Welcome to Calgary Christian School

What is the vision of the Calgary Christian School?

“God’s children making the world a better place.”

We are a community, called and dedicated to integrate faith and learning, reaching for excellence in equipping responsive citizens to God’s kingdom, through a Christ-centered educational environment.
We are preparing our future leaders – the children attending our school today – to use the gifts God has given them, to benefit the world we live in.

What are your class sizes like?

At Calgary Christian School, our class sizes vary according to grades; however, the maximum class is listed below:

18 students for Kindergarten
20 for grade 1
24 students for grades 2 – 6
28 students for middle school and high school

Our class sizes are generally smaller than the maximums listed. We believe it is important to balance individual learning styles within a classroom so that optimum learning can take place.

What role do parents play in contributing to the school community?

Parents are encouraged and expected to be active partners in their children’s education and faith journey at CCS. Our experience has shown that parents who are actively involved in their children’s education do better socially and academically than children whose parents do not volunteer. If you would like to know how you can be a part of the school community, please contact our school volunteer coordinator.

How is the school structured?

Calgary Christian School is incorporated under the Societies Act in Alberta. The Calgary Society for Christian Education (CSCE) is comprised mainly of parents and educators. School Board members are elected for a three year term – they are tasked with overseeing the operation of the school. Decisions are made at that level. All parents must be accepted as a member of the society for their children to attend. (Exception is parents with children in kindergarten) The cost of membership is $50 per year.

Do you have a pre-school program at CCS?

Yes! Learning adventures pre-school is complimentary to the programs offered at CCS and gives parents new to the school an opportunity to experience the sense of community and fellowship. Please contact the school office and ask for Susan Ohman, our pre-school director.

Does the school use approved Alberta Education curriculum?

Yes, as an accredited school we meet or exceed the curricular requirements of Alberta Education. The curriculum offers an integrated approached to learning that reflects and explores the diversity, complexity and richness of God’s world. The values and beliefs of the Christian faith are intentionally integrated into the daily activities of the school.

What kind of educational background does a Calgary Christian School teacher have?

All of our teaching staff have the same undergrad degrees that all teachers must achieve to become certified by Alberta Education. Over and above that, our teachers are trained and continually learning how to teach from a Christian perspective. CCS currently employs 57 teachers and 11 learning assistants.

Are uniforms part of the school’s vision?
No, students are not required to wear uniforms; however, there is an expectation children who attend the school dress respectfully and according to a dress code.

Do you have sport teams and other physical education activities?
Definitely yes! We strongly believe in providing a well-rounded education, which includes a full athletic program. We have volleyball, basketball and other league sports.

How do Calgary Christian School graduates do after graduation?
CCS students have been accepted in and graduated from a broad spectrum of colleges and universities in Canada. CCS graduates reflect a wide diversity of professions and occupations including medicine, law, science, engineering, computer technology, the arts, social science, government, and teaching at all levels.

Many alumni also send their children to CCS because of the long tradition of quality Christian education and the sense of community fostered at the school.

Do you offer Advanced Placement(AP) studies?

Yes! We’re pleased to offer our students AP math and biology. AP is a program that was created by the College Board in the United
States to stimulate and enrich students beyond the regular high school
curriculum. Successful completion of AP examinations can lead to
students obtaining credit and advanced placement in most major universities and colleges throughout the world.

What is the difference between the Advanced Placement Program
and the International Baccalaureate Program?

Both the AP and the IB Programs provide excellent enrichment
opportunities that recognize student differences in preparation,
motivation, and ability. Both are accepted by most major universities
and colleges throughout the world. In AP, every course taught may
lead to university credit. In IB, only courses taught at the “higher
level” designation are university credit courses. AP is very flexible as
students may take one course, or more.

Do students study French at the school?

This year, CCS adopted an innovative method for teaching their core French programme, called AIM – Accelerated Integrated Method. AIM is a holistic approach to teaching French as a second language. Its primary focus is on oral communication first, then reading and writing. Only a handful of schools in Calgary are using this learning approach to teach their students.

Core French begins in grade 4 and is offered as an option in grade 10.

How does music, drama and fine arts contribute students learning?

The music program through the elementary, middle and high school is used as an expression of the student’s own faith and belief. The program, within the curriculum and in extracurricular activities, promotes excellence in musicianship and performing aspects of creating music.

At the Elementary school, we have a dedicated teacher to helping children express themselves through art. Have a look at some of the ways the students have expressed themselves.

Drama Club is open to students in grade 10, 11 & 12. Every year the group performs a major production. This year the production was Joan of Arc.