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Progressive Academy

Canada, Edmonton

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees CA$3,263 - 12,800
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 310
Type Co-educational
Opened 1984
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Canadian Curriculum
Taught languages French, Mandarin
Typical class size 16
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, STEM
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Leadership and Professional
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Progressive Academy is an independent private school in Edmonton's Glenora neighbourhood, serving Kindergarten through Grade 12 under Canada's Alberta Education program. The school follows the Alberta Program of Studies for all grades, with small class sizes to support individualized learning. Language offerings include French and Mandarin, alongside Visual Arts, Drama, Music, Physical Education and technology/art electives. Junior and Senior High follow the Alberta program in core subjects, with a concert band and electives such as robotics, photography, videography, international travel, and gifted and talented programs. High school is self-paced, with many students completing in two years; admission to senior high is by interview. Facilities include classrooms, a technology centre, an auditorium, a library, music and art rooms, two performance stages, and a gym. The campus is five blocks from the river valley and Space and Science Centre. Distinctive features include Mountain Adventure School, internships, and hands-on projects and the arts.

13212 106 Ave NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T5N 1A3

The Essentials

Progressive Academy has 310 pupils, typical class sizes of 16, instruction in English.

Location

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Progressive Academy is centrally located in the Glenora neighbourhood, with easy access to Edmonton and area residents. The premises are five blocks from the river valley, the Edmonton Space and Science Centre and downtown Edmonton.

Stages

Kindergarten to Grade 12, including Junior Kindergarten, Senior Kindergarten, Elementary, and Junior & Senior High. A preschool program for ages 3 and 4 and related summer programs are also offered.

Type

Independent private school.

Additional learning support

Tutoring is offered.

Country affiliation

Canada

School day structure

Senior Kindergarten is a full-time program, Monday through Friday. Out-of-School Care is available before and after school for JK–4 (7:30am–8:45am; 3:30pm–4:30pm and 4:30pm–5:30pm). After-school Study Hall is available for Grades 4–9.
Diving Deeper

Governance and Ownership

Independent private school; established in 1984.
Fees

Annual tuition at Progressive Academy ranges from CAD 3,263 to CAD 12,800 for 2026/27.

Overview (2026–2027 academic year rates and policies)

Application / registration fee
- A non-refundable registration fee of CAD 250.00 is payable at the time of registration.

Tuition fees (monthly and annual) — full‑time students
- Junior Kindergarten (JK): CAD 326.25 per month. Annual tuition (September through June) = CAD 3,262.50. This monthly rate includes the Alberta Affordability Grant.
- Senior Kindergarten to Grade 12: CAD 1,280.00 per month. Annual tuition (September through June) = CAD 12,800.00.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- The school year is billed on a monthly basis (students are registered for the full school year, September through June). The registration fee and the last month's tuition (June) are due at the time of registration. Written notice of one month is required for withdrawal; fees are due for the month in which notice is received. No tuition refunds are issued after March 1.
- Posted rates apply for payments by debit, cash, cheque, pre-authorized debit, and e-transfer. Credit card payments incur an additional 3% processing charge.

Boarding
- Progressive Academy operates day programs (Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12). There is no boarding program; therefore no boarding fees apply.

Transportation (school bus)
- School bus service is offered on six routes within Edmonton (with some stops in Sherwood Park and St. Albert). Bus service is charged at CAD 90.00 per month per student. No multi‑student discount is offered for the bus program. The bus fee is charged monthly.

Out‑of‑school care and before/after school programs
- Before‑ and after‑school Out‑of‑School Care (OSC) is provided for Junior Kindergarten through Grade 4, and a Study Hall option is available for Grades 4–9 during after‑school hours. Specific OSC rates are set separately from tuition and are applied to the registered OSC times. (OSC operates on set time blocks: before school 7:30–8:45 a.m.; after school 3:30–4:30 p.m. and 4:30–5:30 p.m.)

Private music lessons and related program fees
- Intro to Music (Junior Kindergarten): CAD 115.00 per month (payments run September–May).
- Private lessons (Piano, Drums, Guitar, Vocals) for Kindergarten through High School: CAD 155.00 per month (payments run September–May). Lessons are packaged for the year (regular lessons run mid‑September to May; payments are split across the designated months). Additional small costs may apply for required books or instruments for some lessons.

