3910 Quesnay Wood Drive SW, Calgary, Alberta, T3E 7M3, Canada
2330 Cypress Bowl Lane, West Vancouver, British Columbia, V7S 3H9, Canada
1995
1993
468
1030
JK to 12
Preschool to 12
Coed, Boys, Girls
Coed
Day
Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Liberal Arts
Progressive, International Baccalaureate
15 to 20
14 to 22
In-class adaptations
$6,300 to $17,400
$26,850 to $30,290
Yes
Yes
20%
5%
1 to 12
7 to 12
$5,000
$15,000
31
64
0%
0%
75%
18%
JK, SK, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Preschool, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Dec 01, 2023
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 12
Yes: grades Preschool - 11
No
No
information not available
information not available
Clear Water Academy consistently ranks very highly nationally, distinguished particularly by the strength and quality of the academic program. The approach is also a distinguishing factor, and it’s the only school in Canada to base the curriculum in integral theory, one that relies on the full spectrum of knowledge formation, from empirical inquiry to personal and spiritual engagement. As a Catholic institution, the relationship that students grow with God and their understanding of themselves as spiritual beings is yet another significant draw, and rightly so. Class sizes are small, and the feel of the school is very much of a community, one that includes the parent population. That’s a reflection of how the school was formed; in 1995 a few families got together in order to create a better education for their children. They did, and indeed very many families have been the beneficiaries of their vision ever since. Clear Water Academy presents a robust academic environment, with programs delivered through an authentic Catholic lens.
View full reportMulgrave was founded in 1993 on the grounds of the West Vancouver Montessori School, and has grown exponentially since then due to the strength of the program and the school’s earned reputation. Today Mulgrave is home to just over 900 students from pre-school through grade 12, housed within a 150,000 sq. ft. building that includes substantial upgrades completed with the senior school expansion in 2015. The school operates a centre for educational innovation, a clear expression of the administration’s desire to be a model to others, and to continue to evaluate and grow the programs the school offers. So, there's a lot going on, largely driven, as it was at the start, by the members of the community the school serves. The school rightly prides itself on maintaining a close, community feel throughout, while offering a strong academic foundation through the International Baccalaureate and an overall dedication to delivering the curriculum through a global lens. The ideal student is one who will thrive in a vibrant, challenging yet supportive academic environment.
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"Clear Water Academy stands as the only private Catholic school in Alberta. We offer a rigorous program from Jr. K to Grade 12. Our dedicated faculty educate the whole child in their intellectual, spiritual, human, and apostolic formation. We provide small class sizes, single-gender classrooms from Grades 4 to 9, and a top-ranked university-prep program, which includes Advanced Placement courses. 100% of our students pursue post-secondary education. While we are a Catholic school, we welcome students of all faiths."
"Mulgrave is a gender-inclusive, non-secular Pre-K to Grade 12 IB World School nestled in the forested slopes of West Vancouver. We inspire students to be self-motivated critical thinkers, young leaders, and active, responsible citizens in a global community. Mulgrave offers a wide range of enrichment activities in athletics, outdoor education, service and leadership, and the arts. Our students, diverse yet united in their values, support and care for one another as they strive to achieve their personal best."
"We consistently rank among the top schools in Alberta and proudly stand as the sole institution in Canada offering the innovative educational framework of Integral Formation. This unique approach centres on nurturing four fundamental dimensions of development: intellectual, human, spiritual, and apostolic, ensuring the education of the whole person."
"Why Mulgrave? can be answered in so many ways - each as unique as our students themselves. A few of the most cited reasons include: outstanding individual care and attention and focus on wellbeing; development of an individual’s character, personal skills, and qualities, and values; balanced programme of the arts, athletics, outdoor education, and service learning alongside academics; world-renowned IB programmes; highly skilled teaching faculty; and our diverse and engaged community."
"Clear Water Academy offers families a compelling proposition: a commitment to the highest quality education delivered through the Integral Formation® model. Aligned with the Regnum Christi Education Network, we dedicate ourselves to nurturing the complete development of each child, fostering their intellectual, spiritual, human, and apostolic capacities. Within our nurturing environment, students thrive, benefiting from personalized attention tailored to unlock their full potential, enabling them to emerge as confident Christian leaders ready to embrace and utilize their unique gifts. Our motto, Semper Altius, meaning "Always Higher," encapsulates our ethos, inspiring students, parents, and faculty alike to continually pursue excellence and personal growth through a dynamic journey of formation and advancement."
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"Our school, Clear Water Academy, is deeply rooted in the rich traditions and practices of the Roman Catholic Church. It's essential for families considering enrollment to prioritize the Catholic faith and embrace its beliefs to fully benefit from our educational model of Integral Formation. Our rigorous academic program, aligned with Alberta certification standards, emphasizes excellence in literature and mathematics, encouraging students to strive for their highest academic achievements.
At Clear Water Academy, our dedication to academic excellence goes hand in hand with our commitment to nurturing ethical and compassionate individuals grounded in their faith, preparing them to excel not only academically but also as Christian leaders in their communities."
