Calgary French & International School vs Delta West Academy

	C Calgary French & International School Calgary, Canada	D Delta West Academy Calgary, Canada
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year CA$10,610 - 23,670	Fees / year CA$18,000 - 24,750
Age range	Age range 1 - 18 years	Age range 4 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Canadian Curriculum	Curriculum Canadian Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Pupils	Pupils 780	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size 10
Instruction language	Instruction language French, English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1969	Opened 1993
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location 700 77 Street SW, Calgary, AB T3H 5R1. The school is located in southwest Calgary. CFIS offers centralized bus service with stops across multiple communities for daily transport to and from campus.	Location The school is located at 230 11a St NE, Calgary, AB T2E 4P1, Canada. It sits in Calgary's Bridgeland neighbourhood near the downtown core. In 1998 the school relocated to the historic Bridgeland School, which provided a gym, playground and expanded classrooms while maintaining a strong connection to the city centre.
Stages	Stages Early Childhood (19 months through Kindergarten); Primary School (Grades 1–5); Middle School (Grades 6–8); Senior School (Grades 9–12).	Stages Junior Kindergarten; Senior Kindergarten; Elementary Grades 1-6; Junior High Grades 7-9; High School Grades 10-12
School type	School type Private, independent day school	School type private school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix 30+ nationalities are represented in the CFIS community.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Learning supports include literacy facilitators, reading specialists, school psychologists, learning strategists, teacher assistants, interns, and external support; two libraries—the Learning Commons and Marcel Tremblay Learning Resource Centre; CFIS is an independent, private school.	Additional learning support Learning support is highlighted as part of the school's approach.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation —
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure Before- and after-school care opens at 7:00 am and ends at 5:30 pm.	School day structure Kindergarten hours: Monday-Thursday 8:15am-3:30pm; Friday 8:15am-2:35pm. After School Care is available on-site until 5:00pm.
Bus service details	Bus service details CFIS provides a centralized busing service with stops across communities for Preschool to Grade 12; routes are set according to postal codes; ECE drop-off/pick-up is by a responsible person.	Bus service details Bus service is available (busing is listed as an included option in school fees).
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Tuition fees (2026–27 academic year) - Junior Preschool (full day): CAD 20,260 per year. - Preschool & Junior Kindergarten: Half day CAD 10,610 per year; Full day CAD 20,260 per year. - Kindergarten to Grade 3: CAD 18,670 per year. - Grades 4 to 6: CAD 18,930 per year. - Grades 7 to 9: CAD 20,570 per year. - Grades 10 to 12: CAD 21,820 per year. - Embark transitional program (separate schedule): Embark Grades 1–3 CAD 23,340; Embark Grades 4–5 CAD 23,670; Embark Grade 7 CAD 25,720 per year. Full detail of payment amounts by schedule (per year group) - Re/enrolment deposit required for all grades: CAD 2,000 (applied to tuition). - Junior Preschool / Preschool & Jr Kindergarten / K–Grade 3 / Grades 4–6 / Grades 7–9 / Grades 10–12 — Full-payment totals (deposit + balance due Sept 1): - Junior Preschool (full day): deposit CAD 2,000; balance CAD 18,260; total CAD 20,260. - Preschool & Jr Kindergarten — Half day: deposit CAD 2,000; balance CAD 8,610; total CAD 10,610. - Preschool & Jr Kindergarten — Full day: deposit CAD 2,000; balance CAD 18,260; total CAD 20,260. - Kindergarten to Grade 3: deposit CAD 2,000; balance CAD 16,670; total CAD 18,670. - Grades 4 to 6: deposit CAD 2,000; balance CAD 16,930; total CAD 18,930. - Grades 7 to 9: deposit CAD 2,000; balance CAD 18,570; total CAD 20,570. - Grades 10 to 12: deposit CAD 2,000; balance CAD 19,820; total CAD 21,820. - Semi-annual installment amounts (re/enrolment deposit CAD 2,000; two equal balances due Sept 1 and Feb 1): - Preschool & Jr Kindergarten — Half day: CAD 4,405 (Sept) + CAD 4,405 (Feb) = CAD 10,810 total. - Preschool & Jr Kindergarten — Full day: CAD 9,230 + CAD 9,230 = CAD 20,460 total. - Kindergarten to Grade 3: CAD 8,435 + CAD 8,435 = CAD 18,870 total. - Grades 4 to 6: CAD 8,565 + CAD 8,565 = CAD 19,130 total. - Grades 7 to 9: CAD 9,385 + CAD 9,385 = CAD 20,770 total. - Grades 10 to 12: CAD 10,010 + CAD 10,010 = CAD 22,020 total. - Embark semi-annual