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West Island College Calgary

Canada, Calgary

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, French
Fees CA$23,470 - 36,576
Ages Not listed
Type Co-educational
Opened 1982
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Canadian Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Taught languages French, Spanish
Typical class size 22
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Middle School, High School
Introduction

West Island College Calgary is an independent private day school at 7410 Blackfoot Trail SE, Calgary, Alberta. The curriculum follows the Alberta high school framework, offering English Language Arts, French Language Arts, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, International Languages and Physical Education, plus AP courses, dual credit options, the Institute Program, International Studies, and fine arts. French Immersion is available, supported by a DELF Centre and the WIC Bilingual Diploma. Alberta graduation requirements are met through the program, with electives and career pathways. The 6.5-acre campus features over 100,000 square feet of learning spaces, including a 31,000-square-foot Wolves Den for wellness and athletics, two gyms, and a full-sized athletic field. Specialized spaces include the Learning Commons and Cub Cave for mindfulness, the Greenhouse, and Innovation Alley with a game-dev studio, recording studios, a green screen room, robotics lab and design studio. WIC offers 40 clubs and activities, supporting enrichment and expression.

7410 Blackfoot Trail SE, Calgary, Alberta T2H 1M5, Canada

The Essentials

West Island College Calgary has typical class sizes of 22, instruction in English, French.

Location

7410 Blackfoot Trail SE, Calgary, AB T2H 1M5. The campus is in southeast Calgary in an industrial area. It is accessible from surrounding neighborhoods via Blackfoot Trail SE and nearby routes. The school serves students in Grades 7–12.

Stages

Junior high (Grades 7–9) and senior high (Grades 10–12).

Type

Independent private day school.

Country affiliation

Canada
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements

The school does not offer boarding or a homestay program. Students accepted to WIC must be living with their parent(s) or a legally-appointed guardian while in Canada. Documentation is required.

Uniform Requirement

The school requires a uniform, with Regular Uniform, Formal Uniform, and Summer Uniform. Most components of the uniform must be purchased through Top Marks. Detailed information is shared with accepted students.

Food Options

Café des Loups provides daily meals; snacks and drinks are available. The Fun Lunch program through Healthy Hunger lets students order meals from vendors such as Edo, Subway, and Opa, delivered to the College.

House System

The College has a house system with Grant House (red) and Davies House (blue). Students are assigned to a house and participate in house-based competitions.

Governance and Ownership

The school is operated by The West Island College Society of Alberta and governed by a Board of Directors. The Board comprises parents, alumni, and community members and hires and oversees the Head of School & CEO, setting policy and direction for long-term sustainability.
Fees

Annual tuition at West Island College Calgary ranges from CAD 23,470 to CAD 36,576 for 2026/27.

Application Fees

- A non-refundable application fee of CAD 200 is charged per applicant and is payable by e-transfer to paywic@mywic.ca.

Tuition — Academic Years (totals)

- 2026/27 school year: Alberta resident tuition per student is CAD 23,470.
- 2026/27 school year: International student tuition per student is CAD 36,576.
- For context, the 2025/26 school year totals were: Alberta resident CAD 22,460 and International CAD 35,000.

Tuition — Payment schedules and per-term amounts (new students, 2026/27)

Alberta-resident student payment options (New Students):
- Option 1 — Annual payment (single payment):
- Jan 15, 2026: CAD 5,000; May 15, 2026: CAD 5,000; Sept 1, 2026: CAD 13,470. Total CAD 23,470.
- Option 2 — Semi-annual payments (two larger instalments plus earlier deposits as required):
- Jan 15, 2026: CAD 5,000; May 15, 2026: CAD 5,000; Sept 1, 2026: CAD 6,902; Feb 1, 2027: CAD 6,902. Total CAD 23,804 (includes CAD 334 finance fee).
- Option 3 — Nine monthly payments (extended plan):
- Jan 15, 2026: CAD 5,000; May 15, 2026: CAD 5,000; Feb 1, 2027: CAD 6,902; May 1, 2027: CAD 1,560. Total CAD 24,040 (includes CAD 570 finance fee).

International student payment schedule (New Students, 2026/27):
- Two instalment schedule: Jan 15, 2026: CAD 18,288; Sept 1, 2026: CAD 18,288; Total CAD 36,576. Payment by international wire/bank transfer or local Canadian bank bill payment options are provided.

