Why Calgary Catholic School District?
Families who want the opportunities of a big city but worry that their child may be overlooked in a crowded system look at this district. Within a large structure, it has set up a support team dedicated to international students. Calgary is known for its western hospitality and cultural diversity, and Calgary International Airport makes travel easy.
- Academic goal: for students who want to prepare for university with IB or AP courses.
- Search for reassurance: for parents who want a team alongside their child that can communicate with them in their own language.
- Budget balance: for families who want to live in a big city while paying lower tuition than in the British Columbia districts.
Reasons: the features that make Calgary Catholic stand out
This information is based on the data the district publishes on CAPS-I.
- Scale: with 118 schools and 63,000 students, the range of courses and clubs is wide. International students are placed in one of four high schools.
- Support team: the team dedicated to international students includes interpreters, so parents can communicate with the school without a language barrier.
- IB and AP: students can take advanced courses that are recognized in university applications.
- Hockey Canada Skills Academy: hockey training takes place within the school day.
- Language options: the languages of instruction are English, French and Spanish, so it is possible to develop a second language.
- Homestay accommodation: placement is handled by the Canada Homestay Network. Families go through an interview, a home inspection, and security and reference checks. Three meals a day and 24/7 emergency support are provided.
- Tuition: the full year is CAD 13,000 and a single semester is CAD 6,625, which is advantageous in budget terms among big-city districts. The current fee should be confirmed with the school before applying.
Cost analysis: what one school year costs
| Item | CAD | As published on CAPS-I |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, one school year | 13,000 | $13,000 |
| Application fee | 300 | $300 non-refundable |
| Health insurance | 525 | Mandatory Medical Insurance: $525 (Full year) $350 (1 Semester) |
| Homestay, full year | see text | varies by homestay provider, please confirm directly with them. |
| Total of the published items, without homestay | 13,825 | Homestay is priced by the homestay provider and is not included in this total. |
Tuition alone works out to about CAD 1,300 per school month over a 10-month year. Flights, pocket money, the study permit fee and biometrics are not included.
The tuition figure comes from the district's CAPS-I page. We could not confirm it, or the school year it applies to, on the district's own website on 11 October 2026; we request the current fee schedule for you before you apply.
The other items are taken from the district's CAPS-I member page, read on 11 October 2026. Items shown as "see text" could not be read as a single amount and are left out of the total.
How this fee compares
At CAD 13,000, this fee is CAD 900 above the median of CAD 12,100 among 17 public school districts in Alberta.
Outcome: what it means for the student and family
521 international students currently study in the district. Students are supported both academically and socially.
- Academic flexibility: depending on their goal, students can build a program centred on IB, AP or fine arts.
- Everyday English: all host families speak English, so language develops outside school as well.
- Reassurance for parents: airport pickup, orientation and an emergency support line are planned in advance.
- Life outside class: all schools offer athletics, fine arts, music and drama activities.
Who it suits and what to consider
- Suitable profile: students who want to live in a big city, have clear academic goals and are open to different cultures.
- Faith environment: the district's approach to education is based on the Catholic faith. Families should consider this before applying.
- Calendar and additional costs: the application deadline is the last business day of April for the September intake and the last business day of September for the February intake. The CAD 300 application fee is non-refundable. Annual health insurance of CAD 525 is mandatory. The accommodation fee should be obtained separately from the provider.
- A Study Permit is required for study lasting longer than six months, and IRCC makes the decision. High school students are exempt from the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). For students under 17 arriving without a parent, a guardian must be appointed in Canada. Recognition in the student's home country is handled by that country's education authority.
Let us assess together which of Calgary Catholic's four high schools suits your child. Schedule a free preliminary consultation with Canadian Edu Centre today.