St. Albert Public Schools

St. Albert Public Schools
Welcome to St. Albert Public Schools, a distinguished public school authority located in St. Albert, Alberta. Formerly recognized as Protestant Separate School District No. 6, the district operates under the official name of St. Albert Public School District No. 5565, boasting a proud history of delivering exceptional education to the community. As a valued member of Zone 2/3, St. Albert Public Schools is dedicated to providing top-tier education to approximately 8,000 enrolled students. With a strong focus on nurturing young minds, promoting a love for learning, and empowering students to reach their full potential, the school district is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity. The dedicated team of educators and staff at St. Albert Public Schools tirelessly work towards creating a positive and engaging learning environment. Whether one is a student, parent, or community member, the school district extends a warm invitation to explore the vast opportunities and exciting educational journey that awaits in St. Albert Public Schools. Join in the mission to shape the future of education and inspire lifelong learners in the picturesque city of St. Albert.
Programs in St. Albert Public Schools
Discover the excellence of education at St. Albert Public Schools, where parents can bring out the best in their intellectually gifted children through the renowned Academic Challenge and Enrichment (ACE) program. St. Albert Public Schools offers a wide range of programs designed to cater to the diverse needs and talents of its students.
For intellectually gifted children, the ACE program provides in-depth explorations and extensions of the curriculum, keeping them engaged and motivated to reach new heights. To qualify for ACE, students need a recommendation from their current school administration and teacher, along with a full-scale IQ score of 120 or higher from a psychoeducational assessment. The ACE program is available at Sir Alexander Mackenzie and Hillgrove, and most ACE students proceed to enroll in high school academic programs, such as International Baccalaureate at Bellerose or Advanced Placement at Paul Kane.
The Advanced Placement (AP) program is internationally recognized and designed for motivated and gifted students. It offers acceleration and challenge, preparing students for a seamless transition from high school to university. Students in the AP program develop higher-order thinking skills and have the opportunity for in-depth study in selected subjects. Successfully completing AP examinations grants students the chance to obtain credit or advanced placement in first-year university courses at over 3,000 colleges and universities worldwide.
Cogito is another exceptional program offered at St. Albert Public Schools, tailored for students seeking a high level of academic achievement. In Cogito, students work diligently to excel academically and benefit from an expanded curriculum that focuses on precision in expressive language, grammar, and presentation, emphasizes mastery of math concepts, and provides additional study in geography and history. For those interested in immersing their children in the French language and culture, the French Immersion program offers an enriching experience. French is the language of instruction for a significant part of the school day, helping students achieve full mastery of English while becoming functionally fluent in French. This program is designed for students whose first language is not French, making it accessible to all children regardless of their linguistic background.
St. Albert Public Schools offers an enriching International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program that appeals to motivated students with a strong desire to pursue university studies. This internationally-based program goes beyond the regular Alberta high school diploma, providing students with a well-rounded education across various disciplines, including Languages (English plus French or Spanish), Experimental Sciences (Biology and Chemistry), Social Sciences, Mathematics, and elective courses. Open to those seeking a challenging educational experience with an international focus, the IB Diploma Program at St. Albert Public Schools interweaves the IB and Alberta curricula throughout Grades 11 and 12, ensuring students are prepared for success at universities worldwide. For students eager to embrace bilingualism and expand their opportunities, St. Albert Public Schools presents the Late French Immersion program. Aimed at Grade 7 students with little or no knowledge of French, this program is housed at Ecole Hillgrove School alongside the regular French Immersion program. The primary goal of Late French Immersion at St. Albert Public Schools is to graduate functionally fluent French speakers with English skills equivalent to their peers.
The Late French Immersion journey begins with an intensive study of French during the first few months, alongside other subjects. As students become more comfortable with the language, they gradually develop their French speaking abilities. St. Albert Public Schools also emphasizes the importance of off-campus learning programs, providing high school students with opportunities to extend their learning beyond the classroom. These programs at St. Albert Public Schools include career-focused options like work experience and Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP), as well as academic opportunities like dual credit programs. Work experience allows students to gain valuable work experience while earning high school credits. It is beneficial for those with part-time jobs as well as those seeking employment with the help of the off-campus coordinator. Through off-campus learning, students at St. Albert Public Schools can explore their career interests, enhance personal development, and acquire essential employability skills, providing them with a head start towards a successful and fulfilling future. St. Albert Public Schools embraces diversity and offers a wide range of programs to cater to the unique interests and aspirations of its students, preparing them for bright futures in a rapidly changing world.
St. Albert Public Schools' Preschool Program caters to children of all abilities within the community, providing a comprehensive and inclusive educational experience. Certified teachers lead the program, ensuring a nurturing and supportive environment for young learners. The program also welcomes children with severe needs, offering them access to additional supports and services through Program Unit Funding (PUF). The main focus of the preschool program is to offer developmentally-appropriate learning experiences, activities, and opportunities that will effectively prepare children for a successful transition into formal schooling. St. Albert Public Schools recognizes the significance of early intervention in a child's development, emphasizing the importance of fostering social, emotional, physical, and academic growth from an early age. Children aged at least 2.8 years old as of September 1 in the year of enrollment are eligible to participate in this enriching preschool experience. The program provides flexibility to meet the diverse needs of families. For children in unfunded spots, classes are available three days a week, while those receiving PUF supports and services can attend four days a week. Morning and afternoon class options are available to accommodate parents' schedules and preferences.

