AN OUR KIDS REPORT:Ashbury College vs. Calgary French & International School

one-to-one comparison:

View Ashbury College's full report
VS.
View Calgary French & International School's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

    362 Mariposa Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario, K1M 0T3, Canada

    700 - 77th Street SW, Calgary, Alberta, T3H 5R1, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    1891

    1969

    Enrolment

    730

    730

    Grades

    4 to 12

    Nursery/Toddler to 12

    Gender

    Coed

    Coed

    Living arrangements

    Homestay, Day, Boarding

    Day

    Language of instruction

    English, French

    English, French, Spanish

    Faith Based

    School focus

    Academic

    Academic

    Developmental Priorities

    Balanced
    Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
    Balanced
    Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
    Intellectual
    The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
    Balanced
    Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.

    Academics

    Academics

    Curriculum

    Traditional, International Baccalaureate

    Progressive, International Baccalaureate

    Curriculum pace

    Accelerated
    The main curriculum accelerates beyond the pace of the provincial one; ALL students do the work of OLDER public-school peers in tangible and measurable ways. This accelerated pace is maintained by the teachers and school, (through textbook selection, topic selection, grading, assignment standards and expectations, etc).
    Standard-enriched
    Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.

    Academic culture

    Rigorous
    A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
    Rigorous
    A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.

    Avg. Class Size

    17

    16 to 20

    Special needs support

    Gifted learner support

    Accelerated curriculum

    Preschool/K curriculum

    Play-based
    Play-based programs are the most common type of preschool and Kindergarten, and are founded on the belief young children learn best through play. Largely open-ended and minimally structured, play-based programs aim to develop social skills and a love of attending school. “Pre-academic” skills are taught, but in a more indirect way than at, say, an Academic program: through children playing in different “stations” set up around the classroom, which children choose on their own volition. Stations often contain an indirect lesson or developmental goal. Play-based classrooms are highly social and active.

    Tuition

    Tuition

    Day Tuition

    $33,720

    $9,200 to $18,570

    Boarding Tuition

    $76,380

    Financial aid (FA)

    Yes

    No

    Students on FA

    10%

    0%

    Eligible grades for FA

    7 to 12

    None

    Median FA package size

    $15,000

    $0

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    81

    43

    Percent in boarding

    15%

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    70%

    75%

    Day entry years

    4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

    Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

    Boarding entry years

    9, 10, 11, 12

    Day admissions deadline

    Dec 01, 2023

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades 4 - 12

    Yes: grades Preschool - 12

    SSAT required

    No

    No

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    ASHBURY COLLEGE

    information not available

    CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    information not available

    Our Take

    Our Take

    ASHBURY COLLEGE

    Ashbury celebrated its 130th anniversary in 2021, making it one of the oldest schools in the nation. Of that class, it’s also one of the larger schools, with an annual enrollment in the 800 range. There are benefits to size, and Ashbury displays them, with a wealth of extra-curricular activities and co-curricular programs. The school was founded by a graduate of Oxford, Canon George Penrose Woollcombe, who cast the school within the academic tradition that Oxford was, and is, an example of. That said, times change, and certainly Ashbury did as well. The school was an early adopter of global education, most obviously with the addition of the IB program in 1976. Girls were enrolled in 1982, and while the boys still marginally outnumber the girls, the school continues to move toward gender parity. The list of alumni is impressive, including a prime minister, John Turner, and a Nobel laureate, Douglass North. The ideal student is one looking for a challenge, and who can function well in very active curricular and extracurricular environments.

    View full report

    CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    The Calgary French & International School (CFIS) is one of the leading independent schools in Canada. Students enjoy enriched academic courses, take part in incredible co-curricular programming, and graduate fluent in three languages. Each student’s unique potential is nurtured within our warm, welcoming community, and we work together to create a dynamic learning environment with each student’s individual learning needs in mind. Strong academics and robust language programming are the foundation of CFIS, and to that end, a wide range of options is offered to encourage students to explore interests in subject areas they may not have previously experienced. Within CFIS’s French immersion learning environment, the curriculum is taught in French, with the exception of English language arts and Spanish as a third language. CFIS students graduate fully bilingual in French and English and with functional fluency in Spanish. Tomorrow’s world will require today’s young people to be innovative and creative global citizens. As multilingual learners in a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Associated School, Round Square School and IB programming at the Senior High level, CFIS students will be confident in their ability to communicate in a variety of languages, which will help them to make a difference in their world. Each one is encouraged to lead advocacy and humanitarian work related to their studies, in their local community and even globally. Through international connections, including travel studies in higher grades, students are taught to effectively and confidently navigate among different cultures, which affords our graduates an exciting range of future options. CFIS graduates are well-prepared for university, finishing Grade 12 with the courses required to pursue post-secondary studies in the fields of their choice. CFIS alumni have moved on to study at French and English universities throughout Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom in a wide-range of disciplines.

