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Calgary

Bringing your children

We understand that the accompanying spouses, partners, and children of our international students need support too.Ìý We provide information, support and organize events to address the questions and concerns of our international family community.

Childcare options

UCalgary does have an on-campus child care centre; however, there is currently a waitlist of 1–3 years. To learn more, visit theÌý´ºË®ÌÃÊÓƵ Child Care Centre website.

In Calgary, there are differentÌýÌýavailable. A list of options is available through the Government of Alberta'sÌý. You can also review the websiteÌýfor childcare options specifically in Calgary.

Daycare

Not sure which visa office is responsible for issuing you a study permit?

Study Permit

Sample Study Permit

View a study permit and learn where to find your information

View sample study permit

Dependent (minor) children and studying in Calgary

In Calgary, there are two types of schools for children:

Publicly funded:Ìýgovernment subsidizes the tuition, parents only pay school fees*
Privately funded:Ìýgovernment does not subsidize, and parents pay fees andÌýtuition

In Alberta, children attend:

  • kindergarten usually starting at age five
  • grades 1–6 (known as middle or elementary school) from ages 6 to 11
  • grades 7–9 (known as junior high) from ages 12 to 14
  • grades 10-12 (known as high school) from ages 15 to 17.

Some schools will combine all grades (kindergarten to grade 12), and others only combine certain grades. There are 357 schools in Calgary, ranging from kindergarten to high schools and they're located in different neighbourhoods across the city.

There areÌýthree types of publicly-funded schools:

  • Calgary Public Schools run by theÌýÌý(²Ô´Ç²Ô-»å±ð²Ô´Ç³¾¾±²Ô²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô²¹±ô)
  • Calgary Catholic Schools run by theÌýÌý(based on the Catholic faith)
  • CharterÌýschools run based on specific or unique mandates

Private schoolsÌýrun independently.

Every child in Calgary has aÌýdesignated school based on their home addressÌýand the program they choose.ÌýYou can apply to attend any school, even if it's not your designated school. However, most families register their children in the school in their neighbourhood. Each principal determines if their school has capacity to accept out-of-boundary students. To confirm school attendance areas or program offerings, or for more information about registration, please contact the school directly.

The registration process for each type of school will be slightly different; refer to the websites for detailed information. In general, for the public and Catholic school system, once a family arrives in Calgary they meet with a school board representative at an admission centre to register in the appropriate grade levels. For more details for prospective inquiries, contact the school boards’ general lines:

  • The Calgary Board of Education (secular): 1.403.777.7373
  • The Calgary Catholic School District: 1.403.500.2007

Cost:ÌýIt's best to confirm any costs directly with the applicable school board. In general, the costs of attendingÌýpublic schoolÌýonly includes general school fees,Ìýnot tuition. These fees can be found on theÌýÌýand theÌý.

You will be charged general school fees if you (the parent) have a valid study permit and if you areÌýregistered in:

  • a full-time provincially recognized diploma program or full-time degree program of study that is a minimum of twoÌýyears in duration; or
  • a full-time graduate or post-doctoral program of study that's a minimum of one year in duration

*ÌýIf youÌýdo not meet the above requirements, you may also be required toÌýpay tuitionÌýfor your child, even if your child is enrolled in a public school. Please confirm your options with the specific school board you're interested in registering with.

There are a number of bilingual or immersion language schools in Calgary. For example, there are several French immersion, Spanish bilingual, and Mandarin language programs offered through both the Calgary Board of Education (CBE) and Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD). Visit their websites to explore your options.

Can my children attend school?

Yes, but they may require a study permit depending on their level of study and whether they’re already ins Canada.

If your children are in Canada with you, they may begin studying without a study permit based on your status as a student and you holding a valid study permit.

If your child reaches the age of 18 and they’re still in school, they must apply for a study permit.

Visit for details and schools located near you.

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Summer activities for children

Active Living Summer Camps

In the summer months (July-August), UCalgary Active Living has many popularÌýsummer campsÌýfor minor children (kindergarten to grade 12).


Dr. Seuss in the Park

The Students Union Volunteer Services team runs a free literacy program for children with reading, games, and crafts outside. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.