Academic Alternatives & Homeschool Guide

Aliki’s Art House - a space and place where the fun begins! Aliki’s proven step-by-step system teaches students of all ages how to draw in a variety of styles from realistic to abstract, while exploring a wide range of media. Learning how to draw will help improve a student’s concentration, attention, visual skills, problem-solving, and creativity. Our teachers are artists who are passionate about art education. Visit our website for creative experiences for all ages (i.e. children, teens, and adults). We offer everything from one-day workshops to year-round classes.

Offering great packages for birthdays, field trips, Corporate/Christmas parties, and other unique events, The Big Box is an intriguing, interactive space for kids entertainment and learning, which comprise of the largest indoor playground in Canada, a gigantic bouncy castle, an aerial obstacle course, virtual reality, interactive bumper cars, an arcade, and a quick-bite restaurant. Spend quality time with your kids and be a part of their play time!

If you love to sing or would like to learn, check out the Calgary Children’s Choir. This unique choral experience offers children ages 3 to 24 the opportunity to sing, perform, and appreciate a wide variety of musical styles. There are no fundraising requirements - it is a place to learn and have fun. Touring is available for eligible choristers.

For more than 20 years, Calgary Young People’s Theatre has provided youth ages 4 to 17 a variety of exciting opportunities to participate in the performing arts, explore creativity, and develop teamwork skills. Calgary Young People’s Theatre offers summer camps and year-round classes in both the North and South Calgary locations, as well as a season of family-friendly productions starring young actors. Gain confidence and hone your theatrical skills all at once. Act. Learn. Play. Grow.

Come sing with us, the music experience of a lifetime awaits! Cantaré Children’s Choir invites boys and girls ages 6 to 18 to join one of our four award-winning ensembles led by Artistic Director Catherine Glaser-Climie. Enrich the life of your child through the power and wonder of music. Younger singers, ages 3 to 7, are welcome to join our Kodály Early Childhood program. No prior musical experience necessary!

Come sing with us, the music experience of a lifetime awaits! Cantaré Children’s Choir invites boys and girls ages 6 to 18 to join one of our four award-winning ensembles led by Artistic Director Catherine Glaser-Climie. Enrich the life of your child through the power and wonder of music. Younger singers, ages 3 to 7, are welcome to join our Kodály Early Childhood program. No prior musical experience necessary!

Kodály Music Explorers program for children ages 3 to 7 offers a fun-filled approach to your child’s music development. Using the child’s own instrument, the voice, children learn songs, rhymes, and musical games to acquire knowledge and skills, and a love of music. You will be thrilled at how quickly your child can progress.

Students of all ages enjoy lessons in piano, guitar, voice, violin, cello, flute, ukulele, drums, and theory. We teach all styles and genres of music in our central Marda Loop location and in our students' homes. Music Kids for babies and toddlers classes incorporate singing, movement, and instrument play. Children experience a joyful and nurturing learning environment while developing fundamental music skills. Other group programs available for all ages!

Private music lessons for ages 5 through adult. Two locations offering Piano, Keyboard, Organ, and Accordion since 1979. Popular, Classical, and Theory programs with exam preparation from qualified teachers. ‘Beginners Trial Program’ also offered! Package includes loan of instrument, lessons, and music book. Call for more information or to register.

KIDS & MUSIC is a progressive four-level program designed for youth Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 2. Through play-based learning, our professional instructors teach kids the basics of music theory, rhythm, and movement, and develop the skills needed for children to grow as musicians, singers, and performers. KIDS & MUSIC is the first step in the Youth Singers of Calgary, a vibrant Performing Arts Company for ages 3 to adult. Register today!

Little Medical School - Calgary is “Inspiring Tomorrow’s Healthcare Professionals Today!” by bringing medicine, science, and the importance of health to children ages 4 to 12 in an entertaining, exciting, and fun way. We offer STEM-based unique medical-themed innovative after-school programs, in-school workshops, summer camps, birthday parties, and custom events through role play, games, crafts, and interactive instruction.

Music lessons for every age, level, and style. At Long & McQuade, we believe every person is capable of acquiring the skills and knowledge required to make playing a musical instrument a rewarding activity. We have a wide variety of carefully-chosen professional instructors offering year-round music lessons. Private and semi-private lessons, and several group programs such as “Rock Skool” and preschool classes available.

From scales to sonatas, the MRU Conservatory has choirs and instrument ensembles for every stage! No matter what level, let our world-class instructors go above and beyond to foster your love of music. Join one of our amazing children’s choirs - like Ariel, Arietta, or Arisoso - or our incredible Junior Strings Orchestra! Visit mru.ca/conservatory to register today!

From patty cake to debates, the MRU Conservatory has group music and speech classes for every stage! No matter what level, let our world-class instructors go above and beyond to foster your love of music. Enjoy fantastic classes like “Music with Your Baby,” “Act Up, Speak Out,” and “Taiko Drumming.” Visit mru.ca/conservatory to register today!

