Gifted schools in Calgary

Find the top gifted schools and programs in Calgary.


On this page we cover private schools in Calgary, Alberta that offer gifted programs and support. This includes gifted schools and programs in the Downtown West End, Crescent Heights, Mount Royal, Bridgeland, Riverside, Renfrew, Beltline, Eau Claire, and Mayland. We also touch on public schools for gifted children.

For a more complete guide to gifted education, including a discussion of private vs. public options, start with our introductory guide.


Table of Contents


  1. List of gifted schools in Calgary

  2. Choosing a school

  3. Tuition at gifted schools in Calgary

  4. Compare gifted schools

  5. A primer on gifted education
  6. Further resources


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Listen to the Our Kids gifted programs podcast

38:22

Private schools are not obligated to support gifted learners with special programs. Many private schools don't—even ones with strong academic reputations. The schools listed on this page, however, do. We organize the schools into groups: dedicated gifted schools, schools with dedicated gifted classes, and schools offering in-class gifted support. Then, in the fourth group, we identify schools that don't offer formal gifted support but have accelerated curricula for all their students.


These are self-contained gifted schools, where 100% of the students are gifted. Teachers and staff can focus on tailoring the environment to gifted students, without compromise.



  School NamePaceCost

Rundle Academy & Rundle Studio   (est. 1985)  

  • 4 to 12 (Coed)
  • eSchool school (25 students)
  • Day school (261 students)
  • Traditional
Calgary, Alberta

Our Academy (in-person) and Studio (online) personalized programs are designed for students with a diagnosed learning disability to achieve their potential through outstanding support within and outside the classroom.  View profile


$10,350 to $19,675
View profile
  • Standard-enriched
$10,350 to $19,675
View profile

Progressive Academy   (est. 1983)  

  • Preschool to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (340 students)
  • Progressive
Edmonton, Alberta

Progressive Academy's programs inspire students from preschool to grade 12 in Edmonton, Alberta. Wonderful faculty, wide range of experiential opportunities and high expectations ignite a desire to learn.  View profile


$8,700 to $19,500
View profile
  • Student-paced
$8,700 to $19,500
View profile

These schools have a separate, dedicated class (or classes) where 100% of the students are gifted. These gifted classes can be either full-time or part-time, and exist in parallel to regular, non-gifted classes.



  School NamePaceCost

Calgary French & International School   (est. 1969)  

  • Preschool to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (780 students)
  • Progressive, International Baccalaureate

Calgary, Alberta

As western Canada's leader in French immersion education, Calgary French & International School students are active leaders and global citizens, graduating with a foundation for life long success.  View profile


$7,490 to $14,310
User reviews (1)

View profile
  • Standard-enriched
$7,490 to $14,310
User reviews (1)

View profile

River Valley School   (est. 2003)  

  • Preschool to 6 (Coed)
  • Day school (260 students)
  • Progressive
Calgary, Alberta

River Valley is a Pre-K to Gr. 6 school that harnesses the innate curiosity in children to ensure that every student will flourish academically and socially.  View profile


$9,013 to $16,750
View profile
  • Standard-enriched
$9,013 to $16,750
View profile

These schools offer support for gifted students within the regular classroom. Gifted students stay with regular learners, while receiving special, individualized programming.



  School NamePaceCost

North Point School   (est. 2014)  

  • K to 12 (Girls/Boys/Coed)
  • Day school (10 students)
  • Day school (125 students)
  • Day school (30 students)
  • Progressive
Calgary, Alberta

In addition to academics, our focus on mentorship, hands-on learning in and outside the classroom, and character development, will allow our students to thrive academically and personally as they discover who they are.  View profile


$8,000 to $15,500
User reviews (1)

View profile
  • Student-paced
$8,000 to $15,500
User reviews (1)

View profile

West Island College (Calgary)   (est. 1982)  

  • 7 to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (630 students)
  • Traditional
Calgary, Alberta

West Island College offers English and French Immersion with a focus on academics, leadership, athletics an global awareness. Students are encouraged to be curious, creative and innovative, so they can impact the world.  View profile


$20,568 to $26,843
User reviews (2)