    View full report
  • School’s perspective

    Who are you, as a school?

    Who are you, as a school?

    ASHBURY COLLEGE

    "Established in 1891, Ashbury College is an IB coeducational facility recognized as one of Canada’s leading day and boarding schools for students in Grades 4–12. Motivated students from 60+ countries benefit from rigorous academic programs, over 70 co-curricular activities, 100% university placement rate, and an average class size of 17."

    • IB Diploma, since 1976
    • 100% university placement
    • 85% of students admitted to first choice university
    • $2 million awarded annually in university scholarships
    • Over 50 countries represented
    • Average class size: 17
    • Over 70 co-curricular activities
    • Coeducational
    • Boarding population: 110
    • Enrollment: 725

    CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    "CFIS is a multilingual learning environment where international education and global learning experiences develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This begins in our junior preschool program and continues through Grade 12. Students adopt a culture of compassion, respect and a deep understanding of new cultures. Our early childhood program fosters students’ early development, learning and growth, keeping French language acquisition at the core of all we do. No French is required for early Elementary applicants."

    • Founded in 1969
    • Full French Immersion Learning Environment
    • International Baccalaureate (Primary Years Programme and Diploma Programme)
    • Round Square & UNESCO member school
    • International Travel Studies
    • Intramurals & Sports Teams
    • Fine Arts (Music, Band and Drama)
    • Busing Services
    • House Program (grades 6-12)
    • Spanish Language Arts (grade 4-12)

    Array

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    ASHBURY COLLEGE

    "Ashbury offers our students boundless opportunities for learning beyond the classroom from our broad range of co-curricular activities, athletic opportunities and artistic endeavours to our Internship Program that provides students the chance to explore various career options. Ashbury is actively involved in the Round Square Program including the opportunity for our students to take part in the International Exchange Program."

    CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?

    ASHBURY COLLEGE

    Information not available

    CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?

    ASHBURY COLLEGE

    Information not available

    CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What type of student is a good fit for your school?

    ASHBURY COLLEGE

    Information not available

    CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?

    ASHBURY COLLEGE

    Information not available

    CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?

    ASHBURY COLLEGE

    "Ashbury is proud of its 100% IB Certificate completion rate and university placement record. Attending Ashbury opens doors to the future for our graduates."

    CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    "CFIS offers students a unique, full French immersion educational experience in an inclusive and diverse community. Our dynamic multilingual educational environment nurtures academic excellence, cultural understanding and global perspectives. We value the student experience and academic success to prepare students with the skills, knowledge and attitudes to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world."

    Array

    How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?

    ASHBURY COLLEGE

    Information not available

    CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    ASHBURY COLLEGE

    "The location of the Ashbury in the heart of the Nation's Capital, Ottawa, provides a number of unique opportunities for our students including access to a multitude of museums, galleries, and learning centres such as the Global Centre for Pluralism. Ottawa is surrounded by a variety of greenspaces in which to learn and play. Ashbury actively engages our students with the greater Ottawa community through our charitable activities and our ongoing relationship with our local Indigenous partners."

    CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    ASHBURY COLLEGE

    "Given our rich history, many families are surprised to see our state-of-the-art education spaces including our Design Technology and Science labs, Arts studios and Music facilities, and Library and Learning Commons. Your child will have access to vibrant, modern learning facilities that are truly conducive to teaching innovation and learning."

    CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    "Our multilingual education opens doors to international cultures and connections. Join our diverse, inclusive community where differences are celebrated. We're not just a school, we are a global village. CFIS values your child's experience and academic success, preparing them with the skills, language, knowledge, and attitudes they need to thrive in an interconnected world. At CFIS education means becoming a global citizen with limitless horizons."