examples: Embark Grades 1–3 CAD 10,770 + CAD 10,770 = CAD 23,540 total; Embark Grade 7 CAD 11,960 + CAD 11,960 = CAD 25,920 total. - Ten-month (monthly) installment amounts (re/enrolment deposit CAD 2,000; monthly payments September–June): - Preschool & Jr Kindergarten — Half day: CAD 901 × 10 = CAD 11,010 total. - Preschool & Jr Kindergarten — Full day: CAD 1,866 × 10 = CAD 20,660 total. - Kindergarten to Grade 3: CAD 1,707 × 10 = CAD 19,070 total. - Grades 4 to 6: CAD 1,733 × 10 = CAD 19,330 total. - Grades 7 to 9: CAD 1,897 × 10 = CAD 20,970 total. - Grades 10 to 12: CAD 2,022 × 10 = CAD 22,220 total. - Embark monthly examples: Embark Grades 1–3 CAD 2,174 × 10 = CAD 23,740; Embark Grade 7 CAD 2,412 × 10 = CAD 26,120. Application, enrolment and one-time fees - New application (one-time): CAD 275. - Re/enrolment deposit: CAD 2,000 (required to secure placement; this deposit is applied to tuition). The deposit is described on the fee schedule and payment-options text as required when an offer is received. - New Family Membership Fee (one-time, new families): CAD 2,000 — non-refundable; due May 1 prior to the start of the year. - Building Fund Loan (one-time): CAD 4,000 — refundable; due September 1. Families may donate some or all of the Building Fund Loan or request its return when their last child leaves. - Annual family registration fee: CAD 500 per family — due May 1 prior to the start of the next school year. Billing schedule and payment terms - Placement offer: a non-refundable CAD 2,000 deposit is required to secure placement; the deposit is applied to tuition. Balance payment choices are: full payment (balance due in September), semi-annual (half due in September and half due in February), or ten monthly installments (September through June). - Administration fees for installment plans: semi‑annual installment plan includes administrative fees of CAD 100 per semi‑annual payment; the 10‑month installment plan includes administrative fees of CAD 40 per monthly payment (reflected in the installment schedule totals). - Monthly pre-authorized payment: withdrawals occur on the first business day of each month and follow the selected payment plan. Busing and before/after-school care fees (optional) - Busing (full-year): One‑way CAD 2,210 (full payment) or CAD 221 per month; Two‑way CAD 3,250 (full payment) or CAD 325 per month. - Before & After School Program (BAS) (Preschool–Grade 6): examples — Before School CAD 3,300 full / CAD 330 monthly; After School (Preschool–Grade 3) CAD 3,760 full / CAD 376 monthly; Combined Before & After CAD 6,550 full / CAD 655 monthly. Drop‑in rate CAD 25 per hour. (BAS & busing fees shown are based on 2025–26 figures and may be subject to change.) Other costs and optional fees - Uniforms: variable cost via the school uniform supplier (InSchoolwear). - Tuition includes most divisional field trips; optional programs are additional and may carry separate fees. Optional items that can incur extra costs include Travel Studies, Debate, Athletics, Band, IB exam fees, university tours, musical productions, and certain co‑curricular trips. Refund information - The Building Fund Loan (CAD 4,000) is refundable and may be returned to families when their last child leaves the school unless families choose to donate some or all of it. New Family Membership Fee (CAD 2,000) is non‑refundable. The CAD 2,000 deposit is applied to tuition and is required to secure placement; it is described as non‑refundable when placement is offered. No separate general tuition refund table for mid‑year withdrawal is included in the tuition schedule document. Fee payment options and methods - Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) payments are accepted through Plastiq; Plastiq charges a surcharge (noted as 2.5% on the fee schedule). - Cheque: post‑dated cheques may be made out to Calgary French & International School (or CFIS). - Pre‑authorized payment: automatic bank withdrawals available; bank account details required; withdrawals scheduled on the first business day of each month. - Online banking bill payments: accepted from major Canadian banks (CIBC, RBC, BMO, TD, Scotiabank, National Bank, HSBC, ATB) by entering “Calgary French” as the payee and using the student account number from the CFIS statement. Sibling discounts - A 10% tuition discount applies to a family's third child (Kindergarten and higher). A 15% tuition discount applies to a family's fourth child (Kindergarten and higher). Notes on optional/ancillary billing - Annual registration, new family membership, building fund, busing, BAS, optional program fees, and any program‑specific charges are billed separately according to the school's billing calendar and the payment plan chosen. Instalment administration fees increase the total paid under semi‑annual and monthly plans, as reflected in the installment totals above.	