View profile
  • Standard-enriched
$20,568 to $26,843
User reviews (2)

View profile

Calgary Changemaker School   (est. 2019)  

  • K to 7 (Coed)
  • Day school (70 students)
  • Progressive, Reggio Emilia

Calgary, Alberta

-Passionate Learning: learning should be joyful and for life, not just for tests. -Skills for a Modern World: building the confidence to be leaders and Changemakers. -Holistic Wellbeing: creating conditions to thrive.  View profile


$12,950 to $15,950
View profile
  • Student-paced
$12,950 to $15,950
View profile



Our gifted education guide has advice specific to finding gifted programming. For insights that are more general (on how to evaluate school options), we recommend you review our hub on choosing a school, as well as advice from top education experts. You can also read our guides to questions to ask private schools and questions students get asked at school interviews.

Private school expos

Private school expos are ideal launching pads for your school-finding journey. The Calgary private school expo allows you to speak with 10+ of the leading Calgary private schools — all in one place. Find a gifted school near you.

Parent discussion forum

Word-of-mouth is another powerful tool in your school-finding arsenal. The Our Kids parent discussion forum allows you to discuss your options and debate topics about gifted education. You can use our community of parents, educational experts, alumni, and school officials to help answer your questions and stimulate your thinking.

Upcoming open house events

Attending open houses is a great way to learn more about a school and get a feel for the environment. For some general advice on open house visits, go here. For questions to ask that are specific to gifted programs, check out our main gifted education guide.





Broadly speaking, the cost of gifted schools in Calgary reflects private school tuition in general. Private schools can range from $5,000 to over $30,000 per year for day students.

There are quite a few affordable private schools for gifted kids. Inexpensive schools can often provide an excellent education by focusing on the classroom basics. You don't need to spend a fortune on bells and whistles: the key is getting your child individualized support. Having said that, the pricier schools will tend to provide a wider breadth of in-class and extracurricular opportunities. They will also tend to be larger and more established. Nonetheless, for most schools, the largest operating expense is usually teacher salaries.

Many schools offer financial aid (also known as "bursaries", "tuition relief", or "tuition assistance") and scholarships. Financial aid is needs-based, while scholarships are given for some measure of merit (whether it be academic, athletic, or something else). You can read more about financial aid and scholarships in our dedicated guide. Generally speaking, the larger and more expensive private schools provide the most aid. Even comfortable middle-class families can be eligible to receive aid, so don't be afraid to ask a school about it—whatever your financial situation.

Below you'll find the range of costs at Calgary private schools with gifted programs:


 
Tuition (day school)Students receiving financial aidGrade eligibility for financial aidAvg. aid package size (annual)
North Point School
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • K to 12 (Girls/Boys/Coed)
  • Day school (10 students)
  • Day school (125 students)
  • Day school (30 students)
  • $8,000 to $15,500
  • $13,500 to $15,50020%K - 12$6,000
    Rundle Academy & Rundle Studio
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • 4 to 12 (Coed)
  • eSchool school (25 students)
  • Day school (261 students)
  • $9,850 to $18,450
  • $15,990 to $18,450




     Legend:

    DS: Dedicated gifted schools
    DC: Dedicated gifted classes
    SE: Subject-enrichment
    CC: Curriculum compacting
    IS: Guided independent study
    CL: Cyber-learning
    AC: Accelerated pace
    LI: Language immersion
    AP: Advanced Placement
    IB: International Baccalaureate
    SN: Special needs and LD support
     
     DSDCSECCISCLACLIAPIBSN
    Calgary French & International School
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • Preschool to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (780 students)
  • $7,900 to $15,100
  • North Point School
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • K to 12 (Girls/Boys/Coed)
  • Day school (10 students)
  • Day school (125 students)
  • Day school (30 students)
  • $8,000 to $15,500
  • West Island College (Calgary)
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • 7 to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (630 students)
  • $20,568 to $26,843
  • Calgary Changemaker School
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • K to 7 (Coed)
  • Day school (70 students)
  • $12,950 to $15,950
  • River Valley School
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • Preschool to 6 (Coed)
  • Day school (260 students)
  • $8,470 to $15,040
  • Rundle Academy & Rundle Studio
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • 4 to 12 (Coed)
  • eSchool school (25 students)
  • Day school (261 students)
  • $9,850 to $18,450
  • Progressive Academy
  • Edmonton, Alberta
  • Preschool to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (340 students)
  • $8,700 to $19,500