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    ASHBURY COLLEGE

    Information not available

    CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    ASHBURY COLLEGE

    Information not available

    CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Information not available

  • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

    Message from school leadership

    Message from school leadership

     

     

    Together towards the future—Ensemble vers l’avenir.

    From our home in Canada’s capital city, Ashbury College is a centre for excellence in international teaching and learning, where enthusiasm permeates life both in and out of the classroom. Our goal is to not only get students to new destinations but also to help them develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed and adapt to the challenges they will face.

    This is a close and diverse school community that integrates young children with pre-university students. In a supportive environment, we challenge students to step out of their comfort zones and to think critically and globally—all while ensuring the simple, yet important, formalities of manners and respect are not overlooked.

    A wealth of co-curricular clubs, sports, and arts activities bring learning to a lively stage, and our international orientation permeates school life on so many levels. Bien entendu, l’école se trouve dans la capitale nationale, et l’école démontre l’importance des deux langues nationales, en offrant plusieurs options bilingue. As we look past our 130+ years teaching bright young minds, being innovative while not abandoning the tried and tested will inspire our teaching and learning pedagogy and prepare students for the future.

    Ashbury College is an exciting place to be, and I invite you to discover the advantages and experiences we have to offer.

    Norman Southward

    Head of School—Directeur

     

    At Calgary French & International School (CFIS), we are inspired by exploration and curiosity. Our immersive language learning environment and global education bring the world to our students in ways that help them experience other cultures, people and places in authentic and exciting ways.

    Within a curriculum that encourages children to expand their interests and deepen their learning, CFIS students as young as 19 months benefit from enriched education, participate in various co-curricular activities, and graduate bilingual in French and English and functionally fluent in Spanish.

    Our academics, extraordinary language education, international focus and development of the whole student form the foundation of learning at CFIS. We are an IB world school — offering both the senior high Diploma Programme and Primary Years Programme for preschool to grade 5 students — and we are moving towards becoming a full IB continuum school.

    CFIS’s overarching programming develops the whole child — intellectually, socially, emotionally and physically. As multilingual learners in a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Associated School, students are encouraged to lead age-appropriate advocacy and humanitarian work related to their studies in their community and worldwide. Students are taught to effectively and confidently navigate different cultures through international connections, including travel studies in the Secondary Division.

    At CFIS, our teachers and leadership team place a strong emphasis on individualized learning. Additionally, engaged principals, specialized classroom teachers, learning strategists and literacy coaches ensure CFIS students receive the attention required to thrive in all subject areas. As a result of the school’s dynamic learning environment, CFIS students’ average results on both diploma and course-awarded marks are considerably higher for CFIS students than the provincial average. Students are well-rounded in their achievements, transition easily into university and embody CFIS’s values as leaders, critical thinkers and ethical, engaged citizens. CFIS alumni avail themselves of an exciting range of post-secondary options at French and English universities throughout Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom.

    Thank you for considering CFIS for your children. I look forward to meeting your family!

  • ACADEMICS

    • OVERALL CURRICULUM


      Primary Curriculum

      Primary Curriculum

      ASHBURY COLLEGE

      Traditional


      Secondary Curriculum

      Secondary Curriculum

      ASHBURY COLLEGE

      International Baccalaureate

      CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      International Baccalaureate


      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      ASHBURY COLLEGE

      Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.

      CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      Progressive (sometimes called "in- quiry-based") curricula attempt to place children's interests and ideas at the heart of the learning experience. Instead of lessons being driven by predetermined pathways, progressive curricula are often "emergent", with learning activities shaped by students' questions about the world. Instead of starting with academic concepts and then tying it to everyday experience, progressive methods begin with everyday experience and work back to an academic lesson. Teachers provide materials, experiences, tools and resources to help students investigate a topic or issue. Students are encouraged to explore, reflect on their findings, and discuss answers or solutions.


      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      ASHBURY COLLEGE

      Some private schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programming. The "Diploma Programme" is offered to students in the final two years of high school, while the "Primary Years Programme" (ages 3 to 12) and "Middle Years Programme" (ages 11 to 16) serve as preparation for the diploma program.

      CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      Some private schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programming. The "Diploma Programme" is offered to students in the final two years of high school, while the "Primary Years Programme" (ages 3 to 12) and "Middle Years Programme" (ages 11 to 16) serve as preparation for the diploma program.