From xylophone to baby grand, the MRU Conservatory offers private lessons for every stage! No matter what level, let our world-class instructors go above and beyond to foster your love of music. Enjoy private lessons in piano, guitar, violin, voice, or almost any other instrument under the sun. Visit mru.ca/conservatory to register today!

Music Kids is Chinook School of Music’s early childhood music program for ages 6 months to 5 years. This program integrates scientific research supporting the positive role that music plays on brain development. Classes incorporate singing, movement, and instrument play in a joyful and nurturing learning environment. Our new Sign & Sing class offers babies and parents an opportunity to learn baby sign language through song!

Musikgarten is a sequential music and movement program that develops all aspects of your child’s growth in a fun, nurturing, and educational setting, for ages birth through 9 years, including group piano. Enrich your family life as your child explores and learns through singing, dancing, listening, playing instruments, and more in age-appropriate classes. Come for the fun and learn of the benefits music has to afford your child.

Educational and recreational programs based in nature or nature-based. (Please see our full listing under “Outdoor Education.”)

(Please see our full listing under “Private, Charter, Independent & Alternative Schools.”)

Hiilite Creative Group/Athletica Gymnastics and dance programs for all ages and levels, from beginner to competitive athletes! Our skilled coaches and training staff benefit children and athletes of all types. Experience social development, increased confidence, and improved athletic performance. We also offer Gym-fusion Performance Team, Ninja-gym, GymJump, and a range of specialty programs and fun camps! Safety is our priority, followed by our commitment to offer quality programs that build lifelong athletes.

Proudly teaching gymnastics, tumbling, and trampoline classes for over 25 years.

We are an Official World Taekwondo Federation School recognized by Sport Canada and the Olympic Committee. Our Martial Arts program is designed to help children develop confidence, perseverance, self-discipline, integrity, and courage that leads to success in relationships, school and, ultimately, in life. We offer an extremely flexible schedule in order to suit your family’s needs and provide a positive, fun learning environment for our students.

Swimland is recognized in the industry as a world leader and is proud of its reputation to deliver the highest quality swimming lessons in a safe, fun, and caring environment. We aim to ‘Save Time’ with world-class progress and small classes, ‘Save Stress’ with our experienced staff and our online parent portal, and ‘Save Lives’ with our focus on deep water survival skills.

Any family who is a resident of Calgary may register with the CBE Home Education program. Through our Windsor Park location, we offer both a parent-directed and a variety of blended program options to families who wish to be responsible for developing, administering, managing, and evaluating a program of educational studies for their child. For inquiries about registering, contact us.

Classes, consultation, and support for the first steps. Includes Web resources every home schooler needs. (Please see our full listing under “Private, Charter, Independent & Alternative Schools.”)

An internationally-recognized leader in hands-on learning with LEGO® and Robotics for children ages 3 to 13 and up, we offer in-depth curriculum and proprietary designs that align with Alberta Education standards. Our trained educators provide flexible home, facility, or community-based options in an inquiry-based format that engages learners and supports whole child development.

Use the power of your free Calgary Public Library card to access thousands of items - from books and magazines to streaming services and in-library programs.

Educational and recreational programs based in nature or nature-based. We offer Forest School sessions, enrichment classes and workshops, family-centered events and clubs. We serve children ages 5 to 11 and youth ages 11 to 15 in mixed-age groupings. Wild Child welcomes all abilities and identities in our community of learners. We are located on a wild acre in the hamlet of Bragg Creek, a quick 30-minute drive on Hwy 1, 8, and 22x.

Alberta Ballet School is recognized as one of Canada’ leading professional dance schools offering intensive artistic training and on-site, traditional classroom academics for students in Grade 7 through 12 who wish to pursue a career in professional dance. Students can also receive high school credits for ballet classes taken in our Recreational Division. Alberta Ballet School is a private school accredited by Alberta Education.

Banbury Crossroads School is a Self-Directed Learning school commemorating 40 years! It’s been founded on mutual respect and offers an individualized learning environment for children aged 3 through 18. Our students are happy and engaged in learning. Students plan their day and design their assignments depending on their interests and pace. In small multi-aged groups, we teach and mentor each child individually. At Banbury, students have the freedom to be themselves!

At Calgary Academy, we design engaging, student-centered experiences that nurture a love of learning. For nearly 40 years, we’ve refined our innovative Academy and Collegiate programs, woven together by our four pillars and guiding principles, to empower unique learners to pursue lives of passion and purpose. Through extraordinarily small class sizes led by expert teachers, our students develop the independence, skills, and confidence to thrive.

In this dynamic and supportive community, CCS students are encouraged to actively and intentionally live out their understanding of our Vision: Learn, to Shape God’s World, whether that be in a classroom, on a stage, on an athletic field, in our city, or across the globe. Relational, Rigorous, Relevant; see if CCS is a fit for your family! For preschool to Grade 12.