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"Families choose Clear Water Academy for its commitment to academic excellence in a safe, caring, and fun environment, emphasizing character and moral growth. The prestigious University Preparatory program secures children's university placements. The separated classrooms for girls and boys in Grades 4-9, tailoring teaching to unique interests, are cherished. They value the high-quality Catholic education and small class sizes that foster strong connections and community."
"Families come to visit our campus and describe the feeling as 'Mulgrave magic'. Our campus is beautiful and our location is spectacular, but it is our warm and inviting community of learners, teachers, and families that contribute to something truly special. Mulgrave students are encouraged to be their personal best, to be allies and advocates, and to follow their passions. While the IB programme offers academic rigour, we hold student wellbeing at the heart of our purpose."
"Clear Water Academy offers a faith-filled environment with small classes and a dedicated faculty, enhancing the education experience and cultivating future leaders prepared for post-secondary education. Our commitment to forming Christian leaders is evident in our approach, of engaging students not only with high academic standards but also with strong character formation. We empower students to be well-prepared and confident as they embark on their future journeys and choices, ready to make a positive impact on the world."
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"Families new to Mulgrave come to quickly appreciate the openness and community at Mulgrave. It may be cliche to say we're family, but it's true! We delight in having parents, grandparents, and loved ones volunteer at our school. Teachers and leaders are approachable and happy to engage with families in partnership in their child's education. Parents and caregivers chat in parking lots and enjoy a cup of coffee together at drop-off. Students connect across grade levels in support of one another."
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Dear Parents of Prospective Students,
Thank you for your interest in Clear Water Academy, A Catholic School - Forming Christian Leaders. Our school is centrally located in Calgary, Alberta and offers programs from Jr. Kindergarten to Grade 12. We are proud that our school is consistently ranked a top school in Alberta by the Fraser Institute.
Clear Water Academy is a school where students receive a balanced spiritual and educational foundation. We ensure that every child receives a personalized education aimed at forming their character, intellect, faith, and desire to serve others. Today, Clear Water Academy is home to nearly 450 students in Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12, and over 75 staff members (role models). Clear Water Academy teaches, educates, and forms students so that they will become the leaders necessary to change society.
Semper Altius - Always Higher is Clear Water Academy's motto. Whether it is helping a classmate with difficult math homework, taking on a leadership role in a school club, or participating in the dozens of athletic teams or service projects that take us into local neighborhoods and around the world, Semper Altius is a way of life.
I invite you to learn more about our very special school. Please contact our Admissions Director, Val Blahut, to book your personal tour. We'd love to meet your family and introduce to Clear Water Academy!
God Bless,
Darren Forrester
Principal
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Progressive
International Baccalaureate
Liberal Arts curricula share with traditional programs their emphasis on core knowledge-acquisition, but tend to borrow more best practices from the progressive approach. A Liberal Arts program might still feature group work and projects, for example, contrary to the more singular emphasis on tests and essays at a Traditional program.
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.
Our goal is to provide the highest quality education with an emphasis on developing authentic Christian leaders. Our university preparatory curriculum sets high, yet attainable, academic expectations. Solid intellectual formation provides students with the ability to think, speak and write clearly, coherently, and persuasively. Our students develop habits essential for ongoing academic success including study skills, critical thinking, perseverance, and a desire to produce high quality work. Our approach provides an excellent education amongst like-minded peers, with a wide range of enrichment activities in a challenging, positive, faith-filled environment. Our dedicated team of educators gives our students the personal attention they need to develop their unique potential and God-given talents. Through leadership and personal development opportunities, we focus on character and spiritual formation, instilling confidence, poise, and maturity. Our graduates are young men and women of integrity and character who have attained a solid foundation in their faith, the humanities and the sciences.
At Mulgrave, our vision for learning is informed by our school's aims and values and is encapsulated within our learning model. We truly want students’ learning at Mulgrave to be personalised and very special. We want our students... to enjoy and be passionate about learning throughout their school career and beyond. to understand themselves and how they learn and be genuinely active and reflective in the learning process. to be increasingly independent in their learning whilst being able to collaborate and be genuine co-constructors of knowledge and understanding. to be confident, connected and informed digital citizens and self-directed, enquirers, and risk takers. to be creative and innovative in the way they work and think. to be supported, challenged and cared for by their teachers and each other.
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.
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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.
Home reading program commence in Junior Kindergarten.
Information not available
DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
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.
Information not available
Not applicable
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.
Not applicable
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
Not applicable
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.
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
Usually focused on teaching history and geography at an early age, the core knowledge approach uses story, drama, reading, and discussion to teach about significant people, places, and events. Breadth of content and knowledge is emphasized. The curriculum is often organized according to the underlying logic of the content: history might be taught sequentially, for example (as students move through the grades).
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.
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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
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Communicative
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
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.
Spanish taught from JK to Grade 3. French taught Grade 4 to Grade 9. High school students encouraged to take either French or Spanish. Spanish and French clubs are offered.
