Calgary French & International School vs Delta West Academy
Calgary French & International School and Delta West Academy are both in Calgary, about 12 km apart. Both schools offer Canadian programmes. Calgary French & International School also offers IB, and Delta West Academy also offers Advanced Placement (AP). Published annual fees are CA$10,610 - 23,670 at Calgary French & International School and CA$18,000 - 24,750 at Delta West Academy, which puts Delta West Academy roughly 25% higher. Calgary French & International School takes pupils from 1 to 18, and Delta West Academy from 4 to 18. Typical class sizes are 20 at Calgary French & International School and 10 at Delta West Academy.
700 77 Street SW, Calgary, AB T3H 5R1. The school is located in southwest Calgary. CFIS offers centralized bus service with stops across multiple communities for daily transport to and from campus.
Location
The school is located at 230 11a St NE, Calgary, AB T2E 4P1, Canada. It sits in Calgary's Bridgeland neighbourhood near the downtown core. In 1998 the school relocated to the historic Bridgeland School, which provided a gym, playground and expanded classrooms while maintaining a strong connection to the city centre.
Stages
Stages
Early Childhood (19 months through Kindergarten); Primary School (Grades 1–5); Middle School (Grades 6–8); Senior School (Grades 9–12).
Stages
Junior Kindergarten; Senior Kindergarten; Elementary Grades 1-6; Junior High Grades 7-9; High School Grades 10-12
School type
School type
Private, independent day school
School type
private school
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
30+ nationalities are represented in the CFIS community.
Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Learning supports include literacy facilitators, reading specialists, school psychologists, learning strategists, teacher assistants, interns, and external support; two libraries—the Learning Commons and Marcel Tremblay Learning Resource Centre; CFIS is an independent, private school.
Additional learning support
Learning support is highlighted as part of the school's approach.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
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Country affiliation
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Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
Before- and after-school care opens at 7:00 am and ends at 5:30 pm.
School day structure
Kindergarten hours: Monday-Thursday 8:15am-3:30pm; Friday 8:15am-2:35pm. After School Care is available on-site until 5:00pm.
Bus service details
Bus service details
CFIS provides a centralized busing service with stops across communities for Preschool to Grade 12; routes are set according to postal codes; ECE drop-off/pick-up is by a responsible person.
Bus service details
Bus service is available (busing is listed as an included option in school fees).
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Tuition fees (2026–27 academic year)
- Junior Preschool (full day): CAD 20,260 per year. - Preschool & Junior Kindergarten: Half day CAD 10,610 per year; Full day CAD 20,260 per year. - Kindergarten to Grade 3: CAD 18,670 per year. - Grades 4 to 6: CAD 18,930 per year. - Grades 7 to 9: CAD 20,570 per year. - Grades 10 to 12: CAD 21,820 per year. - Embark transitional program (separate schedule): Embark Grades 1–3 CAD 23,340; Embark Grades 4–5 CAD 23,670; Embark Grade 7 CAD 25,720 per year.
Full detail of payment amounts by schedule (per year group)
- Re/enrolment deposit required for all grades: CAD 2,000 (applied to tuition).
- Junior Preschool / Preschool & Jr Kindergarten / K–Grade 3 / Grades 4–6 / Grades 7–9 / Grades 10–12 — Full-payment totals (deposit + balance due Sept 1): - Junior Preschool (full day): deposit CAD 2,000; balance CAD 18,260; total CAD 20,260. - Preschool & Jr Kindergarten — Half day: deposit CAD 2,000; balance CAD 8,610; total CAD 10,610. - Preschool & Jr Kindergarten — Full day: deposit CAD 2,000; balance CAD 18,260; total CAD 20,260. - Kindergarten to Grade 3: deposit CAD 2,000; balance CAD 16,670; total CAD 18,670. - Grades 4 to 6: deposit CAD 2,000; balance CAD 16,930; total CAD 18,930. - Grades 7 to 9: deposit CAD 2,000; balance CAD 18,570; total CAD 20,570. - Grades 10 to 12: deposit CAD 2,000; balance CAD 19,820; total CAD 21,820.
