It’s one of the biggest decisions you’ll make for your child. Let our experts and school insiders guide you through your best options, red flags to watch out for, and tips to a successful application.
Private School Expo - Fall 2023 Yes, I want to attend
"Choose to Succeed, at Banbury Crossroads School. We offer a truly unique learning experience, with self-directed, collaborative, tutorial-style classrooms that average 8:1 students per teacher.
—From the school
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"No other high school in the world has developed more Elite, Junior, Collegiate, USPORT, NCAA, National, Olympic or Pro athletes with over 215 in the NHL alone. ND graduates attend top ranked universities worldwide.
—From the school
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Winnipeg, Manitoba Langside St./Westminster Ave. "Parents trust us to personalize the educational experience of each girl, to care for each girl, to challenge her to grow, to build a supportive community around her, and, most importantly, to prepare her for the future." —From the school
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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." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta "Calgary French & International School's immersive French language learning environment and enriched curriculum for children aged 2 to grade 12 inspires a deep curiosity, respect and exploration of the world around them." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta 17 Avenue SW/69 Street SW "Rundle students enter their post-secondary schools of choice thanks to our enriched academics and character, leadership, and wellness pillars. We proudly live by our values, Together: Be Kind, Be Curious, Be Well." —From the school
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Meet them at the Expo
Regina, Saskatchewan "Luther College prepares students to be compassionate, creative, and critical thinkers who go on to create a more grace-filled, just, and joyful world. Luther College is the only IB World School in southern Saskatchewan." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta Bowness Rd NW/Bow Crescent NW "River Valley is a Pre-K to Gr. 6 school bolsters the natural curiosities and wonder of childhood to ensure that every student will flourish academically and socially." —From the school
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Rosthern, Saskatchewan "RJC is a Grades 10-12 boarding school accredited by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education. RJC is student and community-focused all while offering excellent academics and exceptional athletic and fine arts programs." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta 37 Street NW/Bowness Rd NW "Foothills Academy is an independent school for students with diagnosed Learning Disabilities in grades 3 - 12. Small class sizes allow the experienced staff to create a positive learning environment." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta Crowchild Trail/Flanders Ave. SW "Clear Water Academy is the only private Catholic school in Alberta. We offer a rigorous academic program from Jr. Kindergarten to Grade 12 for students of all faiths. 100% of our students pursue post-secondary education." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta 17th Ave SW/Richmond Road SW "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." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta 16th Ave/Range Rd 33 "-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." —From the school
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Okotoks, Alberta Range Road 12/306 Ave W "Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School is an independent, private coeducational, continuum IB (primary, middle, and diploma programme) day school for Kindergarten - Grade 12, located just outside of Calgary, AB." —From the school
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Red Deer Area, Alberta "Venture Academy is a therapeutic treatment and education program for students who may be struggling with mood disorders & anxiety disorders, behavioural challenges, substance misuses, ADHD, ADD and ODD" —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta Garrison Blvd SW/33 Ave SW "Lycée international de Calgary is the only school in Calgary to teach the French Ministry of Education and Alberta Education curricula. 3-years-old to Grade 12. All linguistic backgrounds are welcome. Small class sizes." —From the school
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Winnipeg, Manitoba South Dr/North Dr "SJR is the world’s leading school in Debating and Public Speaking. It has produced 18 Rhodes scholars and 3 math olympiads. 98% of SJR graduates are accepted to their first choice university program." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta "Calgary Waldorf School’s rich and engaging curriculum carefully balances academic, artistic and practical activities to stimulate intelligence and encourage creativity." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta 162 Ave SW/24 St SW "Glenmore Christian Academy (GCA) is a private school in Calgary with specialist educators in academics, arts, and athletics. Our mission is to Teach Truth, Inspire Excellence, Experience Christ and Serve through Love." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta "Academy is strengths-based and remediation-focused. Collegiate is for those learning at or above grade-level. Blended+ is personalized for Grades 9-12 that empowers them to learn in-person, hybrid, and off-campus." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta Blackfoot Trail S.E/Glenmore Trail "With 100% post-secondary acceptance, WIC empowers students to follow their passions, be creative and embrace challenges. A rigorous curriculum along with hands-on learning ensures a well-rounded experience for students." —From the school
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Gretna, Manitoba "Faith is at the center of all we do at MCI- from the court, to the stage, to the classroom. We work to provide a safe space for students to ask questions, dig deeper, grow into who God is calling them to be." —From the school
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Edmonton, Alberta Groat Road/107 Avenue "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." —From the school
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Private and independent schools vary greatly across the prairies. There is everything from small rural faith-based schools to an academy in the Canadian Rockies geared to elite athletes seeking adventures in snowboarding and backcountry skiing. There are a multitude of choices along the continuum, whether parents are seeking enriched academics, religious instruction or other alternative education programs.
