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International Student FAQs
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Are your teachers certified?Yes, all of our teachers are certified by the Alberta Government.
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Do you teach the Alberta curriculum?We not only fulfill the requirements set out in the Alberta Curriculum, but we surpass these guidelines in all subjects and grades.
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When can we apply?Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis during the school year and the summer. To apply, please click here.
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How many students are in a class?In order to best serve our students, we keep our class sizes to 20 for Junior Kindergarten/Kindergarten (10:1 student/teacher ratio), 20 for Grades 1-3, and 25 for Grades 4-9. Under extenuating circumstances, principals reserve the right to expand a class.
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What is the admissions process?Please visit our Admissions Process page for full details on applying to GCA.
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How much does it cost?Please visit our Cost Schedule page for a more detailed breakdown of costs.
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Is admissions on a "first come, first served" basis?Our priority is to keep families together so to that end, siblings have first priority on any vacancies. As we are a ministry of First Alliance Church, any families that are members and/or attend FAC on a regular basis are also placed in a priority position. We also consider alumni and other Alliance church members as priority. All new families must go through the interview process before an offer of acceptance is made.
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Who should apply to GCA?GCA is a Christian private school. Our enriched academic program is infused with a Biblical perspective, even in the core subjects. Our staff are all committed Christ followers. While we have a small percentage of families that do not attend church, the majority of our population regularly attend church. We require parents to commit to teaching and supporting the same Biblical teaching that we are providing at school.
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Do you offer financial assistance?For families new to GCA, there is an opportunity to apply for subsidized funding through an organization called the Prosser Foundation.
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Why should I apply to GCA?Those that apply to Glenmore Christian Academy are looking for an educational program where their child will be taught how to become a life-long learner, be encouraged to grow in their faith as they learn about Jesus Christ and be given opportunities to put that faith into practice. If this type of program speaks to you as a parent, then you should visit the school to see if GCA is a good fit for your family.
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My child has an IPP in their current school. Will my child be accepted with this learning requirement?GCA has a limited capacity to support IPP students given its resource constraints. If your child has an IPP, please contact the Director of Admissions to confirm whether or not there is capacity in the grade level desired, before applying. All applicants are considered on a case-by-case basis but GCA does have a deadline of March 31 to accept any incoming children for the next school year with an IPP.
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Do you offer bussing as an option?Yes, we offer bussing. Visit our Cost Schedule page for further details on costs and the areas where bussings is provided.
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Is there help for students who need extra support?We do have Educational Assistants to help students who are in need of extra support. Unfortunately, our program is currently not designed to accommodate students with special needs or learning challenges.
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Do you wear uniforms?Yes, for the majority of the school year, with the exception of designated Dress Down Days. We have both "official" and "casual" uniform pieces. Our uniform provider is Top Marks.
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Do you offer tours?We offer tours by appointment. Please email Kristy Cook, our Director of Admissions, at admissions@gcaschool.com to arrange for a tour.
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Is your school calendar aligned with the public school system?While we follow the same national holidays as the public school system, GCA has different timing for Spring Break and PD Days. Please view our School Calendar page for details.
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Grade 7 & 8 CostTuition Fees (if paid by June 1) - $7650* Tuition Fees (if balance carried past June 1) - $7750* *Includes cost of overnight outdoor education trip (Grade 7 only) and ski trip (Grade 7 and 8). Costs are for the 2024-25 school year.
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Grade 9 CostTuition Fees (if paid by June 1) - $7870* Tuition Fees (if balance carried past June 1) - $7970* Grade 9 Mission Trip - $600** *Includes cost of overnight outdoor education trip in September and ski trip. Costs are for the 2024-25 school year. **This amount is only a partial payment of the total cost of the trip. Further amounts are realized through fundraising projects organized throughout the school year by the Grade 9 students and their families. $600 deposit is non-refundable after May 31, 2024 (unless trip is cancelled). The cost of this trip is expected to be approximately $2400.
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Grade 1-5 CostTuition Fees (if paid by June 1) - $6770* Tuition Fees (if balance is carried past June 1) - $6870* *Costs are for the 2024-25 school year
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Facility FeeOur Facility Fee is a one-time, NON-REFUNDABLE fee that applies to all NEW Kindergarten to Grade 9 students. First child: $2000 Subsequent children: $500
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Grade 6 CostTuition Fees (if paid by June 1) - $7080* Tuition Fees (if balance carried past June 1) - $7180* *Includes cost of overnight outdoor education trip. Costs are for the 2024-25 school year.
