Bearspaw Christian School, founded in 1998, takes education to a new level with its discipleship-based model. It’s not just about the curriculum – every subject is taught from a Christian perspective, connecting faith with every part of learning and life. 

From what we’ve observed, they’re committed to addressing students’ profound questions through a biblical, age-appropriate approach. Many parents and alumni are satisfied with the school’s setup and approach, as it has provided them with a positive perspective on life and real-world events.

Another thing we appreciate about BCS is its licensed, accredited Out of School Care (OSC) Program. It provides families with a childcare solution beyond the regular school day, making the school more accessible to a range of students, which is a big win in our book. 

However, we do have a concern about their policy requiring at least one parent to be Christian for attendance. It could be a limitation for some students who don’t have control over their parents’ beliefs.

Lastly, we love that they offer more affordable and competitive fees than other private schools, ranging from around $3,400 to $8,600. For us, it’s a relief for families who want to enroll their kids without breaking the bank.

Rundle is a standout co-ed day school in Calgary, Alberta. From kindergarten to grade 12, they’re known for providing an exceptional educational journey.

We’re also impressed by Rundle’s 100% post-secondary acceptance rate, indicating that their graduates have smooth admissions into universities.

Moreover, they also offer specialized programs for students diagnosed with learning disabilities, including ADHD. From what we’ve found, these programs really hone in on building confidence, self-esteem, and motivation, which is crucial for students to develop a love for learning and personal growth.

A feature we also appreciate is their small class sizes, which provide better guidance and attention for each student. We found that they usually have around 13 to 16 students per class.

Here’s a neat example: one parent shared how her son thrived at Rundle thanks to the small class sizes. With close guidance from teachers, he excelled in both academics and athletics and is now a university graduate with aspirations of becoming a teacher.

As for school costs, we found that they’re a tad on the more expensive side than others on our list. Their tuition fees (excluding other expenses) would set you back around $18,000 to $23,050 from Kindergarten to Grade 12.

Despite the cost, we think Rundle College is a solid option for anyone seeking programs tailored to accommodate learning disabilities or to gain an edge in university admissions.

What we like about Delta West Academy is its small class sizes, averaging just ten students. This setup allows for more personalized attention from teachers and fosters a supportive environment where students can thrive together.

We’re also impressed by DWAs Specialty Options, especially their programs in robotics and coding, sports performance, media design and communication, and outdoor education. These go beyond textbooks and exams, allowing students to broaden their knowledge and skills in various areas.

On that note, it’s worth mentioning that 100% of DWA graduating students get into the university or post-secondary program of their choice, which is definitely a plus in our books.

However, we’re a bit iffy after hearing a few reports about a lack of urgency in addressing concerns and issues, whether it involves students or other aspects of the institution. Based on our surveys, some decisions to tackle these concerns might take longer than expected.

Regardless, we’re glad to see that most students are comfortable reaching out to their teachers about any concerns or problems they may have at school. And the same goes for parents wanting to get in touch with their child’s teachers.

Finally, we appreciate that DWA provides bus service using their 15-passenger vans, which you can arrange by contacting the school.

Here’s the lowdown on Calgary French & International School: they’re the top French Immersion school in the province, with around 800 students from kindergarten to grade 12.

We admire how CFIS offers enriched academic courses, a variety of co-curricular programs, and the opportunity for students to graduate bilingual in French and English with functional fluency in Spanish. 

What’s even more impressive is that students start French immersion as early as junior preschool, which sets them up for excellent fluency and bilingualism down the road.

Another aspect we admire is the diverse community at Calgary French & International School. With over 30 nationalities represented, students have the opportunity to interact with classmates from all over the world. 

It’s also impressive how teachers integrate rich heritage, experiences, and knowledge from this diverse community into their daily lessons.

However, we did come across a few concerns about their faculty and administration, especially regarding their ability to complete required lesson plans or address requests and concerns from parents.

Even so, this UNESCO Associated School widens the students’ global reach and exposure. We also found that many alumni have multiple post-secondary options, with some heading to French and English universities across Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

What sets apart Zebra Crossing Academy from the others on this list: they exclusively accept daycare to kindergarten students. They specialize in Day Child Care, Early Childhood Education, Before and After Care, Toddler Care, Private Education, and other educational services.

While it may be a drawback that students can’t stay at Zebra Crossing Academy until high school graduation, we appreciate its focus on the developmental stages of toddlers and kids. Especially in fostering communication and basic skills, which lay a solid foundation for their future growth.

That said, they deserve credit for striking a balance between an academic environment and a play-based program. From what we’ve seen, throughout their time at the school, they can explore subjects like math, language, geography, and science alongside engaging in art, music, games, activities, and events.

We also love the facilities and resources they provide to support and spark the students’ learning and imagination. 

Take their toddler classroom, for example; it’s decked out with Montessori materials, which are fantastic for stimulating physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development during those crucial early years.

Overall, we believe Zebra Crossing Academy is a fantastic option if you’re aiming to lay a solid foundation for your toddlers’ and young kids’ development.