Calgary French & International School

Deep-dive and commentary on programming

• Academics

  Academics Summary: [Hide summary]

  • Curriculum: Progressive, International Baccalaureate
    • Mathematics: Equal Balance
    • Early Reading: Balanced Literacy
    • Writing: Equal balance
    • Science: Equal Balance
    • Literature: Equal Balance
    • Social Studies : Expanding Communities
    • Humanities and Social Sciences : Equal Balance
    • Foreign Languages: Communicative
    • Fine Arts: Equal Balance
    • Computers and Technology: Medium integration
    • Physical Education:
    • IB Diploma courses: 10 courses
    • Advanced Placement courses:
    • Sex and health education: Alberta curriculum
  • Preschool/K Curriculum: Play-based
  • Curriculum Pace: Standard-enriched
  • Academic Culture: Rigorous
  • Developmental priorities: Intellectual
  • Special needs support: Indirect Support
  • Gifted learner support: Dedicated class; in-class adaptations
  • Language: trilingual
  • Homework Policy:
  • Report Card Policy:

  
  

  • Curriculum Progressive, International Baccalaureate
    [Show definition of Curriculum]

    Central to your child's school experience is the underlying curriculum taught in the classroom. "Curriculum" refers to both what is taught and how it's taught. When considering the different curricula outlined in the next few pages, keep in mind that few schools fall neatly into one category or another. Most schools' curricula comprise a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum types. Having said that, most schools do have a general overall curriculum type. These are identified for each school on OurKids.net.

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    Curriculum approach at CFIS: Progressive, International Baccalaureate

    CFIS has a Progressive, International Baccalaureate approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).

    [Show: About Progressive, International Baccalaureate?]

    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.

    Curriculum at schools on OurKids.net

      Progressive - 17%
      Traditional - 15%
      Liberal arts - 17%
      Montessori - 17%
      Reggio Emilia - 17%
      Waldorf - 17%
    

    CFIS has a International Baccalaureate approach to secondary curriculum.

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

    What CFIS says: The Calgary French & International School blends a progressive and traditional approach to learning. Project-based and student-led inquiry abound, supported by teacher-led instruction and skill development. CFIS Student Services provides learning support for enrichment and challenges. Offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program, 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.

    International Baccalaureate offered:

    Program	offered
    Primary Years
    Middle Years
    Diploma program
    Career-related program

    Approach:

    Focus
    Academic

    Pedagogies and subject courses:

    • Mathematics Equal Balance
      Mathematics approach at CFIS: Equal Balance

      CFIS has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math , Discovery Math approach).

      [Show: About Equal Balance?]

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

      Mathematics at schools on OurKids.net

        Equal balance - 65%
        Traditional math - 30%
        Discovery math - 5%
      

      What CFIS says: This information is not currently available.

      Textbooks and supplementary materials: This information is not currently available.

      Calculator policy: This information is not currently available.

    • Early Reading Balanced Literacy
      Early Reading approach at CFIS: Balanced Literacy

      CFIS has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive , Whole Language approach).

      [Show: About 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.

      Early Reading at schools on OurKids.net

        Balanced literacy - 55%
        Phonics-intensive - 43%
        Whole language - 2%
      

      What CFIS says: This information is not currently available.

      DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.

      What CFIS says: This information is not currently available.

    • Writing Equal balance
      Writing approach at CFIS: Equal balance

      CFIS has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach , Process approach approach).

      [Show: About 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.

      Writing at schools on OurKids.net

        Equal balance - 80%
        Systematic approach - 10%
        Process approach - 10%
      

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

    • Science Equal Balance
      Science approach at CFIS: Equal Balance

      CFIS has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository , Inquiry approach).

      [Show: About 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 at schools on OurKids.net

        Equal balance - 71%
        Expository - 6%
        Inquiry - 23%
      

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

      Treatment of evolution:

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

      Topics covered in curriculum:

      Subject	offered
      Biology
      Chemistry
      Ecology
      Geology
      Meteorology
      Physics
      Physiology
      Zoology

    • Literature Equal Balance
      Literature approach at CFIS: Equal Balance

      CFIS has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional , Social Justice approach).

      [Show: About Equal Balance?]

      These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.

      Literature at schools on OurKids.net

        Equal balance - 77%
        Traditional - 20%
        Social justice - 3%
      

      What CFIS says: This information is not currently available.