- New application (one-time): CAD 275. - Re/enrolment deposit: CAD 2,000 (required to secure placement; this deposit is applied to tuition). The deposit is described on the fee schedule and payment-options text as required when an offer is received. - New Family Membership Fee (one-time, new families): CAD 2,000 — non-refundable; due May 1 prior to the start of the year. - Building Fund Loan (one-time): CAD 4,000 — refundable; due September 1. Families may donate some or all of the Building Fund Loan or request its return when their last child leaves. - Annual family registration fee: CAD 500 per family — due May 1 prior to the start of the next school year.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Placement offer: a non-refundable CAD 2,000 deposit is required to secure placement; the deposit is applied to tuition. Balance payment choices are: full payment (balance due in September), semi-annual (half due in September and half due in February), or ten monthly installments (September through June). - Administration fees for installment plans: semi‑annual installment plan includes administrative fees of CAD 100 per semi‑annual payment; the 10‑month installment plan includes administrative fees of CAD 40 per monthly payment (reflected in the installment schedule totals). - Monthly pre-authorized payment: withdrawals occur on the first business day of each month and follow the selected payment plan.
Busing and before/after-school care fees (optional)
- Busing (full-year): One‑way CAD 2,210 (full payment) or CAD 221 per month; Two‑way CAD 3,250 (full payment) or CAD 325 per month. - Before & After School Program (BAS) (Preschool–Grade 6): examples — Before School CAD 3,300 full / CAD 330 monthly; After School (Preschool–Grade 3) CAD 3,760 full / CAD 376 monthly; Combined Before & After CAD 6,550 full / CAD 655 monthly. Drop‑in rate CAD 25 per hour. (BAS & busing fees shown are based on 2025–26 figures and may be subject to change.)
Other costs and optional fees
- Uniforms: variable cost via the school uniform supplier (InSchoolwear). - Tuition includes most divisional field trips; optional programs are additional and may carry separate fees. Optional items that can incur extra costs include Travel Studies, Debate, Athletics, Band, IB exam fees, university tours, musical productions, and certain co‑curricular trips.
Refund information
- The Building Fund Loan (CAD 4,000) is refundable and may be returned to families when their last child leaves the school unless families choose to donate some or all of it. New Family Membership Fee (CAD 2,000) is non‑refundable. The CAD 2,000 deposit is applied to tuition and is required to secure placement; it is described as non‑refundable when placement is offered. No separate general tuition refund table for mid‑year withdrawal is included in the tuition schedule document.
Fee payment options and methods
- Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) payments are accepted through Plastiq; Plastiq charges a surcharge (noted as 2.5% on the fee schedule). - Cheque: post‑dated cheques may be made out to Calgary French & International School (or CFIS). - Pre‑authorized payment: automatic bank withdrawals available; bank account details required; withdrawals scheduled on the first business day of each month. - Online banking bill payments: accepted from major Canadian banks (CIBC, RBC, BMO, TD, Scotiabank, National Bank, HSBC, ATB) by entering “Calgary French” as the payee and using the student account number from the CFIS statement.
Sibling discounts
- A 10% tuition discount applies to a family's third child (Kindergarten and higher). A 15% tuition discount applies to a family's fourth child (Kindergarten and higher).
Notes on optional/ancillary billing
- Annual registration, new family membership, building fund, busing, BAS, optional program fees, and any program‑specific charges are billed separately according to the school's billing calendar and the payment plan chosen. Instalment administration fees increase the total paid under semi‑annual and monthly plans, as reflected in the installment totals above.
Fee details
Below are the school fees and related payment terms for Delta West Academy for the 2026/2027 school year, presented clearly for a parent to enter into an external database.
Tuition fees (annual, by year group) - Jr. Kindergarten: CAD 18,000 per year. - Sr. Kindergarten: CAD 18,000 per year. - Grades 1–4: CAD 20,900 per year. - Grades 5–9: CAD 23,100 per year. - Grades 10–12: CAD 24,750 per year.