Uniforms and uniform costs
- Progressive Academy is a uniform school. Uniform items are purchased through the approved supplier; a published uniform guide lists the required pieces and retail prices for typical items (examples from the uniform guide):
- Short‑sleeve embroidered polo shirts: approximately CAD 29.99–32.99.
- Embroidered oxford shirts (formal days): approximately CAD 35.99–40.99.
- Blazers (optional, by order): approximately CAD 158.95.
- Pullover/cardigan/sweatshirts: range approximately CAD 38.99–53.99 depending on the item.
- Skorts, pants, kilts and other bottoms: ranges typically CAD 31.99–84.99 depending on style.
- Parents should budget separately for black dress shoes (mandatory for Grades 1+) and any optional formal pieces. Specific item-by-item prices are available in the school's uniform guide and price list.

Other common additional fees
- Field trips, grade camps, ski trips and some extracurricular events typically carry additional, per‑event fees; these are billed separately when applicable. Extra‑curricular club fees or team activity fees (for example, travel or special program costs) are charged as required. Private music lesson materials or instrument purchases are additional where applicable. Uniform accessories (socks, tights, footwear) are additional costs.

Refund and withdrawal policy (fees-related)
- Written notice of one month is required to withdraw a student; fees are due for the month in which the notice is received. No tuition refunds are given after March 1 of the school year. The registration fee is non‑refundable. Last month's tuition (June) is retained as the final month's payment per registration policy.

Accepted payment methods and surcharges
- Accepted methods: debit, cash, cheque, pre‑authorized debit, and e‑transfer. Credit card payments incur a 3% surcharge. Additional payment plan options, family or prepayment discounts, and international tuition arrangements are available under separate tuition agreements or program terms.

Key administrative notes (fee timing and application)
- Registration is completed when forms, the non‑refundable registration fee (CAD 250.00) and the last month's tuition (June) are received. Tuition is payable for the full registered year (September–June) unless proper notice is given; standard billing is monthly. Music lessons and certain programs use specific seasonal billing cycles (for example, music payments split across September–May).

(End of fees overview.)
Academics

Progressive Academy teaches Canadian Curriculum.

Curriculum

The school follows the Alberta Education Program of Studies for Kindergarten through Grade 12 and is not a faith-based school. Elementary uses Alberta's framework with small class sizes to support individualized learning. Language offerings include French as a Second Language and Mandarin as a Second Language, along with Visual Arts, Drama, Music, Physical Education and technology/art electives. Junior and Senior High follow the Alberta Program of Studies in core subjects, with music training as part of the concert band and a broad range of electives including robotics, photography, videography, international travel, and gifted and talented programs that allow vertical progression. High school is self-paced; many students complete in two years, and admission to senior high is by interview.

Student Teacher Ratio

Low student-to-teacher ratio.

Exam Results

Progressive Academy prioritizes improving student success on Alberta Provincial Achievement Tests (PAT) and Diploma Examinations. The plan notes this as a priority based on January 2023 results and describes strategies such as including PAT results in final grades for grade 9 courses, modeling exam formats, and offering Diploma Exam preparation and practice materials.

Higher Education Progression

The first cohort of high school graduates, reintroduced in 2019-2020, were all accepted into universities.

Gifted and Talented

Gifted and talented programs are available to allow vertical progression for capable students.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Fosters the natural curiosity to learn and develops learning skills that help students succeed in a changing world. Helps students become articulate and effective communicators. Assists in the development of time-honoured personal values and helps students gain understanding and appreciation of others. Encourages students to analyze information and develop judgment. Emphasizes balanced growth – intellectually, physically, emotionally and socially – for each student.

Mental Wellbeing

Balanced growth – intellectually, physically, emotionally and socially – supports students' emotional well-being and overall mental health.

Safeguarding

Welcoming, Caring, Respectful and Safe Learning Environment policy commits to a safe, caring, respectful, inclusive and welcoming environment for all community members, recognizing diversity and fostering a sense of belonging. The school's Student Code of Conduct provides expectations for behaviour to maintain a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment and addresses bullying, harassment and safety. The school will investigate incidents and may provide remediation and support such as mentoring, counselling, peer support groups, and restorative practices. The policy references Alberta legislation including the School Act and Alberta Human Rights Act, and the Minister of Education can initiate an investigation if required.
Parent Experience

History

Progressive Academy opened in 1984 by a group of homeschooling parents who formed a society to operate the school. It began with two classrooms in the Oliver School under the name The Beanstalk School and later relocated to the Sherbrooke School as it grew. In 1998 the Progressive Academy Education Society purchased the former Talmud Torah School building, unlocking expanded space and programming. The school now serves Kindergarten through Grade 12 in Edmonton's Glenora neighbourhood as an independent private school, with enrollment that has grown to over 200 students in recent years.

