Why Canadian Rockies Public Schools?
Families who want a high school year in a well-known mountain region, in a small program with close attention, often look at this district. About 2,000 students attend, and international enrollment is capped. The nearest airport is Calgary International Airport. Students are admitted to grades 9 to 12, for a full year or a single semester.
- Passion for skiing: for students who want to develop their skiing through regular lessons across the season.
- Small program: for parents who want a team that knows each student by name.
- School in nature: for families who see living near a national park as part of the education.
Reasons: the features that make Canadian Rockies unique
The district has only six schools in total. Banff Community High School is inside the national park, and Canmore Collegiate High School is in Canmore. This small structure underpins the features below.
- Ski Academy: offers a 22- or 44-lesson program at Lake Louise from November to April, so intermediate and advanced skiers have a planned season.
- Ski Club: a four-lesson beginner program on Sunday mornings in December, for students who have never skied.
- Applied courses: Construction, Cosmetology, Fashion Design, Foods, Forensic Science, Makerspace and Environmental Sustainability build hands-on skills and curiosity.
- District-managed accommodation: the district's own team runs the homestay program, so communication with students and families stays in one place.
- Walking distance: host homes are within walking distance of the school or a bus stop, so daily travel is easy.
- Small scale: of the district's 2,000 students, 40 are international, which helps maintain an English-speaking environment.
- Experience: founded in 1995, the program has hosted students from more than 20 countries. The district is presented as the province's fourth-largest international program.
Cost analysis: what one school year costs
| Item | CAD | As published on CAPS-I |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, one school year | 15,500 | $15,500 |
| Application fee | 275 | $275 |
| Health insurance | 755 | $755 |
| Homestay, 10 months at CAD 1,490 | 14,900 | Annual Homestay Placement Fee: $700; Homestay Monthly Fee: $1,490; Annual Custodianship Fee: $150 |
| Homestay placement fee | 700 | |
| Custodianship fee | 150 | |
| Estimated first-year total | 32,280 | Tuition, the listed fees, insurance and homestay for one school year. |
Tuition alone works out to about CAD 1,550 per school month over a 10-month year. With homestay and the listed fees, the year comes to about CAD 3,228 per month. Flights, pocket money, the study permit fee and biometrics are not included.
The CAPS-I page lists 2024-25 entry dates; confirm the current fee with the district.
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 15,500, this fee is CAD 3,400 above the median of CAD 12,100 among 17 public school districts in Alberta.
Outcome: a high school year set in the mountains
Students combine their studies with nature and skiing in one of the world's best-known mountain regions. Families can be confident that accommodation is monitored by the school team.
- Social connection: monthly gatherings bring students together.
- Outdoor activities: hiking, canoeing, snowshoeing, ice skating, cross-country skiing and campfire evenings.
- Duration options: a 10-month full year, or a five-month fall or spring semester.
- Travel: Canmore is about 1.5 hours from Calgary and 30 minutes from Banff.
Who it suits and what to consider
- Suitable profile: students who enjoy winter sports and nature and are ready to live in a small town.
- Places and climate: places are limited, so early application is essential. Mountain winters are long and cold, and students need to be prepared for that.
- Cost: tuition is CAD 15,500 per year. The following are paid separately: application CAD 275, placement CAD 700, health insurance CAD 755, guardianship CAD 150, and transport and activities CAD 850. The current fees should be confirmed with the school before applying.
- For 10-month or five-month study, the Study Permit decision rests with IRCC. High school students are exempt from the PAL requirement. The annual guardianship fee of CAD 150 covers the guardian requirement for students under 17 arriving without parents. Current start dates should be confirmed with the district. Recognition in the student's home country is handled by that country's education authority.
Places are limited, so let us review the Banff and Canmore options together before they fill. Arrange a free preliminary consultation with Canadian Edu Centre.