      What the school says about their curriculum

      What the school says about their curriculum

      ASHBURY COLLEGE

      The liberal education provided by the Ashbury College teaches students to think, speak and write clearly, critically and creatively. It leads them to explore the core subjects that comprise our human heritage and are the hallmarks of an educated person. It develops a healthy body and illuminates the spirit by inspiring students to look beyond themselves towards the greater good. Ashbury graduates enter university with the knowledge, skills, integrity and compassion born of careful scholarship, richly rewarding faculty contacts, physical activity and spiritual reflection.

      CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      The Calgary French & International School blends a progressive approach to learning in a full French immersion environment that is enriched with Spanish beginning in Grade 4. Through projects, inquiry and a balanced approach to teaching and learning, students are guided and nurtured in a supportive and enriching environment. Offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program, our candidacy with the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and through affiliations with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Round Square and Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS), CFIS is actively supporting the development of global citizens while focusing on academic, artistic, musical and physical development.

    • COURSE PEDAGOGIES

      • Mathematics


        Approach

        Approach

        ASHBURY COLLEGE

        Traditional Math


        Our take: math approach type

        Our take: math approach type

        ASHBURY COLLEGE

        Traditional Math typically teaches a method or algorithm FIRST, and THEN teaches the applications for the method. Traditional algorithms are emphasized and practiced regularly: repetition and drills are frequently used to ensure foundational mastery in the underlying mathematical procedures. The traditional approach to math views math education as akin to building a logical edifice: each brick depends on the support of the previously laid ones, which represent mastery over a particular procedure or method. Traditional Math begins by giving students a tool, and then challenges students to practice using that tool an applied way, with progressively challenging problems. In this sense Traditional Math aims to establish procedural understanding before conceptual and applied understanding.

        CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

        These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.


        What the school says about their math program

        What the school says about their math program

        ASHBURY COLLEGE

        Information not available

        CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

        Information not available


        Textbooks and supplementary materials

        Textbooks and supplementary materials

        ASHBURY COLLEGE

        Information not available

        CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

        Information not available


        Calculator policy

        Calculator policy

        ASHBURY COLLEGE

        Information not available

        CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

        Information not available

      • Early Reading


        Approach

        Approach

        ASHBURY COLLEGE

        Whole Language


        Our take: early reading approach type

        Our take: early reading approach type

        ASHBURY COLLEGE

        Whole Language reading programs eschew sublexical (under the word-level) training, focusing instead on getting students to infer and guess at words based on their understanding of the larger meaning of the sentence (“context-clues”). Students are given ample opportunity to read actual literature (age-appropriate) along with strategies for using semantic-based clues to pronounce unrecognized words.

        CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

        Balanced reading programs are typically Whole Language programs with supplementary phonics training. This training might be incidental, or it might take the form of mini-lessons.


        What the school says about their early reading program

        What the school says about their early reading program

        ASHBURY COLLEGE

        Information not available

        CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

        Information not available

      • Writing


        Approach

        Approach

        ASHBURY COLLEGE

        Equal balance


        Our take: writing approach type

        Our take: writing approach type

        ASHBURY COLLEGE

        Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.

        CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

        Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.


        What the school says about their writing program

        What the school says about their writing program

        ASHBURY COLLEGE

        Information not available

        CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

        After gathering an impressive foundation of oral French vocabulary, students begin to read and write in French starting in Grade 1. At the end of Grade 2, English reading and writing begins and students quickly progress in their bilingual skills towards the end of Grade 3. In Grade 4, students begin Spanish lessons with specialist teachers.

      • Science


        Approach

        Approach

        ASHBURY COLLEGE

        Equal Balance


        Our take: science approach type

        Our take: science approach type

        ASHBURY COLLEGE

        Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.

        CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

        Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.


        What the school says about their science program

        What the school says about their science program

        ASHBURY COLLEGE

        Information not available

        CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

        The CFIS science program is impressive, particularly into the senior high where laboratory assignments echo that of first and second year post-secondary studies.


