Our History

For over 40 years, Calgary Academy has been a school with humble beginnings and transformative impact on thousands of students’ lives. Beginning with just 44 students and 11 staff in five rented classrooms, the organization has grown to more than 700 students, a 16-acre campus on the western edge of the city, and 150 staff split across the school, a foundation, and an education outreach organization.

This is just the beginning of the Calgary Academy story.

Major Milestones

  • Calgary Academy opens to the community

    September 1, 1981 to 44 students and 12 staff members.

  • Nation-wide call for educators

    Classified ads were places across the country searching for innovative teachers looking to make an impact at a new school.

  • Constructing a Permanent Home

    Following the purchase of 16 acres of land west of Sarcee Trail, a rapid construction period commenced, building the school in just eight months!

  • Our Future Home

    Generous school supporters and donors supported the "We're REACHing Out" campaign to fund the capital campaign.

  • CA’s first graduating class

    In June of 1987, seven Calgary Academy graduates convocated at the Palliser Hotel, the first graduating class.

  • Moving Notice

    In January 1993, Calgary Board of Education indicated it needed its building back. Calgary Academy had 18 months to find a new school – again.

  • Creating and Living REACH

    In 2001, all staff engaged in a collaborative process to develop our REACH principles. These remain present at the school today.

  • Dig Pink Volleyball Tournament

    In 2009, Calgary Academy held its first Dig Pink Volleyball Tournament, in support of breast cancer research. This tournament continues to this day.

  • Kindergarten Program Launched

    In 2019, Calgary Academy launched its first Kindergarten class, welcoming 10 young learners to this new program.