Why Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools?
For students at a beginner or intermediate level of English, graduated language support is a key factor in choosing a school. Families consider this division because it offers ESL classes at five levels and reports achievement at or above the provincial level in all courses. The division has 23 schools and 10,085 students, and about 100 international students are placed in three of its schools.
- Families seeking graduated language support: students who start at their own ESL level and progress step by step.
- Families seeking a values-based school: those who want a Catholic school culture at public school fees.
- Families who want to be close to two major cities: those who want a location roughly equally distant from the Calgary and Edmonton airports.
Reasons: what makes Red Deer Catholic strong
- Five-level ESL: English as a Second Language courses are graded from level 1 to 5, so students start at their own level and move into regular subjects gradually.
- Academic achievement: the division reports results at or above the provincial level in all courses and offers the full Alberta high school curriculum, which opens the path to post-secondary education.
- Central location: Red Deer sits between two international airports, Edmonton and Calgary, giving students many flight options.
- Baseball Sport Academy: student athletes can continue baseball training within the school program.
- Wide choice of electives: courses include robotics, photography, accounting, astronomy, sports medicine and medical studies, so students can explore their interests.
- Languages: French Immersion, French, Spanish and Japanese are offered in grades 8 to 12, so students can add another language.
- Homestay: students have their own room, computer access and three meals a day in a family home.
Cost analysis: what one school year costs
| Item | CAD | As published on CAPS-I |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, one school year | 12,100 | $12,100 |
| Application fee | 300 | $300 |
| Health insurance | 650 | $650 |
| Homestay, full year | see text | varies by homestay provider, please confirm directly with them. |
| Total of the published items, without homestay | 13,050 | Homestay is priced by the homestay provider and is not included in this total. |
Tuition alone works out to about CAD 1,210 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 12,100, this fee equals the median among 17 public school districts in Alberta.
Outcome: what it means for the student and family
- Secure progress in English: the tiered ESL structure helps students keep up in class. As their level rises, they take more credit courses and their graduation plan becomes clearer.
- Preparation for post-secondary education: the complete Alberta high school curriculum supports university and college applications. If a student returns home, recognition is handled by the education authority of the student's home country.
- Active school life: volleyball, basketball, football, rugby, tennis and wrestling teams help students settle in socially. Band, drama and arts courses also give room to students who are not interested in sports.
- Flexible travel: two airport options give families room in planning flights. Full-year, single-semester and short-term program options also make planning easier.
Who it suits and what to consider
- School identity: the division offers a Catholic educational environment. Families should ask the school about this framework and its expectations before applying. Career courses in mechanics, cosmetology and construction are an additional advantage for students interested in hands-on fields.
- Additional costs: budget for a CAD 300 application fee, CAD 650 for annual health insurance, a CAD 600 activity and trip fee and a CAD 700 bus pass.
- Calendar and fees: the application deadline is June 15 for September entry and December 1 for February entry. Accommodation and guardianship fees vary by provider. The current fee should be confirmed with the school.
- Study Permit: programs longer than six months require a Study Permit. Since IRCC makes the decision, the application should be completed well before these deadlines.
Which ESL level matches your child's English? Let us discuss the Red Deer Catholic option in a free preliminary consultation with Canadian Edu Centre.