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
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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.
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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.
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Calgary Waldorf School’s rich and challenging curriculum carefully balances academic, artistic and practical activities to stimulate intelligence and encourage creativity.
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Academy is strengths-based and remediation-focused. Collegiate is for those learning at or above grade-level. Blended+ is for Grades 9-12 to learn their own way, including online, at home, and off-campus.
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Established in 1991, Alberta Ballet School is recognized as one of Canada’s leading professional dance schools. with an annual enrollment of approximately 100 local, national and international students.
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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.
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River Valley is a Pre-K to Gr. 6 school that harnesses the innate curiosity in children to ensure that every student will flourish academically and socially.
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Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School is an independent, private coeducational, full IB (primary, middle, and diploma programme) day school for Kindergarten - Grade 12 close to Calgary, AB.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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-Passionate Learning: learning should be joyful and for life, not just for tests.
-Skills for a Modern World: building the confidence to be leaders and Changemakers.
-Holistic Wellbeing: creating conditions to thrive.
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West Island College offers English and French Immersion with a focus on academics, leadership, athletics & global awareness. Students are encouraged to be curious, creative and innovative, so they can impact the world.
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Venture Academy is a therapeutic treatment and education program for students who may be struggling with mood disorders & anxiety disorders, behavioural challenges, substance misuses, ADHD, ADD and ODD
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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.
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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 16 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 $3,085 to $36,200 per year with an average tuition of $14,980 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.
The progressive Kindergarten program at Hudson College [Read more]
Meet with admissions. Attend info sessions. Find the best-fit school. [Get my ticket]
Questions to ask high schools
Some key questions to ask when you’re choosing a high school (August 24, 2022)
Questions to ask elementary schools
Some key questions to ask when you’re choosing an elementary or primary school for your child (August 24, 2022)
The Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators
Promoting standards of excellence in Montessori education (August 22, 2022)
Profile of Mark Musca, Head of School, Albert College
“Not only did I come (to Albert) as a staff member, I was also a parent.” (August 2, 2022)
Profile of John Liggett, Head of School, The Country Day School
“Most days, my job here doesn’t feel like work.” (August 2, 2022)