There is also diversity as far as the guidelines and regulations that impact private and independent schools in these provinces.
Private schools in Alberta have been officially recognized since 1946 and have received some form of public funding since 1967. About 25,000 students attend private and independent schools in Alberta or about 4.6 percent of the province's students (according to Measuring Choice and Competition in Canadian Education, a report released by the Fraser Institute in February, 2014). The majority of students enrolled in private and independent schools in Alberta attend a denominational school. Seventy percent go to religious schools, including Hebrew, Mennonite, Muslim, Christian and various other denominations. The other 30 per cent of students in Alberta's private and independent schools are enrolled in programs that focus on enriched academics or alternative programs, including First Nations, Montessori, Waldorf or those catering to students with special needs.
Alberta's Department of Education website states that it "recognizes that parents have a choice as to how and where education is provided to their children". To ensure students have access to a certain level of instruction, private and independent schools receiving provincial grants in Alberta must meet provincial curriculum guidelines and other requirements. Alberta's accredited private and independent schools receive 60 percent of the basic instruction per-pupil grant given to public and separate schools. Extra funding is also available to them for special needs students, materials and transportation costs. The vast majority of private and independents schools operating in Alberta have provincial accreditation.
In Saskatchewan, the provincial government provides partial funding, as of the 2011-12 school year. In order to receive funding, independent schools must meet certain criteria: follow provincial curriculum and policies, employ only certified teachers, and take part in student assessments and inspections (among other conditions). Meeting these criteria entitles schools to receive half of the per-student average provincial funding. Read the announcement as covered on our blog: Saskatchewan announces private school funding.
Both funded and non-funded independent schools operate in Manitoba. According to Measuring Choice and Competition in Canadian Education, published by the Fraser Institute in February, 2014, enrollment in Manitoba private schools is approximately 7.4% of the total student population.
To receive funding, schools must meet the provincial standard curriculum and hire Manitoba certified teachers. Funded independent schools in Manitoba receive 60 percent of the basic public school per-pupil grant. Manitoba private and independent schools classified as non-funded still receive an annual grant of $50 per student annually for textbooks.
How many Prairie private schools are there?
There are 23 Prairie private schools that are Our Kids trusted members.
How much is tuition at Prairie private schools?
Tuition fees for Prairie private schools range from $3,210 to $72,000 per year with an average tuition of $18,522 per year.
What’s the largest school?
Of the Prairie private schools, the largest is Glenmore Christian Academy with 1007 students in Grades JK to 9.
Are Prairie private schools good?
We interviewed both parents and students. You can read reviews about Prairie private schools on this page.
Is there a private school expo where I can meet with Prairie private schools?
Yes. You can meet with private schools and education experts at the Our Kids Private School Expos held every year in September and October. These events are designed for both parents and students. Find event details and ticket info here.
An one-of-a-kind program that promotes science and critical thinking [Read more]
Chase your passion with a one-of-a-kind sports opportunity at Académie Ste-Cécile International School [Read more]
ERA’s environmental and social mandate [Read more]
Well-being and belonging at Trinity College School [Read more]
Trinity College School’s financial assistance program [Read more]
The progressive Kindergarten program at Hudson College [Read more]
Helping kids deal with climate anxiety
An one-of-a-kind program that promotes science and critical thinking (August 17, 2023)
Combining high academics with prep hockey
Chase your passion with a one-of-a-kind sports opportunity at Académie Ste-Cécile International School (July 24, 2023)
British Columbia International Baccalaureate schools
Find IB schools throughout the province of BC (July 7, 2023)
Sustainability, responsibility, and accessibility (in service of student success)
(May 15, 2023)
Vancouver Island private schools
Find the best private and independent schools on Vancouver Island (May 11, 2023)
