By Eddie Franklin Finding the right school for a child is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. For families in Alberta, private schools offer a wide range of educational choices, from academically focused institutions and faith-based schools to Montessori, Waldorf, international, athletic, arts and specialized learning programs.
Unlike public schools, private and independent schools generally have their own admission procedures, tuition structures and student-selection processes. Some may require entrance assessments, interviews, previous academic records, recommendations or specialized educational assessments.
If you are searching for the best private schools in Alberta, this guide introduces 20 schools worth considering and explains the typical admission requirements for each.
Top 20 Private Schools in Alberta
1. Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School
Location: Okotoks, Alberta
Grades: Kindergarten to Grade 12
Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School, commonly known as STS, is an independent co-educational school serving students from kindergarten through Grade 12.
The school combines academics with leadership, athletics, arts, service and personal development. Its broad educational approach makes it an option for families seeking a well-rounded independent-school experience.
Typical admission requirements include:
- Completed application
- Previous school records or report cards
- Age and grade eligibility
- Student and family information
- Admissions assessment or interaction where applicable
- Application fee
- Additional documents requested by the school
Because available spaces can vary by grade, families should begin the application process early.
2. Webber Academy
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Grades: Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12
Webber Academy is a private, non-denominational school with a strong emphasis on academic preparation and university readiness.
The school provides students with opportunities to develop academically while also participating in athletics, arts, leadership and other activities.
Typical requirements include:
- Completed application
- Previous academic records
- Admissions assessment
- Evidence of academic readiness
- Age and grade eligibility
- Student and family information
- Application fee
- Possible interview or admissions meeting
Admission availability can vary considerably between grades, so prospective families should check which grades are accepting applications.
3. Rundle College
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Grades: Kindergarten to Grade 12
Rundle College is one of Calgary’s established independent schools. It emphasizes academics while providing opportunities in athletics, arts, leadership and community involvement.
The school is particularly suited to families interested in university preparation and a broad extracurricular experience.
Admission requirements may include:
- Online application
- Previous report cards or transcripts
- Student information
- Evidence of grade-appropriate English proficiency
- Admissions activities
- Interview or student interaction where applicable
- Application fee
Families should also review the school’s grade-specific admission process because requirements may differ according to the applicant’s age.
4. West Island College
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Grades: Grades 7 to 12
West Island College is an independent school serving junior-high and senior-high students. It offers a combination of academic education, leadership development, athletics, arts and international opportunities.
Its admissions process can involve more than simply reviewing report cards. Student interests, character and potential fit with the school community may also be considered.
Applicants may be required to provide:
- Completed application
- Recent report cards
- Student profile
- Writing sample
- Admissions testing
- Interview or personal interaction
- Identification and residency documentation
- Application fee
- Additional educational assessments where applicable
International applicants may have additional requirements relating to English proficiency, immigration status and guardianship.
5. Calgary Academy
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Calgary Academy is a specialized independent school that focuses on students who may benefit from a different approach to learning.
Its educational environment is particularly relevant to families looking for individualized academic support and specialized learning strategies.
Typical admission requirements may include:
- Completed application
- Previous school records
- Educational assessments
- Documentation of learning needs where applicable
- Student information
- Parent or guardian information
- Age and grade eligibility
- Interview or assessment
Families should determine whether their child’s specific educational needs correspond with the school’s available programs before applying.
6. Delta West Academy
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Delta West Academy is an independent school offering an alternative educational environment for students and families seeking private education in Calgary.
The school’s admissions process generally involves reviewing the student’s academic background and determining whether the program is appropriate for the applicant.
Potential requirements include:
- Application form
- Previous school records
- Student information
- Parent or guardian information
- Age and grade verification
- Interview or assessment
- Application or registration fee
Admission requirements can vary according to grade and available spaces.
7. Calgary French & International School
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Calgary French & International School is an option for families interested in French-language and international education.
Students can benefit from an environment that incorporates language learning and international perspectives into their educational experience.