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Kindergarten CostTuition Fees (if paid by June 1) - $3330* Tuition Fees (if balance carried past June 1) - $3430* *Costs are for the 2024-25 school year
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Bussing Costs & Communities ServedBussing is an additional cost*. One-way bussing is available at the same cost as two-way; communities serviced may vary based on registrants. Bussing is available in the following areas: Auburn Bay, Belmont, Bridlewood, Chaparral, Cranston, Evergreen, Legacy, Mahogany, Millrise, Midnapore, Shawnee, Shawnessy, Silverado, Somerset, Sundance, Walden, Yorkville. Annual Bussing Fees for Routes A, B & C One child (K-9) - $1380 ($115 per month) Two children - $2760 ($115 per month per child) Three children - $4140 ($115 per month per child) *Costs listed are for the 2024-25 school year
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Junior Kindergarten CostThe Government of Alberta, in conjunction with the Government of Canada, offers new funding that seeks to reduce childcare costs in Alberta. The funding initiative includes two programs; operating grants and family subsidies. Affordability Grants Affordability grants will be provided to childcare centres, so that the centre can directly decrease fees. As GCA’s Junior Kindergarten program is operated under a daycare license, a few of GCA’s Junior Kindergarten programs are eligible for this funding, based on the number of monthly hours attended in those programs. The programs that are eligible include: Monday / Wednesday / Friday Full Day Program Tuesday / Thursday Full Day Program Monday through Friday Full Day Program With these operating grants in place, GCA will be able to offer these prices: *Subsidized Price is dependent upon the continuation of the Government's Affordability Grant at its current rates. Fees may increase by 3% in April 2025, dependent on the Government of Alberta's Childcare Funding agreement. Parents will be notified of this increase in March 2025 if required. Any questions regarding the subsidized pricing can be directed to Lyden Price (l.price@gcaschool.com) or Sheri Thwaites (s.thwaites@gcaschool.com). Family Subsidies The Alberta Government has also expanded eligibility for their childcare subsidy. This subsidy is calculated on a family by family basis, and is now available to families who make less than $180,000. These families can apply for the subsidy through the Government of Alberta’s website. GCA’s program is noted as ‘ABC Program’ in the application process. If pursuing the Government of Alberta subsidy, any questions regarding the application process should be addressed directly to the Government Alberta support centre (1-877-644-9992). If a family is approved for a subsidy, that family should provide their letter of approval to Sheri Thwaites (s.thwaites@gcaschool.com) as soon as it is received.
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K-Gr 9 Tuition Fees & Family Discount InformationTuition covers: The cost of providing the Christian education program. Includes "all day" field trips and one yearbook per student. The third child in the same family receives a 50% discount (this does NOT apply to Kindergarten), and any subsequent children receive a 100% discount on this amount (this DOES apply to Kindergarten). To receive these discounts, all applicable children must be attending GCA simultaneously. Any admission after September 30 may be subject to additional fees. Repeating Kindergarten students may be required to pay an additional fee of $2500 (paid in advance and refunded after September 30 if Alberta Education provides a second Kindergarten year of funding). Tuition includes all "day" field trips and one yearbook per student. For families new to GCA, there is an opportunity to apply for subsidized funding through an organization called the Prosser Foundation. Please see drop down menus below for specific grade costs.* *Costs are for the 2024-25 school year
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Does my child need to be fluent in English language/studies to attend?Yes. Glenmore Christian Academy does not offer an English Language Learner program. As a school with an accelerated academic program, it is required that students have a strong fluency in English communication.
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Can I apply from overseas?There may be an opportunity to complete the admissions steps from outside Canada. Consideration is provided on a case-by-case basis.
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Are there any subsidies or financial assistance for international students?Unfortunately, no. There is no bursary program for international students.
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What is the cost for international students?Tuition for international students is $15,000. Payment of the one-time facility fee ($2000 for the first child and $500 for subsequent children in the same family) is also required.
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Do you accept international students?International students are considered on a case by case basis. We do not offer boarding facilities, nor does the province of Alberta offer funding for these students. Students would also need to have a legal guardian in Calgary. We cannot offer acceptance before all necessary steps of the admission process have been completed. While we prefer to do assessments and interviews in person, we may offer the opportunity for these steps to be completed remotely.
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How far in advance can I register for your program?The Kindergarten program is in high demand at GCA. If you are interested in your child being a part of our school community, you should submit an application one year in advance. Kindergarten application acceptance for the school year opens in September. We do not offer a waiting list beyond one year in advance. All children applying for Kindergarten must turn 5 years of age by December 31st of the year you want them to start. If your child is applying for September of 2024, they must be 5 or have turned 5 by December 31, 2024. Applications are available online through our website here or at our Main Elementary Office. There is a non-refundable application fee of $200.
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What are your Kindergarten options?We offer 5 part-time, full-day classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays OR Wednesdays and Fridays. Each class also has approximately one Monday scheduled per month. School day starts at 8:20 am and students are dismissed at 3:20 pm. For those that are looking for a program that includes all school days, please refer to our ABC/Royal Cubs program which provides extra care.
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What is the cost for your Kindergarten program?Kindergarten fees may increase from year to year and can be paid over a 12 month payment plan. The other cost involved once your child has been accepted, is the payment of the $2000 Facility Fee. This is a one-time fee that is paid by all first students in a family when registering at GCA. The second and subsequent children in a family pay $500. Please visit our Cost Schedule page for details on all grades including Kindergarten.
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Can I choose the program I want?Once accepted, you will be given the opportunity to give your preference. Many factors are involved in placing students so we attempt to accommodate but do not promise any program.
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How many children are in a class?There are 20 spots available in each Kindergarten class. Each class has both a teacher and a teaching assistant.
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Will my child automatically get a Kindergarten placement?Kindergarten applications do not work on a first-come/first-served basis although date received is a contributing factor. Families with current students have first priority when it comes to our Kindergarten spaces. All new families will attend an interview with our Head of School.
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What if I have more questions?If you have questions, please feel free to contact our Director of Admissions, Kristy Cook, at admissions@gcaschool.com. You can also visit our FAQ page for general information. We hold tours by appointment on Fridays at 1:00 pm during the school year. Visit here to book a tour, or RSVP for an Information Evening.
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