With a high quality of education and private schools that top school rankings, Alberta is a great province to send your child to a special needs school. Residents in cities such as Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, and Banff may enjoy a lower cost of living without provincial or harmonized sales taxes. As a result, for many parents with special needs children, private or independent schools may be a more affordable option offering invaluable resources that foster children's academic, social and personal success.
Because of small class sizes, teachers can provide individualized attention for each student to ensure that he or she does not fall behind. In addition, staff at special needs schools are trained to deal with a wide range of issues, such as ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) or ADD (attention deficit disorder), Asperger's syndrome (AS), and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). While public schools may also have professionally-trained teachers, they may not be able to provide sufficient attention and support for special needs children, since they typically have larger class sizes.
To learn more about special needs school benefits, in Alberta and elsewhere, read our guide.
Extracurricular programs, such as soccer or chess clubs, allow students with similar interests to learn how to work in a team, get along with others and build friendships.
At many Alberta special needs schools, small class sizes allow education to become a participatory and collaborative process in which all students learn from each other and encourage one another to succeed.
Many private or independent special needs schools in Alberta have small enrolment numbers. These schools are small communities where everybody knows each other, rather than large intimidating institutions.
The combination of academic and social development breeds personal success. Education is not only about getting good grades. It's about being well-rounded and preparing students for life outside the classroom. Indeed, private and independent schools mold individuals with character, emotional intelligence, and the essential life skills needed for future success.
If you are concerned about private school costs, browse our database of scholarships and bursaries and learn the essential tips to help pay for tuition. Investigate the scholarships, bursaries and resources available in the community. For instance, the Prosser Charitable Foundation's Parent's Choice Bursary covers up to $3,500 of tuition annually per student for private schools not funded by any regional school board in the Calgary area.
Cutting edge academic programs, such as Focus Learning, suggest that, yes, they do. [Read more]
Special needs schools
These are dedicated special needs schools in Alberta, where 100% of the students have special needs. They provide full-time special needs support for all students in the school, through accommodations, modifications, and remediations.
| School Name | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Calgary Academy & Calgary Collegiate (est. 1981)
Our school has two programs: Academy, for students with learning difficulties who have yet to consistently perform at grade level, and Collegiate, for students at or above grade level and looking for new challenges. [View profile] | $12,610 to $18,885 | |
| Foothills Academy (est. 1979)
Foothills Academy is an independent school for students with diagnosed Learning Disabilities in grades 3 - 12. Small class sizes allow the experienced staff to create a positive learning environment. [View profile] | $15,300 | |
| Third Academy (est. 1997)
Third Academy is Calgary's school for special needs and gifted education. The school teaches what students need, the way they need it and never loses sight of well-rounded learning. Click to learn more. [View profile] | $10,000 to $15,000 | |
| Venture Academy Troubled Teens Program (AB) (est. 2000)
Venture Academy is a therapeutic treatment and education program for students who may be struggling with ADHD, learning challenges, underachieving, behavioural issues, and a variety of clinical diagnoses. [View profile] | not provided |
These Alberta schools offer special needs support to a segment of students through a wide range of placements. Environments offered may include dedicated, integrated, and withdrawal special needs classes, as well as regular classes with resource support and in-class adaptations.
| School Name | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Calgary French & International School (est. 1969)
Calgary French & International School graduates will be active global citizens with a foundation for life-long success, and our school will be the leader in French immersion and international education. [View profile] | $7,900 to $15,100 | |
| River Valley School (est. 1983)
River Valley is an inclusive independent school in the heart of NW Calgary that provides exceptional education for 3-year-olds to grade 6 students. [View profile] | $7,830 to $13,900 | |
| Glenmore Christian Academy (est. 1980)
Glenmore Christian Academy (GCA) is a private school in Calgary with specialist educators in academics, arts, and athletics. Our mission is to Teach Truth, Inspire Excellence, Experience Christ and Serve through Love. [View profile] | $2,650 to $6,260 | |
| Progressive Academy (est. 1983)
Progressive Academy's programs inspire students from preschool to grade 12 in Edmonton, Alberta. Wonderful faculty, wide range of experiential opportunities and high expectations ignite a desire to learn. [View profile] | $8,550 to $9,750 | |
| Banbury Crossroads School (est. 1979)
Since 1979, Banbury's student-paced approach with tutorial instruction is in small, multi-aged groups of 10:1. Meainingful relationships enhance learning. Member of Canadian Coalition of Self Directed Learning--CCSDL. [View profile] | $9,000 to $13,000 | |
| Clear Water Academy (est. 1994)
Clear Water Academy is a private Catholic school that stands ready to meet and expand the minds and passions of some of the brightest students in Calgary, and exchange students from around the world. [View profile] | $6,775 to $20,000 | |
| Summit West Independent School (est. 2015)
An independent school that offers an individualized self-directed learning approach for tomorrow's leaders. Bursary programs available to qualified applicants. JK to Grade 12, Alberta Curriculum. [View profile] | $8,925 to $10,750 | |
| Rundle College (est. 1985)
Rundle College is a university preparatory school from Kindergarten-Grade 12 in Calgary, Alberta. Our small class sizes of 12-16 students, gives our students the advantage of and enriched and personalized education. [View profile] | $12,300 to $17,625 | |
The Montessori School of Calgary offers a preschool through Grade 6 program led by experienced guides and teachers who support each child with trust, respect, and proven academic success. [View profile] | $8,280 to $13,500 |