    • Social Studies Expanding Communities
      Social Studies approach at CFIS: Expanding Communities

      CFIS has an Expanding Communities approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge , Thematic approach).

      [Show: About 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.

      Social Studies at schools on OurKids.net

        Expanding communities - 26%
        Core knowledge - 44%
        Thematic - 30%
      

      What CFIS says: This information is not currently available.

    • Humanities and Social Sciences Equal Balance
      Humanities and Social Sciences approach at CFIS: Equal Balance

      CFIS has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism , Pragmatism approach).

      [Show: About Equal Balance?]

      These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.

      Humanities and Social Sciences at schools on OurKids.net

        Equal balance - 82%
        Perennialism - 8%
        Pragmatism - 10%
      

      What CFIS says: This information is not currently available.

    • Foreign Languages Communicative
      Foreign Languages approach at CFIS: Communicative

      CFIS has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual , Equal Balance approach).

      [Show: About Communicative?]

      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.

      Foreign Languages at schools on OurKids.net

        Communicative - 32%
        Audio-lingual - 2%
        Equal balance - 66%
      

      What CFIS says: This information is not currently available.

    • Fine Arts Equal Balance
      Fine Arts approach at CFIS: Equal Balance

      CFIS has an Equal Balance approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive , Creative approach).

      [Show: About Equal Balance?]

      These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.

      Fine Arts at schools on OurKids.net

        Equal balance - 61%
        Receptive - 2%
        Creative - 37%
      

      Program offers:

      Subject	offered
      Acting
      Dance
      Drama/Theatre
      Graphic Design
      Music
      Visual Arts

      Visual studio philosophy:

      Expressive
      Disciplined

      What CFIS says: This information is not currently available.

    • Computers and Technology Medium integration
      Computers and Technology approach at CFIS: Medium integration

      CFIS has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration , Heavy integration approach).

      [Show: About Medium integration?]

      Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.

      Computers and Technology at schools on OurKids.net

        Medium integration - 47%
        Light integration - 20%
        Heavy integration - 33%
      

      What CFIS says: This information is not currently available.

      Program covers:

      Subject	offered
      Computer science
      Robotics
      Web design

    • Physical Education

      What CFIS says: 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 The Calgary French & International School demands a high level of commitment from students, coaches and parents but not at the cost of academics.

    • IB Diploma courses 10 courses
      Group 1 (Language A)

      • English Literature HL

      Group 2 (Language B)

      • French HL

      • Spanish SL

      Group 3 (Individuals and Societies)

      • History SL

      Group 4 (Experimental Sciences)

      • Chemistry SL

      • Chemistry HL

      • Biology SL

      • Biology HL

      • Physics SL

      Group 5 (Mathematics)

      • Mathematics SL

      Group 6 (The Arts)
    • Advanced Placement courses
      This information is not currently available.
    • Sex and health education Alberta curriculum
      Sex and health education approach at CFIS: Alberta curriculum

      CFIS has an Alberta curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).

      [Show: About Alberta curriculum?]

      The structure, pacing, focus, and tone of the sex education curriculum reflects that of the provincial one, taught in public schools.

      Sex and health education at schools on OurKids.net

        Follows provincial curriculum - 55%
        Does not follow prrovincial curriculum - 45%
      

      Approach to sex and health education: Mostly value-neutral

      CFIS has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).

      [Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]

      By and large, students are taught about sex free of any particular moral or ethical standpoint. The school doesn't impose any particular values or value systems (such as social, political, or ideological values) on students when teaching sex and related issues.

      What CFIS says: This information is not currently available.

    
    

    Jump to:

    • Mathematics

    • Early Reading

    • Writing

    • Science

    • Literature

    • Social Studies

    • Humanities and Social Sciences

    • Foreign Languages

    • Fine Arts

    • Computers and Technology

    • Physical Education

    • IB Diploma courses

    • Advanced Placement courses

    • Sex and health education
  • Preschool/K Curriculum Play-based
    [Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]

    Preschools and kindergartens tend to have a particular curriculum or curricular approach. This refers to what is taught and how it's taught. Most preschools have a curriculum that comprises a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum types. A preschool's curriculum may or may not, though, reflect its higher-level curriculum (if it's part of a school with elementary or secondary programs)

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    Preschool/K Curriculum approach at CFIS: Play-based

    CFIS has a Play-based approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, Academic approach).

