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Calgary Private School Expo (Sep 21, 2025) Yes, I want to attend
Access school reviews, insights, and comparisons through our comprehensive reports below.
These are the leading schools that Our Kids editors have covered most extensively so far, providing detailed insights and thorough analysis of their programs, student life, and more.
"No other high school in the world has developed more Elite, Junior, Collegiate, USPORT, NCAA, National, Olympic or Pro athletes with over 215 in the NHL alone. ND graduates attend the top ranked universities worldwide.
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"Choose to Succeed, at Banbury Crossroads School. We offer a truly unique learning experience, with self-directed, collaborative, tutorial-style classrooms that average 10:1 students per teacher.
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Winnipeg, Manitoba Langside St./Westminster Ave. "Recognizing each student's potential in their pursuit of excellence, we encourage progress, we develop opportunities, and we advocate belonging as they create paths that take them into uncharted territories." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta "Our Academy (in-person) and Studio (online) personalizes learning for students with a diagnosed learning disability to reach their academic and personal potential through outstanding support in and out of the classroom." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta 17 Avenue SW/69 Street SW "Students develop a love of learning and discover their passions, thanks to our enriched academics and character, leadership, and wellness pillars. We proudly live by our values, “Together: Be Kind, Be Curious, Be Well."" —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta "Calgary French & International School's immersive language learning environment and enriched curriculum inspires a deep curiosity, respect and exploration of the world for children aged 19 months to 18 years." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta "Calgary Waldorf School’s rich and engaging curriculum carefully balances academic, artistic and practical activities to stimulate intelligence and encourage creativity." —From the school
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Rosthern, Saskatchewan "RJC is a Grades 9-12 boarding school accredited by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education. RJC is student and community-focused all while offering excellent academics and exceptional athletic and fine arts programs." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta "Our vision is student success. Success is realized through our highly flexible programs, outstanding instructional delivery, and extensive student supports. Our bursary program ensures our services are accessible to all." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta "Academy is strengths-based and remediation-focused. Collegiate is for those learning at or above grade-level. Blended+ is personalized for Grades 9-12 that empowers them to learn in-person, hybrid, and off-campus." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta 17th Ave SW/Richmond Road SW "In addition to academics, our focus on mentorship, hands-on learning in and outside the classroom, and character development, will allow our students to thrive academically and personally as they discover who they are." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta Garrison Blvd SW/33 Ave SW "Experience exceptional bilingual education in Calgary with dual French Ministry & Alberta Education curricula. A unique bilingual journey from preschool to high school! Join us now!" —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta "We offer a specialized, student-paced program for children with diverse learning needs, so that they can thrive! With ample academic support and an inclusive school culture, you can Become Your Best!" —From the school
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Regina, Saskatchewan "Luther College prepares students to be compassionate, creative, and critical thinkers who go on to create a more grace-filled, just, and joyful world. Luther College is the only IB World School in southern Saskatchewan." —From the school
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Edmonton, Alberta Groat Road/107 Avenue "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." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta Bowness Rd NW/Bow Crescent NW "River Valley School is Calgary’s only independent school for ages 3–Grade 6, where wonder fuels learning, childhood is celebrated, and every student is known, inspired, and empowered to thrive." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta Crowchild Trail/Flanders Ave. SW "Clear Water Academy is a private Catholic school in Calgary, offering education from Jr. Kindergarten to Grade 12. Our prep program has a 100% university acceptance rate, forming Christian leaders to transform society." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta 37 Street NW/Bowness Rd NW "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." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta Blackfoot Trail S.E/Glenmore Trail "With 100% post-secondary acceptance, WIC empowers students to follow their passions, be creative and embrace challenges. A rigorous curriculum along with hands-on learning ensures a well-rounded experience for students." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta 162 Ave SW/24 St SW "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." —From the school
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Winnipeg, Manitoba South Dr/North Dr "SJR focuses on academic excellence. It is the world’s leading school in Debating and Public Speaking. 100% of SJR graduates are accepted to university, with 98% accepted to their first-choice university program." —From the school
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Foothills, Alberta Range Road 12/306 Ave W "Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School is an independent, private coeducational, continuum IB (primary, middle, and diploma programme) day school for Kindergarten - Grade 12, located just outside of Calgary, AB." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta Highway 1/Stony Trail East "Third Academy is a school with a heart. We are inclusive, supporting students with a variety of disabilities and disorders. Our sliding scale bursary program makes our services accessible to all families." —From the school
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Private and independent schools vary greatly across the prairies. There is everything from small rural faith-based schools to an academy in the Canadian Rockies geared to elite athletes seeking adventures in snowboarding and backcountry skiing. There are a multitude of choices along the continuum, whether parents are seeking enriched academics, religious instruction or other alternative education programs.
There is also diversity as far as the guidelines and regulations that impact private and independent schools in these provinces.
Private schools in Alberta have been officially recognized since 1946 and have received some form of public funding since 1967. About 25,000 students attend private and independent schools in Alberta or about 4.6 percent of the province's students (according to Measuring Choice and Competition in Canadian Education, a report released by the Fraser Institute in February, 2014). The majority of students enrolled in private and independent schools in Alberta attend a denominational school. Seventy percent go to religious schools, including Hebrew, Mennonite, Muslim, Christian and various other denominations. The other 30 per cent of students in Alberta's private and independent schools are enrolled in programs that focus on enriched academics or alternative programs, including First Nations, Montessori, Waldorf or those catering to students with special needs.
Alberta's Department of Education website states that it "recognizes that parents have a choice as to how and where education is provided to their children". To ensure students have access to a certain level of instruction, private and independent schools receiving provincial grants in Alberta must meet provincial curriculum guidelines and other requirements. Alberta's accredited private and independent schools receive 60 percent of the basic instruction per-pupil grant given to public and separate schools. Extra funding is also available to them for special needs students, materials and transportation costs. The vast majority of private and independents schools operating in Alberta have provincial accreditation.
In Saskatchewan, the provincial government provides partial funding, as of the 2011-12 school year. In order to receive funding, independent schools must meet certain criteria: follow provincial curriculum and policies, employ only certified teachers, and take part in student assessments and inspections (among other conditions). Meeting these criteria entitles schools to receive half of the per-student average provincial funding. Read the announcement as covered on our blog: Saskatchewan announces private school funding.
Both funded and non-funded independent schools operate in Manitoba. According to Measuring Choice and Competition in Canadian Education, published by the Fraser Institute in February, 2014, enrollment in Manitoba private schools is approximately 7.4% of the total student population.
To receive funding, schools must meet the provincial standard curriculum and hire Manitoba certified teachers. Funded independent schools in Manitoba receive 60 percent of the basic public school per-pupil grant. Manitoba private and independent schools classified as non-funded still receive an annual grant of $50 per student annually for textbooks.
How many Prairie private schools are there?
There are 23 Prairie private schools that are Our Kids trusted members.
How much is tuition at Prairie private schools?
Tuition fees for Prairie private schools range from $3,210 to $75,500 per year with an average tuition of $20,408 per year.
What’s the largest school?
Of the Prairie private schools, the largest is Glenmore Christian Academy with 1031 students in Grades 9 to JK.
Are Prairie private schools good?
We interviewed both parents and students. You can read reviews about Prairie private schools on this page.
Is there a private school expo where I can meet with Prairie private schools?
Yes. You can meet with private schools and education experts at the Our Kids Private School Expos held every year in September and October. These events are designed for both parents and students. Find event details and ticket info here.
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Q&A with Janice Gruchy to learn more about the educational approach at P.A.C.E. (June 12, 2025)
Profile of David Young, Head of St. George's School
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