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TEMPO School

Canada, Edmonton

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees CA$2,236 - 26,580
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 380
Type Co-educational
Opened 1963
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Canadian Curriculum
Taught languages French
Typical class size 20
Strengths STEM, Languages, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School, High School, Secondary School
Introduction

TEMPO School is a private day school in Edmonton, Alberta, offering the Canadian curriculum with provincial accreditation. Founded in 1963, it is a nonprofit governed by a Board and serves about 380 students with a 30-member faculty. The school is organized into Lower School (K–4), Middle School (5–8) and Upper School (9–12), with class sizes around 20 to encourage close teacher–student interaction. In Lower School, English language development is the focus; mathematics begins Grade 1, French Grade 2, geography Grade 3, and Grade 4 emphasizes grammar and math. Middle School covers English, grammar, mathematics, science, French, spelling and geography, with history from Grade 6 and STEM starting Grade 7 (physics, biology) and chemistry Grade 8. Upper School offers a university-preparatory program including CALM and physical education, alongside core subjects. TEMPO also offers clubs such as Quiz Club, Debate Club and Chess, plus Art and Drama, and language options like AP French and Latin 30.

5603 6 148 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 4T7

The Essentials

TEMPO School has 380 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English.

Location
TEMPO School is located at 5603 – 148 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 4T7, Canada. It serves Kindergarten through Grade 12 with three divisions: Lower School (Kindergarten–Grade 4), Middle School (Grade 5–8), and Upper School (Grade 9–12). Classes typically have about 20 students per class.

Stages
Kindergarten–Grade 12, with Lower School (K–4), Middle School (5–8), and Upper School (9–12). Class sizes are about 20 students per class.

Type
Private academic day school

Country affiliation
Canada
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniforms are worn by students.

Governance and Ownership
TEMPO is a private academic school governed by a Board; administration is led by a Headmaster/CEO.
Fees

Annual tuition at TEMPO School ranges from CAD 2,236 to CAD 26,580 for 2026/27.

Application and Registration Fees

- New student registration fee (one‑time, non‑refundable): CA$100.00.
- Non‑refundable tuition deposit due on acceptance: CA$1,500.00 (deposit is applied toward total fees).

Tuition — overview and how fees are presented

- Tuition for Grades 1–12 is presented as an annual family tuition amount with different totals depending on the number of enrolled siblings in the same family and on the chosen payment method. Fees may be paid in one annual payment or by monthly instalments; instalment plans include additional fees/interest as shown below. There is a separate tuition amount for Kindergarten. There is no termly invoice structure published; billing is offered as a single annual payment or as monthly instalments.

Grades 1–12 — example annual tuition totals and instalment amounts (2025/26 schedule as published)

- Payment by credit card (Plan A — one payment) or credit‑card instalments (Plan C — 9 instalments):
- 1 student: Deposit CA$1,500 · Annual tuition (one payment) CA$7,588 · Total (deposit + tuition) CA$9,088 · 9 monthly instalments CA$900.00 (total CA$9,608.00 including instalment interest/fees).
- 2 students: Deposit CA$3,000 · Annual tuition CA$13,358 · Total CA$16,358 · 9 monthly instalments (per instalment shown in schedule) with total CA$17,283.00.
- 3 students: Deposit CA$4,500 · Annual tuition CA$18,675 · Total CA$23,175 · 9‑instalment total CA$24,462.00.
- 4 students: Deposit CA$6,000 · Annual tuition CA$23,085 · Total CA$29,085 · 9‑instalment total CA$30,676.00.
- 5 students: Deposit CA$7,500 · Annual tuition CA$26,580 · Total CA$34,080 · 9‑instalment total CA$35,906.00.