Per-term / instalment payment structure (standard schedules provided by the school) - For families enrolling before February 1: first payment (Capital Improvement & New Family Membership fee) CAD 6,000 per child, second instalment on February 1 CAD 4,000 per child, third instalment on April 1 CAD 4,000 per child, final instalment on August 1 covers the remainder of the school fees. These instalment amounts are applied against the annual tuition above. - For families enrolling after February 1: if enrolling in February–March, payment required is CAD 10,000 per child; if enrolling April–August, CAD 14,000 per child; for enrolment after August 1, the total fees are payable as noted by the school's enrolment rules. Students who enrol after September 1 are required to pay full tuition prior to their first day; enrolment after September 30 may be subject to additional charges related to external grant deadlines. - Sibling discount: a 10% discount on school fees applies for families with more than one child.
Application / initial enrolment charges - No separate, named "application fee" is listed publicly. The school's standard initial payment for families enrolling under the usual schedule combines a Capital Improvement fee and a New Family Membership fee into the first payment of CAD 6,000 per child (for enrolment before February 1). This combined initial payment functions as the upfront family/enrolment charge.
What is included in the stated school fees - The annual school fee covers tuition, graduated use of school technology/laptops, daytime field trips for all grades, the physical education program and associated excursions, and use of textbooks.
Other costs and optional fees (not included in annual tuition) - Overnight and international school trips, optional fun-lunch programs, personal school supplies, extra-curricular and option programs, athletic program fees, uniforms, personal devices for high-school students (where required), busing, after-school care, and graduation/ceremony tickets are not included in the standard tuition and are billed separately or charged as optional items to families. - After-school care is provided through an on-site partner (Discovery Kids); charges depend on the selected service. - Private bus service is offered on school vans (currently serving the NW quadrant); separate bus pricing applies. - Uniforms are additional; the school publishes a Uniform Guide and references McCarthy Uniforms for ordering.
International students (additional fees) - International students (studying in Canada on a student visa) are not eligible for Alberta Education subsidy and are charged an additional CAD 5,500 per year above regular tuition. Additional fees may be applied after language assessment, where applicable. International applicants have an admissions deadline of May 31 for September start.
Boarding: availability and fees - Delta West Academy operates as a day school; there is no published boarding programme or boarding fees. Transport and after-school care are provided as separate day services.
Billing schedule and payment terms summary - The school publishes staged instalment schedules tied to enrolment timing (detailed under the two enrolment-timing bands above). Families enrolling early (before Feb 1) follow the multiple-instalment schedule with CAD 6,000 initial payment; later enrolments require larger up-front sums or full payment. Students enrolling after September 1 must have full tuition paid before their first school day. There is explicit notice that enrolments after September 30 may incur additional charges related to missed external grant deadlines.
Refunds and withdrawal terms - A public, detailed refund schedule for tuition or a full withdrawal policy is not published on the public fee summary page; the school references withdrawal terms in its fee materials and a Financial Responsibility Agreement that accompanies enrolment documentation. Specific refund amounts, deadlines, and the school's formal refund calculation method are governed by the school's Financial Responsibility Agreement and the full Fee Schedule held in the school's parent/financial documentation.
Fee payment options and accepted methods - The school's public fee pages and summaries do not list the explicit accepted payment methods (for example: credit card, debit, bank transfer, e-transfer, or cheque). Payment method details and the Financial Responsibility Agreement are included in the school's enrolment/parent portal documentation and financial forms. Families should follow the school's Financial Responsibility Agreement and enrolment forms for the exact payment channels and billing instructions.
Other notes for parents (practical points) - Sibling discount: 10% on school fees for additional siblings. - Annual fund, capital improvement and new-family membership charges are collected as part of the initial instalment(s) and are reflected in the first scheduled payment amounts.
