Specialized schools tailor programs to meet student needs GERALD VANDER PYL
Because not every student is looking for the same education, some Alberta private schools have tailored their programs to meet specific needs.
From programs with a sports, language or arts focus, to those emphasizing faith-based learning or overcoming learning difficulties, Alberta’s specialized private schools are trying to help students achieve success.
Tim Carlson, principal of Calgary Academy, said the school was founded 37 years ago to help students struggling with status quo teaching methods because of learning challenges.
“They needed a different approach to teaching, in a supportive and caring environment,” says Carlson. “(So) we design engaging, dynamic, student-centred experiences that nurture a caring culture, inclusive culture, and instil a love of learning.”
The school environment really focuses on the needs of a student, he says, while driving academic growth.
“What you’ll find at Calgary Academy is a real focus on an individualized approach to learning needs. We have small class sizes for our core academics, but we also have some very focused remedial programs — where students get extra help in their area of need, even at the most basic level.”
That includes teaching students soft skills, such as test-taking strategies, how to manage homework load, time management, “and those things really contribute
to the whole program here, and are really the (Calgary Academy) way of approaching things, which is optimism and hope that we’re driving students to reach beyond their potential,” he says.
Keith Taylor, headmaster of Edge School for Athletes, says the school provides a balanced approach to education so students can achieve academic success while training and competing in a sport they are passionate about.
“Our mission is to build a culture of academic excellence, athletics and character development,” says Taylor. “We don’t want students to have to sacrifice one for the sake of the other. So it’s that integrated, balanced approach that I think is what sets us apart.”
Coaches and teachers work in partnership with students who take part in school sports such as hockey, dance, golf, soccer, figure skating, basketball and a multi-sport program. There is also a flex program for students pursuing sports that aren’t offered at the school.
Taylor says Edge School students benefit from small class sizes, having teachers they get to know well, and access to non-classroom learning when they miss school for a sports competition.
“They are in an environment where their teachers understand that and work with them to accommodate them, and have resources available online, so they can stay up to date with their academics while traveling for their sport.”
That’s one of the great strengths of a private school, the ability to provide a specialized environment to meet student needs, he says.
“There’s lots of opportunities for kids to be successful in this environment when really the whole culture is about personal excellence, and tailoring to the individual needs of each student and helping them to pursue their own personal best.”
Colleen Allan, junior high principal at Glenmore Christian Academy, says meeting student’s needs is really a mandate of private schools.
“We are doing everything we can to help our students succeed and be excellent in the Alberta Education curriculum,
but we can add more to it,” says Allan. “For instance, this idea of what does it actually take to be a leader in our world, a leader that serves?”
One of the mission statements at the faith-centred school is Serve Through Love, which is reflected in the day-to-day activities of the students, she says.
Grade 5 and Grade 9 students take part in leadership programs and “buddy up,” with older students helping younger ones in learning activities.
Students volunteer at the Mustard Seed, making Christmas hampers, and with Operation Christmas Child. There is even a global effort as Grade 9 students travel to Mexico every year to build three
houses for families in need.
“We’re trying to make serving something that happens day in day out.
Here, outside our school grounds and internationally. So it’s a big focus that sets us a little bit apart.”