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
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Equal Balance
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
The fine arts are an integral part of our program from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12. In addition to classroom time, our students can participate in our musical theatre productions at both the elementary and secondary levels.
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Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Heavy integration
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
A major effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy throughout the curriculum and in everything students do. Digital literacy is understood to be a fundamental skill in the 21st century: it therefore follows, the idea goes, that teachers should find ways to connect every lesson back to technology. Effort is made to ensure the use of technology is meaningful and advances students’ skills beyond what they would otherwise be from using computers outside the classroom.
Computers and technology are used in our classrooms to enhance the learning environment and allow our students to become competent in the use of technology. We have some options courses that are primarily focused on technology.
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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Physical education is an integral part of our program. We provide our students with exposure to many sports and outdoor education opportunities. Our goal is to foster healthy attitudes and provide our students with life skills. Athletics and outdoor education provide character formation opportunities. Our youngest students focus on developing gross and fine motor skills with the help of a certified PE instructor. In addition to regular PE classes, our elementary students receive skating and swimming lessons and have a chance to join the Jr. Crusaders. In junior high and high school we have field competitive teams in basketball, volleyball, track and field, badminton, and soccer. Our teams regularly qualify for provincial competitions. Our outdoor education program in junior high allows students to experience many activities from skiing, to cycling, to hiking and camping.
Physical education is combined with health education to provide students with a wealth of opportunities to establish good habits.
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.
We have taken what we believe to be "best practices" from the Montessori and Reggio Emilia philosophies, embedded within those are traditional academic practices coupled with authentic Catholic values. We also offer specialized Spanish, Music, and Phys. Ed programs. Numeracy and literacy skills are introduced and reinforced through play. Our Jr. Kindergarten students are well prepared for entry into Kindergarten and the academic expectations of our Elementary program.
Our approach to preschool and Kindergarten is in alignment with our approach to learning at all grade levels. Our IB curriculum extends into our PK3 and PK4 programmes and provides students with a strong inquiry-based foundation that sparks their curiosity and kicks off their journeys as life-long learners. While we generally classify our preschool as 'play-based' and Kindergarten as 'academic', in reality, we provide a balance of both, believing in each child's capacity to explore their potential in literacy and numeracy, as well as the importance of learning from the daily interactions they have with their natural and social surroundings.
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).
We offer standard- and higher-level IB diploma courses, Mandarin language streams for native and non-native speakers, and online courses. As well, we have well-staffed learning support centres that serve as resources for our teachers as they work to provide differentiated and personalised instruction for all our students.
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”.
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”.
We set high standards for academic performance and personal character development in a caring and supportive learning environment that focuses on the whole child. We recognize that strength lies in virtue as well as in academic performance. Loving, talented teachers give each student the tools needed to learn to the best of their ability. Our program provides structure, academic foundation, study of the Catholic faith, and leadership opportunities. Students are naturally led to intellectual curiosity, the love of learning, and positive character formation. Our students grow in self-control, generosity and respect of others.
We want our students' learning to be experiential, relevant and authentic. All this so that they can achieve their personal best and, more importantly, take with them skills and qualities to live better lives as lifelong learners and stewards of our world. We want our students to have high expectations for themselves, and we provide the support they need to achieve their dreams.
"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.
Spiritual
The goal is to cultivate "individuals with inner resourcefulness, strong faith and respect for God or a higher power."
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Our mission is to provide the highest quality education and foster integrally formed Christian leaders. We focus on four dimensions: intellectual, human, spiritual, and apostolic. We strive to: teach the mind, in an environment of academic excellence; educate the heart, helping each student to love authentic values and to develop a sense of what is good, right, noble, beautiful; form the character, which serves as the foundation of all virtue and integrity. Our graduates become strong Christian leaders, convinced of the truth, prepared and committed to establish and foster a society where Christian values are put into practice.
We recognise that learning happens through the holistic educational experience of our students through the IB academic programmes of the formal curriculum, through the enormous range of curriculum enrichment that happens through co-curricular and other programmes and through what our students experience at home and outside school. We regard a Mulgrave education as an important part of their total education.
CompetitiveComp. |
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
1 - 12
7 - 12
20%
5%
$5,000
$15,000
75%
18%
JK, SK, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Preschool, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Dec 01, 2023
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 12
Yes: grades Preschool - 11
No
No
No
No
Yes: grades K - 12
Yes: grades 1 - 11
Yes: grades 2 - 12
Yes: grades 7 - 11
No
No
We are looking for families that will partner with us in the education of their children and that are open to having their children educated within the Catholic faith. Our students are well-rounded with many interests and are open to discovering who God created them to be. Our students are willing to face challenges and stretch themselves to become the best they can be.
Mulgrave looks for students who will profit from its enriched programme and who will be able to contribute their own special talents, abilities, imagination, and curiosity to the school community.
All Applicants:
Canadian Citizens:
Non-Canadian Citizens:
To learn more about our application process (which varies by grade), please visit our website here.