    [Show: About 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.

    Preschool/K Curriculum at schools on OurKids.net

      Play-based - 23%
      Montessori - 25%
      Waldorf - 3%
      Reggio emilia - 8%
      Academic - 41%
    

    What CFIS says: Our emergent curriculum program means individualized learning based on a child's interest. Learning stations and activities are influenced by student interest and the development of language, pre-literacy, pre-numeracy, social and emotional skills is connected to the student. Wide-varieties of projects focus learning strategically on areas such as developing fine and gross motor skills, literacy and numeracy through play.

  • Curriculum Pace Standard-enriched
    [Show definition of Curriculum Pace]

    This refers to the rate at which students move through the curriculum (e.g., topics, textbook material, skills, etc.). Curriculum pace is often defined in comparison to provincial standards.

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    Curriculum Pace approach at CFIS: Standard-enriched

    CFIS has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).

    [Show: About Standard-enriched?]

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

    Curriculum Pace at schools on OurKids.net

      Standard-enriched - 58%
      Accelerated - 18%
      Student-paced - 24%
    

    What CFIS says: A wide-variety of enrichment is available including robotics, travel studies, Mathletics, independent science, social and environmental projects, global connections, community service, leadership opportunities and more.

    Flexible pacing style

    Flexible pacing style	offered
    Subject-streaming (tracking)
    Multi-age classrooms as standard
    Ability-grouping (in-class) as common
    Frequent use of cyber-learning (at-their-own-pace)
    Regular guided independent study opportunities
    Differentiated assessment

    What CFIS says about flexible pacing: Student-led projects occur in every grade through our UNESCO program. Students are encouraged to take on community service initiatives connected to their curricular studies. A focus on differentiated learning through technology, learning strategists and literacy coaches is a great benefit for students across grades.

  • Academic Culture Rigorous
    [Show definition of Academic Culture]

    Through the collective mindset of teachers, administrators, students, and parents, each school develops and maintains its own academic culture. This generally relates to the norms and expectations created around academic performance. Many parents look to private schools because they want a specific type of culture. Some want a rigorous environment that will elevate their child to new heights. Others want a nurturing environment that will help their child develop a passion for learning.

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    Academic Culture approach at CFIS: Rigorous

    CFIS has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).

    [Show: About 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”.

    Academic Culture at schools on OurKids.net

      Rigorous - 50%
      Supportive - 50%
    

    What CFIS says: This information is not currently available.

  • Developmental priorities Intellectual
    [Show definition of Developmental priorities]

    Schools have specific goals regarding how they want their educate and develop their students. This is part of a school's overall philosophy or vision, which is contained in its mission statement. While they tend have several developmental aims, schools tend to priortize certain aims, such as intellectual, social, spiritual, emotional, or physical development.

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    Primary Developmental Priority: Intellectual

    The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."

    Secondary Developmental Priority: Balanced

    "Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation."

    What CFIS says: This information is not currently available.

  • Special needs support Indirect Support
    [Show definition of Special needs support]

    Schools offer a wide range of approaches and services to support students with special needs. This may include individualized learning, one-on-one support, small classes, resource rooms, and learning aids. These supports may be provided in a number of different environments such as a dedicated special needs school or class, an integrated class, a withdrawal class, or a regular class with resource support or in-class adaptations.

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    CFIS offers Indirect Support

    Students remain in a regular classroom for the whole day; the teacher receives special training in accommodating special needs and/or learning disabled students.

    What CFIS says about their special need support: The school's learning strategist team helps students with both learning strategies and enrichment activities.

    Academic Support:

    Subject Type	offered
    Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation
    Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties

    Mild but clinically diagnosed ADHD:

    Subject Type	offered
    Accommodations
    Modifications
    Extra support

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    A - Forms of Support

    Accommodation:

    Modification:

    Remediation:

    B - Environments

    Indirect Support:

    Resource Assistance:

    Withdrawal Assistance:

    Partial Integration:

    Full-Time Class:

    
    

    Special NeedNeed

    Forms of SupportA

    EnvironmentsB

    ADHD

    • Learning disabilities
      Dyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability)

      This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment.

      Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

      This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language.

      Dyscalculia

      This is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money.

      Dysgraphia

      This is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.