Billing schedule and payment terms (general and new-student rules)

- New-student timing rules: students enrolled after Jan 15 of the given year must submit the initial tuition payment at contract signing; students enrolled after May 15 must submit the January and May tuition payments at contract signing. All tuition and fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Finance fees apply to extended payment plans.

One-time and additional fees

- Family Membership Fee: one-time, non-refundable charge of CAD 3,500 per family. For a single student entering Senior High, the Family Membership Fee is CAD 2,000. This fee is paid at the time of enrolment and applies thereafter to qualifying siblings.
- Capital Improvement Fee (CIF): one-time, non-refundable CAD 3,500 per family, payable at enrolment and extending to siblings.
- School supplies and activity fees: students are responsible for course-specific supplies; activity fees are collected for athletics, international travel, camps, trips, and merchandise. Mandatory fees for Grade 9 Celebration and Grade 12 Graduation are invoiced separately. Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) is required and device costs are the family's responsibility.

Uniforms and school store

- The school operates a WIC store and publishes uniform guidelines; uniform items and purchases are the family's expense and are handled through the school's store and guidelines. (Specific item prices are managed through the school's uniform/W Store channels.)

Boarding / Homestay

- West Island College is a day school. The school does not offer boarding or a homestay program; accepted international students must live with a parent or a legally appointed guardian while attending the College.

Refunds and withdrawal policy

- All tuition and fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Parents/guardians must withdraw a student in writing to the Admissions Office; tuition and fees paid are non-refundable and non-transferable under the published withdrawal policy.

Accepted payment methods and instructions

- New Students (preferred): bill payment via major Canadian banks (RBC, ATB, CIBC, BMO, TD, Scotiabank) using the student's Alberta Student Number (ASN) as the account number. Wire/bank-transfer instructions (Royal Bank of Canada) are provided for families living outside Canada; international payments should include a receipt emailed to paywic@mywic.ca so payments can be assigned to the student account.
- Current Students (preferred): PowerSchool Fee Portal for online fee management and payments; credit-card payments incur a 2.9% convenience fee, while EFT (e-checks) carry no additional charge.

Notes on finance fees and instalment charges

- Extended-payment plans include a finance fee (examples shown for 2026/27: Option 2 includes a CAD 334 finance fee; Option 3 includes a CAD 570 finance fee). Instalment totals shown above include those finance fees as applicable.
Academics

West Island College Calgary teaches Canadian Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP).

Curriculum

Grounded in the Alberta high school curriculum. English Language Arts, French Language Arts, Social Studies/Études Sociales, Mathematics, Science, International Languages and Physical Education are offered. Advanced Placement (AP) courses and dual credit options, the Institute Program, International Studies, fine arts and athletics are available. French Immersion is available, with a DELF Centre and the WIC Bilingual Diploma as options. Alberta graduation requirements are met through the curriculum, with opportunities to explore electives and career pathways.

Student Teacher Ratio

22 students per class on average.

Higher Education Progression

Graduates have a 100% post-secondary acceptance rate and attend universities and colleges across Canada and internationally, including the University of Calgary, MRU, SAIT, University of Alberta, UBC, University of Saskatchewan, StFX, Acadia, Dalhousie, UWO, University of Toronto, Queen's University, TMU, Yale, NYU, and the University of Edinburgh.

Gifted and Talented

Institute Program provides specialized, experiential learning opportunities; Advanced Placement (AP) courses and dual credit programs offer university-level study and credits for advanced learners.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school provides socio-emotional support through the Student Success Centre, which offers counselling and resources to help students manage their emotional and social development. The SSC uses a triangle model that encompasses socio-emotional support, academic support and wellness to address overall student well-being. Wellness is integrated into the student-support framework, with programs and resources that promote mindfulness, resilience and a healthy lifestyle. The school delivers universal, targeted and intensive supports to guide students through their development. The community emphasizes belonging and well-being through school-wide wellness initiatives that support social-emotional growth.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The Student Success Centre offers learning supports, counselling and personalized educational planning. Individualized Program Plans (IPPs) support students with learning challenges who have a psychoeducational code or needs identified in a psychoeducational assessment. The SSC provides universal, targeted and intensive supports to meet diverse learner needs. IPPs are designed to address identified areas of need and provide tailored educational planning.