Fee details Below are the school fees and related payment terms for Delta West Academy for the 2026/2027 school year, presented clearly for a parent to enter into an external database. Tuition fees (annual, by year group) - Jr. Kindergarten: CAD 18,000 per year. - Sr. Kindergarten: CAD 18,000 per year. - Grades 1–4: CAD 20,900 per year. - Grades 5–9: CAD 23,100 per year. - Grades 10–12: CAD 24,750 per year. Per-term / instalment payment structure (standard schedules provided by the school) - For families enrolling before February 1: first payment (Capital Improvement & New Family Membership fee) CAD 6,000 per child, second instalment on February 1 CAD 4,000 per child, third instalment on April 1 CAD 4,000 per child, final instalment on August 1 covers the remainder of the school fees. These instalment amounts are applied against the annual tuition above. - For families enrolling after February 1: if enrolling in February–March, payment required is CAD 10,000 per child; if enrolling April–August, CAD 14,000 per child; for enrolment after August 1, the total fees are payable as noted by the school's enrolment rules. Students who enrol after September 1 are required to pay full tuition prior to their first day; enrolment after September 30 may be subject to additional charges related to external grant deadlines. - Sibling discount: a 10% discount on school fees applies for families with more than one child. Application / initial enrolment charges - No separate, named "application fee" is listed publicly. The school's standard initial payment for families enrolling under the usual schedule combines a Capital Improvement fee and a New Family Membership fee into the first payment of CAD 6,000 per child (for enrolment before February 1). This combined initial payment functions as the upfront family/enrolment charge. What is included in the stated school fees - The annual school fee covers tuition, graduated use of school technology/laptops, daytime field trips for all grades, the physical education program and associated excursions, and use of textbooks. Other costs and optional fees (not included in annual tuition) - Overnight and international school trips, optional fun-lunch programs, personal school supplies, extra-curricular and option programs, athletic program fees, uniforms, personal devices for high-school students (where required), busing, after-school care, and graduation/ceremony tickets are not included in the standard tuition and are billed separately or charged as optional items to families. - After-school care is provided through an on-site partner (Discovery Kids); charges depend on the selected service. - Private bus service is offered on school vans (currently serving the NW quadrant); separate bus pricing applies. - Uniforms are additional; the school publishes a Uniform Guide and references McCarthy Uniforms for ordering. International students (additional fees) - International students (studying in Canada on a student visa) are not eligible for Alberta Education subsidy and are charged an additional CAD 5,500 per year above regular tuition. Additional fees may be applied after language assessment, where applicable. International applicants have an admissions deadline of May 31 for September start. Boarding: availability and fees - Delta West Academy operates as a day school; there is no published boarding programme or boarding fees. Transport and after-school care are provided as separate day services. Billing schedule and payment terms summary - The school publishes staged instalment schedules tied to enrolment timing (detailed under the two enrolment-timing bands above). Families enrolling early (before Feb 1) follow the multiple-instalment schedule with CAD 6,000 initial payment; later enrolments require larger up-front sums or full payment. Students enrolling after September 1 must have full tuition paid before their first school day. There is explicit notice that enrolments after September 30 may incur additional charges related to missed external grant deadlines. Refunds and withdrawal terms - A public, detailed refund schedule for tuition or a full withdrawal policy is not published on the public fee summary page; the school references withdrawal terms in its fee materials and a Financial Responsibility Agreement that accompanies enrolment documentation. Specific refund amounts, deadlines, and the school's formal refund calculation method are governed by the school's Financial Responsibility Agreement and the full Fee Schedule held in the school's parent/financial documentation. Fee payment options and accepted methods - The school's public fee pages and summaries do not list the explicit accepted payment