      Language Processing Disorder

      This is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.

      Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD)

      These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills.

      Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit

      A characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination.
    • Developmental
      Autism

      Refers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome).

      Asperger's Syndrome

      On the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour.

      Down syndrome

      his is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.

      Intellectual disability

      This is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation).

      Williams syndrome

      This is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities or learning problems, unique facial features, and cardiovascular problems.

      Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

      Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. These may include growth deficits, facial anomalies, and damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and other problems.
    • Behavioral and Emotional
      Troubled behaviour / troubled teens

      roubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.

      Clinical Depression

      This is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life.

      Clinical anxiety

      This is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror.

      Suicidal thoughts

      This involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.

      Drug and alcohol abuse

      This involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning.

      Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

      This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning.
    • Physical
      Multiple sclerosis

      This is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties.

      Cerebral palsy

      his refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture.

      Muscular dystrophy

      Muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.

      Spina Bifida

      This is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine.

      Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)

      This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech.

      Blindness

      Visual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness."

      Deafness

      Hearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds).

      Cystic Fibrosis

      Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.

      Multiple physical

      Accommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.

    Read our guide to special needs schools and special education

  • Gifted learner support Dedicated class; in-class adaptations
    [Show definition of Gifted learner support]

    Schools support students with gifted or advanced learning abilities in a several ways. Whether they offer a full-time gifted program or part-time support, they normally provide some form of accelerated learning (delivering content at a faster pace) or enrichment (covering content more broadly or deeply). Many schools also offer a wide range of in-class adaptations to support advanced learners, such as guided independent studies, project-based learning, and career exploration.

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    Dedicated gifted programs:

    Program	offered
    Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school)
    Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class)

    Curriculum delivery: Enrichment (The main focus is on enrichment. This means that while students may work at a marginally quicker pace than public school peers, the primary aim is to study subject in broader and deeper ways.)

    In-class adaptations:

    Program	offered
    Custom subject enrichment (special arrangement)
    Custom curriculum compacting (special arrangement)
    Guided independent study (custom gifted arrangement)
    Cyber-learning opportunities (custom gifted arrangement)
    Formalized peer coaching opportunities (specifically for gifted learners to coach others)
    Custom subject acceleration (special arrangement)
    Career exploration (custom gifted arrangement)
    Project-based learning (custom gifted arrangement)
    Mentorships (custom gifted arrangement)

    What CFIS says: Our talented and gifted students are provided opportunities within the class to explore grade level concepts in broader and deeper ways. Our school's learning strategists work directly with teachers to coach on how to differentiate our project-

  • Language trilingual
    CFIS is a trilingual school with English, French, Spanish as the primary language of instruction:

    English - 10%	French - 80%								Spanish - 10%

    Language of enrollment include: English
  • Homework Policy
    [Show definition of Homework Policy]

    Homework is work that's assigned to students for completion outside of regular class time. There's a long-standing debate over homework. Should homework be assigned to school-age children? If so, in what grades? And how much homework should be assigned? In selecting the right school for your child, it's important to look closely at a school's homework policy.

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    In grade Gr. 12, CFIS students perform an average of 45 mins of homework per night.

    Nightly Homework

    	PS	JK	SK	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
    CFIS	0 mins	0 mins	0 mins	15 mins	15 mins	15 mins	30 mins	30 mins	30 mins	45 mins	45 mins	45 mins	45 mins	45 mins	45 mins
    Site Average	2 mins	6 mins	7 mins	15 mins	17 mins	23 mins	29 mins	34 mins	40 mins	52 mins	56 mins	69 mins	80 mins	98 mins	107 mins

    What CFIS says about their flipped classroom policy: This information is not currently available.

  • Report Card Policy
    [Show definition of Report Card Policy]

    While all schools measure individual progress and achievement in students, they have different ways of doing this. For instance, many traditional schools gauge progress through report cards, which give students lettered or numbered grades. Other schools, meanwhile, measure progress in other ways, either in addition to or instead of giving grades. For instance, they may offer prose-based feedback (i.e, comments), academic achievement reporting, habits and behaviour reporting, and parent-teacher meetings. In choosing the right school for your child, take a close look at its policy for measuring the individual progress of students.