- Payment by debit, cash, cheque or e‑transfer (Plan B — one payment) or instalments (Plan D — 9 instalments):
- 1 student: Deposit CA$1,455 · Annual tuition CA$7,362 · Total CA$8,817 · 9 monthly instalments CA$881.00 (total CA$9,384.00 including instalment interest/fees).
- 2 students: Deposit CA$2,910 · Annual tuition CA$12,960 · Total CA$15,870 · 9‑instalment total CA$16,887.00.
- 3 students: Deposit CA$4,365 · Annual tuition CA$18,117 · Total CA$22,482 · 9‑instalment total CA$23,724.00.
- 4 students: Deposit CA$5,820 · Annual tuition CA$22,401 · Total CA$28,221 · 9‑instalment total CA$29,877.00.
- 5 students: Deposit CA$7,275 · Annual tuition CA$25,785 · Total CA$33,060 · 9‑instalment total CA$34,866.00.

Kindergarten tuition (separately listed)

- Kindergarten (per child): Deposit CA$1,500 · Annual tuition CA$2,236 · Total CA$3,736 (the instalment column is blank in the published schedule indicating the deposit + tuition total as presented).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Full instalment payments are to be paid by September 15 of the school year. Monthly instalments (when selected) begin on September 15 and must be paid by the 15th of each month. Interest/adjustments are applied to instalment plans as described below.
- When paying by credit card, instalment totals and per‑instalment amounts reflect the card processing option (see the credit‑card Plan A/Plan C figures above). When paying by debit, cash, cheque or e‑transfer, slightly lower totals apply (see Plan B/Plan D figures above). Accepted payment methods: VISA, MasterCard, e‑transfer, debit, cash and personal cheques (American Express is not accepted).
- A one‑time administrative registration fee applies for all new registrations; deposits are non‑refundable. Once a payment plan is selected, families are expected to follow that schedule for the academic year.

Instalment charges, penalties and other financial terms

- Instalment interest: A 7% interest charge has been added to monthly instalment amounts in the published instalment plan.
- Late payment fee: CA$50.00 charged monthly (compounded) on instalments more than 7 days overdue.
- NSF (insufficient funds) fee: CA$50.00 per occurrence.
- Supervision After School (SAS) / after‑school care: fees are charged hourly; published supervision hourly rates start from CA$7.50. After‑school supervision ends at 4:20 p.m. on regular school days.

Boarding

- Boarding is not applicable. TEMPO is operated as a day school; there is no boarding programme.

Other costs and optional fees

- School uniform: A compulsory school uniform is required; the exclusive supplier and ordering details are provided through the school's uniform policy. Parents purchase uniform items directly from the supplier (Top Marks). Costs vary by item and grade level.
- Special programming & materials fee / annual fees (examples in other published schedules): a published special programming/materials fee of CA$200 per child is listed in related materials as an example of annual fees for some years; optional/activity charges and specialty fees may apply depending on programs selected. Parents should expect additional optional fees for extended care, occasional extra days and other optional services.
- Occasional extended‑care and extra‑day charges: examples in the registration listings and related schedules show hourly or per‑day fees for occasional care (rates vary by program and year). Supervision After School example: from CA$7.50 per hour; occasional extra‑day half‑day/full‑day fees appear in program materials.

Refund information

- Deposits are non‑refundable. Should a student withdraw from TEMPO, tuition fees (minus the deposit) are refundable from the month following the month of withdrawal (tuition refund calculation follows the school's published terms).

Fee payment options (methods accepted)

- Accepted methods: VISA, MasterCard, e‑transfer, debit, cash and personal cheques. American Express is not accepted. Payment plan choices include one annual payment (due in September) or monthly instalments (9 instalments) depending on the plan selected and payment method. Credit‑card payments and instalments are presented under the credit‑card plan figures; debit/cash/cheque/e‑transfer payments have separate plan figures.

Notes for parents

- Fees are published as part of the school's annual tuition schedule; the school offers sibling‑discounted family totals and multiple payment plan options. All financial terms, deposit and refund rules, instalment interest and penalties are set out in the published tuition fee schedule for the school year.
Academics

TEMPO School teaches Canadian Curriculum.