Admission requirements may include:
- Completed application
- Previous academic records
- Age verification
- Student information
- Parent or guardian documentation
- Language information or assessment
- Interview or school interaction where required
- Registration fees
Parents should pay particular attention to the language expectations for the specific grade they are applying for.
8. Calgary Waldorf School
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Grades: Early childhood through Grade 9
Calgary Waldorf School follows the Waldorf educational philosophy, which places considerable emphasis on creativity, practical learning, arts, imagination and age-appropriate development.
It can be attractive to parents who prefer an educational approach that goes beyond conventional classroom instruction.
Typical requirements include:
- Application for admission
- Application fee
- Student information
- Previous school reports where applicable
- Age and grade eligibility
- Family information
- Additional documentation for certain programs
For some grades, the school may review applications individually to determine appropriate placement.
9. Calgary Jewish Academy
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Calgary Jewish Academy provides an independent educational environment combining academic learning with Jewish studies, culture and community.
It is an option for families who want their children to receive both conventional academic education and Jewish cultural and religious education.
Admission requirements may include:
- Application form
- Previous school records
- Age documentation
- Student information
- Parent or guardian information
- Program-specific documentation
- Interview or school interaction where applicable
- Registration fees
Families should review the school’s expectations concerning participation in its Jewish educational programming.
10. Renert School
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Grades: Kindergarten to Grade 12
Renert School is an independent Calgary school with an emphasis on academics, enrichment and student development.
Its private-school environment can appeal to parents seeking additional academic opportunities and a structured learning experience.
Typical admission requirements include:
- Completed application
- Previous report cards
- Student information
- Parent or guardian information
- Admissions assessment
- Interview where applicable
- Age and grade eligibility
- Application fee
The availability of places may differ considerably between grades.
11. Rundle Academy
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Grades: Grades 4 to 12
Rundle Academy is a specialized independent school designed for students with learning disabilities, particularly those affecting areas such as reading, writing and mathematics.
Because it is a specialized school, its admissions requirements can be considerably different from those of conventional private schools.
Applicants may need:
- Completed application
- Previous school records
- Psychoeducational assessment
- Documentation of the student’s learning profile
- Academic information
- Student and family information
- Interview or admissions assessment
- Application fee
Parents should ensure that their child meets the school’s specific eligibility criteria before applying.
12. Calgary Quest School
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Calgary Quest School provides specialized educational programming for students with developmental disabilities.
Rather than operating as a conventional private school, its programs are designed around specific student needs and individualized support.
Potential admission requirements include:
- Application
- Educational records
- Developmental information
- Relevant professional assessments
- Individual Program Plan information where applicable
- Parent or guardian documentation
- Family interview
- Confirmation of program eligibility
Admission can depend heavily on whether the school has an appropriate program and available space for the student’s needs.
13. Edge School
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Edge School combines academic education with athletic development. It is designed for students who want to pursue their academic goals while developing their abilities in competitive sports.
The school can therefore be particularly interesting to young athletes and families looking for a more integrated academic-athletic environment.
Typical requirements may include:
- Completed application
- Academic records
- Student profile
- Athletic information
- Age and grade eligibility
- Interview
- Program-specific assessment
- Registration fees
Certain athletic programs may have additional requirements.
14. Foothills Academy
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Foothills Academy is a specialized independent school known for supporting students with learning disabilities.
Its educational model focuses on providing students with strategies and learning environments designed around their individual educational profiles.
Applicants may need:
- Application
- Previous school records
- Psychoeducational assessment
- Documentation of learning needs
- Student information
- Parent or guardian information
- Interview or assessment
- Application fee
Because eligibility can depend on documented learning needs, parents should review the school’s criteria carefully.
15. Banbury Crossroads School
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Banbury Crossroads School offers an alternative independent educational environment and emphasizes individualized learning.
It may appeal to parents who want a private school experience that provides flexibility and a more personalized approach to education.