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    How assessments are delivered across the grades:

    Lettered or numbered grades	Preschool to Gr. 12
    Prose (narrative)-based feedback	Preschool to Gr. 12
    Academic achievement reporting	Preschool to Gr. 12
    Habits and behaviour reporting	Preschool to Gr. 12
    Parent-teacher meetings	Preschool to Gr. 12

• Extracurriculars
  [Show definition of Extracurriculars]

  While academics remain the priority for most private schools, many also place a strong focus on a well-rounded education and encourage participation in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, arts, or clubs. Involvement in extracurriculars helps stimulate students in their studies, makes them more motivated to learn, and can make school more enjoyable and fulfilling. Extracurricular activities can also provide students with a much-needed break from the stresses of academics, while helping them to develop skills and allowing them to take part in valuable social situations.

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  What CFIS says:

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

  Sports offered

  Competitive sports: 18
  Recreational sports: 18

  Legend:     Competitive offered           Recreational offered

  all sports]

  • Archery
  • Curling
  • Badminton
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Canoeing/Kayaking
  • Cricket
  • Cross-country skiing
  • Cycling
  • Downhill skiing
  • Equestrian
  • Fencing
  • Field Hockey
  • Figure Skating
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Gymnastics
  • Ice Hockey
  • Ice Skating
  • Lacrosse
  • Martial Arts
  • Mountain biking
  • Racquet Ball
  • Rowing
  • Rugby
  • Running
  • Sailing
  • Skateboarding
  • Snowboarding
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Squash
  • Swimming
  • Tennis
  • Track & Field
  • Volleyball
  • Weightlifting
  • Wrestling

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  Clubs offered

  Calgary French & International School offers 19 clubs and extracurricular programs.

  Legend:     Clubs offered           Clubs not offered

  all clubs and programs]

    Foreign Language Club

    Habitat for Humanity

    Jazz Ensemble

    Math Club

    Musical theatre/Opera

    Ballet and Classical Ballet

    Online Magazine

    Outdoor Club

    Outdoor Education

    Paintball

    Photography

    Poetry/Literature club

    Radio club

    Robotics club

    Round Square

    School newspaper

    Science Club

    Scouting

    Student Council

    Yearbook

    Yoga

    Animation

    Art Club

    Astronomy Club

    Audiovisual Club

    Band

    Chess Club

    Choir

    Community Service

    Computer Club

    Dance Club

    Debate Club

    Drama Club

    Environmental Club

  
  
• Tuition & Financial Aid
  [Show definition of Tuition & Financial Aid]

  This can depend on a number of factors, including the type of school, living arrangements, what’s included in tuition, school location, resources, and facilities. Many private schools in Canada have tuition that ranges between $6,000 and $12,000 a year. While some schools, such as schools which provide room and board, can be more expensive, many of these schools provide ways to defray the costs of tuition. For instance, they may offer merit-based scholarships or needs-based financial aid (often referred to as “bursaries” or “subsidies”).

  ---

  Day Day (Half day)

   

  	PS	JK	SK	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
  Day	$15,100			$12,830						$14,200			$15,100
  Day (Half day)	$7,900

  
  

  What CFIS says about their tuition: Tuition paid to attend CFIS includes school supplies & most field trips. (Swimming, skiing & other incidental programs may have associated add't fees.) 19-20 Before & After School Care (PS-6): Before 5 days: $3,320/year After 5 days: $3,760/year Bussing: 5 days, return (both ways): $2,500/year 5 days one-way (AM or PM): $1,500/year

  ---

  Discounts

  Discount Type	Enrolment Type	Amount
  3rd child (sibling)	Day	10%
  4th child (sibling)	Day	15%

  ---

  Need-based financial aid

  Calgary French & International School does not offer need-based financial aid.

  ---

  Merit based Scholarships

  Calgary French & International School does not offer merit-based financial awards.
• Enrolment
  [Show definition of enrolment]

  Private schools come in all shapes and sizes. Some larger schools have enrolment numbers in the thousands, while some smaller schools have only a few dozen students. Boarding schools tend to be on the larger side, while alternative schools, such as Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf, are normally smaller. Besides the overall size of school, there are other important facts you’ll want to know about a school’s enrolment. For instance, here you can learn about a school’s enrolment for separate streams (if they have them), such as day and boarding, its average class size, and its average enrolment per grade.

