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Calgary Academy

Canada, Calgary

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees CA$18,400 - 22,990
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 752
Type Co-educational
Opened 1981
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Canadian Curriculum
Taught languages French
Strengths Outdoor Education, Languages, Performing Arts
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Leadership and Professional
Stages Early Years, Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, High School
Introduction

Calgary Academy is a Canadian-curriculum school serving early years through Grade 12, located at 1677 6 Street SW. It offers Early Years (Kindergarten–Grade 2) and tracks for Grades 3–12: Academy, a strengths-based remediation program, and Collegiate, which prepares students for higher education and life beyond school. Blended+ for Grades 9–12 combines virtual classes, in-person days, and off-site trips to foster independent learning. Small class sizes and educational support promote independence, skills, and confidence. The campus spans 16 acres with 105,500 square feet of learning space overlooking the Rocky Mountains and bordered by forest and athletic field. Facilities include modern classrooms, several gymnasiums, two learning commons, and dedicated Integrated Studies spaces offering Art, Computer Science, Construction Lab, Foods, Multimedia, Drama, Guitar, Leadership, Music, Outdoor Education, Photography, Spanish, Sports Medicine, and Wellness. Extracurriculars include CASSC, ITS, drama productions, CASTLE, Yearbook, D&D, QSA, and QUEST Council. These programs cultivate citizenship, leadership, and well-being.

1677 6 Street SW, Calgary, Alberta T3H 0R3

The Essentials

Calgary Academy has 752 pupils, instruction in English.

Location

1677 – 93 Street SW, Calgary, Alberta T3H 0R3. The campus is in the southwest area of Calgary.

Stages

Early Years (K–2); Academy (3–12); Collegiate (3–12); Blended+ (9–12).

Additional learning support

Psychologist, Reading Centre, and Speech Language Pathologist support students; Occupational therapy is provided on a limited basis through a partnership with Renfrew Educational Services.

School day structure

Instructional hours are 8:20 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and 1:00 p.m. on Fridays.

Bus service

Transportation is provided through First Student Canada. For 2025–2026, 18 bus routes operate across Calgary quadrants, De Winton, and Bragg Creek. Routes are redesigned annually and information is provided to families by the third to fourth week of August.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement

No uniforms.

Food Options

Castle Café provides fresh, healthy meals to the school community year-round. Pre-order meal selections (including a drink and a dessert) with a rolling six-week menu; orders can be placed days in advance or up to 11:59 p.m. the night before. Castle Café serves breakfast from 7:45 a.m. to 8:20 a.m. and lunch during scheduled periods; it uses a cashless LunchTime system with parental access via PowerSchool to manage orders and payments.

House System

The Knights House System divides students from Kindergarten through Grade 12 into four houses—orange, yellow, purple, and grey. Students and staff earn points through REACH-based activities; houses are student-led, with ownership over their name, norms, and values.

Governance and Ownership

Calgary Academy is governed by the Calgary Academy Board of Directors. The Board develops policies for Calgary Academy, Headwater Learning Foundation (HLF), and Headwater Learning Solutions (HLS), collectively known as the Headwater Learning Group (HLG).
Fees

Annual tuition at Calgary Academy ranges from CAD 18,400 to CAD 22,990 for 2026/27.

Application fee

- CAD 250 per application (non-refundable).

New-enrolment and re-enrolment deposits

- New enrolment deposit (new students): CAD 700 (non-refundable; applied to reduce tuition).
- Re-enrolment deposit (returning students): CAD 1,800 required.

Annual tuition by program / year group and installment breakdowns

- Academy (Grades 3–12): Tuition CAD 22,990.
- Full payment: One-time payment of CAD 22,990 due Sept. 15, 2026.
- Split payment: Two equal payments (finance fee CAD 250 applies). Total = CAD 22,990 + CAD 250 = CAD 23,240; each payment = CAD 11,620 due Sept. 15, 2026 and Jan. 15, 2027.
- 10 monthly payments: Ten equal payments (finance fee CAD 500 applies). Total = CAD 22,990 + CAD 500 = CAD 23,490; monthly payment = CAD 2,349.00 due the 15th of each month Sept.–June.

- Collegiate (Grades 3–12): Tuition CAD 18,400.
- Full payment: One-time payment of CAD 18,400 due Sept. 15, 2026.
- Split payment: Two equal payments (finance fee CAD 250 applies). Total = CAD 18,400 + CAD 250 = CAD 18,650; each payment = CAD 9,325 due Sept. 15, 2026 and Jan. 15, 2027.
- 10 monthly payments: Ten equal payments (finance fee CAD 500 applies). Total = CAD 18,400 + CAD 500 = CAD 18,900; monthly payment = CAD 1,890.00 due the 15th of each month Sept.–June.