        Topics covered in science curriculum

        Topics covered in science curriculum

        ASHBURY COLLEGE

        Evolution as consensus theory
        Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
        Evolution is not taught

        CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

        Evolution as consensus theory
        Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
        Evolution is not taught


        Treatment of evolution (value)

        Treatment of evolution (value)

        ASHBURY COLLEGE

        Physiology

      • Social Studies


        Approach

        Approach

        ASHBURY COLLEGE

        Thematic


        Our take: social studies approach type

        Our take: social studies approach type

        ASHBURY COLLEGE

        The Thematic approach organizes the curriculum around certain themes or cultural universals. Students might spend time focused on food. Then they might focus on transportation or government, and so on.

        CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

        The Expanding Communities approach organizes the curriculum around students’ present, everyday experience. In the younger grades, students might learn about themselves, for example. As they move through the grades, the focus gradually broadens in scope: to the family, neighbourhood, city, province, country, and globe. The curriculum tends to have less focus on history than Core Knowledge programs.


        What the school says about their social studies program

        What the school says about their social studies program

        ASHBURY COLLEGE

        Information not available

        CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

        Social Studies at CFIS is enriched with IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) framework.

      • Foreign Languages


        Approach

        Approach

        ASHBURY COLLEGE

        Equal Balance


        Our take: foreign language approach type

        Our take: foreign language approach type

        ASHBURY COLLEGE

        These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.

        CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

        The communicative method of language acquisition emphasizes the use of the target language in authentic contexts. The approach commonly features interactive group work, games, authentic texts, and opportunities to learn about the cultural background of the language. Drills and quizzes may still be used, but less frequently than with the audio-lingual method.


        What the school says about their foreign language programs

        What the school says about their foreign language programs

        ASHBURY COLLEGE

        Information not available

        CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

        Information not available


        Language instruction offered in:

        Topics covered in science curriculum

        ASHBURY COLLEGE

        Hebrew
        ESL
        Spanish
        Russian
        Latin
        Japanese
        Italian
        Greek
        German
        French
        Chinese-Mandarin
        Chinese-Cantonese

        CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

        Hebrew
        ESL
        Spanish
        Russian
        Latin
        Japanese
        Italian
        Greek
        German
        French
        Chinese-Mandarin
        Chinese-Cantonese


        Learning a foreign language is required until

        Treatment of evolution (value)

        ASHBURY COLLEGE

        Information not available

        CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

        Information not available

      • Physical Education


        What the school says about their physical education program

        What the school says about their computers and technology program

        ASHBURY COLLEGE

        Information not available

        CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

        The Calgary French & International School recognizes that extracurricular athletics promotes school pride, sportsmanship, and good citizenship. The chief objectives of school athletics are to provide students with opportunities for leadership development whether as an athlete, coach or official. Representing CFIS demands a high level of commitment from students, coaches and parents, but not at the cost of academics.

    • PRESCHOOL/K CURRICULUM


      Approach

      Approach

      ASHBURY COLLEGE

      Not applicable


      Our Take

      Our Take

      ASHBURY COLLEGE

      Not applicable

      CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      Play-based programs are the most common type of preschool and Kindergarten, and are founded on the belief young children learn best through play. Largely open-ended and minimally structured, play-based programs aim to develop social skills and a love of attending school. “Pre-academic” skills are taught, but in a more indirect way than at, say, an Academic program: through children playing in different “stations” set up around the classroom, which children choose on their own volition. Stations often contain an indirect lesson or developmental goal. Play-based classrooms are highly social and active.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      ASHBURY COLLEGE

      Information not available

      CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      Our emergent curriculum for children starting as early as 19 months, provides individualized learning based on children's interests. Intentional learning stations and activities are influenced by student interest and the development of language, pre-literacy, pre-numeracy, social and emotional skills. A wide variety of projects focus learning strategically on areas such as developing fine and gross motor skills, literacy and numeracy through play.

    • CURRICULUM PACE


      Pace

      Pace

      ASHBURY COLLEGE

      Accelerated


      Our Take

      Our Take

      ASHBURY COLLEGE

      The main curriculum accelerates beyond the pace of the provincial one; ALL students do the work of OLDER public-school peers in tangible and measurable ways. This accelerated pace is maintained by the teachers and school, (through textbook selection, topic selection, grading, assignment standards and expectations, etc).

      CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      ASHBURY COLLEGE

      Information not available

      CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      Student-led projects occur in every grade through our International Baccalaureate and UNESCO affiliations. Students are encouraged to take on community service initiatives connected to their curricular studies. A focus on differentiated learning occurs through individualized and small-group targeted instruction where learning strategists and literacy coaches support students across grades.