  ---

  Enrolment Details:

  	Grades	Gender	Living Arrangement	Enrolment
  Group 1	Preschool to Gr. 12	Coed	Day	780

  Additional Statistics:

  Total enrolment	780
  Average class size	16 to 20
  % of international students (total enrolment)	0%
  Number of different nationalities within student population	N/A

  Student Distribution:

  	PS	JK	SK	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
  Day Enrollment	32	80	80	80	80	80	80	80	80	60	60	60	40	40	40
  Class Size	16	16	20	20	20	20	20	20	20	20	20	20	20	20	20

• Admission
  [Show definition of Admission]

  Private schools in Canada have admissions policies. All schools have some required application materials, though these vary between schools. These may include letters of application, application fees, essays, and exams (such as the SSAT). Many schools also require interviews with prospective students, either with their parents, on their own, or both. Schools also have different standards and priorities when evaluating student applications, different acceptance rates (which may vary between grade levels), and target different kinds of students. To improve your child’s chances of acceptance, you should find out everything you can about a school’s admissions policies and how they assess applicants.

  ---

  Admissions Requirements

  Assessment	Required	Grades
  Interview		PS - 12
  SSAT
  SSAT (out of province)
  Entrance Exam(s)		1 - 12
  Entrance Essay

  Day students: Rolling
  Offer mid-year entry: Yes

  Fees:

  Application fee: $275
  Registration fee: N/A
  Deposit: N/A

  What CFIS says:

  It is important that the Calgary French & International School is a good fit for your child and that we will be able to meet the educational, social and emotional needs of each student offered placement.

  To most successfully meet the needs of all applicants and determine appropriate placements, an application process occurs through which a student’s academic record, behaviour and citizenship qualities are considered.  

  On behalf of each student, the family fills out an online application, including supplementary documentation, and an application fee and then attends the school for an assessment. Completion of these components of the process does not necessarily guarantee placement at CFIS. If you need more information before applying, you can fill out an inquiry form and our Director of Enrolment, Mme. Kathy Marinakos, will be in contact. 

  The ideal candidate

  The ideal candidate for a CFIS education is a student who would thrive in a high-energy, positive environment with opportunity and involvement in academic pursuits, music, fine and dramatic arts, and physical education.  Self and mutual respect, strong character and a family emphasis upon volunteerism and a commitment to education are all important characteristics in a CFIS student.

  A family commitment to French immersion education and to the CFIS community is also important.  Students may then be invited to continue the process by attending an assessment, which includes locally developed, age-appropriate evaluation as well an interview with CFIS faculty. 

  Prerequisites

  French language experience at the preschool, junior kindergarten and kindergarten levels is not required, but is certainly an asset. For applicants considering entry to grades 1 through 12, a requirement is current attendance in a French immersion program, a French education or for students to be native French speakers.

  ---

  Acceptance

  Acceptance Rate: 75%

  This is the percentage of applicants typically accepted into the school. So if 50 students are admitted out of 100 applicants, the school has an overall acceptance rate of 50%.

  
  

  Day
  

  ---

  Student Entry Points

  This shows approximately how many openings there are likely to be in each grade in a typical year, as well as the estimated acceptance rate for each grade level.

  
  

  Student Type	PS	JK	SK	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
  Day Acceptance (Acceptance rate)	32 (70%)	48 (85%)	8 - 12 (80%)	0 - 3 (50%)	0 - 3 (80%)	0 - 3 (80%)	0 - 3 (80%)	0 - 3 (80%)	0 - 3 (80%)	5 - 10 (80%)	0 - 3 (80%)	0 - 3 (80%)	5 - 15 (80%)	0 - 3 (80%)	0 - 3 (80%)

  Type of student CFIS is looking for:
  The ideal candidate for a Calgary French & International School (CFIS) education is a student who would thrive in a high-energy, positive environment with opportunity and involvement in academic pursuits, music, fine and dramatic arts, and physical education. Self and mutual respect, strong character and a family emphasis upon volunteerism and a commitment to education are all important characteristics in a CFIS student.
• University Placement
  [Show definition of University Placement]

  Where graduates of a school do their post-secondary studies can be an important factor in choosing a private school. Do you want your child to go to a Canadian university, an Ivy league school in the US, or some other institute? Regardless of your inclinations, take a look at a school’s university placement record, and the services they offer to support university applications and decisions.

