Grande Prairie Public School Division

Grande Prairie Public School Division
Established in 1911, the Grande Prairie Public School Division (GPPSD) has played a vital role in providing quality education to the community of Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada. As a dedicated learning community, the Grande Prairie Public School Division is committed to ensuring the success of over 8,400 students, ranging from preschool to grade 12, across its eighteen schools.
With a focus on delivering the Alberta provincial curriculum, as directed by Alberta Education, the Grande Prairie Public School Division strives to provide a well-rounded education that prepares students for their future endeavors. Through a diverse range of programs and educational approaches, the division caters to the unique needs and interests of its students, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Grande Prairie Public School Division proudly offers a variety of educational options to meet the diverse needs of its student population. The division provides preschool programs that lay a strong foundation for early childhood development.
Programs
The commitment of the Grande Prairie School Division to providing optimum learning opportunities for all students is unwavering. The instructional programs offered by the division from grades one through twelve are designed to be responsive to the unique learning needs of each student.
Recognizing the significance of early childhood development, the Grande Prairie Public School Division places great importance on the kindergarten year. As stated by Alberta Education, this stage in a young learner's life sets the foundation for independence, creativity, decision-making, and social skills. The division acknowledges the profound impact of early childhood education on future learning experiences, personal development, and societal participation. Setting itself apart in the region, the Grande Prairie Public School Division offers comprehensive kindergarten programs to suit various preferences and needs. Half-day programs are available every day throughout the week, while full-day programs are provided two to three days a week. The division embraces and welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and offers kindergarten programs in French, English, Christian Education, and Montessori Education.
Furthermore, the Grande Prairie Public School Division is committed to addressing the needs of children with moderate to severe language delay and/or disability through its Program Unit Funded (PUF) Pre-Kindergarten programs. These specialized programs, following the division's academic calendar, are offered at Crystal Park School or Swanavon School. They provide a language-rich and developmentally appropriate learning environment, incorporating play-based activities and individualized instruction.
Certified teachers and educational assistants at Grande Prairie Public School Division supervised by speech-language pathologists collaborate within a Multi-Disciplinary Team to deliver a curriculum focused on language development, communication strategies, early literacy and numeracy skills, physical activities, social skills, and self-regulation strategies. The duration of the PUF Pre-Kindergarten Programs varies based on the child's needs and eligibility, ranging from one to two years of programming.
To support families, the Grande Prairie Public School Division has established partnerships with community organizations to provide before and after-school care, as well as kinder care for students. However, spaces for these programs are limited, and it is encouraged to make arrangements well in advance. The division also recognizes the value of second language learning and offers successful French immersion programs. In these programs, French is utilized as the language of instruction for several or all subjects, excluding English Language Arts. The time allocations for French language instruction vary across grade levels, gradually incorporating English Language Arts into the curriculum starting in Grade 3.
The Grande Prairie Public School Division remains committed to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment, ensuring that each student receives the necessary tools and opportunities for academic and personal growth. With a focus on meeting diverse learning needs and fostering a strong educational foundation, the Grande Prairie Public School Division prepares students for success in their educational journey and beyond.
The Montessori method, developed by Italian educator Maria Montessori during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, places a strong emphasis on child-directed learning and self-directed activities. It recognizes the importance of tailoring the learning environment to the developmental level of each child. Through hands-on engagement with tactile materials, the Montessori approach at Grande Prairie Public School Division encourages exploration, discovery, and the cultivation of a natural curiosity and love of learning within a social environment. Dr. Montessori's observations of children led her to design a range of multi-sensory, sequential, and self-correcting materials that facilitate the acquisition of new skills.
Grande Prairie Christian School, an alternative faith-based program within the Grande Prairie Public School District, provides families with the opportunity to have their children educated from a Biblical worldview. With a student population of 310 and a staff of 24, the school caters to students from Kindergarten to Grade 9. It offers a diverse selection of academic courses, with a strong emphasis on Christian instruction integrated throughout the curriculum. Prayer serves as a focal point in every class, nurturing and guiding students on their educational, physical, and spiritual journeys. Within the Grande Prairie public school system, the Christian school is a preferred choice for families seeking an education that focuses on both the spiritual and academic growth of their children. It is dedicated to delivering Christian education grounded in Biblical principles while simultaneously striving for academic excellence aligned with the Alberta Education program of studies. In addition to the Montessori and Christian education options, the Grande Prairie Composite High School provides students with opportunities for advanced learning through Dual Credit programming and the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Dual Credit allows Grade 11 and 12 students to earn high school credits while simultaneously acquiring credits applicable towards post-secondary certificates, diplomas, or degrees. This enables students to gain a head start on their post-secondary education, complete high school with meaningful curriculum engagement, transition smoothly into further studies or the workforce, and potentially reduce their financial debt upon post-secondary completion.
The IB program at Grande Prairie Public School Division, renowned for its intellectual rigor and balanced education, prepares high school students for success in post-secondary education and beyond. The comprehensive curriculum includes required courses in a second language, social studies, mathematics, and sciences, culminating in final examinations administered by external IB specialists. The Grande Prairie Composite High School takes pride in being the sole school north of Edmonton to offer the IB program, providing students with an exceptional educational pathway. For students in Grade 10, pre-IB courses are available for English, Social Studies, Math, and Science, setting the foundation for the IB program in subsequent grades. In grades 11 and 12, students can choose from three options to participate in the IB program: Diploma (full IB program), Certificate (individual courses for IB credit), or Cohort (enrollment in IB courses without registering for IB assessments). These options allow students to engage with the program based on their interests, goals, and academic aspirations.