Curriculum
Lower School (K–4) focuses on English language skills; mathematics begins in grade 1; English, reading, and handwriting are taught as separate subjects. French is introduced in grade 2; geography is added in grade 3; in grade 4 grammar replaces formal reading instruction and mathematics is further emphasized. Middle School (grades 5–8) covers English, grammar, mathematics, science, French, spelling and geography, with English and mathematics emphasized; history begins in grade 6; grade 7 introduces S.T.E.M., with physics and biology, and grade 8 adds chemistry. Upper School (grades 9–12) prepares for university with English, mathematics, history, geography, French, chemistry, biology, physics, social studies, international politics, CALM and physical education. Classes consist of about 20 students, yielding a low student/teacher ratio.

Student Teacher Ratio
Classes consist of about 20 students, yielding a low student/teacher ratio.

Exam Results
TEMPO students consistently exceed provincial outcomes on achievement tests and diploma examinations.

Higher Education Progression
The program is designed to prepare students for a successful transition to university.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school has a safe and orderly environment where no one is left behind. A low student/teacher ratio (about 20 students per class) allows personal attention and helps teachers know students well. Encouragement from families and focused teaching underpin student success, and students develop sound work habits through regular effort. The school offers a broad range of clubs and a physical education program as part of student life.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The Lower School focuses on acquiring English language skills. English, reading and handwriting are taught as distinct subjects; French is added to the curriculum in grade two. In the Middle School, English and mathematics are emphasized alongside French, spelling and geography. In the Upper School, all students follow the same program of study, including English, mathematics, history, geography, French, chemistry, biology, physics, social studies, international politics, CALM and physical education.
Parent Experience

History
Tempo School was founded in 1963 by Dr. George N. Cormack. In 1967 it was incorporated by the Alberta Legislature as a non-profit, charitable organization under the Tempo School Act, governed by a Board of Governors. The original Board included Dr. Cormack, Dr. Charles Allard, Sandy MacTaggart, and The Reverend Dr. D. L. Leadbeater. The school began with a Grade 1 class in the annex of Holy Trinity Church; by 1972 it moved to its own building in the Riverbend area and expanded to ten grades. The first Grade 12 class graduated in 1976; kindergarten was added in 2000; TEMPO now has over 380 students and a faculty of 30 teachers.

Community
Tempo School fosters a strong sense of community. Many students attend from kindergarten through grade 12, forming bonds across years. Teachers greet students by name and create a supportive, close environment that fosters confidence and safety. The school emphasizes open and transparent communication with parents, and the learning atmosphere blends collaboration and healthy competition as students work together to succeed.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
TEMPO School has a Parent Advisory Council (PAC) established by the Board of Governors to enable the voice of parents and encourage parent participation in education. The council's terms and operation follow TEMPO's governance guidelines. The Headmaster provides the names of Leadership Committee members to the Board, and the Headmaster remains a member while in position. Parents and teachers named to the Leadership Committee serve for one year from appointment, with a maximum of four consecutive years; a nominated parent may serve again after a one-year hiatus. Nominations for parent members may be submitted by any parent by April 30, including the nominee's name, the grades of their children, and a brief autobiographical sketch; nominees should demonstrate interest in TEMPO's welfare and a commitment to being an active advocate for the school. The Board appoints members after consulting with the Headmaster and the chair, with new members joining in June. There are at least two regular PAC meetings per year, in the evenings, open to the attendance of any parent, and parents may submit matters in writing in advance; special meetings may be called as needed.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school is accredited by the Province of Alberta. TEMPO operates Lower School (kindergarten through grade four), Middle School (grades five through eight), and Upper School (grades nine through twelve). Classes typically consist of about 20 students, enabling personal teacher–student interaction. The school uses traditional teaching methods. It offers a physical education program and a wide range of clubs and extracurricular activities. The curriculum includes English language development in the Lower School, English and mathematics with French in the Middle School, and a university-preparatory Upper School program including science, social studies, CALM and physical education.

Sports Facilities
TEMPO School has a physical education program that is integrated into the core curriculum. It offers a broad range of clubs and extracurricular activities, including athletic activities.

