Indirect Support:
Tomorrow’s world requires leaders who are multilingual, innovative, and creative global citizens. At Calgary French & International School, fluency in French and Spanish, along with the ability to navigate different countries and cultures opens a world of possibilities for our graduates. From preschool to Grade 12, each student’s potential is nurtured. We work together with parents and the broader community to balance academic achievement with enrichment across a variety of curricular and co-curricular activities.
The Calgary French & International School (CFIS) is one of the leading independent schools in Canada. Students enjoy enriched academic courses, take part in incredible co-curricular programming, and graduate fluent in three languages. Each student’s unique potential is nurtured within our warm, welcoming community, and we work together to create a dynamic learning environment with each student’s individual learning needs in mind. Strong academics and robust language programming are the foundation of CFIS, and to that end, a wide range of options is offered to encourage students to explore interests in subject areas they may not have previously experienced. Within CFIS’s French immersion learning environment, the curriculum is taught in French, with the exception of English language arts and Spanish as a third language. CFIS students graduate fully bilingual in French and English and with functional fluency in Spanish. Tomorrow’s world will require today’s young people to be innovative and creative global citizens. As multilingual learners in a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Associated School, Round Square School and IB programming at the Senior High level, CFIS students will be confident in their ability to communicate in a variety of languages, which will help them to make a difference in their world. Each one is encouraged to lead advocacy and humanitarian work related to their studies, in their local community and even globally. Through international connections, including travel studies in higher grades, students are taught to effectively and confidently navigate among different cultures, which affords our graduates an exciting range of future options. CFIS graduates are well-prepared for university, finishing Grade 12 with the courses required to pursue post-secondary studies in the fields of their choice. CFIS alumni have moved on to study at French and English universities throughout Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom in a wide-range of disciplines.
Additional notes: CFIS’s partnership with First Student Canada offers six routes serving various Calgary communities and the surrounding area. Because of this, CFIS is able to provide an academically excellent education to students from all areas of Calgary and area - from Rocky Ridge, Scenic Acres and Cochrane in the northwest to Garrison Woods, Marda Loop, Lakeview, Willow Park and McKenzie Lake - and everywhere in between! Door-to-door service is provided for all passengers. No more waiting at your child's school bus stop - a very convenient start to the school day! Routes are planned with a view to keeping travel time to less than an hour.
Gallery showcasing school life and general photos of Calgary French & International School.
Gallery showcasing specific locations and facilities found at Calgary French & International School.
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.
| Program | offered |
|---|---|
| Primary Years | |
| Middle Years | |
| Diploma program | |
| Career-related program |
| Focus |
|---|
| Academic |
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
| Subject | offered |
|---|---|
| Biology | |
| Chemistry | |
| Ecology | |
| Geology | |
| Meteorology | |
| Physics | |
| Physiology | |
| Zoology |
| Subject | offered |
|---|---|
| Evolution as consensus theory | |
| Evolution as one of many equally viable theories | |
| Evolution is not taught |
| Subject | offered |
|---|---|
| Acting | |
| Dance | |
| Drama/Theatre | |
| Graphic Design | |
| Music | |
| Visual Arts |
| Expressive | |
| Disciplined |
| Subject | offered |
|---|---|
| Computer science | |
| Robotics | |
| Web design |
| 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 |
Students remain in a regular classroom for the whole day; the teacher receives special training in accommodating special needs and/or learning disabled students.
| Subject Type | offered |
|---|---|
| Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation | |
| Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties |
| Subject Type | offered |
|---|---|
| Accommodations | |
| Modifications | |
| Extra support |
Read our guide to special needs schools and special education
| 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.)
| 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) |
| English - 10% | French - 80% | Spanish - 10% | |||||||
In grade Gr. 12, CFIS students perform an average of 45 mins of homework per night.