Accommodation
While some schools within the St. Albert Public Schools system may offer accommodation options for international students, the prevalent choice for most students is to seek off-campus housing. While a few institutions may provide limited on-campus living arrangements, the majority of international students tend to explore off-campus housing opportunities for greater flexibility and independence. This approach allows students to experience life outside the campus, interact with local communities, and enjoy a diverse range of living options in St. Albert, Alberta.
Living with a homestay family allows international students to experience Canadian culture firsthand, practice English language skills, and have a supportive and nurturing environment during their studies. The costs associated with homestay accommodations typically range from $800 CAD to $1,200 CAD.
For those seeking alternative options, there are various off-campus housing choices available in St. Albert. Many international students opt for rental accommodations, sharing apartments or rooms with roommates to split expenses and create a sense of community. Rental costs in the area may vary depending on the type and location of the property, but a shared apartment or room can cost around $600 CAD to $1,000 CAD per month, per student.
Future Prospects
After successfully completing post-secondary studies at one of the colleges or universities, graduates of St. Albert Public Schools open the door to a wide range of job opportunities in Canada. As an international student, upon completing their educational journey, they become eligible to apply for the post-graduation work permit program. This program allows graduates to gain valuable work experience in Canada, further enhancing their skills and knowledge in their chosen fields. Typically, a post-graduation work visa is given for a term of up to three years, which can differ based on the length of the finished education program. During this time, graduates have the opportunity to work for any Canadian employer, explore various industries, and build a strong foundation for their future careers.
Beyond gaining work experience, graduates also have the potential to obtain permanent resident status in Canada. The country values the contributions and talents of international graduates and offers various pathways for them to transition from temporary residency to permanent residency. Programs such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) specifically target individuals with Canadian work experience, making it easier for graduates to obtain permanent residency. Obtaining permanent resident status provides graduates with the assurance of a long-term life in Canada, along with access to essential social benefits and a stable and secure environment to pursue their career aspirations.
At last, obtaining Canadian citizenship becomes a viable option. Canadian citizenship offers numerous benefits, including the ability to fully participate in Canadian democracy, access to social benefits, and the freedom to travel with a Canadian passport. It symbolizes a deep sense of belonging and enables graduates to actively contribute to their communities, shaping the future of Canada in a meaningful way. With the option of Canadian citizenship, graduates have the opportunity to make Canada their permanent home, enjoying all the benefits that come with being a part of this prosperous and welcoming nation.

 

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