  •  
     Founding dateEndowmentAdmissions rateEnrollmentEnrollment
    per grade
    Calgary French & International School
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • Preschool to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (780 students)
  • $7,900 to $15,100
  • 196975%78052
    North Point School
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • K to 12 (Girls/Boys/Coed)
  • Day school (10 students)
  • Day school (125 students)
  • Day school (30 students)
  • $8,000 to $15,500
  • 201475%16513
    West Island College (Calgary)
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • 7 to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (630 students)
  • $20,568 to $26,843
  • 198290%630105
    Calgary Changemaker School
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • K to 7 (Coed)
  • Day school (70 students)
  • $12,950 to $15,950
  • 201950%706
    River Valley School
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • Preschool to 6 (Coed)
  • Day school (260 students)
  • $8,470 to $15,040
  • 200390%26029
    Rundle Academy & Rundle Studio
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • 4 to 12 (Coed)
  • eSchool school (25 students)
  • Day school (261 students)
  • $9,850 to $18,450
  • 198528632
    Progressive Academy
  • Edmonton, Alberta
  • Preschool to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (340 students)
  • $8,700 to $19,500
  • 1983100%340




     
     
    Primary curriculum
    Secondary curriculum
    Curriculum pace
    Academic culture
    Average class size
    Language immersion
    Special needs support
    Tech integration
    Calgary French & International School
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • Preschool to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (780 students)
  • $7,900 to $15,100
  • ProgressiveInternational BaccalaureateStandard-enrichedRigorous16 to 20Indirect SupportMedium integration
    North Point School
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • K to 12 (Girls/Boys/Coed)
  • Day school (10 students)
  • Day school (125 students)
  • Day school (30 students)
  • $8,000 to $15,500
  • ProgressiveStudent-pacedSupportive8 to 15Resource AssistanceHeavy integration
    West Island College (Calgary)
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • 7 to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (630 students)
  • $20,568 to $26,843
  • TraditionalStandard-enrichedRigorous20 to 22No supportMedium integration
    Calgary Changemaker School
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • K to 7 (Coed)
  • Day school (70 students)
  • $12,950 to $15,950
  • ProgressiveReggio EmiliaStudent-pacedSupportive10 to 14Indirect SupportLight integration
    River Valley School
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • Preschool to 6 (Coed)
  • Day school (260 students)
  • $8,470 to $15,040
  • ProgressiveStandard-enrichedSupportive14 to 18Resource AssistanceMedium integration
    Rundle Academy & Rundle Studio
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • 4 to 12 (Coed)
  • eSchool school (25 students)
  • Day school (261 students)
  • $9,850 to $18,450
  • TraditionalStandard-enrichedSupportive6 to 12Special needs schoolHeavy integration
    Progressive Academy
  • Edmonton, Alberta
  • Preschool to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (340 students)
  • $8,700 to $19,500
  • ProgressiveStudent-pacedRigorous17 to 22Resource AssistanceHeavy integration





     Legend:

     ADHD

    Learning disorders:
     Dyslexia
     Auditory processing disorder
     Dyscalculia
     Dysgraphia
     Language processing disorder
     Non-verbal learning disorders
     Visual motor deficit
    Development disorders:
     Autism
     Asperger's

    Behavioural and emotional:
     Troubled teens
     Depression
     Suicidal
     Substance abuse
     Oppositional defiant disorder
    Physical:
     Dyspraxia
     Blindness
     Deafness
     Cystic fibrosis
     Multiple physical
     