  ---

  Key Numbers

  Average graduating class size	20
  Students accepted into post-secondary studies upon graduation	100%

  Percentage of students who attend post-secondary institutions outside of Canada	10%
  Students who attended a Ivy+ school Number of students in the past 5 years that that attended one of Harvard, Yale, Princeton, University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth, Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Stanford, University of Chicago, Oxford or Cambridge (UK)	N/A

  Post-Secondary Schools Attended

  University of Alberta																					20%
  University of Calgary																					20%
  Queen's University																15%
  McGill University											10%
  University of Northern British Columbia											10%

  % of Graduates

  
  

  • Canada 21 universities
    • Alberta College of Art and Design
    • Bishop's University
    • Capilano University
    • Carleton University
    • Concordia University
    • Dalhousie University
    • McGill University
    • Mount Allison University
    • Mount Royal University
    • Queen's University
    • SAIT
    • Simon Fraser University
    • St. Francis Xavier University
    • Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR)
    • University of Alberta
    • University of Calgary
    • University of Lethbridge
    • University of Northern British Columbia
    • University of Ottawa
    • University of Toronto
    • University of Waterloo
  • International 1 university
    • University of Sussex

  
  

  Areas of Study

  • Calgary French & International School
  • OurKids.net Site Average

  Calgary French & International School Graduates’ Post-Secondary Studies:

    10% - Liberal Arts and Sciences
    25% - Engineering and Applied Sciences
    25% - Business/Commerce
    5% - Fine and Performing Arts
    25% - Applied Health Sciences
    5% - Applied Professional Studies (Post-grad certificate / diploma)
    5% - Other
  

  Aggregate of All Schools’ Post-Secondary Studies:

    24% - Liberal Arts and Sciences
    25% - Engineering and Applied Sciences
    24% - Business/Commerce
    4% - Fine and Performing Arts
    14% - Applied Health Sciences
    2% - Applied Professional Studies (Post-grad certificate / diploma)
    6% - Other
  

  
  

  Services Offered to Students

  Career planning
  Internships	N/A

  Mentorship Program
  University counseling

  What CFIS says:

  • Alberta College of Art and Design Bishop's University Carleton University Culinary Institute of America (New York) Dalhousie University Mount Allison University Queen's University St. Francis Xavier University Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières University of Alberta University of Calgary University of Ottawa University of Toronto University of Waterloo University of Western Ontario
  • Our graduates step into a world of choice. Their diverse areas of study include business, law, engineering, journalism, science, education and music at prestigious universities throughout North America.
• Notable Alumni
  [Show definition of Notable Alumni]

  Many private schools in Canada have numerous graduates who have gone on to great things. Learn about a school’s most influential, important, successful, and famous alumni.

  ---

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

• Principal's Message
  Mme. Margaret Dorrance, Head of School

  Thank you for your interest in Calgary French & International School.  

  Whether you are a current parent, a prospective parent or staff person, I hope your visit here is informative. Please contact us about any additional questions you have about our school community and programs. 

  I accepted the position as Head of School at the Calgary French & International School because I believe deeply in our school's mission and ability to support each student to succeed both today and tomorrow.

  At the Calgary French & International School (CFIS), an ability to effectively and confidently navigate among different cultures affords our graduates an exciting range of future options.

  Tomorrow’s world will require today’s young people to be innovative and creative global citizens.

  In our school’s warm, welcoming community of talented and engaged teachers, involved parents, and dedicated and skilled staff, each student’s unique potential is nurtured in a robust, dynamic and diverse learning environment. We work together toward the common goal of fluency in multiple languages, while balancing academic achievement and purposeful enrichment across a wide-ranging variety of curricular and co-curricular activities. 

  We develop the whole student alongside strong academics

  At the Calgary French & International School (CFIS), we believe in developing the whole student alongside strong academics. Not only are we one of the best independent schools Calgary has to offer, our French immersion education with a strong Spanish program and an international focus positions us among the best private schools in Canada. 

  We hope you enjoy your online experience, and we invite you to come visit our school soon. Here's a bit more about admissions and what sort of student would thrive at CFIS. 

  Sincerely,

  Mme. Margaret Dorrance
  Head of School

  
• In the News
  

  February 25, 2021
  Virtual 3D Tour of Calgary French & International School

  Want to see what CFIS looks like? Walk with us through this virtual tour.
  Read full article

  
  

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