- Blended+ (Grades 9–12): Tuition CAD 18,400 (mirrors Collegiate tuition and payment options).
- Full, Split and 10-month options follow the same structure and installment amounts as Collegiate.

- Early Years (Kindergarten–Grade 2): Tuition CAD 18,400.
- Full, Split and 10-month options follow the same structure and installment amounts as Collegiate.

Supply and program-specific fees

- Supply Fee (Kindergarten): CAD 900 (includes school-provided device, tech support, supplies, yearbook, field trips, recognition nights).
- Supply Fee (Grades 1–8 and Grade 10): CAD 1,150 (includes device where applicable, tech support, supplies, yearbook, field trips, recognition nights, retreats).
- Supply Fee (Grade 10 Blended+): CAD 900 (includes device, tech support, supplies, yearbook, recognition nights; field trips and retreats included in Blended+ tuition).
- Supply Fee (Grade 9, 11–12 including Blended+): Academy/Collegiate CAD 600; Blended+ CAD 350.
- Additional fees for clubs, teams, offsite activities, athletics and curriculum-specific activities apply; these fees vary by activity, are established at the start of the activity, are due upfront, and are non-refundable. Payment and viewing of these activity fees are managed through the school's Rycor system. Medical tax letter fee: CAD 100.

New Family Initiation Fee

- One-time, non-refundable New Family Initiation Fee: CAD 2,500 per family (one fee regardless of number of children new to the school). Kindergarten students are exempt from this fee until Grade 1.

Supplementary funding (where provincial funding is not available or not in place)

- Supplementary Funding Fee for students not eligible for provincial funding: CAD 4,595 for a child without a documented learning disability/condition that affects learning.
- Supplementary Funding Fee where a student has a documented learning disability or similar condition: CAD 12,598.
- All Supplementary Funding fees are non-refundable and will not be prorated.

Transportation / busing fees and related refund rules

- Two-way busing:
- First child: CAD 2,950.
- Additional child: CAD 2,300.
- Additional stop per child: CAD 650.
- One-way busing (available for Blended+ and Kindergarten–Grade 8):
- First child: CAD 2,100.
- Additional child: CAD 2,100.
- Additional stop per child: CAD 650.
- Transportation contract deadline: April 30; contracts after deadline are subject to CAD 150 late fee and no guaranteed spot until 4–6 weeks after school starts.
- Transportation refunds: 40% of the transportation fee is refundable if cancelled after Aug. 15 and prior to Jan. 1; transportation fees are non-refundable after Jan. 1.

Billing schedule, payment terms and late-payment penalties

- Payment options for tuition and supply fees:
- Full payment: One-time payment due Sept. 15, 2026 (no finance fee).
- Split payment: Two equal payments due Sept. 15, 2026 and Jan. 15, 2027 (CAD 250 finance fee applies to the plan).
- 10 monthly payments: Ten equal payments due the 15th of each month from Sept. 2026 through June 2027 (CAD 500 finance fee applies to the plan).
- Late payments: Outstanding balances not paid according to the selected payment plan will be charged interest at 2% per month (24% per annum) on the unpaid balance after 30 days. Accounts in arrears must be brought current before a child may be enrolled for the next school year.

Mid-year enrolment, withdrawals and expulsion billing rules

- Mid-year enrolment:
- Enrolment/re-enrolment after Sept. 1 but prior to Nov. 30: full tuition and all fees are required.
- Enrolment/re-enrolment after Nov. 30: tuition will be prorated for the number of months of enrolment remaining in the school year plus two months; all fees are still required and will not be prorated.
- Withdrawals:
- Withdrawal prior to Jan. 31: payment required for tuition up to the month in which the withdrawal occurred plus two months' tuition after the month of withdrawal.
- Withdrawal after Jan. 31: the entire balance of the annual tuition and fees for the school year is required.
- Expulsion at any time: the entire balance of the annual tuition and fees for the school year is required.

Refunds and non-refundable items

- Non-refundable items include: application fee (CAD 250), new enrolment deposit (CAD 700), New Family Initiation Fee (CAD 2,500), supplementary funding fees, and activity/club fees (activity fees are stated as non-refundable). Transportation fees have limited refundability as described above. Supply and other fees are required and will not be prorated for certain mid-year scenarios.

Accepted payment methods and administration fees

- Online bill payment via major Canadian banks (TD, RBC, BMO, ATB, Scotiabank, Credit Union, CIBC, HSBC) using the child's nine-digit Student ID as account number.
- Interac e-Transfer within Canada to ar@calgaryacademy.com (include child's name and purpose in memo).
- Enrolment portal payment options:
- Electronic cheque (auto-debit): flat merchant admin fee CAD 2.50 per transaction.
- Credit card via the enrolment portal: merchant admin fee of 3.05%.
- Rycor (online payments for activity and other fees) accepts credit-card payments; instructions and login options are provided through the school's Rycor/PowerSchool access. Receipts for current tuition, related fees and bussing are emailed within 10–30 business days depending on time of year.

