Across the Bridge – Connecting Families, Schools, and Communities

Enrolling Your Child in School in Alberta – Step-by-Step Guide

1. Determine Your Child’s Eligibility

• Kindergarten: Children must turn 5 years old on or before December 31 of the school year.

• Grade 1: Children must be 6 years old on or before December 31 of the school year.

• For newcomers, age and previous schooling determine grade placement.

2. Identify Your Designated School

• Alberta schools are organized by attendance areas based on home address.

• Find your designated school by:

  
  

  • Visiting your school district’s website (e.g., Calgary Board of Education, Edmonton Public Schools, Catholic boards, Francophone boards).

  • Using their “Find a School” or boundary map tool.

  
  

• You may apply for out-of-boundary schools, but acceptance depends on space.

3. Gather Required Documents

Most schools require:

• Proof of Age: Birth certificate, passport, or immigration document.

• Proof of Address: Utility bill, lease agreement, or property tax statement.

• Proof of Legal Name & Guardianship: If different from birth certificate.

• Immunization Records

• Previous School Records: Report cards, transcripts, or learning support plans (if applicable).

• For Newcomers: Permanent Resident Card, work/study permit, or refugee documentation.

4. Complete the Registration Process

• Many districts offer online registration forms; others require in-person visits.

• Submit all documents along with the registration form.

• For English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners, schools may schedule an English Language Assessment to determine language support needs.

• Some school boards require an in-person meeting for new families.

5. Learn About Program Options

Alberta offers multiple program streams:

• English Program

• French Immersion or Francophone Programs

• Bilingual Programs (Mandarin, Spanish, German, etc.)

• Alternative Programs (Arts-focused, Science-focused, faith-based, Montessori, Indigenous programs, etc.)

• Special Education Services

6. Understand Fees and Supplies

• Public education is tuition-free for residents, but fees may apply for:

  
  

  • Transportation (busing)

  • Optional activities

  • Extracurricular programs

  • Field trips

  
  

• Schools will provide a supply list for the first day.

7. Connect With the School Community

• Attend orientation sessions or open houses.

• Join the School Council or Parent Advisory Group.

• Ask about translation services if needed.

• Familiarize yourself with the school calendar and bell times.

8. For Mid-Year Enrolments

• Contact your designated school immediately; space may vary.

• Be prepared for quick assessment and placement.

• If recently arrived in Alberta, some districts have Welcome Centres for newcomer families.

Quick Links to Major Alberta School Districts

• Calgary Board of Education (CBE): https://www.cbe.ab.ca

• Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD): https://www.cssd.ab.ca

• Edmonton Public Schools: https://www.epsb.ca

• Edmonton Catholic Schools: https://www.ecsd.net

• Conseil scolaire FrancoSud: https://www.francosud.ca

• Conseil scolaire Centre-Nord: https://www.centrenord.ab.ca