Brief summary of missing details found during this review - The public fee summary provides annual tuition per year group and the school's enrolment-timing instalment schedule, plus the CAD 5,500 international surcharge and the sibling discount. However, the following items were not published in full detail on the public fee pages: 1) any separate, stand-alone application fee (no explicit application fee appeared; the CAD 6,000 first payment covers capital improvement and new-family membership charges), 2) a detailed, line-by-line refund or tuition proration schedule tied to withdrawal dates, and 3) the precise, accepted payment methods (credit card, bank transfer, e-transfer, etc.) used to settle fees. The school's Financial Responsibility Agreement and the full Fee Schedule (available in the school's parent/financial documentation) contain the formal contractual details for withdrawal, refunds and exact payment channels.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
IB Programmes spanning Preschool through Grade 12: Primary Years Programme (Preschool–Grade 5), Middle Years Programme (Grades 6-10), and Diploma Programme (Grades 11-12) with full French immersion and Spanish language enrichment.
Curriculum details
Delta West Academy is a private PreK-12 school in Calgary offering Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12. The elementary program emphasizes literacy and numeracy with theme-based instruction, a structured handwriting program, and second language instruction in French and Spanish. Full-day JK and K programs are available, with a schedule that includes daily activities, field trips, and on-site after-school care. The senior high program follows the Alberta Education curriculum, includes an honours stream and an Advanced Placement program with English AP annually; courses include English Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Science, Drama, CALM, and French or Spanish. Classes are 70 minutes with a low student-to-teacher ratio and ATI support; travel and leadership opportunities are offered, and graduates have a 100% university placement rate into their first-choice universities and programs.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
Standard maximum class size is 20 students (16 in Preschool and Junior Kindergarten, and 12 in Junior Preschool).
Student teacher ratio
low student-to-teacher ratio
Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
30+ University Destinations.
Higher education progression
100% university placement rate into universities and programs of their first choice
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
Honours program based on Alberta Education curriculum; Advanced Placement program offered (English AP annually, with other AP courses available based on demand)
Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
CFIS offers education from 19 months through Grade 12 with instruction in French and English, enriched by Spanish. It is an International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum school offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). The school provides global perspectives and experiential learning through IB and Round Square initiatives and prepares graduates for Canadian and international universities. The CFIS community includes more than 30 nationalities and prioritizes students' well-being and sense of belonging. Tour and Information Sessions are offered monthly to learn about programs, community, and approach to education, and spots can be reserved. Inquiries and applications are handled through dedicated portals. The four academic divisions are Early Childhood, Primary School, Middle School, and Senior School.
Admissions
Delta West Academy uses a four-step admissions process: admissions package, school tour, student interview, and testing. Applications can be submitted anytime; if the grade is full, a waiting list is available. To avoid disappointment, submit an application at least six months before the start of the school year. International students should apply by May 31 prior to the September start. The application form is the first step to learn about the child, and the information gathered is protected under PIPA. To arrange a tour, contact the school office. The school provides after-school care and private bus service.
Scholarships
Scholarships
CFIS offers targeted funding programs through its Giving pages: the CFIS Annual Fund supports school priorities and classroom upgrades, with a theme of Every Classroom Counts and a goal to raise $350,000 to upgrade current classrooms and construct eight new classrooms opening in 2027. The Bridging Bursary provides financial assistance to current students experiencing temporary hardship, funded in part by community gifts directed to this fund. The Round Square Travel Bursary expands opportunities for student travel and experiential learning, helping more students participate in travel experiences that build resilience and global awareness. Ways to give include One-time Giving, Monthly Giving, Employer Matching Gifts, Gift of Securities, Major Gifts, and Sponsorship. CFIS is a non-profit organization and registered charity, and donations receive tax receipts; contact details for CFIS's Development team are provided on the Giving site.
Scholarships
The Delta West Academy Foundation (DWAF) is an independent Society dedicated to fundraising. Families automatically become members on enrolment and elect a fully parent-run board at the Annual General Meeting. DWAF chooses fundraising activities for the year, organizes volunteers and distributes funds based on a school wish list. DWAF funds scholarships, special projects and events, and long-term building funds. Donations can be directed toward Scholarships and Awards, supporting families and recognizing student growth and achievement. Donations may be eligible for tax deductions.
Waitlist
Waitlist
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Waitlist
A waiting list is available if the desired grade is full.