Other cost items and assistance

- Additional fees may apply for clubs, teams, offsite activities, athletics, and curriculum-specific activities; these are set per activity, due upfront, and managed through Rycor (non-refundable).
- Medical tax letters are available for CAD 100.
- Bursaries may be available through the Calgary Academy Parents Association (CAPA) and other foundations; eligibility and application procedures for bursaries are administered separately from tuition billing.
Academics

Calgary Academy teaches Canadian Curriculum.

Curriculum

Calgary Academy offers Early Years (Kindergarten–Grade 2) and two program tracks for Grades 3–12: Academy and Collegiate. The Academy is strengths-based and remediation-focused to meet each student's unique learning needs. The Collegiate program prepares students for a rapidly changing world and their next chapter. Blended+ for Grades 9–12 combines virtual classes, in-person school days, and off-site trips to empower independent learners. Small class sizes and educational support foster independence, skills, and confidence.

Student Teacher Ratio

Small class sizes support individualized learning and close teacher support.

Exam Results

The 2024–2025 Alberta Education Results Report (AERR) was published November 28, 2025. For Grade 9 Provincial Achievement Tests, Calgary Academy recorded 77.0% of students achieving the acceptable or excellence standard, compared with the provincial average of 62.6%. For Diploma Examinations (Grade 12) in 2025, Calgary Academy reported 77.4% acceptable and 11.3% excellence, compared with the provincial averages of 82.0% acceptable and 23.0% excellence.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school anchors its community in continuous social-emotional learning (SEL) through the REACH values. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to SEL and guide how students learn and interact. The five SEL competencies—self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making—form the foundation of the wellness program.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Integrated Studies supports students with diagnosed learning difficulties or other conditions that may affect learning. The Academy program serves students in Grades 3–12 who struggle to produce work at grade level or have a diagnosed learning difficulty or other condition, and Integrated Studies options are available across programs to learn new skills with subject-matter experts.

Mental Wellbeing

Counselling services and wraparound supports are available for students. A counsellor supports learners in Grades K–8, and a dedicated contact supports Grades 9–12; families can reach out to the Director of Learning for wellness programming.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding measures include electronic security with cameras and securely stored digital records, overseen by the principal. Volunteers must complete Commit to Kids: Foundational Information for Safeguarding Children from Sexual Abuse before participating in school activities.
Parent Experience

History

Calgary Academy opened September 1, 1981 with 44 students and 12 staff. It has grown to more than 700 students on a 16-acre campus on the western edge of Calgary, with about 150 staff across the school, a foundation, and an education outreach organization. The Calgary Academy facilities are owned by Headwater Learning Foundation. In Fall 2021 Calgary Academy celebrated 40 years since opening, and the Southwest Addition opened September 3, 2024, adding 7,500 square feet to the school.

Community

The Calgary Academy Parents Association (CAPA) provides financial support to students with demonstrated need to attend Calgary Academy and has raised more than $5 million since 1986. CAPA bursary fundraising supports 30–40 students annually and includes events such as bingos and casinos staffed by CAPA volunteers. The School Council of Calgary Academy (SCOCA) enhances the educational experience and provides a forum for parents; SCOCA launched in 2018 and welcomes all CA parents to attend meetings. Volunteer opportunities further support CA families, including CAPA-led bursary fundraising and casino/bingo events.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

CAPA provides financial support to students with demonstrated need and has raised over $5 million since 1986. CAPA bursaries enable 30–40 students to attend Calgary Academy each year and are funded through volunteer events such as bingos and casinos; CAPA is volunteer-run and raises more than $100,000 annually. CAPA's work is complemented by SCOCA, the School Council of Calgary Academy, which represents parent, student, and staff input and meets regularly.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The school offers over 105,500 square feet of learning space, with an expansion planned. The campus features Rocky Mountain views and is bordered by a forest and an athletic field that support outdoor activities. Inside, the school has modern classrooms, multiple gymnasiums, two learning commons, and various Integrated Studies classrooms. The school supports a range of instructional approaches across Kindergarten to Grade 12.

Sports Facilities

The school has multiple gymnasiums and an outdoor athletic field for a broad range of sports and physical education. These facilities enable a full PE program and athletic activities throughout the year. The campus includes Rocky Mountain views that enhance the on-site experience.

Academic Facilities

Integrated Studies are taught in specialized spaces for Kindergarten to Grade 12, with IS classes led by subject-matter experts. The Integrated Studies programs include Art, Computer Science, Construction Lab, Foods, Multimedia, Drama, Guitar, Leadership, Music, Outdoor Education, Photography, Spanish, Sports Medicine, and Wellness. IS classes connect Academy, Collegiate, and Blended+ students to provide shared learning opportunities.