Mental Wellbeing

Wellness at WIC is central to the school's educational philosophy, empowering students to excel while supporting their physical, emotional, social and intellectual well-being. The Wellness Wheel promotes holistic well-being by focusing on physical, emotional, intellectual and social health. Mental Wellness Days offer activities dedicated to mental health and everyday balance. The Student-Led Wellness Council leads wellness initiatives and provides peer support across the WIC community. Educational sessions for parents on topics such as social media, mental health and well-being help support the broader community.

Safeguarding

The school is described as a safe space for collaboration and support, where students feel respected, valued and heard. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging principles guide the community and safeguarding practices, with roles such as a DEIB Advisor supporting students. Junior English & Social Studies Learning Leader, Junior High Faculty and a DEIB Advisor contribute to safeguarding and inclusive practice. The Belonging program reinforces a safe, welcoming environment where every student belongs.
Parent Experience

History

West Island College Calgary began in 1982 when Terry Davies helped establish the campus and served as Headmaster until 1985, when Jack Grant relocated to Calgary to take over. The Calgary campus began operating independently from the Montreal campus in 1993. WIC Calgary started as a Francophone-only school and evolved to offer English and French Immersion programming for Grades 7–12. CAIS accreditation was earned in 2013. The school serves more than 650 students.

Community

WIC Calgary serves Grades 7–12 with English and French Immersion programming and emphasizes experiential learning, artistic and athletic development, and leadership through clubs and co-curricular programs. The school is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging to ensure every student feels valued. Admissions events include a self-guided virtual tour, Friday Info Sessions, and an Annual Open House to engage prospective families. The campus fosters a close-knit community and a culture of curiosity and collaboration across the student body, staff, and families.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The Parent Guild plays a vital role in creating an inclusive and supportive environment for students, families, and faculty and staff. The Guild hosts Grandparents' Day each year. It fosters connection among families, students, and the school community. It provides ongoing opportunities to stay connected and give back to the College. The Guild helps shape the school's community and culture. Stories from the Den notes that the Parent Guild not only supports the WIC community but helps shape it.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The campus sits on a 6.5-acre site in southeast Calgary with over 100,000 square feet of learning spaces. A 31,000-square-foot Wolves Den is dedicated to student wellness and athletics, and a full-sized Athletic Field supports outdoor activities and team sports. The campus includes spaces designed for success, such as the Greenhouse, Hall of Nations, and a variety of learning hubs that foster collaboration and growth. The Wolves Den Hub spans 30,000 square feet and includes a fitness facility and Innovation Alley.

Sports Facilities

Two gyms, a full-sized athletic field, and a fitness training area are available for athletics. Interscholastic sports offered include cross country running, golf, volleyball, basketball, badminton, rugby, track & field, soccer, and field hockey.

Academic Facilities

Learning Commons is a bright space housing the library and the Cub Cave for mindfulness. The Cub Cave provides space for yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and self-care. Built in 2022, the Greenhouse is 40 by 65 feet and produces over 2,000 pounds of food, with nearly 500 pounds donated to the Calgary Food Bank in its first summer; it supports GreenLab programming. The Innovation Alley within the Wolves Den Hub includes a game development studio, recording studios for music and podcasts, a green screen room, a robotics lab, and a design studio with architectural tools. The Hall of Nations is the main gathering space housing Café des Loups and hosting daily lunches and events. Gym spaces include Gym 1 for PE and home games and Gym 2 for additional classes and events. The Band Room, Art Room, Learning Commons, Cub Cave, Breakout Space, and Performance Centre support arts, learning, and collaboration.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Clubs & activities are student-led with over 40 offerings meeting during lunch or after school, including Photography Club, Music Club, Investment Club, Chinese Cultural Club, Art Club, Truth & ReconciliACTION Club, Common Ground (GSA/QSA), Global Awareness, Debate Club, Chess Club, Robotics & Coding, Garden Club, Yearbook Club, and more. Daily activities include basketball (outdoor courts), intramurals, fitness, spin, yoga, meditation, board games, table tennis, chess, drawing, quiet reading & study, and music.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

West Island College Calgary offers diverse co-curricular opportunities that complement classroom learning and support academic enrichment. The Senior High program includes Advanced Placement (AP) courses, dual credit options, the Institute Program, International Studies, and a range of fine arts and athletic offerings. Students participate in clubs and competitions such as Robotics & Coding, Debate Club, and the Investment Club to apply knowledge in real-world contexts. Experiential learning through the Institute Program and International Studies broadens academic horizons beyond the classroom.

