700 - 77th Street SW, Calgary, Alberta, T3H 5R1, Canada
80 Scarsdale Road, Toronto, Ontario, M3B 2R7, Canada
700 - 77th Street SW, Calgary, Alberta, T3H 5R1, Canada
80 Scarsdale Road, Toronto, Ontario, M3B 2R7, Canada
1969
1989
730
98
Nursery/Toddler to 12
Preschool to 8
Coed
Coed
Day
Day
English, French, Spanish
English, French, Spanish, Mandarin
Academic
Academic
Progressive, International Baccalaureate
Progressive
16 to 20
10 to 16
In-class adaptations
$9,200 to $18,570
$21,530 to $26,155
No
No
0%
0%
None
None
$0
$0
43
8
0%
0%
75%
100%
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades Preschool - 12
Yes: grades 1 - 8
No
No
information not available
information not available
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 reportThe Giles School provides an enriched language immersion program from preschool through the middle grades. The French program starts in preschool, and a Mandarin program begins in grade 1 with a period a day spent in an immersive Mandarin environment. It's perhaps safe to say, in terms of language learning—both in terms of when immersion is introduced, as well as providing multilingual immersion—the program is the only one of its kind in Canada. Classes are small, and academics are rigorous, covering the entire core curriculum and then some. The ideal student is one who can benefit from enrichment and who will thrive within a play-based, curiosity-driven environment.
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"We have been blown away by the care and attention demonstrated by the teaching staff at CFIS."
Jimmy Porter - Parent (Sep 11, 2018)
Our daughter absolutely loves CFIS. She feels a strong community connection with supportive teacher...
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"As the students are encouraged to try new things, they often operate 2 years above their grade level..."
Nadia King - Parent (Sep 12, 2019)
Our children have learned the joys of trying something new without fear of failure. From the time th...
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"...with relatively small class sizes, children have many opportunities to engage with their teachers and receive extra support should they need it."
Lauren Dade - Parent (May 21, 2020)
My two children have attended from Kindergarten through to Grades 6 and Grade 8 (final grade offered...
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"She enjoys going to school, seeing the teachers the best."
A Cheung - Parent (May 21, 2020)
As a new explorer to Canada, our child has gained her first school experience in the Giles School. W...
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"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."
"The Giles School is a co-ed, French immersion independent school that also offers a fully-licensed daycare program. Children display superior academic performance across all subjects including English, Mandarin and Spanish. The Giles School is a deliberately small school, and offers an inclusive, innovative and outstanding educational program to prepare Pre-K to Grade 8 students to be “World Ready,” empowering them to be leaders, problem-solvers and innovators."
Information not available
"THE GILES SCHOOL
Founded in 1989, the Giles school has been expanding young minds, through a multilingual and comprehensive environment. Our six pillar philosophy, provides an enriched curriculum, with small class sizes, for children Pre Kindergarten through Grade 8 (ages 2-13), with focus on: Language (English, French, Mandarin & Spanish), STEM programs, arts, music, health/fitness, and co-curricular activities; and empowers individuality, internationality, as well as community leadership."
Information not available
"The Giles School offers a structured, rigorous curriculum emphasizing languages. While our program is comprehensive and demanding, we are a first come, first served school; therefore, we do not sort or deny candidates based on test results. We work with students in a personalized manner to ensure they have the foundational skills to achieve and then excel in our program. The Giles School offers an inclusive learning environment that meets students where they are to progress in our demanding curriculum."
Information not available
Information not available
Information not available
"Students who are well-rounded academically, love to learn multiple languages and have a great interest in math and science."
Information not available
"Parents who are looking for specific facilities, including a dance studio, pool on site, etc.....might find our school not appealing ."
"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."
"Our commitment and dedication to each and every student, provides a foundation that is unlike most independent schools. We teach with joy, and classes are fun. Our vision is to have well rounded and international ready people of the future."
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"We are known for our small classes, high academics, loving environment and excellent community."
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"The truly unique experience students receive"
"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."
"How much our staff and former Giles School alumni are a part of our ongoing community"
Information not available
"We added more interesting extracurricular activities for the students, like Musical theatre, Fashion Design, and Art Clay......"
Information not available
"We are planning on having a technology lab on-site and a cafeteria in our basement."
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!
Why did you want to become a teacher?
My love for children draws me to this profession and my passion for making a difference in children's lives.
How long have you been a teacher?
19 years, and I have been working at the Giles School since May 1992.
Where were you teaching before joining the Giles School?
Saint Joseph De L'Apparition in Lebanon
How many Languages do you speak? And what are they?
Arabic, French, English.
What would the students be surprised to find out about you?
I'm afraid of birds and dogs.
What’s the best thing about being a teacher?
The potential of transforming lives. There's never a dull moment in my classroom.
Interests/hobbies?
Riding horses, cooking and travelling.
Do you have a pet(s)? How old is he/she? What is his/her name?
I had a pony when I was a child at my grandpa's farm. Her name was Bella.
Is there a quote or saying that you live your life by?
Focus on the journey, not the destination.
Progressive
Information not available
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.
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.
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.
Not applicable
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.