| 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 | 22 mins | 29 mins | 34 mins | 40 mins | 52 mins | 56 mins | 68 mins | 80 mins | 96 mins | 109 mins |
| 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 |
| Sports Offered | Competitive | Recreational |
|---|---|---|
| Badminton | ||
| Baseball | ||
| Basketball | ||
| Cross-country skiing | ||
| Cycling | ||
| Downhill skiing | ||
| Field Hockey | ||
| Football | ||
| Golf | ||
| Gymnastics | ||
| Ice Hockey | ||
| Ice Skating | ||
| Lacrosse | ||
| Mountain biking | ||
| Rowing | ||
| Rugby | ||
| Running | ||
| Soccer | ||
| Softball | ||
| Swimming | ||
| Tennis | ||
| Track & Field | ||
| Volleyball |
| Clubs Offered |
|---|
| Jazz Ensemble |
| Math Club |
| Musical theatre/Opera |
| Outdoor Club |
| Outdoor Education |
| Photography |
| Robotics club |
| Science Club |
| Student Council |
| Yearbook |
| Yoga |
| Art Club |
| Band |
| Choir |
| Community Service |
| Computer Club |
| Debate Club |
| Drama Club |
| Environmental Club |
| 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 | ||||||||||||||
Discounts
| Discount Type | Enrollment Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd child (sibling) | Day | 10% |
| 4th child (sibling) | Day | 15% |
This information is not currently available.
| Calgary French & International School Amount: $200 | Other Deadline: Rolling |
| Eligibility Details: Students grade 1 to 12—For ""The Extra Mile Award"" in honour of Ed Romanowski: : perseverance, stamina, a good student, but not necessarily top of the class; initiative, community involvement and a good, all-around athlete. | |
Application Details: For scholarships, it is primarily academic results, but may also include leadership skills and effort. Doesn't accept applications on the bursaries/awards, but determines aid based upon our knowledge of the students. Parents requiring financial aid are urged to apply to the Prosser Charitable Foundation, which may assist them. The Prosser Foundation tries to commit to existing clientele before accepting new applications (www.theprossercharitablefoundation.ca). | |
| For more details, visit: www.cfis1.com/main/admissions/welcom | |
| Calgary French & International School Amount: $200 | Other Deadline: Rolling |
| Eligibility Details: Students grade 1 to 12—The Donna S. Finley Student Award For Excellence in Leadership: Looking for candidates with the following qualities: Initiating, inspiring, motivated, unselfish, responsible, resourceful, collaborative, innovative and committed. | |
Application Details: For scholarships, it is primarily academic results, but may also include leadership skills and effort. Doesn't accept applications on the bursaries/awards, but determines aid based upon our knowledge of the students. Parents requiring financial aid are urged to apply to the Prosser Charitable Foundation, which may assist them. The Prosser Foundation tries to commit to existing clientele before accepting new applications (www.theprossercharitablefoundation.ca). | |
| For more details, visit: www.cfis1.com/main/admissions/welcom | |
| Calgary French & International School Amount: $0 | Other Deadline: Rolling |
| Eligibility Details: Students grade 1 to 12— | |
Application Details: For scholarships, it is primarily academic results, but may also include leadership skills and effort. Doesn't accept applications on the bursaries/awards, but determines aid based upon our knowledge of the students. Parents requiring financial aid are urged to apply to the Prosser Charitable Foundation, which may assist them. The Prosser Foundation tries to commit to existing clientele before accepting new applications (www.theprossercharitablefoundation.ca). | |
| For more details, visit: www.cfis1.com/main/admissions/welcom | |
| Calgary French & International School Amount: $4,000 | Other Deadline: Rolling |
| Eligibility Details: Students grade 12—The Grade 12 Scholarship Fund is $1,000 a year to a maximum of $4,000. Criteria for the CFIS Grade 12 Scholarship includes: Canadian citizen or permanent resident; resident of Alberta. Candidate should be graduating from Grade 12 at CFIS and plan to enroll or be enrolled in a degree program or diploma-granting program at: i. Any Canadian post-secondary institution which is a member of, or affiliated with a member of, the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) or the Association of Community Colleges of Canada (ACCC); or ii. Any approved equivalent U.S. or foreign post-secondary institution. | |
Application Details: For scholarships, it is primarily academic results, but may also include leadership skills and effort. Doesn't accept applications on the bursaries/awards, but determines aid based upon our knowledge of the students. Parents requiring financial aid are urged to apply to the Prosser Charitable Foundation, which may assist them. The Prosser Foundation tries to commit to existing clientele before accepting new applications (www.theprossercharitablefoundation.ca). | |
| For more details, visit: www.cfis1.com/main/admissions/welcom | |
| Grades | Gender | Living Arrangement | Enrollment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | Preschool to Gr. 12 | Coed | Day | 780 |
| Total enrollment | 780 |
| Average enrollment per grade | 52 |
| Average class size | 16 to 20 |
| Gender (grades) | Preschool to Gr. 12 (Coed) |
| Boarding offered | No |
| Percentage of students are international students | |
| Number of different nationalities within student population | |
| Five-day boarding programs offfered |
| 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 |
| Assessment | Required | Grades |
|---|---|---|
| Interview | PS - 12 | |
| SSAT | ||
| SSAT (out of province) | ||
| Entrance Exam(s) | 1 - 12 | |
| Entrance Essay | ||
| Application Fee |
Day students: Rolling
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.