Common admission requirements may include:
- Completed application
- Previous school records
- Student profile
- Parent or guardian information
- Interview
- School visit or assessment
- Age and grade eligibility
- Registration fees
The school may consider the individual circumstances of the student when determining admission and placement.
16. Calgary Montessori School
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Calgary Montessori School provides Montessori-based education, emphasizing hands-on learning, independence, exploration and development at the child’s pace.
Montessori education differs from conventional classroom models, making it important for parents to understand the school’s educational philosophy before applying.
Potential admission requirements include:
- Application form
- Age eligibility
- Previous school records where applicable
- Student information
- Parent or guardian information
- School visit or interview
- Program-specific documentation
- Registration fees
Requirements can differ between early-childhood, kindergarten and elementary programs.
17. Lycée International de Calgary
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Lycée International de Calgary provides an international educational environment with an emphasis on French-language learning and global perspectives.
It can be particularly relevant to families seeking a multilingual or internationally oriented education.
Applicants may be required to submit:
- Application
- Previous school reports
- Age and grade documentation
- Language information
- Student records
- Parent or guardian documents
- Interview or assessment where applicable
- Registration fees
Language proficiency expectations should be checked carefully because they may differ by grade and program.
18. Calgary Christian School
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Calgary Christian School combines academic education with a Christian worldview. It offers families an alternative to secular educational environments while maintaining a focus on conventional academic development.
Students may also participate in extracurricular activities and community-oriented programs.
Typical requirements include:
- Completed application
- Previous academic records
- Age and grade eligibility
- Student information
- Parent or guardian information
- Interview where applicable
- Registration documents
- Tuition arrangements
Families should also review the school’s expectations concerning its Christian educational environment and community.
19. Alberta Ballet School
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Alberta Ballet School is a specialized educational option for students with serious interests in ballet and dance.
Its model combines academic education with structured dance training, making it particularly different from a conventional private school.
Applicants may need:
- Application
- Academic records
- Age eligibility
- Dance audition or assessment
- Student information
- Parent or guardian documentation
- Program-specific forms
- Applicable fees
Because artistic ability and training level can be important factors, families should pay close attention to audition requirements and program age ranges.
20. Prairie Christian Academy
Location: Three Hills, Alberta
Prairie Christian Academy is a Christian educational institution offering an alternative learning environment outside Alberta’s major urban centres.
One of its notable features is its residential option, which may make it relevant to families looking for an educational experience that includes student accommodation.
Typical requirements may include:
- Completed application
- Previous academic records
- Age and grade eligibility
- Student information
- Parent or guardian documentation
- Interview
- References or additional documents where required
- Residential forms for students using accommodation
- Tuition and applicable residential fees
International students should also investigate the immigration and study-permit requirements that apply to their situation.
General Admission Requirements for Private Schools in Alberta
Although each school has its own policies, parents applying to private schools in Alberta should be prepared for several common requirements.
Academic Records
Previous report cards, transcripts and other academic records are frequently requested. These help schools understand the student’s academic history and determine appropriate grade placement.
Application Form
Most private schools require families to complete an application before an admission decision can be made.
Entrance Assessment
Some schools conduct academic, cognitive or program-specific assessments. These may be particularly important at academically selective or specialized institutions.
Interview
An interview may be used to understand the student’s interests, personality, goals and educational needs. In some schools, parents may also participate in an interview.
Age and Grade Requirements
Children must generally meet the school’s age requirements for the grade they are entering. Kindergarten and early-childhood programs often have particularly specific age cut-offs.
Language Proficiency
English proficiency can be important for students entering English-language schools, while French-language and bilingual schools may have additional language expectations.
Psychoeducational Documentation
Students applying to specialized schools for learning disabilities may need a recent psychoeducational assessment or other professional documentation.
Proof of Identity and Residency
Schools may request documents such as birth certificates, passports, citizenship documents or evidence of permanent residency.
