The 2026 OUR KIDS Private School Expo is coming to cities near you. Get your family pass
Indirect Support:
Renfrew has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
At Renfrew Educational Services, the curriculum is thoughtfully designed to meet the unique learning needs of each child through a holistic, strength-based, and developmentally appropriate approach. Rooted in evidence-based practices and aligned with Alberta Education’s Program of Studies, the curriculum integrates academic, social-emotional, communication, and life skills learning. Multidisciplinary teams—including teachers, therapists, and educational assistants (Child Development Facilitators) —collaborate to create individualized Program plans (IPPs) that promote meaningful growth and inclusion. Emphasis is placed on building foundational skills through play-based learning, structured routines, and experiential opportunities that foster curiosity, confidence, and independence. This inclusive and flexible curriculum model supports the success of children with diverse abilities in a nurturing and engaging environment.
| Focus | Special needs |
|---|---|
| Academic | Special needs |
Renfrew has a Traditional Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Discovery Math, Equal Balance approach).
This information is not currently available.
This information is not currently available.
This information is not currently available.
Renfrew has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Whole Language approach).
This information is not currently available.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
This information is not currently available.
Renfrew has a Systematic approach approach to Writing (as opposed to Process approach, Equal balance approach).
This information is not currently available.
Renfrew has an Expository approach to Science (as opposed to Inquiry, Equal Balance approach).
This information is not currently available.
| Subject | Offered |
|---|---|
| Evolution as consensus theory | |
| Evolution as one of many equally viable theories | |
| Evolution is not taught |
| Subject | Offered |
|---|---|
| Biology | |
| Chemistry | |
| Ecology | |
| Geology | |
| Meteorology | |
| Physics | |
| Physiology | |
| Zoology |
Renfrew has a Traditional approach to Literature (as opposed to Social Justice, Equal Balance approach).
This information is not currently available.
| Subject | Offered |
|---|---|
| Canadian lit | |
| American lit | |
| European (continental) lit | |
| World (non-Western) lit | |
| English lit | |
| Ancient lit |
Renfrew has a Core Knowledge approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Expanding Communities, Thematic approach).
This information is not currently available.
This information is not currently available.
| Subject | Offered |
|---|---|
| Chinese-Cantonese | |
| Chinese-Mandarin | |
| French | |
| German | |
| Greek | |
| Italian | |
| Japanese | |
| Hebrew | |
| Latin | |
| Russian | |
| Spanish | |
| ESL |
Renfrew has a Creative approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Equal Balance approach).
| Subject | Offered |
|---|---|
| Acting | |
| Dance | |
| Drama/Theatre | |
| Graphic Design | |
| Music | |
| Visual Arts |
| Expressive | |
| Disciplined |
This information is not currently available.
Renfrew has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
This information is not currently available.
| Subject | Offered |
|---|---|
| Computer science | |
| Robotics | |
| Web design |
This information is not currently available.
Renfrew has an Alberta curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).
This information is not currently available.
Renfrew has a Play-based approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, Academic approach).
At Renfrew Educational Services, the preschool and kindergarten programs are grounded in a Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) framework and a play-based learning philosophy that honours the individuality of each child. These programs are thoughtfully designed to support young learners with diverse abilities through a nurturing, inclusive, and responsive environment that promotes whole-child development. Renfrew recognizes that children learn best through play, especially in the early years. As such, play is not only encouraged but is intentionally structured to foster exploration, creativity, problem-solving, and relationship-building. Classrooms are rich with opportunities for active, hands-on learning that reflect children's interests, cultural backgrounds, and developmental stages.
Learn about Renfrew Educational Services's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Renfrew has a Student-paced approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Accelerated approach).
Renfrew’s curriculum is fully individualized, allowing each student to progress at their own pace based on personalized goals. Academic, developmental, and therapeutic objectives are tailored to meet the unique needs, strengths, and readiness of each child, ensuring meaningful growth rather than adherence to standardized timelines.
| Type | 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 |
This information is not currently available.
Renfrew has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
This information is not currently available.
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
The goal is to cultivate "socially aware and active citizens, motivated to change the world (or their community) for the better."
At Renfrew Educational Services, our developmental priorities focus on nurturing the whole child through individualized, strength-based support. We emphasize early communication, social-emotional learning, self-regulation, and foundational academic skills within inclusive, play-based environments. Guided by Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP), our multidisciplinary teams collaborate to promote each child’s confidence, independence, and ability to engage meaningfully with others. We meet children where they are and support their growth across all domains—cognitive, physical, social, and emotional—ensuring they are prepared for lifelong learning and success.
Full-time programming is offered for all students which is exclusively focused on one or more special needs.
Renfrew Educational Services provides specialized programming for children with a wide range of developmental, physical, emotional, and learning needs. Each student receives an individualized program plan (IPP) tailored to their strengths, challenges, and goals. Classrooms are highly structured, inclusive, and supported by small student-to-staff ratios. Accommodations and modifications are thoughtfully implemented to support access, participation, and achievement—this may include visual schedules, assistive technology, sensory regulation tools, adapted materials, and alternative communication methods. A collaborative team of certified teachers and on-site therapists—including speech-language pathologists, occupational and physical therapists, psychologists, and behavioural specialists—work together to integrate therapeutic strategies directly into daily routines. This holistic, team-based model ensures that each child receives consistent, meaningful support across all areas of development, helping them build the skills needed for lifelong learning and well-being.
Read our guide to special needs schools and special education
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation | |
| Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties |
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Accommodations | |
| Modifications | |
| Extra support |
Renfrew Educational Services is not suited for students with a learning disabilities.
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Social skills programs | |
| Occupational therapy | |
| Psychotherapy | |
| Speech-language therapy |
| Program | Offered |
|---|---|
| Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school) | |
| Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class) |
| 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) |
This information is not currently available.
In grade Gr. 6, Renfrew students perform an average of No homework of homework per night.
| PS | K | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renfrew | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins |
| Site Average | 1 mins | 6 mins | 16 mins | 19 mins | 26 mins | 31 mins | 37 mins | 44 mins |
This information is not currently available.
| Type | Grades |
|---|---|
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Preschool to Gr. 6 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | Preschool to Gr. 6 |
OUR KIDS REPORT: Renfrew Educational Services