Student Entry Points
| 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%) | 0 | 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%) |
| Services | Offered |
|---|---|
| Career planning | |
| Internships | |
| Mentorship Program | |
| University counseling |
| Key Numbers | |
|---|---|
| Average graduating class size | 20 |
| *Canadian "Big 6" placements | 0 |
| **Ivy+ placements | N/A |
*Number of students in the past year who attended one of McGill, U of T, UBC, Queen's University, University of Alberta, or Dalhousie University.
**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)
What CFIS says:
| 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. |
Below, find stories and testimonials about Calgary French & International School.
Zainab J., Grade 3: I like the teachers’ encouragement, and that there are more languages to learn!
Sarah L., Grade 3: We are so lucky to have many options in our school, like gym, music, art programs, and concerts.
Charlie S., Grade 3: I like our school because it’s different from other schools. It giving us more choices and teaches us to be leaders.
Evan B., Grade 7: I like how all the teachers are willing to help the students with anything they are having trouble with.
Meera J., Grade 11: I like that at CFIS, we have teachers who really care about us and how we do at school, and I like the fact that the teachers care about not just our academics but also about how we are doing. Also, at CFIS we are given opportunities that we might not get at any other schools.
Jared F., Grade 11: I like that CFIS provides a learning environment where different perspectives are more than just accepted – they’re welcomed. Throughout my years at the school, I have had the opportunity to participate in a multitude of unique activities which gave me a deeper understanding of global culture. I feel like when I leave this school, I will be well prepared for the future academically and culturally, thanks to the high-quality instruction and never-ending opportunities presented by CFIS.
Freya M., Grade 8: I like that we have lots of opportunities at CFIS that we may not have at other school. But most importantly, I like the teachers and the support that they give us. The fact that this is a small population means that we have opportunities to gain support from these teachers academically, socially, and emotionally.
Tom D., Grade 9: I like how we have amazing quality teaching. Teachers are ready to help students whatever they need, regardless of the situation. They are understanding and we feel that they want the success of every student. The quantity of work is just great, challenging but not overwhelming.
Sofia H., Grade 7: I like the support from my teachers. If you don’t have the right experiment, or if I am falling behind in a certain subject, teachers will help without hesitation. They don’t want to just teach, they want us to learn.
...
"At CFIS, everyone makes a point of addressing the kids before the adults. To me, that is what a school should be. CFIS is truly a kids first environment." Gord E. CFIS parent since 2015
"Having visited many of the private schools in the city, we feel very fortunate to be at CFIS. The culture at CFIS is fantastic. The kids are sensitive and appreciative of cultural differences (not just language differences, but differences in learning styles, and an appreciation for what makes each person special). The UNESCO program is wonderful. I’m looking forward to the Round Square and the International Baccalaureate programs." Tarra D. CFIS parent since 2016.
"Our son started at CFIS when he was three, and is now about to enter high school. He has stayed because of the top quality french instruction, small class size and specialist teachers. We had a chance to travel to Quebec City a few months after our son went there on the school trip. He was our tour guide and told us stories about the places he saw, and funny things he and his friends did along the way. He spoke to everyone in French. His confidence and language skills are a testament to the education he has received at CFIS. " Bonnie S. CFIS parent since 2006
"We know we’ve chosen the right school for our family when our son thanks us regularly for sending him to CFIS and our daughter has fond memories of her time at the school." Joanne Y parent of 2 CFIS alumni
...
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
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