Academic Facilities
Lower School emphasizes English language skills, with mathematics starting in Grade 1 and French added in Grade 2; Geography is introduced in Grade 3, and grammar becomes a focus in Grade 4. Middle School provides English, grammar, mathematics, science, French, spelling and geography; history begins in Grade 6, STEM starts in Grade 7 with physics and biology, and chemistry is added in Grade 8. Upper School offers a university-preparatory program with English, mathematics, history, geography, French, chemistry, biology, physics, social studies, international politics, CALM, and physical education. Classes typically have about 20 students, enabling close teacher engagement.

Extra Curricular Facilities
TEMPO School has a wide range of clubs and extracurricular activities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Academic and intellectual opportunities at TEMPO School include a broad array of clubs and AP courses designed to challenge students across STEM and humanities. Students may join Quiz Club, Debate Club, Chess Club, Coding, Computers, and Young Engineers to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. The school offers AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Calculus, and AP Physics, along with AP French and Latin 30, enabling advanced study in science, language, and classical humanities. These experiences create a strong academic foundation across disciplines.

Arts & Creative
Arts and creative programs include Art Club and Drama Club, which explore theatre and visual arts through design, performance, and expression. Art 10/20/30 provides structured study of elements and principles of design using various media. Students express creativity through a range of artistic activities.

Cultural & Language
Language and culture offerings include AP French, which engages learners in diverse language tasks and cultural topics. Latin 30 continues study of Latin with a focus on daily life in the Empire, education, home, and society. These courses build deep linguistic and cultural understanding.

Social & Hobbies
Social and hobby opportunities include Chess Club and Quiz Club, fostering friendly competition, strategic thinking, and teamwork. Middle School Leadership involves public speaking, project planning, and activities that promote student life and community, providing social engagement and leadership development. Debate Club supports critical thinking and expressive communication, with participation in competitions encouraged.

Community & Service
Middle School Leadership includes planning projects to promote student life and community service. This fosters collaboration among students and a sense of service within the school community.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership and professional development are supported by Middle School Leadership, which focuses on public speaking and project management. The club encourages students to take initiative and contribute to school life.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
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Languages

Language Provision
Languages taught: English and French. Lower School (Kindergarten through Grade 4) focuses on English language skills. French is introduced in Grade 2 and is part of the curriculum in Middle School (Grades 5–8) and Upper School (Grades 9–12). Upper School includes English and French alongside subjects such as history, geography, chemistry, biology, physics, social studies, international politics, CALM and physical education.

Bilingual Teaching
The school teaches English and French; French is added to the curriculum in Grade 2 and is taught through the Middle School (Grades 5–8) and Upper School (Grades 9–12).
Admissions

Admissions
1. Early application and admission priority: TEMPO receives more applications than seats; applications are processed in the order received; most students join kindergarten; seats for grades 1–12 depend on attrition.
2. Kindergarten process: Applications for kindergarten are processed starting in January; if positions are available, kindergarten applicants and their parents are invited for an interview; the visit includes a tour of the school and the opportunity to review the program and to ask questions.
3. Grades 1–12 process: Applications for grades one through twelve are considered for admission starting in April each year; if positions are available, applicants will be invited to write an entrance exam; this appointment will also include a tour of the school and the opportunity to review our program and to ask questions.
4. After applying: There is no confirmation of receipt; all applications received will be reviewed in the order in which they were received; should a spot be available, we will contact you to schedule an interview or entrance exam; interviews and/or entrance exams include a tour of the school, the opportunity to review our program, and to ask questions; after all steps have been completed, we will contact you regarding the final decision; applications are not held on file beyond the current year and must be resubmitted with updated supporting documents for the following academic year.
5. FAQs and practical details: You can apply online any time during the year; the child must be 5 years old by December 31 in the kindergarten year; class sizes are small; the kindergarten day runs from 8:10 to 11:10 am; after-school care is available for kindergarten from 11:10 am to 2:10 pm; after-school care is available for grades 1–12 and ends at 4:20 pm; TEMPO does not offer bus service; accepted payment methods include Visa, MasterCard, e-transfers, debit, cash and personal cheques; for grades 1–12, payment can be made in one payment due in September or in nine monthly installments.
School Events
The school has not added events
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