
Alberta's private schools, especially private elementary schools, typically score very high on the Fraser Institute's Alberta rankings. In 2011, several private schools scored top spots out of 665 schools. Although the Institute's ranking system is far from perfect, rankings nonetheless are a useful introduction to the quality of private schools in this province. Our Kids also hesitantly offers some Alberta school rankings based on specific, verifiable factors including admission rate, cost, age and other factors.
Before you choose a private school for your child, you should fully understand Alberta's distinction between registered private schools and accredited private schools.
Registered private schools meet some essential provincial requirements such as code of conduct and property requirements but in most cases, private schools exceed government standards. Private schools offer more parental control in the classroom and schools exert more control over the student body. Graduates of private schools are more likely to feel greater accountability to their education, be better citizens, and score better on aptitude tests than they would at other types of schools.
Alberta's Accredited Private Schools are accredited under section 28(2) of the School Act. This category includes publicly funded private schools that must meet the requirements of the province that go beyond basic registration.
In addition, Designated Special Education Private Schools provide special education programs for qualified students. These two latter schools must follow the same standards as public schools in order to get public funding.
One further category is Heritage Language Schools. These are private schools that offer specialized language and cultural instruction. Such schools are not publicly funded, but may be funded under the Credit Enrollment Unit (CEU) funding system of Alberta.
Alberta's private schools have a broad range in tuition rates, from as low as $5,000 per year and up to $50,000 or higher. We offer a list of schools that provide you with scholarships and financial aid (i.e. bursaries). Some schools will cover a portion of your child's tuition, while others have scholarships and bursaries that cover 100% of the costs. However, when you are searching for an affordable school, you should be sure to inquire about hidden costs like textbooks, uniforms, and even information technology equipment, such as laptops.
If you're not from Alberta but are thinking of sending your son or daughter to a school in this nature-filled province, you will be happy to know that Alberta does not have provincial sales taxes.
How many Alberta private schools are there?
There are 15 Alberta private schools that are Our Kids trusted members.
How much is tuition at Alberta private schools?
Tuition fees for Alberta private schools range from $3,210 to $26,843 per year with an average tuition of $15,722 per year.
What’s the largest school?
Of the Alberta private schools, the largest is Glenmore Christian Academy with 1007 students in Grades JK to 9.
Are Alberta private schools good?
We interviewed both parents and students. You can read reviews about Alberta private schools on this page.
Is there a private school expo where I can meet with Alberta private schools?
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.
An one-of-a-kind program that promotes science and critical thinking [Read more]
Chase your passion with a one-of-a-kind sports opportunity at Académie Ste-Cécile International School [Read more]
ERA’s environmental and social mandate [Read more]
Well-being and belonging at Trinity College School [Read more]
Trinity College School’s financial assistance program [Read more]
The progressive Kindergarten program at Hudson College [Read more]
Helping kids deal with climate anxiety
An one-of-a-kind program that promotes science and critical thinking (August 17, 2023)
Combining high academics with prep hockey
Chase your passion with a one-of-a-kind sports opportunity at Académie Ste-Cécile International School (July 24, 2023)
British Columbia International Baccalaureate schools
Find IB schools throughout the province of BC (July 7, 2023)
Sustainability, responsibility, and accessibility (in service of student success)
(May 15, 2023)
Vancouver Island private schools
Find the best private and independent schools on Vancouver Island (May 11, 2023)
