Does Edmonton Have Good Schools?

All in all, I can’t say enough about Edmonton and what it has to offer. I could go on all day about the small-town in a big-city vibes, the parks, the trails, the dining, everything! That’s not even mentioning the fact that we have North America’s largest shopping mall, complete with its own amusement park, indoor water park, skating rink, and aquarium.

There is everything for families to love when it comes to the endless opportunities to have fun and create lifelong memories. That said, all of it could be for naught without access to a high quality education. This is a primary consideration for anyone before packing up their bags and moving to a new city. Does Edmonton offer great schools? In this post, we’ll explore the possibilities.

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Exploring Edmonton’s Private Schools

Edmonton public and Catholic schools provide an excellent education for students at all levels and walks of life. All the same, some parents prefer the smaller class sizes and more individualized attention that only private schools can offer.

If you have an alternative school on your mind, Edmonton once again comes through with a variety of options to discover and enhance your child’s unique talents. Since private schools aren’t as highly regulated, it’s critical that you do your research before registering.

Registered private schools do not have to use certified teachers, nor are they obligated to follow the Alberta curriculum. This doesn’t mean that they don’t provide quality education. It does, however, require a higher level of due diligence to ensure the right fit for your child.
Accredited private schools must use certified teachers. Some schools receive public funding in addition to private tuition, which means they must also follow the Alberta curriculum.

Private schools are often set apart by a focus on religious study or alternate pedagogy. Some also place a high focus on arts, science, or technology, while others serve students with disabilities or other special needs.

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An Overview of Edmonton’s Public Schools

Edmonton’s publicly funded schools fall under the Edmonton Public School Board, which operates 214 schools as of 2025. These include a wide mix of elementary, junior, and senior schools to serve students at all levels.

Through the board website, parents can find valuable information such as development plans and specialized learning support systems. You can also see what schools fall into your catchment area, while zeroing in on options that best suit your child.

Though not unique to Alberta, Cogito programs have a strong presence throughout Edmonton’s public schools. This programming is not restricted to gifted students, but is open to all with an elevated work ethic and a desire to dive deeper into the curriculum.

Students move at a faster pace within a teacher-led, structured environment. For the right student, this could be an excellent opportunity to achieve a higher level of academic excellence.

Evaluating Edmonton’s Catholic Schools

If you prefer a religious education for your child, Edmonton’s Catholic schools provide in-depth academic programs aligned with your values. The Edmonton Catholic School Division (ECSD) oversees 96 schools and serves 50,000 students from pre-Kindergarten to senior high.

All ECSD schools closely follow the Alberta curriculum, which also happens to rank well across Canada. Enhanced academic programs are available right from a young age, and some schools also provide access to a Cogito Academy.

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International Baccalaureate Programme and French Immersion

In-depth French Immersion learning can open doors for your child later in life, while the International Baccalaureate Programme (IB) offers a globally recognized learning approach. What do these options mean for your child’s education? Let’s explore both in more detail.

IB recognizes that the world is becoming smaller and more globalized by the day. As a result, it seeks to prepare students to succeed, not just in Canada, but anywhere they decide to pursue their career of choice. IB students often have a higher acceptance rate into universities and colleges.

Edmonton’s public schools offer IB training at all levels. For children in Kindergarten to Grade 6, programs are available at Glenora School and Coronation School. Students from Grade 7 and Grade 8 can study at Westminster School or Victoria School.
Numerous public high schools, including Harry Ainlay School, Lillian Osborne School, M.E. LaZerte School, McNally School, Old Scona School, Ross Sheppard School, and Victoria School, offer a tw- year IB program from Grade 11 to Grade 12.
Not to be outdone, many Catholic schools also offer IB programmes for all ages. St. Boniface Elementary School, Bishop David Motiuk Catholic Elementary/Junior High School, and Archbishop MacDonald Catholic High School are just a few examples.

If you want to open international doors to your child for the future, you might even consider a French Immersion program. Many public and Catholic schools offer this opportunity, and the benefits of learning a second language are numerous.

Whether you decide on a public, Catholic, or private education for your child, you can be assured that you are setting them up for a lifetime of success and a love of learning. This is just one of the many reasons Edmonton is a popular choice for families.

Do you want personalized guidance into all things related to Edmonton real estate? Send me an email at jolene@jolenelangelle.com or give me a call at 780.910.1317 to start a conversation today.