Extra Curricular Facilities

The Calgary Academy Ski and Snowboard Club (CASSC) provides coaching in big mountain skiing, snowboarding, and coaching development. The International Travel Studies program (ITS) invites high school students to participate in global travel experiences that apply REACH principles and altruism. Drama Productions offer two annual productions with opportunities to participate as actors, set designers, or stage crew. Clubs include Calgary Academy Student Leadership (CASTLE), Yearbook Club, Dungeons & Dragons Club, Queer-Straight Alliance (QSA), and QUEST Council; club offerings vary by year.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

Calgary Academy offers an International Travel Studies (ITS) program, a year-long focus on altruism and global citizenship. ITS trips involve volunteering, participating in events, and raising money for partner organizations, with destinations including Brazil, Cambodia, Vietnam, Tanzania, and Morocco. The program emphasizes sustainable tourism and working with host communities to address their needs, with funds supporting supplies and projects for partner organizations. ITS teaches students to be global citizens and to research country history, geography, culture, and language before travel.

Arts & Creative

Drama Productions provide two annual productions in which students may participate as actors, set designers, or stage crew. Integrated Studies includes Drama, Guitar, Music, and Art as part of its specialized learning spaces, along with other creative pathways such as Multimedia and Photography. The school also supports student involvement in creative activities through clubs and leadership opportunities like CASTLE.

Cultural & Language

Spanish is offered as a language option within Integrated Studies. Integrated Studies also includes language and arts offerings such as Spanish alongside Drama, Music, and other creative disciplines. ITS integrates country-specific language preparation as part of researching and learning about the destination country before travel.

Social & Hobbies

A variety of lunch-time clubs are offered, including Calgary Academy Student Leadership (CASTLE), Yearbook Club, Dungeons & Dragons Club, Queer-Straight Alliance (QSA), and QUEST Council. CASTLE is Calgary Academy's student leadership program for Grades 9–12, providing opportunities to influence school life. Clubs vary by year based on student interest and teacher capacity.

Community & Service

The International Travel Studies program emphasizes altruism and global citizenship through international volunteering and charitable fundraising. ITS trips involve volunteering, events, and fundraising with partner organizations, and projects focus on helping communities in host countries. Before travel, ITS students engage in local initiatives and fundraising, then research their destination's history, culture, and needs.

Leadership & Professional

CASTLE (Calgary Academy Student Leadership) is the school's leadership program for Grades 9–12. CASTLE members meet at lunch to brainstorm initiatives, support student athletes, and help run school events, giving students a voice in the school community. The program centers on empowering students to lead and to remove obstacles so their ideas can be implemented.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Knights Athletics offers fall, winter, and spring sports for most students, with programs including Golf, Cross-country, Volleyball, Football, Basketball, Badminton, Soccer, Track and Field, and Rugby, and a Grade 6 Challenge as an introduction to athletics. Athletics are designed to complement classroom achievement and to build teamwork, resilience, and leadership. Outdoor Education is also part of Integrated Studies, expanding learning beyond the classroom through experiential activities.
Languages

Language Provision

The school teaches in English and does not offer an English Language Learning Program.
Admissions

Admissions

1) Parent/Guardian Tour: Tours are held regularly for families considering K–12. The tours provide an overview of the programs and facilities and allow families to see the school in action. Tours are adults-only. Attending a tour is a required part of the admissions process. 2) Apply online: Complete the application online, pay the non-refundable application fee, and provide all required documentation. An admissions deposit is required as part of the process. 3) Student Needs Assessment: If Calgary Academy may fit, an informal one-on-one meeting is scheduled to learn more about the child's learning needs, and the child will receive a personal campus tour. Scheduling a Student Needs Assessment does not guarantee placement. 4) Final decision: The Admissions Committee reviews all information to determine the best program for the child. If the child fits Calgary Academy's criteria, an offer of admission may be extended or the child may be placed on a waitlist. The review may take up to one month after the application is complete. Limited space by grade exists with a wait pool for some grades (e.g., wait pool for grades 2 and 4; other grades may be at capacity).

Scholarships

The Calgary Academy Parents Association (CAPA) provides bursaries to students with demonstrated need to attend Calgary Academy. Since 1986, CAPA has provided more than $5 million in bursaries, with a limited number of bursaries available. If bursary support is needed, the CAPA bursary application forms are submitted after an admissions application has been submitted to the school. An additional bursary of $4,000 per year may be available through the Prosser Foundation for low-income families; the Prosser Foundation bursary applications are offered each year in February with a deadline in late March.

Waitlist

The school uses a waitlist system when programs reach capacity. There is a Wait Pool designation for certain grades (notably grades 2 and 4) while other grades may be at capacity. If a program reaches capacity, students may be placed on a waitlist. Mid-year admissions may also be subject to waitlists.
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