     
    Calgary French & International School
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • Preschool to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (780 students)
  • $7,900 to $15,100
  • North Point School
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • K to 12 (Girls/Boys/Coed)
  • Day school (10 students)
  • Day school (125 students)
  • Day school (30 students)
  • $8,000 to $15,500
  • West Island College (Calgary)
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • 7 to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (630 students)
  • $20,568 to $26,843
  • Calgary Changemaker School
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • K to 7 (Coed)
  • Day school (70 students)
  • $12,950 to $15,950
  • River Valley School
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • Preschool to 6 (Coed)
  • Day school (260 students)
  • $8,470 to $15,040
  • Rundle Academy & Rundle Studio
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • 4 to 12 (Coed)
  • eSchool school (25 students)
  • Day school (261 students)
  • $9,850 to $18,450
  • Progressive Academy
  • Edmonton, Alberta
  • Preschool to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (340 students)
  • $8,700 to $19,500




  •  
     Admission deadlineSSAT requiredInterview requiredAcceptance rateNext open house
    Calgary French & International School
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • Preschool to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (780 students)
  • $7,900 to $15,100
  • Day: rollingPreschool - 1275%
    North Point School
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • K to 12 (Girls/Boys/Coed)
  • Day school (10 students)
  • Day school (125 students)
  • Day school (30 students)
  • $8,000 to $15,500
  • Day: rolling1 - 1275%
    West Island College (Calgary)
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • 7 to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (630 students)
  • $20,568 to $26,843
  • Day: rolling8 - 117 - 1190%
    Calgary Changemaker School
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • K to 7 (Coed)
  • Day school (70 students)
  • $12,950 to $15,950
  • Day: rollingJK - 850%
    River Valley School
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • Preschool to 6 (Coed)
  • Day school (260 students)
  • $8,470 to $15,040
  • Day: rollingPreschool - 690%
    Rundle Academy & Rundle Studio
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • 4 to 12 (Coed)
  • eSchool school (25 students)
  • Day school (261 students)
  • $9,850 to $18,450
  • Day: Nov 1, 20214 - 12
    Progressive Academy
  • Edmonton, Alberta
  • Preschool to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (340 students)
  • $8,700 to $19,500
  • Day: rollingPreschool - 12100%




     
     
    Nursery/Toddler
    Preschool
    JKSKK123456789101112
    Calgary French & International School
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • Preschool to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (780 students)
  • $7,900 to $15,100
  • 70%85%80%20%50%80%80%80%80%80%80%80%80%80%80%80%
    North Point School
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • K to 12 (Girls/Boys/Coed)
  • Day school (10 students)
  • Day school (125 students)
  • Day school (30 students)
  • $8,000 to $15,500
  • 75%75%75%75%75%75%75%75%75%75%75%75%75%
    West Island College (Calgary)
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • 7 to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (630 students)
  • $20,568 to $26,843
  • 90%90%90%90%90%
    Calgary Changemaker School
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • K to 7 (Coed)
  • Day school (70 students)
  • $12,950 to $15,950
  • 50%50%50%50%50%50%50%25%
    River Valley School
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • Preschool to 6 (Coed)
  • Day school (260 students)
  • $8,470 to $15,040
  • 90%90%90%90%90%90%90%90%90%
    Rundle Academy & Rundle Studio
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • 4 to 12 (Coed)
  • eSchool school (25 students)
  • Day school (261 students)
  • $9,850 to $18,450
  • 60%60%60%60%50%50%50%50%50%
    Progressive Academy
  • Edmonton, Alberta
  • Preschool to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (340 students)
  • $8,700 to $19,500




  •  
     
    Nursery/Toddler
    Preschool
    JKSKK123456789101112




     
     MathScienceLiteratureHumanities Social SciencesForeign LanguagesFine Arts
    Calgary French & International School
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • Preschool to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (780 students)
  • $7,900 to $15,100
  • Equal BalanceEqual BalanceEqual BalanceEqual BalanceCommunicativeEqual Balance
    North Point School
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • K to 12 (Girls/Boys/Coed)
  • Day school (10 students)
  • Day school (125 students)
  • Day school (30 students)
  • $8,000 to $15,500
  • Equal BalanceInquiryTraditionalEqual BalanceAudio-LingualCreative
    West Island College (Calgary)
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • 7 to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (630 students)
  • $20,568 to $26,843
  • Traditional MathEqual BalanceEqual BalanceEqual BalanceCommunicativeCreative
    Calgary Changemaker School
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • K to 7 (Coed)
  • Day school (70 students)
  • $12,950 to $15,950
  • Traditional MathInquiryEqual BalancePragmatismEqual BalanceCreative
    River Valley School
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • Preschool to 6 (Coed)
  • Day school (260 students)
  • $8,470 to $15,040
  • Discovery MathInquiryEqual BalanceEqual BalanceEqual Balance
    Rundle Academy & Rundle Studio
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • 4 to 12 (Coed)
  • eSchool school (25 students)
  • Day school (261 students)
  • $9,850 to $18,450
  • Progressive Academy
  • Edmonton, Alberta
  • Preschool to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (340 students)
  • $8,700 to $19,500
  • Equal BalanceEqual BalanceEqual Balance