The Calgary Jewish Academy is an independent private Jewish day school, catering to students from nursery to Grade 9. Our approach to education is based upon the morals and values set forth by Jewish heritage and tradition: teaching, learning, respect, leadership, and community. We deliver an innovative program and have a long-standing history of academic excellence. The Calgary Jewish Academy’s mission is to build community, character, and confidence within our students.

For families who want more from a school than a traditional education, CWS provides Preschool, Kindergarten, and Grade 1 to 9 programs based on Alberta Education and Waldorf Curriculums. Together with our vibrant parent community, we provide a soulful and enriching educational experience that awakens a child’s full potential. Our graduates are future-ready with a strong academic foundation and a highly-developed sense of self with the purpose and direction to live a meaningful life.

CEFA Early Learning is Canada’s leading private school for children ages 1 to 5. Our full-day early childhood education and Junior Kindergarten programs are far beyond the typical childcare and daycare programs. Our curriculum is based on the latest research in child and brain development. The CEFA educational method provides students with world-class early learning through a contemporary blend of core subjects and fine arts.

Clear Water Academy - a Private Catholic School Forming Christian Leaders, Jr. Kindergarten to Grade 12. Our mission is to form Christian leaders who will transform society by developing the intellectual, human, spiritual, and apostolic aspects of the whole person. The school has an open admissions policy and welcomes families of all faiths. Book a personal tour and learn more about one of Alberta’s top schools.

The Edge School mission is to build a culture of personal excellence in academics, athletics, and character. We continue to get strong academic results, our sports programs are clearly helping students to reach their athletic goals, and character development remains the cornerstone of all that we do.

A school and so much more! Foothills Academy offers a full-time school program for students with Learning Disabilities from Grades 3 to 12 following the Alberta Education Curriculum.

Glenmore Christian Academy is a Jr. Kindergarten to Grade 9 accredited private school. Established in 1980 by First Alliance Church, and in partnership with parents, our mission is to Teach Truth, Inspire Excellence, Experience Christ, and Serve Through Love. We encourage students to strive for personal excellence in academics, arts, and athletics. We provide expert instruction, integrating Biblical principles through all subjects, through chapels, and opportunities to serve.

Established in 1966, Lycée Louis Pasteur is Calgary’s premier French school. We are the only school in Calgary to teach the French Ministry of Education and Alberta Education curricula, offering students a unique education. No prior French is needed to enroll in our Preschool, Kindergarten, and French Language Immersive Program (Grades 1 to 5). Spanish and English education beginning in Kindergarten and Grade 6, respectively. Preschool to Grade 12.

Master’s Academy & College offers a well-rounded, innovative, and fully accredited Kindergarten to Grade 12 program. Students are immersed in a technologically-rich environment, a culture that ignites creativity and the pursuit of excellence. To excel in the world of tomorrow, students at Master’s are equipped to think, innovate, and create. Master’s Academy & College has a proven record of laying a strong foundation, a competitive advantage for success, preparing students to be ‘Future-Ready.’

North Point School for Boys taps into boys’ natural curiosity and energy as a foundation for lifelong learning. A strong academic program is just the beginning. We fuel motivation through real-life learning, digital platforms, our trademark 5R character philosophy, fine arts, and outdoor adventure, fostering well-rounded, self-motivated, independent learners. This Kindergarten to Grade 11 curriculum is enhanced through our Engineering Academy, Financial Academy, and the optional PEP Hockey Academy.

Phoenix Education Foundation is an Alberta-accredited private, non-profit, independent school. Phoenix engages Kindergarten to Grade 9 students in parent-directed or school-directed programming to fulfill the Alberta Education curriculum. Phoenix offers Alberta’s only Kindergarten program for home schooling families, BlendEd, and home education options for Grades 1 to 9, and ‘In-the-Scene’ classes in the Creation Studio, giving students immersive instruction in Science, Math, Language Arts, Social Studies, and Fine Arts.

River Valley is an inclusive independent school providing exceptional education and character development for children aged 3 to Grade 6.

Rundle College is a private, co-educational day school for students in Kindergarten to Grade 12 focusing on character education, academics, and co-curricular pursuits. The excellence of Rundle College has been repeatedly recognized by independent organizations, such as the Fraser Institute, that consistently ranks Rundle College as a top private school in Alberta.

Located a few minutes south of Calgary, Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School develops well-balanced students in Kindergarten to Grade 12.

The Junior FUNdamentals Tennis Program is perfect for getting kids off the couch and onto the tennis court, no matter their age or skill. We have class options for children between the ages of 4 and 17, at any skill level. Sign up today!

We offer math and computer coding programs to help students of all levels. We help students to realize their dreams of going to top-notch universities of their choice and/or to win top awards in intermediate to advanced level of math competitions. It is our goal to help students build a solid math foundation, which is beneficial to their whole life. We provide various scholarships including full amount scholarship and principal scholarship to support students. We welcome your kids to study math and participate in various math contests at Calgary Olympic Math & Computer School.