Private Schools

Calgary Private Schools – what does their future look like?

Are you looking for Calgary private schools?

Kids have gone back to school and classes are full-time and in-person, the first time in some time! Parents feel they are not being heard and both they and their children are frustrated.

Calgary private schools may be different than the Calgary public schools; however, they are still funded and mandated by Alberta Education and Alberta Health Services. Children are back in class and even though there may be new health guidelines, there may be significant risks as well.  With the growing number of Alberta students and teachers at home sick with flu, COVID-19 and RSV cases; with education cutbacks, fewer teachers and classes perhaps being combined, the future of the public system appears bleak.

How Did We Get Here?

Over the past couple of years, COVID-19 has affected us all. The pandemic has impacted everyone, but without question, parents have been affected significantly. As the health crisis evolved, many things that were part of our daily norms have also changed, and with it, we entered a new normal.

How did it affect you?

If you are reading this, there is an excellent chance that the most significant effect on you had been on your family. Your kids had been home from school, your work/life balance had been significantly challenged, and you were beginning to ask questions as you headed into the new school year. The government of Alberta had announced it will send children back to school under scenario one guidelines, a full-time in-person school with adjusted health and safety measures.

Are you comfortable with this? Or are you looking for an alternative?

Aren’t Private Schools Just More Expensive than Public Schools?

You could argue that Alberta Education still governs private schools. Because of this, they must adhere to the same rules and expectations in public schools.

Are there differences, though?

Yes, there are. The private school can adjust the student/teacher ratio, the types of programming, and the extracurricular activities students can access. A private school is still partially government-funded, something a lot of parents don’t realize, and they must follow some of the guidelines outlined by Alberta Education. The classes are basically the same, the education delivery is basically the same, and for certain students, the ability to fall through the cracks is still also a risk.

Has COVID made you Re-Consider your Child’s Education?

This is a statement we hear a lot from parents, especially those parents who already felt the traditional school was not the best environment for their child. Parents were able to watch with a closer eye on the education their children were receiving while they were home during COVID. They had begun to question what to do this past fall. Students have been back to school for several months and are entering the winter months.

‘Private schools Calgary’, as a search on Google has gone up 40% in the past couple of months alone.

Parents are looking for alternatives.

How Much Do Private Schools Cost in Calgary?

The private school system in Calgary has a significant range. Generally speaking, you can look to pay between $3,100 and $26,000, with the average being in the $14,500 range. Each school has different perks and benefits that come with tuition, so it is important to do your research.

Private school education for your child is a significant investment; sometimes you don’t get what you are looking for or need. Suppose you are looking for additional one-on-one education for a child who needs specific instruction delivery. In that case, you probably won’t find it in just any private school. They look just like public schools with all the kids in a classroom listening to a teacher teach.

Are you looking for something different?

UP Academy is different

Alberta has the ability to have a hybrid system consisting of a combination of home-schooling and regular schooling. Parents can now be more involved in the education of their children.

UP Academy believes in individualized education, daily report cards, and support for the student and the parent. We also believe kids need to be in an environment that is environmentally conscious, carbon-neutral, and socially aware. We are creating amazing human beings who need to be mindful of all the issues facing their future.

UP Academy is a 100% independent academy that receives no government funding. We use innovative ideas and out-of-the-box thinking to create a unique educational experience. Which, in turn, creates a different type of student. Our students are engaged in learning, creating, and making a positive, significant difference to themselves and the community. This is a game-changer!

At UP Academy, we realize every child is a unique individual. We love and honour that! Up Academy considers these differences in all programming. We meet kids at their skill level and take them to where they need to go in the way that serves them best.

Whether you’re looking for a free reading assessment, one-on-one tutoring or the benefits of a 100% independent private school, we have you covered.

Let’s connect!

 

 

 

 

 

I came across this interesting article on why parents would consider placing their children in a brand new school. Since we have been speaking with parents about opening our very own school, I thought this article was quite timely.

When it comes to the education of your child, there are many choices out there. You can place your child in your local community school, choose a religious alternative school, or select from the many private school options.

There are some brand new private schools coming on the market. Some parents may feel registering their child in a brand new educational campus to be risky. After all, there are no year-end reviews from parents, no exam results and certainly no proven track record or long lineage of famous people attending. Is there an advantage to getting onboard early?  Apparently, there is. Read the five reasons by C Hoppe

New Resources and Equipment

Retrofitting an old building with new technology and/or supplying new resources for an entire school can be both difficult and prohibitively expensive for many established schools.

New schools however, have a clear competitive edge. They need to attract a whole school full of students and what better way of doing that than including a slew of modern technologies and top-end resources.

#2 New Schools Are Designed With Modern Pedagogy In Mind

It’s safe to say, the last few decades have seen teaching practice change beyond all recognition. Gone are the days when learning was static and entirely classroom based.

Today’s modern schools create inventive break-out areas, school gardens, classroom device integration, water-play stations and sensory play areas.

#3 New Schools Have Inspired Teachers & Lots of Them!

Staff and teachers in a new school are almost always out to ‘make’ their school a success. They’re more often than not, driven, motivated and empowered.

There’s also the likelihood for the first few years at least, your child’s class won’t be full, meaning you’ll not only have a really motivated teacher, but they’ll have a lots of time to spend with your child.

#4 New Schools Create Their Own Attitude and Ethos

With no tradition and/or established culture, new schools can focus on creating their very own niche in today’s world.

The absence of cliques and established ethos means parents, teachers and students simply get on with creating their own unique community and culture. And the best bit? You and your child/children will be an integral part!

#5 New Schools Have Great Fee Deals

Of course, no discussion on new schools is complete without covering the exceptional deals to be had at almost all newly launched schools. Founder’s discounts, frozen fees, sibling discounts and more are all up for grabs at your brand-new school.

Access the original article: https://bit.ly/2Kk1Fzu

Lani Donaldson is the President and CEO of The Engaged Educators and creator of, The NAS Project, a brand new, out of the box, educational concept whose time has come: an educational campus, offering individualized programming for every child, low pupil teacher ratios and one that does not rely on tax payers for funding. A private educational campus which is truly private. (Now there’s a concept) There are major advantages to getting in on the ground floor. For more information: Engaged Educators – NAS