Public versus private schools in Calgary

Calgary families have a wide range of schooling options across Calgary, Alberta. These include public schools through the Calgary Board of Education (CBE); Catholic schools through the Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD); charter schools offering specialized programming; francophone schools; and a diverse and growing private (independent) school sector.

“Families are weighing multiple factors: cost, class size, faith or values alignment, and whether their child would benefit from a more specialized environment,” says Malcolm Gagnon, educator and founder of a tutoring centre that offers one-on-one in-home tutoring for students in the Calgary area and online tutoring across Canada.

Calgary public schools are generally well-regarded. They’re tied closely to their local communities and offer a range of learning environments. They are accessible to all students and, in some cases, offer specialized programs such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) Schools. Private schools in Calgary, by contrast, tend to offer a wider variety of educational models, often with smaller classes, specialized programming, and distinctive approaches to teaching and learning.

Specialized environments across Calgary independent schools include science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM–focused schools), gifted programs, athletics-based models, and arts-based education. Some schools emphasize inquiry- and project-based learning, while others offer advanced programs such as IB or Advanced Placement (AP), or early education inspired by Montessori Schools and Reggio Emilia Schools philosophies, which prioritize child-led exploration, hands-on learning, and the development of independence.

“Because they aren’t bound by the same structures as public systems, private schools can innovate with teaching models and experiential learning, introducing opportunities in areas like robotics, AI, and other emerging fields,” Gagnon says.

Given the variety of options and the growing recognition of individual differences among children, choosing between public and private education has become increasingly nuanced. For many Calgary families, the decision extends beyond academics to questions of school culture, social-emotional development, and future readiness. While cost plays a role, “ultimately,” Gagnon says, “the decision comes down to fit."

Families are weighing factors such as cost, class size, alignment with their faith or values, and whether their child would benefit from a more specialized environment.

“Public and Catholic schools offer strong Alberta-curriculum education with no tuition, though class sizes can be larger and the availability of specialized programs varies. These systems also tend to reflect a more accurate socio-economic representation of the city, whereas private and charter schools often have a more skewed socio-economic makeup,” Gagnon notes. “Charter schools in Calgary provide niche programming, such as STEM or gifted education, but seats are limited and competitive, which can be especially beneficial for students with unique needs, including high-performance athletes.”

There are, however, limits to the public school system. “More parents, when it comes to public education, want a change,” says Calgary-based education consultant Joty Gill, who supports parents from all backgrounds in understanding their child’s academic journey, navigating school expectations, and building strong learning routines at home.

A significant limit to the public option is eligibility. If a family doesn’t live within the designated boundary of the school they want to enrol their child in, their child won’t be able to attend. Moreover, if they have their eye on a particular program that is very popular, they may have to enter a lottery.

Class sizes, too, are an ongoing issue. Public schools typically have large classes, resulting in less one-on-one attention from the teacher. Not only that, “because it’s public, everyone can come. And the problem that some parents are noticing is that there are kids attending public schools who may be disruptive,” says Gill.

Even if a child is doing fine academically and enjoys their school, their parents might not be completely satisfied, Gill notes. For example, their child might be in an environment where other students use inappropriate language or dress inappropriately. As a result, some parents seek alternatives, such as Calgary charter schools and Calgary private (independent) schools.

“Private schools, as well as charter schools, can pick and choose who comes to their school. If a student is misbehaving or acting inappropriately, guess what happens? They’re not going to be in that school. Parents like seeing that kind of accountability and responsibility,” Gill says. Some parents want the assurance, “Yes, my kid is going to a school where education is first. And they don’t have to put up with other children misbehaving around them.”

Private schools pride themselves on offering smaller classes, enriched programming, and curricular innovation, often with a high degree of day-to-day structure and a clearly articulated school culture.

University preparatory, faith-based, outdoor, and inquiry-based learning, along with support for students with special educational needs in overcoming their challenges, there is a wide range of offerings in Calgary’s independent school system. “Private schools also tend to have greater flexibility compared with other school systems in how they deliver the curriculum,” notes Gagnon.

Many independent schools offer the IB Programme or other specialized courses that are not available in many public schools. And students enrolled in independent schools often have strong relationships with academic advisors who are well-versed in specialized post-secondary pathways, including U.S. admissions. In terms of digital and AI literacy, specialized charter schools and many private schools tend to lead the way, integrating technology-rich programming, makerspaces, and early exposure to digital skills. And private schools stand out in general by offering higher levels of support for individual student needs, he adds.

In Calgary, this range of programs reflects a deeper shift. Families want schools that teach not only foundational skills, but also ‘softer’ skills, such as adaptability, resilience, and independence. Whether it’s through language immersion, entrepreneurship, or outdoor education, private schools are finding creative ways to make learning more connected, personal, and future-focused.

Alessandra Mackay (Calgary French and International School Alumnus) attended Calgary French and International School (CFIS) from preschool through high school graduation.

“It really made me who I am today, in many ways,” says Alessandra, a self-described CFIS “lifer” looking back on her many years of private school education. “The community is incredible. They really took me under their wing and helped me come out of my shell. Everyone would come together and really support and encourage each other. The teachers are so supportive and caring … I felt like it was my second home.”

Alessandra participated in many extracurricular activities at the school, which she feels helped her become a more well-rounded person. By exploring a wide range of activities, she was able to find her passions, which included music programs like the annual school musical, high school band concerts and competitions. As an alumna, she has refereed and coached school sports teams, which allows her to participate in school life and give back to the school community. She credits the guidance she received throughout her school years with helping her develop the skills and tools that enable her to thrive.

“All the opportunities you get,” says Alessandra, “really help build your interdisciplinary toolkit. It’s very rigorous. It teaches you how to multitask and work very hard.”

Alessandra points to the balance between high expectations and strong support as central to her experience. “I think we were given incredible opportunities, and we were really supported and encouraged to be the best that we could be. My school provided us with a multitude of interdisciplinary experiences and really helped prepare us.”

Families making a private-school decision often begin the process a year or more in advance due to application deadlines, testing requirements, and waitlists. Common milestones include online research, school tours, open houses, application submission, and financial aid decisions for private schools.

“Picking a school in this day and age is very important,” Gill says. “Be mindful of the school you choose. There was a study done that found that kids who came from well-known neighbourhoods succeeded more.” If a child is struggling, she suggests that parents consider, if possible, placing them in an environment that sets them up for success.

Ultimately, families are not only comparing programs and class sizes, but also considering the kind of community, values, and future preparation they want for their children. Educators we speak with emphasize that school choice is about helping young people grow into confident, capable individuals, supported by a culture that recognizes both their potential and their individuality.

“I can think of no higher priority than the future of our children, and my vision is that we contribute to moving them forward in their journey towards their hopes, dreams, and goals. We will do so in a respectful manner, honouring the individuality and diversity of our community. As we prepare to deliver on a new strategic plan and inspire commitment, trust, and belief in our collective abilities to change the world for the better, I say to you, the future is bright.”