Community

Progressive Academy is centrally located in the Glenora area of Edmonton, close to the river valley and local community resources. The school emphasizes a connected community through events and ongoing parent engagement, including a welcome barbecue at the start of the year and an annual international night. Administrators maintain an open-door policy with regular newsletters and classroom updates to keep families informed. Parents participate in school activities through events, travel experiences and involvement coordinated by the Parent Advisory Council, which provides updates on performance and gathers feedback.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

Progressive Academy operates with a formal Parent Advisory Council (PAC) that provides parents with updates on school performance and opportunities to offer input on programs and plans. The school has historically involved parents as volunteers in classrooms, field trips and fundraising, with governance that has included parent-majority board participation and a shift toward advisory structures. Parents are encouraged to participate as volunteers through programs described on the Parent Volunteers page, and there are numerous opportunities to support teachers and school activities. The PAC supports regular parent engagement activities and open information sessions as part of the school's community-building efforts.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The school has classrooms, a technology centre, an auditorium, a library, music and art classrooms, two performance stages, and a full-size gymnasium. The school is located in Glenora, Edmonton. It is five blocks from the river valley, the Edmonton Space and Science Centre and downtown Edmonton. The campus supports programs such as Mountain Adventure School, Performing and Visual Arts, and Technology, Robotics & Programming.

Sports Facilities

The school has a full-size gymnasium.

Academic Facilities

The school has a technology centre, a library, and music and art classrooms.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Mountain Adventure School (outdoor education); Performing and Visual Arts; Technology, Robotics & Programming.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

Progressive Academy offers a student-focused program that emphasizes intellectual growth and independent learning. The Alberta Education Program of Studies provides the starting point for core subjects, and students progress at a pace that suits their needs. A wide range of electives supports intellectual development, including music, performing and fine arts, working internships, robotics, photography, videography, international travel, sound and light production, and 3D design. Many students finish their high school programs in as little as two years.

Arts & Creative

All students receive training in a musical instrument as part of the concert band. Electives include music, performing and fine arts, photography, videography, sound and light production, 3D design, and more.

Social & Hobbies

Students participate in a concert band and explore electives in arts and media, including internships, robotics, photography, videography, international travel, sound and light production, and 3D design. The school emphasizes collaboration and hands-on projects to develop teamwork and practical skills.

Leadership & Professional

Working internships provide professional experience and opportunities to develop real-world skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Progressive Academy is guided by core values of diversity, inclusiveness, respect, and a love for learning. A low student-to-teacher ratio supports personalized instruction and well-being. The school offers athletic opportunities, including a hockey program, and hosts a Fall Camp to foster teamwork and resilience. Facilities include a full-size gymnasium.
Languages

Language Provision

English is the language of instruction. French is offered as a second language and Mandarin is offered as a second language.
Admissions

Admissions

1) Arrange a personal tour to learn how Progressive Academy may meet the family's educational needs. A tour provides opportunities to ask questions and to see classrooms, facilities, and daily routines. Families are encouraged to ask about programs, supports, and transportation options during the visit. The visit helps outline the next steps in the admissions process. 2) Each new applicant completes a sequence of admissions steps: a school tour, a formal interview, and an entrance assessment appropriate to age and grade level. The interview allows staff to learn about the applicant's interests, learning style, and goals, while the entrance assessment helps determine appropriate placement. The results inform placement decisions and next steps in the enrollment process. The admissions process is coordinated by the school registrar. 3) Enrollment requires submitting the Registration Form and the Tuition Agreement. A non-refundable registration fee of $250 and last month's tuition (June) are due at registration. Additional information about family discounts, out-of-school care, and tutoring is available from the registrar. Forms for the process include the Registration Form, 2026-27 Tuition Agreement, and 2026-27 International Student Tuition Agreement. 4) International students are accepted in limited numbers. The registrar coordinates inquiries and provides guidance on the admission process and international fees. Additional information about timelines and required documentation is available through the registrar.
School Events
The school has not added events