    • ACADEMIC CULTURE


      Culture

      Culture

      ASHBURY COLLEGE

      Rigorous


      Our Take

      Our Take

      ASHBURY COLLEGE

      A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.

      CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      ASHBURY COLLEGE

      Information not available

      CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      Information not available


      Approach to student honours

      Approach to student honours

      ASHBURY COLLEGE

      "We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."

      CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

      "We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."

  • EXTRACURRICULARS

    Competitive

    Comp.

    Recreational

    Rec.

    Competitive

    Comp.

    Recreational

    Rec.

    Badminton

    Baseball

    Basketball

    Canoeing/Kayaking

    Cricket

    Cross-country skiing

    Cycling

    Downhill skiing

    Equestrian

    Fencing

    Field Hockey

    Figure Skating

    Football

    Golf

    Gymnastics

    Ice Hockey

    Ice Skating

    Lacrosse

    Martial Arts

    Mountain biking

    Racquet Ball

    Rowing

    Rugby

    Running

    Sailing

    Skateboarding

    Snowboarding

    Soccer

    Softball

    Squash

    Swimming

    Tennis

    Track & Field

    Volleyball

    Weightlifting

    Wrestling

    Archery

    Curling

    Ultimate


    Clubs Offered

    Clubs offered

    ASHBURY COLLEGE

    Ballet and Classical Ballet
    Yoga
    Yearbook
    Student Council
    Scouting
    Science Club
    School newspaper
    Round Square
    Robotics club
    Radio club
    Poetry/Literature club
    Photography
    Paintball
    Outdoor Education
    Outdoor Club
    Online Magazine
    Musical theatre/Opera
    Math Club
    Jazz Ensemble
    Habitat for Humanity
    Foreign Language Club
    Environmental Club
    Drama Club
    Debate Club
    Dance Club
    Computer Club
    Community Service
    Choir
    Chess Club
    Band
    Audiovisual Club
    Astronomy Club
    Art Club
    Animation

    CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Ballet and Classical Ballet
    Yoga
    Yearbook
    Student Council
    Scouting
    Science Club
    School newspaper
    Round Square
    Robotics club
    Radio club
    Poetry/Literature club
    Photography
    Paintball
    Outdoor Education
    Outdoor Club
    Online Magazine
    Musical theatre/Opera
    Math Club
    Jazz Ensemble
    Habitat for Humanity
    Foreign Language Club
    Environmental Club
    Drama Club
    Debate Club
    Dance Club
    Computer Club
    Community Service
    Choir
    Chess Club
    Band
    Audiovisual Club
    Astronomy Club
    Art Club
    Animation


    What the school says

    What the school says

    ASHBURY COLLEGE

    • 8 City Championship Teams, 10 Teams represented NCSSAA at OFSAA 2 OFSAA Gold and 4 OFSAA Bronze

    CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    • One of the best travel studies programs in western Canada with travel to five continents.
  • Financial Aid

    Grades eligible

    Grades eligible

    7 - 12

    Students on aid

    Students on aid

    10%

    0%

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    $15,000

    $0

  • ADMISSIONS

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    70%

    75%

    Day entry years

    4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

    Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

    Boarding entry years

    9, 10, 11, 12

    Day admissions deadline

    Dec 01, 2023

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades 4 - 12

    Yes: grades Preschool - 12

    SSAT required

    No

    No

    SSAT(out of province) required

    No

    No

    Entrance exams required

    Yes: grades 4 - 12

    Yes: grades 1 - 12

    Entrance essay required

    No

    No

    Application fee required

    No

    No

    Type of student school is looking for

    Type of student school is looking for

    ASHBURY COLLEGE

    We are looking for curious and engaged students who will contribute to Ashbury College in many different ways. We have a very diverse student body that is highly involved in many different aspects of life at Ashbury College.

    CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Families that find CFIS to be a good fit are committed to multilingual education enriched with global thinking, and enjoy being part of and contributing to our diverse school community. The ideal candidate for a CFIS is a student who is a curious and engaged learner and thrives in a diverse community. Self and mutual respect, strong character and a family emphasis on volunteerism and a commitment to education are all important characteristics in a CFIS student.

    What the school says

    What the school says

    ASHBURY COLLEGE

    Confidential Reference
    We require one Confidential Reference per applicant from their Math or English teacher. The Confidential Reference Request is found in the applicant's checklist found on the MySchoolApp portal. 

