As one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities, it’s hard to imagine a better place to lay down roots and raise a family than Calgary. Beyond its affordability, high quality of life, and direct proximity to the rocky mountains, one of the city’s top draws for families is its wide selection of fantastic schools. 

So where are Calgary’s best schools? Many of them are found in the west end. Across this dynamic part of the city, families have a wide range of exceptional choices for their kids’ education. Whether you’re looking for public or private schools, you’ll find a myriad of first-choice options west of the downtown core. 

Keep reading for a selection of Calgary’s top west end schools. 

Looking to buy the perfect family home in Calgary? Click here to read our blog on Calgary’s best neighbourhoods for families. 

Top Public Schools in Calgary

Ernest Manning High School

Located in Aspen Woods, one of Calgary’s most sought-after family-oriented communities, Ernest Manning High School stands out as one of the city’s premier public high schools – offering a comprehensive and balanced academic program. Known for its commitment to preparing students for post-secondary success, the school provides a wide range of courses and extracurricular activities.

Beyond academics, the school emphasizes the importance of leadership and community engagement. Students are encouraged to take on leadership roles, participate in clubs and organizations, and contribute to the community through various initiatives. This focus on well-rounded development makes Ernest Manning High School an ideal choice for students seeking a balanced and enriching high school experience.

St. Joan of Arc School

Combining faith-based education with a commitment to academic excellence, St. Joan of Arc stands out as one of the best primary education facilities in Calgary. Opened in 2006, it’s also one of the west end’s newest elementary schools. The school’s supportive community and a dedicated staff contribute to a nurturing environment where students can grow academically and personally. 

Bishop Carroll High School

Offering unique independent learning pathways, Bishop Carroll High School combines academic excellence with a strong emphasis on spiritual and personal development. Unlike traditional public high schools, students at Bishop Carroll follow the curriculum at their own pace in an independent learning environment while being supported by a dedicated, top-tier faculty. While offering unique learning opportunities, Bishop Carroll still provides students with a wide range of extracurricular activities and avenues for personal growth and discovery. 

Griffith Woods School

Located in the Discovery Ridge community, Griffith Woods School is another well-regarded west end school. Serving students from Kindergarten all the way to Grade 9, Griffith Woods provides families with the chance to lay roots and build connections within the school community. The school also features some of the best extracurricular programs in Calgary including sports teams, music, and a wide range of clubs that allows students to discover and enjoy new passions.

New to Calgary or thinking about moving here? Read these blog posts next. 

Top Private Schools in Calgary

Calgary Waldorf School

Located in the West Calgary neighbourhood of Cougar Ridge, Waldorf School stands out for its innovative and holistic approach to education. Founded on the principles of Rudolf Steiner, this school focuses on nurturing the whole child – mind, body, and spirit. The Waldorf curriculum emphasizes artistic expression, hands-on learning, and a strong connection to nature. 

With small class sizes and a dedicated faculty, Calgary Waldorf School creates a close-knit community that values individuality and fosters a love for learning. The emphasis on outside-the-box education and the development of critical thinking skills sets this school apart, making it an excellent choice for parents seeking an alternative and enriching educational experience for their children.

Webber Academy 

Since its inception in 1997, Webber Academy has established itself as one of Calgary’s top academic institutions. Known for its rigorous, well-rounded curriculum, the school has consistently ranked high in academic achievement. Programs at Webber Academy are designed to cultivate a strong foundation in core subjects while encouraging independent thinking and problem-solving skills.

Beyond academics, Webber Academy places a strong emphasis on character development and leadership. The school offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and community service, providing students with a well-rounded education. The commitment to fostering a sense of responsibility and social awareness makes Webber Academy a top choice for parents looking for an institution that prepares students not only for academic success but also for a well-rounded and impactful future.

Rundle Academy & College

Serving grades 4 through 12, Rundle Academy & College is an independent and co-educational day school that offers enriching and supportive learning pathways for students with diagnosed learning disabilities. With two modern campuses both located in Calgary’s west end, students at Rundle are learning in some of the best and most up-to-date facilities in the city.

Beyond personalized learning programs, Rundle Academy & College places a strong emphasis on character development. As an institution, it’s their mission to ensure students build confidence in their abilities, self-esteem, motivation, and academic achievement.  

Calgary Academy

Renowned for its unique approach to supportive and inclusive learning, Calgary Academy is a special education school that caters to students with diverse needs. Serving students from Kindergarten to Grade 12, the school is known for its specialized programs which support students with learning differences such as dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning disabilities.

With small class sizes, a dedicated faculty, and on-site learning specialists, Calgary Academy strives to help students develop independence, skills, and confidence in a welcoming and compassionate environment.

Calgary is one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities – and for good reason! Explore these blog posts to learn more about buying a home here. 

Finding The Perfect Home in Calgary

If you’re thinking about buying a home in Calgary, you’ll want to work with an experienced team of professionals, like us – Dolce Real Estate. Whatever you and your family may be looking for, we can help you find a great home in a neighbourhood you’ll love. Not to mention, our unmatched local expertise and time-tested buying systems make navigating the market a breeze. 

Looking to find the perfect home for you and your family? Our dedicated team of Realtors can turn your dreams into a reality! Call 403 999 5882 to get in touch – or click to send us an email. 

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