     
     
    Student council
    School newspaper
    Yearbook
    Radio club
    Photograph club
    Art club
    Choir
    Band
    Dance club
    Yoga club
    Drama club
    Debate club
    Chess club
    Math club
    Science club
    Robotics club
    Computer club
    Environmental club
    Outdoor club
    Community service
    Calgary French & International School
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • Preschool to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (780 students)
  • $7,900 to $15,100
  • North Point School
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • K to 12 (Girls/Boys/Coed)
  • Day school (10 students)
  • Day school (125 students)
  • Day school (30 students)
  • $8,000 to $15,500
  • West Island College (Calgary)
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • 7 to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (630 students)
  • $20,568 to $26,843
  • Calgary Changemaker School
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • K to 7 (Coed)
  • Day school (70 students)
  • $12,950 to $15,950
  • River Valley School
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • Preschool to 6 (Coed)
  • Day school (260 students)
  • $8,470 to $15,040
  • Rundle Academy & Rundle Studio
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • 4 to 12 (Coed)
  • eSchool school (25 students)
  • Day school (261 students)
  • $9,850 to $18,450
  • Progressive Academy
  • Edmonton, Alberta
  • Preschool to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (340 students)
  • $8,700 to $19,500




  •  
     
    Badminton
    Baseball
    Basketball
    Cricket
    Equestrian
    Football
    Golf
    Gymnastics
    Ice Hockey
    Lacrosse
    Rowing
    Rugby
    Soccer
    Softball
    Squash
    Swimming
    Tennis
    Track and Field
    Volleyball
    Wrestling
    Calgary French & International School
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • Preschool to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (780 students)
  • $7,900 to $15,100
  • North Point School
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • K to 12 (Girls/Boys/Coed)
  • Day school (10 students)
  • Day school (125 students)
  • Day school (30 students)
  • $8,000 to $15,500
  • West Island College (Calgary)
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • 7 to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (630 students)
  • $20,568 to $26,843
  • Calgary Changemaker School
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • K to 7 (Coed)
  • Day school (70 students)
  • $12,950 to $15,950
  • River Valley School
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • Preschool to 6 (Coed)
  • Day school (260 students)
  • $8,470 to $15,040
  • Rundle Academy & Rundle Studio
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • 4 to 12 (Coed)
  • eSchool school (25 students)
  • Day school (261 students)
  • $9,850 to $18,450
  • Progressive Academy
  • Edmonton, Alberta
  • Preschool to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (340 students)
  • $8,700 to $19,500




  • Make no mistake: gifted kids have different needs than typical students. These learners are often so advanced in their intellectual abilities that they are outliers in the classroom: a normal curriculum and approach won't be enough. When these students don't receive the custom support they need, they can disengage from school -- and even become depressed.

    If you know or suspect your child is gifted, you're faced with the following questions:

    You can also consider unique options like language immersion programs, the International Baccalaureate, special needs schools, Advanced Placement courses (for older students), and Montessori schools.

    If you're still grappling with these questions, start with our introductory guide to gifted education. Once you're versed in the fundamentals, revisit this page to explore your specific school options in Calgary area.

    Private school policies

    Private schools are not required by law to provide support for gifted children—and many don't. On the other hand, some private schools are able to offer highly individualized programs for gifted learners. The term "buyer beware" definitely applies here: it's up to you to make sure schools are properly set up for gifted learners. The list of private schools on this page (above) is a good place to start your search.












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