Janus Academy provides autism-specific education grounded in Applied Behaviour Analysis and adapted to varying student profiles. Rather than organizing classrooms strictly by grade, the school groups students with peers who have compatible communication, academic, behavioural, and social-learning needs. Each student follows an Individual Program Plan developed through assessment, behavioural analysis, family input, and collaboration among educators. Teaching combines individualized instruction with small-group learning, direct instruction, positive reinforcement, and data collection used to adjust goals and strategies. The modified Alberta curriculum emphasizes communication, academics, learner readiness, and social and classroom skills. Sign language and picture-based communication may be incorporated when appropriate. As students approach adulthood, programming increasingly addresses daily living, self-advocacy, employment readiness, and community participation through activities such as cooking, shopping, volunteering, public-transit use, and supported work placements. Janus Academy may suit families seeking an intensive, structured program that connects academic development with independence and preparation for life beyond school.
We questioned the school administration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"Janus Academy is a specialized school in Calgary for students in Grades 1–12 with autism and complex learning needs. We provide individualized programming, small class sizes, and a team-based approach with teachers, coordinators, and support staff. Students can earn high school credits while building academic skills, independence, and social success in a structured, supportive environment."
Specialized school for students diagnosed with ASD aged 6 to 18 years of age.
Classrooms support a low student to teacher ratio.
Classrooms formed by similar student profiles.
Programming to students who possess skills across the autism spectrum.
Each student’s program is based upon goals set out in their Individual Program Plan.
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
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3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
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4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
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5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
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6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
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7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
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8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
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9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
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10. What might families find surprising about your school?
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11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
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12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