The Giles School has created a strong program that supports infinite possibilities for growth and development. Founded on the concept of early enriched learning within a bilingual setting, the academics at The Giles School challenges students with enriched standards. Students engage in a fully French immersion setting from PK to Grade 3. One-to-one French lessons for French beginners from Grades 1 to 8 are offered as part of the day tuition. Mandarin programming begins in JK. Baby yoga are integrated in the day schedule for PK to Grade 1. Students experience extensive field trips and benefit from artists in residence. Coupled with intense expectations, the Giles Community is committed to the whole child. Love and individualized attention ensures the well-being and success of each student. We aim to awaken the mind, quicken the spirit and stir the heart. Students in Grade 4 through 8 also take a weekly leadership course focusing on character education, the ideals of the United Nation and service learning.
Equal Balance
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
Information not available
Students engage in hands on learning while using the Singapore Math program as a resource throughout their course work at The Giles School. The Mathematics Program is particularly rigorous as we set expectations typically two grades ahead of the provincial norms. Students apply measurement and data units, in particular within projects. All students present their own Science Fair projects which demonstrate many math applications, as well. Students also participate in Maths competition every year.
Information not available
At the Giles School, all students work with the Singapore math textbooks and workbooks to support the accelerated curriculum,
Students are used often to check manual calculations.
Balanced Literacy
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.
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.
Information not available
Students in pre-kindergarten focus on letters, sounds and simple words. By JK and SK, students focus on reading and writing sentences, and in Grade 1 students read French paragraphs and short stories. New French learners focus on words and sentences at first - and then move to reading short paragraphs and stories after they have mastered basic vocabulary and French conjugation.
No
We use the Canadian Test of Basic Skills annually.
Equal balance
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.
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.
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.
Information not available
Equal Balance
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.
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.
The CFIS science program is impressive, particularly into the senior high where laboratory assignments echo that of first and second year post-secondary studies.
Information not available
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Zoology
Equal Balance
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
Science at CFIS is enriched with IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) framework.
Information not available
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Expanding Communities
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.
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.
Social Studies at CFIS is enriched with IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) framework.
Information not available
Equal Balance
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
Information not available
Information not available
Equal Balance
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.
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
Information not available
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Information not available
Creative
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
Creative arts programs are studio-driven. While historical works and movements may still be taught to add context to the program, students mainly engage in making art (visual, musical, theatrical, etc). The goal is use the actual practice of art to help educate students’ emotions, cognition, and ethos.
Information not available
We offer photography, and older grades produce their own podcasts which are broadcasted every month.
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Medium integration
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
Information not available
Information not available
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
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.
The school focuses on teaching dominant movement patterns that students master so they can apply in competitive and recreational athletics.
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.
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.
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.
As a French immersion school, The Giles School introduces French as the core language in preschool (age 2). Children learn French through playful interaction involving stories, games, songs and other stimulating activities. A safe, intimate and nurturing classroom environment encourages children to take risks when speaking French and students’ efforts are consistently motivated by patient, positive reinforcement.
Accelerated
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.
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).
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.
Information not available
Supportive
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”.
A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.
The Giles School is built on a foundation that supports being international, innovative and inclusive. Students and staff come from many different backgrounds and by working in a small classroom setting, they are able to have a supportive learning experience where the teacher is in regular contact with the students and his or her work. We survey our students, staff and parents each year to be sure we are making a difference in their lives. We believe to be "World Ready", we must provide a wealth of experiences that includes a context for planning and implementing service learning projects. In this way we are both rigorous and supportive.
"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
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.
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Not applicable
Not applicable
The Giles School offers a special leadership program that focuses on the multiculturalism, character education and service learning. Given our school aims to support a French and English bilingual culture, it is important to pay attention to cultures internationally. Service learning, therefore, is where character is applied at the school, local and global levels. The Giles Leadership course aims to prepare young people for success in high school, college, work and life. Students work with The Leader in Me text book, resources that will serve them throughout their lives.
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RecreationalRec. |
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
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Badminton |
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Baseball |
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Basketball |
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Canoeing/Kayaking |
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Cricket |
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Cross-country skiing |
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Cycling |
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Downhill skiing |
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Equestrian |
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Fencing |
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Field Hockey |
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Figure Skating |
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Football |
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Golf |
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Gymnastics |
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Ice Hockey |
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Ice Skating |
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Lacrosse |
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Martial Arts |
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Mountain biking |
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Racquet Ball |
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Rowing |
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Rugby |
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Running |
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Sailing |
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Skateboarding |
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Snowboarding |
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Soccer |
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Softball |
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Squash |
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Swimming |
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Tennis |
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Track & Field |
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Volleyball |
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Weightlifting |
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Wrestling |
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Archery |
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Curling |
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Ultimate |
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
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
0%
0%
$0
$0
75%
100%
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades Preschool - 12
Yes: grades 1 - 8
No
No
No
No
Yes: grades 1 - 12
No
No
No
No
No
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.
We offer open admissions because we believe every child can excel in our nurturing educational community.
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:
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.
The Giles School adheres to a first-come, first-served admissions philosophy.
We do not pre-screen children entering our school from the Pre-K level through Grade 1 on the basis of standardized tests or any other form of evaluation. We believe that when children in the early years are placed in a highly stimulating academic environment infused throughout with strong emotional sustenance, they will thrive, regardless of their initial aptitudes. Students who wish to transfer to The Giles School from Grade 2 on, will be assessed on their French proficiency level. One-to-one lessons may be added to support new French learners. Our goal is to ensure that every student who enters The Giles School programme will learn consistently and with confidence, achieving the same level of excellent fluency as his/her peers.
