Calgary Schools Guide

Calgary schools, made simple.

Find the schools near any community by age, check when your child starts kindergarten, see if you qualify for the bus, and know what to check before you buy.

Find schools near a community ↓Call or text George
Photo: Jun Ren / Unsplash
5school systems: public, Catholic, francophone, charter, independent
By addresssets your designated school, not the closest school
Turn 5 by Dec. 31to start kindergarten that school year
1.6 kmK–6 walk zone for the yellow bus (CBE & Catholic)
School finder

Schools near a community, by age.

Pick a Calgary community, then filter by age and school board. Data comes live from the City of Calgary.

Age
Board
Within

Nearby isn’t the same as designated. Confirm the exact address with CBE Find a School or the Calgary Catholic School Finder.

Pick a community to see nearby schools.
Quick checks

Two answers, in seconds.

When does my child start school?

Enter a birth date

Kindergarten if they turn 5 on or before Dec. 31 of that school year. Grade 1 if they turn 6 by Dec. 31.

Will my child get the yellow bus?

Board
Grade
Distance to designated school
2.0 km
The essentials

Everything else, one tab at a time.

Public

Calgary Board of Education

Every CBE student is assigned a school based on home address and program. About 143,475 students projected for 2026–27.

Find a School →

Catholic

Calgary Catholic School District

Catholic students inside a school’s area get priority. Others are accepted when space allows, without a guaranteed spot next year. A baptismal certificate may be requested.

Attendance areas →

Francophone

Conseil scolaire FrancoSud

French first-language schools, not immersion. 16 schools (12 public, 4 Catholic). Eligibility is based on parents’ Section 23 Charter rights.

Eligibility →

Charter

Public charter schools

Non-profit public schools with a different approach to the Alberta curriculum. No tuition, but fees may apply. Space is limited. Examples include Calgary Arts Academy, Almadina and FFCA.

Independent

Private schools

About 230 in Alberta. Each school sets its own tuition. Accredited funded schools teach Alberta’s programs with certificated teachers.

Before you write an offer

Your 5-step school checklist.

Questions

School FAQ.

Is the closest school my child’s designated school?

Not always. CBE says your designated school may not be the closest one. Look up the exact address with CBE Find a School or call 403-817-7955.

If we live in a school’s area, is a spot guaranteed?

Not always. A CBE school, program or grade at or over capacity can go into lottery. Students without a space go to their designated or an overflow school.

Can my child attend a Catholic school if we’re not Catholic?

Often, when space allows. Catholic students inside the attendance area get priority, and others can’t be guaranteed a spot in the next grade at the same school.

When do I register for kindergarten?

Children can start if they turn five on or before Dec. 31 of that school year. For 2026–27, CBE opened Jan. 12 and Calgary Catholic opened Feb. 2.

What’s the difference between French immersion and francophone schools?

Immersion teaches French as a second language (CBE and Catholic). Francophone schools teach in French as a first language and are run by FrancoSud, with eligibility based on Section 23 rights.

Do charter schools charge tuition?

No. Alberta public charter schools can’t charge tuition but may charge other fees. Many use waitlists or lotteries.

Have a school in mind? Let’s find the home.

Call or text (403) 616-6309Browse communities
Sources & fine print

Checked November 2026. Boundaries, programs, fees and dates change; confirm with the school board before you buy or register. Distances are straight-line. This guide doesn’t rank or recommend schools. George Brown, REALTOR®, LPT Realty.