How to determine which school your address belongs to?

Determining the school based on your address in Calgary is a key step for families planning to enroll their child in school. The city has a clear school district system, but due to the variety of educational systems (public, Catholic, French-language), the process can seem complicated. Below is a step-by-step plan to help you find your “designated school” and take special cases into account.

Main school systems in Calgary

1. Public schools (Calgary Board of Education, CBE)

  • Official tool: Find a School Tool.
    • Enter your address to see the designated schools for kindergarten, elementary, and secondary schools.
  • Alternatives:
  • Contact the school in your area directly.

2. Catholic schools (Calgary Catholic School District, CCSD)

  • Tool: School Locator.
    • Enter your address to check service areas.
  • Eligibility:
  • Priority is given to children baptized in a Catholic or Orthodox church.
  • A baptismal certificate is required at the time of registration.

3. French-language schools (Conseil scolaire FrancoSud)

  • Who is eligible: Children entitled to education in French (under Section 23 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms).
  • Tool: School zone map.
  • Additional information: Proof of French-speaking status is required (e.g., birth certificate of a French-speaking parent).

Steps to find a school

1. Find your “assigned school”

  • For public schools (CBE):
    • Once the tool is back up and running, enter your full address, including your ZIP code.
  • Example: For an address in the Brentwood area, the assigned school is Brentwood Elementary.
  • For Catholic schools (CCSD):
    • Schools are assigned by zone. For example, addresses in Skyview Ranch are assigned to St. Benedict.

2. Check alternative programs

If you are interested in specialized programs (French immersion, Montessori), they may be available at other schools:

  • French immersion in CCSD: Begins in kindergarten at schools such as St. Philip.
  • STEM programs: The National Sport School accepts students from across Alberta.

3. Contact the school

  • Call or email to confirm:
  • That your address is indeed within the school's catchment area.
  • Availability of spots (there is a lottery for overcrowded schools).

Special cases

1. New construction and address changes

  • If you live in an area with active construction (e.g., Livingston), contact the CBE for the latest information.
  • Temporary addresses (e.g., rentals) require confirmation by a lease agreement.

2. Foreign students and temporary residents

  • Requirements: Children with a valid visa (study/work) are eligible for free education if their parents have lived in Alberta for more than 1 year.
  • Documents: Study Permit or parent's work visa.

3. Children with special needs

  • Specialized schools (e.g., Emily Follensbee School) accept children without address restrictions.
  • A medical certificate and an individual education plan (IEP) are required.

Additional resources

  • For French-speaking families: FrancoSud provides advice on eligibility criteria.
  • School district maps: Download PDF files from the official CBE/CCSD websites.
  • CBE hotline: 403-817-4000 (English).

Tips

  1. Check your address in advance: School zones sometimes change due to the opening of new schools (for example, in the Cochrane or Airdrie areas).
  2. Keep your documents: Your lease, utility bills, and certificates will be needed to confirm your address.
  3. Visit the school: Sign up for a tour to evaluate the facilities and educational programs.

Conclusion

Determining a school by address in Calgary requires attention to detail, but it is a straightforward process. Use the official CBE and CCSD tools, consult with school administrators, and consider your child's specific needs. Don't forget about French-language and specialized programs, which may open up additional educational opportunities.