    Application Fee
    The $200.00 application fee is non-refundable and is payable by Visa, MasterCard or American Express.

    School Reports
    The applicant’s final report card from their last completed academic year, as well as any interim report cards as they become available, may be uploaded to the MySchoolApp portal. 

    Interview
    All applicants will be interviewed during their Day Visit. Applicants unable to visit Ashbury College must participate in a telephone or Zoom interview.  To schedule your interview please contact us at [email protected] or +1.613.749.5954.

    Day Visit
    Grades 4–8 applicants must spend a day at the school at any time during the application process. Grades 9 – 12 applicants are encouraged, but not required, to spend a day at Ashbury College at any time during the application process. Applicants living at a distance are excused from the Day Visit requirement. Please email [email protected] or call +1.613.749.5954 to make arrangements for a Day Visit

    Entrance Examination
    The Entrance Exam consists of an online standardized multiple-choice test for reading and mathematics skills at the applicant’s last completed grade level. Registration information will be sent through the online application process.

    Students may also write the SSAT (Additional Fee).

    Financial Assistance Program
    If you are interested in financial assistance, please contact us at [email protected] or +1.613.749.5954.

    CALGARY FRENCH & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

    Calgary French & International School is a full French immersion school that prepares children with the tools to learn Spanish and graduate with internationally recognized mastery of French and English. 

    Most students new to CFIS do not speak French at home with their families. At CFIS, our French immersion learning environment is designed to meet the needs of students who are new to the French language. 

    Our application process is intended to find a mutually good fit between families, students and the school. Our Admissions team considers each applicant’s academic record, character, and citizenship qualities.

    We welcome many new students to the CFIS community each year, and are excited to meet your family.

    If you have any questions about the application process, our Admissions Team is here to help! Please email us at [email protected].

    Student Eligibility: No previous experience in French is required for admission to our Early Childhood Division — Junior Preschool, Preschool, Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten — and for Grades 1 to 4 through our Embark transitional immersion program.

    Our Elementary and Secondary divisions welcome applicants currently attending a Francophone or French immersion school in all grades. Students entering Grade 5 to Grade 12 must be currently attending a Francophone or French immersion school to be eligible to apply and attend CFIS. 

    Application Process:

    Step 1: Visit CFIS for a tour and information session.

    Step 2: Complete an application at CFIS.com: Start Here

    Step 3: Applicants complete an educational assessment (Junior Preschool excluded). Preschool and Junior Kindergarten applicants participate in an assessment with a parent.

    Step 4: The Admissions Office offers placement to the applicants' family.

    Step 5: The applicants' family confirms enrolment by signing a tuition agreement and paying a deposit.

    International Students: CFIS welcomes applications from international families. Families who do not have Canadian citizenship or permanent residency status are considered international. CFIS also requires:

    • At least one parent of international students must possess a valid work or study permit during the application process, which must not expire before the start of school in September.
    • The student must reside with their family. We do not offer boarding facilities or a homestay program.
    • The student must be proficient in French if applying to Grade 3 and higher. 

    All applications received prior to the application deadline will be given equal consideration, regardless of the timing of their receipt. We are excited to receive your application and ask that you apply only in the appropriate year, not sooner.

  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    Alumnus (year)
    Accomplishment

    John Turner (1946)
    Prime Minister of Canada. Rhodes Scholar.
    Stockwell Day (1968)
    Leader of the Canadian Alliance Party. Federal Minster for: Public Safety; International Trade. President of the Treasury Board
    E.P. Taylor (1919)
    Business tycoon and breeder of thoroughbred race horses.
    Douglass North (1938)
    Nobel Prize winner for Economics
    Guy Simonds (1921)
    Lieutenant General. Commanded the II Canadian Corps during World War II. Appointed Chief of the General Staff.
    Matthew Perry (1987)
    Actor best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the popular NBC sitcom "Friends"
    Ben Barry (2001)
    Founder and CEO of the Ben Barry Agency, a modelling agency known for its use of diverse models. High profile author and women's health advocate.

    Alumnus (year)
    Accomplishment

    Cameron Davenport (2014)
    I graduated from CFIS in 2014 and am a second-year student at the University of Sussex in the UK studying neuroscience.

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