Admissions Process

When should I apply to Calgary Academy?

We recommend applying in the fall. Start your application early to avoid delays and give your child the best chance of securing a spot before classes reach capacity. If a program reaches capacity, students may be placed on a waitlist.

Do I need to choose between Academy, Collegiate, or Blended+ when I apply?

No, you do not need to choose a program when you apply. Once your application and all required documents are reviewed, our Admissions Committee will determine which program best fits your child’s learning needs.

What happens after my child is accepted?

A member of our Admissions team will reach out with an offer of admission if Calgary Academy is the right fit for your child’s needs. After you accept, the Admissions team will work with you to ensure that your child is ready for their first day of school.

What is a Student Needs Assessment?

A Student Needs Assessment is where we learn about your child directly from them. We’ll ask some questions to understand better your child’s current school performance and educational needs.

They will also receive a personal tour of our campus.

How do I apply to Calgary Academy?

You can apply to Calgary Academy through our online portal! You will fill out your application and provide all required information through this portal.

If you do not have an account, you will need to create one before completing your application.

What does the admissions process include?

Our admissions process includes four main steps:

  • Parent/Guardian Tour: Tour our campus and learn more about our programming and facilities.
  • Apply online: Fill out your application, pay your application fee, and provide all required documentation.
  • Student Needs Assessment: If we believe Calgary Academy may fit your child, we will schedule an informal one-on-one meeting to learn more about their learning needs.
  • Final decision: Our Admissions Committee will review all the provided information to determine the best program for your child’s needs, and if they are a fit, they may receive an offer of admission or be placed on a waitlist.

Can anyone join the Blended+ program?

Due to the flexible approach to learning in Blended+, this program best suits students who are independent learners.

Students access classes through a mix of live online sessions and recorded lessons, allowing them to learn on their schedule. They can meet with teachers during the school day for support, either in person or online.

What if I apply in the spring or summer?

You can still apply later in the year, but response times may be slower. If classes are full, your child may be placed on a waitlist. Applications submitted over the summer might also result in a delayed start date.

Do you consider international students?

We consider students with legal status to attend school in Alberta, such as a Study Permit, Work Permit, Permanent Residency, Landed Immigrant Status, or Canadian Citizenship.

Students must be residents of Alberta and legally permitted to attend school in Canada. Please note that we do not accept tourist visas, and additional fees apply for international students.

See our Fees & Payments page for details on supplementary funding.

Can I make changes to my application after submitting it?

Yes! After submitting your application, you can update your information and upload new documents anytime through the SchoolAdmin portal.

How do I access the online application portal?

You can access the online application portal by clicking the apply button on our Admissions page or by using this direct application portal link.

What if I do not have all the required documents or they do not apply to my child?

If you’re missing any documents or some don’t apply to your child, please make a note in the designated fields on your online application form. You can also email us to let us know which documents you can’t provide or that aren’t relevant.

Do you accept students mid-year?

Yes, we consider mid-year admissions if your child’s needs align with our current student groupings and if space is available in the appropriate grade.

All mid-year applicants go through the same admissions process as other applicants.

Please note that additional enrollment fees apply after September 30, and tuition will be prorated. For more details, please visit our Fees & Payments page.

What do I need to include in the application?

To complete your application, please include the following documents:

  • Your child’s most recent progress reports
  • Any Individual Program Plans (IPPs), if applicable
  • Speech or occupational therapy reports, if applicable
  • A current psychoeducational assessment. This is required for students accepted into the Academy program and may also be requested for some Collegiate applicants.

After reviewing these documents, we might need to gather additional information by speaking with your child’s school or professionals who have worked with them. This helps us accurately understand your child’s strengths and individual needs, and ensures appropriate program placement.

Please note: we will always ask for your permission before contacting anyone.

How does Calgary Academy decide if the school is a good fit for my child?

Our Admissions team reviews your full application to understand your child’s strengths, needs, and learning profile. Every application is considered individually to ensure Calgary Academy is the right fit and we can provide the right support.

When will I hear back about my child’s application?

Once you’ve submitted your online application, required documents, and admissions deposit, we’ll begin reviewing your child’s file. This process may take up to one month after your application is complete.

If we move forward, the next steps may include a student needs assessment and an informal interview. After that, we’ll complete a final review and share our decision.

In some cases, we may not proceed if your child’s needs fall outside our admissions criteria.

What are the admissions requirements at Calgary Academy?

To be considered for admission, students must demonstrate average to above-average cognitive ability and have no primary social, emotional, or behavioural needs that require significant support.

A psychoeducational assessment from a registered psychologist is typically used to determine cognitive functioning.

It’s important to note that a learning disability is not the same as an intellectual disability. You can learn more about this distinction from the Learning Disabilities Association of Canada (LDAC).

Applicants should also have learning needs and academic skill levels that align with those of current student groupings.

Admissions Tours

Do I need to attend a tour?

Yes, our Parent/Guardian tours are helpful for a better understanding of what Calgary Academy offers. You will receive a breakdown of our programs, tour the campus, and can ask questions to our knowledgeable staff.

Attending a tour is a mandatory part of our admissions process.

What can I expect on an Admissions Tour?

Our Admissions Tours are about 90 minutes and give you an inside look at Calgary Academy. You’ll start with a short presentation, followed by a school tour, and have a chance to meet teachers, students, and ask any questions you have.

How often do you host Admissions Tours?

Admissions Tours typically run every few weeks between October and June. Availability may vary, so we recommend checking our Admissions page for upcoming dates.

Can I bring my child on an Admissions Tour?

We ask that children do not attend Admissions Tours. These tours are designed for parents and guardians to learn about Calgary Academy and our programs. If your child moves forward in the application process, they will be invited for a private tour later.

Financial Information

What does the admissions deposit include? 

The admissions deposit of $250 covers the possibility of adding your child’s name to the placement list after a preliminary file review. It is non-refundable, whether we move forward with the application or if it is determined that your child may not be a fit for the school.

How do I sign up for financial assistance?

The Calgary Academy Parents Association (CAPA) supports financial assistance at Calgary Academy, providing bursaries to eligible families.

If you require bursary support, please submit the CAPA bursary application forms directly to CAPA when you have submitted an admissions application to the school.

For access to the bursary application and more information, please visit the CAPA website.

Do you offer financial assistance?

Yes. Calgary Academy offers a limited number of bursaries, which are financial awards that help reduce tuition for families who demonstrate financial need. If you’re interested in applying for a bursary, please visit our Fees & Payments page for details on eligibility and the application process.

Before and After School Care

Do you offer before and after school care?

Yes. Before and after school care is offered through Child’s Play Canada. For more information, visit the Child’s Play Canada page.