Accommodation
When pursuing education abroad, one of the crucial aspects for international students to consider is accommodation. Securing a safe and comfortable living environment plays a significant role in ensuring a smooth transition and successful educational experience. In this article, we explore the accommodation options available to overseas students at the Grande Prairie Public School Division in Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada, and provide insights into alternative solutions for those in need of housing.
Grande Prairie School Division recognizes the importance of providing adequate housing for international students. With a commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, the division strives to offer housing facilities to accommodate the needs of overseas students. These facilities provide a convenient and immersive experience, enabling students to focus on their studies and engage in the local community. However, it might so happen that some of the schools of Grande Prairie Public School Division may not offer housing facilities. In that case, consider the following options.
One viable option is to explore rental properties or shared apartments. International students can search for available rentals either independently or with the assistance of the school or local housing agencies. Sharing an apartment or room with a roommate is a cost-effective solution that allows students to split expenses while enjoying greater independence. Rental costs vary depending on factors such as location, size, and amenities, with prices typically ranging from $800 CAD to $1,200 CAD per month.
Another option is for international students to live with a homestay family. Homestays offer a unique opportunity for cultural immersion, as students become part of a local family. In exchange for a monthly fee, students receive a private room, meals, and the chance to experience Canadian culture firsthand. Costs for homestays in the Grande Prairie area typically range from $600 CAD to $800 CAD per month, depending on the specific arrangements and included services.
Future Prospects
After successfully completing your studies at Grande Prairie School Division, an exciting array of job prospects awaits you after getting the post-secondary education in Canada. One notable advantage is the availability of the post-graduation work visa program after completion public college or university in Canada, granting you the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in Canada. Throughout the three-year validity of this visa, you can explore diverse career paths and make meaningful contributions to the Canadian workforce. Additionally, Canada offers various immigration programs such as Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program, which prioritize skilled workers like yourself for permanent residency. With Canada's flourishing economy and abundant opportunities, it serves as an ideal platform to forge a thriving career. Should you decide to make Canada your long-term residence, you may even consider obtaining Canadian citizenship, entailing numerous benefits such as the right to vote and access to social benefits. Graduating from Grande Prairie Public School Division paves the way for a promising and prosperous future in Canada.

 

In case, if you need help with Custodianship and Homestay for international students in order to study in Grande Prairie Public School Division or other schools in Canada, please fill in application below or contact us directly.