Expat Education Guide: Schools in Calgary

Education Overview

Calgary scores 4.0/5 for education quality and 4.0/5 for family-friendliness. The city has 7 school neighborhoods with international, bilingual, and local options for expat families. Expect approximately 27 education-related costs.

Calgary offers an excellent education system consistently ranking among Canada's top performers. The city is distinguished by its comprehensive French Immersion programs, strong STEM focus, and diverse international school options. Calgary Board of Education (CBE) and Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD) serve most students, with additional private and international schools offering alternative curricula including IB, Montessori, and Waldorf approaches.

Quick Stats

Education Score

4.0 /5

Family Score

4.0 /5

School Areas

Cost Items

Estimated Costs

One-Time Costs

$6,875

Monthly Costs

$5,958/mo

Sample Costs

Full Breakdown →

One-Time

School Registration $75

Private School Application Fee $225

International School Application Fee $375

Monthly

Tuition Fees Private $1,460/mo

Tuition Fees International $2,083/mo

Transportation Monthly $90/mo

Showing 6 of 27 costs — sign up to see all

Top School Neighborhoods

See All 7 →

Kensington

Density 3/6

Types: Public elementary, nearby high schools

Notable: Hillhurst Elementary, Crescent Heights High School

Mount Royal

Density 3/6

Types: Public K-9, Catholic, and nearby high schools

Notable: Mount Royal School, Western Canada High

Mission

Density 3/6

Types: Public K-9, Catholic, and nearby high schools

Notable: Rideau Park School, St. Mary's High School

Want to See Your Numbers?

Get personalized education costs, timelines, and checklists for your family in Calgary.

Free to start. No credit card required.

Practical Tips

Check the Calgary Board of Education and Catholic School District websites for schools with current capacity

enrollment capacity varies yearly, and online tools can show available space across districts

Calgary's school registration opens early and popular programs, like French immersion, fill up quickly

Utilize the Calgary Public Library's free online tutoring service, Brainfuse HelpNow, or check their website for current in-person support

they offer accessible tutoring resources for various subjects and grade levels

Consider enrolling in SAIT's continuing education courses for professional development

they're well-recognized by local employers and often more practical than university equivalents

Useful Links

Calgary Board of Education (CBE)

Official public school board serving Calgary with enrollment information, school locations, and educational programs.

›

University of Calgary

Major research university offering undergraduate, graduate programs, and international student services in Calgary.

›

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)

Leading technical institute providing applied education, trades training, and professional development programs in Calgary.

›

Calgary Catholic School District

Catholic public school system serving Calgary families with enrollment procedures and school selection information.

›

Alberta Education - School Registration

Official provincial government information on school enrollment procedures, requirements, and student record transfers.

›

Explore Other Guides

Immigration Guide Housing Guide Healthcare Guide Finance Guide Transport Guide Pets Guide

Education Guides in Canada

View all 140+ city guides →

Frequently Asked Questions

Calgary has 7 neighborhoods with excellent school options. The best areas depend on whether you need international, public, or private schools. Check ReloPlanner for detailed school density scores per neighborhood.

International school tuition in Calgary varies widely by school and grade level. Create a free ReloPlanner account to see detailed education cost breakdowns personalized to your family size.

There are approximately 27 education-related costs to consider when moving to Calgary, including both one-time and recurring expenses. Create a free ReloPlanner account to see the full personalized cost breakdown.

Plan Your Entire Move to Calgary

Access step-by-step guides, personalized budgets, and expert tips for education and 6 other relocation categories across 140+ cities.

Free to start. No credit card required.

Data verified: March 2026

This was the general picture

Your move to Calgary looks nothing like this

This guide covers Calgary for everyone. Your plan covers your origin country, your kids' ages, your budget, your dog — with real costs, a sequenced task list, and the things most families don't find out until it's too late.

Build your personalised plan — free →

Takes 2 minutes to set up