Arts & Creative

Arts and creative expression are central to WIC's student life. Jazz Band, Drama Productions, Art Club, Photography Club, and Music Club provide performance and collaborative opportunities, with additional Performing Arts and Visual Arts offerings in the senior program. Students can participate in Newspaper Club and Fictional Literacy Society to explore creative writing and literary arts.

Cultural & Language

French Immersion is a key pathway at WIC, enabling students to graduate with a WIC Bilingual Diploma and a DELF certificate. The program is supported by a French Immersion track in the Senior High, including a DELF Centre and the WIC Bilingual Diploma. The school also hosts language and culture clubs such as Chinese Cultural Club and French Fictional Literacy Society, and promotes global awareness through the Global Awareness club.

Social & Hobbies

Students can join a wide range of social clubs and hobby groups. The list includes Chess Club, Dungeons & Dragons, K-POP Dance Club, Yearbook Club, Baking Club, Fictional Literacy Society, and more. These clubs foster friendships and collaborative skills outside regular class time.

Community & Service

Community service and cultural awareness are embedded through clubs like Truth & ReconciliACTION Club and Global Awareness. The Truth & ReconciliACTION Club integrates Indigenous ways of knowing through workshops and events year-round. Common Ground (GSA/QSA) provides a safe, inclusive space for LGBTQ2+ students and allies. The school also hosts Truth & Reconciliation Assembly to acknowledge Indigenous histories and promote reconciliation.

Leadership & Professional

Student leadership is fostered through student voice and leadership councils that empower students to drive positive change. The Institute Program provides experiential learning through workshops, guest speakers, and hands-on projects that develop leadership and project-management skills. The Academic & Career Advising team supports students with individualized guidance to plan post-secondary pathways. Advanced Placement (AP) courses and college-preparatory experiences help students prepare for university and beyond.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Athletics are woven into WIC culture, with interscholastic sports and a new full-sized athletic field. The WIC experience spans outdoor education and travel opportunities, enriching physical wellbeing and real-world learning. Wellness hubs are part of the campus environment. Every week, students gather in the Hall of Nations for a school-wide assembly to celebrate achievements.
Languages

Language Provision

English and French are used in the school's programs. The French Immersion track provides substantial instruction in French while integrating with the English-speaking environment. In Junior High, students not enrolled in French Immersion take FSL or SSL as part of core programming. A WIC Bilingual Diploma is awarded to graduates who complete the French Immersion program alongside the Alberta High School Diploma.

Bilingual Teaching

The school offers a bilingual education through French Immersion. The French Immersion program leads to the WIC Bilingual Diploma. The immersion approach balances fluency in French with integration into an English-speaking environment. The school serves students in Grades 7–12.

Immersion Programs

The primary immersion program is French Immersion. Junior High non-Immersion students take either French as a Second Language (FSL) or SSL as part of core programming. Senior High offers International Languages as part of the academic program. The school runs immersion-related events such as Voyage FrancoFUN à WIC for current Grade 6–8 French Immersion students.
Reputation

Awards

null

Accreditations

CAIS accreditation since 2013; AISCA member
Admissions

Admissions

1. Applications for 2027/28 are now open. We are currently at capacity for Grade 7 and Grade 10 for 2026/27; new applications are still welcome, and qualified candidates will be placed on a waitlist. 2. Begin by completing an Inquiry Form, or proceed to the West Island College FS Enrollment portal to apply. 3. The school offers three entry pathways: Junior High (Grade 7–9), Senior High (Grade 10–12), and French Immersion (Grade 7–12). 4. Junior High admissions include CCAT (Canadian Cognitive Abilities Test) – a 90-minute standardized test. 5. Apply through the corresponding pages: Apply for Junior High, Apply for Senior High, or Apply for French Immersion. 6. International Applicants are welcome; they are non-residents or on a Canadian Study Permit and will pay International Tuition and related fees; they must live with a parent or legal guardian and meet the program's English proficiency requirements. 7. The French Immersion pathway provides a bilingual environment and leads to a WIC Bilingual Diploma and a DELF certificate.

Waitlist

Waitlists exist in many grades. Applications for 2027/28 are open, but capacity limits apply; Grade 7 and Grade 10 are at capacity for 2026/27. New applications are welcome, and qualified candidates will be placed on a waitlist.
School Events
The school has not added events