International students may require additional immigration documentation.
Application or Registration Fee
Many private schools charge fees during the admissions or registration process. Parents should determine which fees are refundable and which are not.
Tuition
Private schools establish their own tuition structures. The total cost can also include registration, technology, transportation, uniforms, extracurricular activities, meals, boarding and other fees.
How to Choose a Private School in Alberta
Choosing a private school should involve more than simply looking at rankings or tuition costs.
Parents should first consider the educational needs of the child. A student interested in competitive sports may benefit from an athletic-focused school, while a child with a documented learning disability may need a specialized environment.
The school’s educational philosophy is also important. Montessori, Waldorf, Christian, Jewish, French-language and traditional university-preparatory schools can provide very different experiences.
Location should also be considered. A school that is academically attractive may become difficult to manage if the daily commute is excessive.
Parents should also examine:
- Curriculum
- Class sizes
- Student support
- Extracurricular activities
- Tuition and additional fees
- Transportation
- Admission deadlines
- School culture
- University preparation
- Language programs
- Boarding or residential options
- Special education support
Finally, families should visit prospective schools whenever possible. Speaking with admissions staff and observing the learning environment can provide information that is difficult to obtain from a brochure or website.
Comparison Table of Private Schools in Alberta
| School | Location | Educational Focus | Grades/Levels | Notable Admission Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School | Okotoks | Academics, leadership and character | K–12 | Application and school assessment |
| Webber Academy | Calgary | University preparation | JK–12 | Academic assessment |
| Rundle College | Calgary | Academics and leadership | K–12 | Academic records and English proficiency |
| West Island College | Calgary | Academics and global learning | 7–12 | Testing and writing sample |
| Calgary Academy | Calgary | Specialized learning | Various | Educational documentation |
| Delta West Academy | Calgary | Independent education | Various | Application and assessment |
| Calgary French & International School | Calgary | French/international education | Various | Language considerations |
| Calgary Waldorf School | Calgary | Waldorf education | Early years–9 | Application and age eligibility |
| Calgary Jewish Academy | Calgary | Jewish and academic education | Various | Application and program requirements |
| Renert School | Calgary | Academic enrichment | K–12 | Assessment and academic records |
| Rundle Academy | Calgary | Learning disabilities | 4–12 | Psychoeducational assessment |
| Calgary Quest School | Calgary | Specialized education | Various | Eligibility and assessments |
| Edge School | Calgary | Academics and athletics | Various | Academic and athletic information |
| Foothills Academy | Calgary | Learning disabilities | Various | Psychoeducational documentation |
| Banbury Crossroads School | Calgary | Alternative education | Various | Interview and school assessment |
| Calgary Montessori School | Calgary | Montessori education | Various | Age and program requirements |
| Lycée International de Calgary | Calgary | French/international education | Various | Language and academic records |
| Calgary Christian School | Calgary | Christian education | Various | Application and school-fit requirements |
| Alberta Ballet School | Calgary | Dance and academics | Various | Dance audition |
| Prairie Christian Academy | Three Hills | Christian education | Secondary | Application and residential requirements |
Related
Conclusion
Alberta offers families a diverse selection of private and independent schools. Whether you are searching for a university-preparatory institution, specialized learning support, Christian education, Montessori instruction, Waldorf education, French-language learning, athletics or intensive arts training, there are schools serving different educational priorities.
The 20 private schools in Alberta featured in this guide provide a starting point for families beginning their research. However, the most suitable school will depend on the student’s age, academic profile, interests, learning needs, preferred educational philosophy, location and family budget.
Before submitting an application, parents should carefully review the school’s admission criteria, available grades, tuition, deadlines, assessment requirements and documentation requirements. Starting the process early can also be important because some private schools have limited spaces and competitive admissions.
Ultimately, choosing a private school is about finding an educational environment where the student can develop academically, socially and personally while receiving the type of support and opportunities that match their individual goals.
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