methods (for example: credit card, debit, bank transfer, e-transfer, or cheque). Payment method details and the Financial Responsibility Agreement are included in the school's enrolment/parent portal documentation and financial forms. Families should follow the school's Financial Responsibility Agreement and enrolment forms for the exact payment channels and billing instructions. Other notes for parents (practical points) - Sibling discount: 10% on school fees for additional siblings. - Annual fund, capital improvement and new-family membership charges are collected as part of the initial instalment(s) and are reflected in the first scheduled payment amounts. Brief summary of missing details found during this review - The public fee summary provides annual tuition per year group and the school's enrolment-timing instalment schedule, plus the CAD 5,500 international surcharge and the sibling discount. However, the following items were not published in full detail on the public fee pages: 1) any separate, stand-alone application fee (no explicit application fee appeared; the CAD 6,000 first payment covers capital improvement and new-family membership charges), 2) a detailed, line-by-line refund or tuition proration schedule tied to withdrawal dates, and 3) the precise, accepted payment methods (credit card, bank transfer, e-transfer, etc.) used to settle fees. The school's Financial Responsibility Agreement and the full Fee Schedule (available in the school's parent/financial documentation) contain the formal contractual details for withdrawal, refunds and exact payment channels.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements The school does not offer boarding facilities or a homestay program.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement There are three basic uniforms worn by students (formal, regular and summer), with non-scuffing shoes. Junior Preschool students are required to wear a red polo shirt. The uniform supplier is InSchoolwear, and modifications to the uniform are accommodated for religious requirements or gender expression.	Uniform requirement Uniforms are required; Uniform Guide 2025 is available in the Parent Portal.
Food options	Food options CFIS provides fresh, in-house meals and snacks for students in Grades 1 to 12. Pre-ordered meals, including monthly pizza days, are available in the Seed Cafeteria for Grades 1–5 and in the Core Cafeteria for Grades 6–12; Early Childhood Division participates in monthly Pizza Days. For Grades 6–12, the Oh là là Café offers à la carte items purchased with a student ID meal card.	Food options —
House system	House system CFIS has a House Program for students starting in Grade 6 through Senior High. The four houses are Baldur, Heimdall, Thor and Tyr, each with a teacher advisor and a student house captain; students earn points for participation and activities, and Heads of Houses lead activities during lunch to foster community.	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The Calgary French & International School Society owns and operates a private school offering full French Immersion and English instruction from preschool through Grade 12. In 2022, two boards were amalgamated into a single CFIS Society, which remains a charitable entity guiding governance of the school.	Governance and ownership Governed by the Delta West Academy Society; provincially accredited private school.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details IB Programmes spanning Preschool through Grade 12: Primary Years Programme (Preschool–Grade 5), Middle Years Programme (Grades 6-10), and Diploma Programme (Grades 11-12) with full French immersion and Spanish language enrichment.	Curriculum details Delta West Academy is a private PreK-12 school in Calgary offering Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12. The elementary program emphasizes literacy and numeracy with theme-based instruction, a structured handwriting program, and second language instruction in French and Spanish. Full-day JK and K programs are available, with a schedule that includes daily activities, field trips, and on-site after-school care. The senior high program follows the Alberta Education curriculum, includes an honours stream and an Advanced Placement program with English AP annually; courses include English Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Science, Drama, CALM, and French or Spanish. Classes are 70 minutes with a low student-to-teacher ratio and ATI support; travel and leadership opportunities are offered, and graduates have a 100% university placement rate into their first-choice universities and programs.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Standard maximum class size is 20 students (16 in Preschool and Junior Kindergarten, and 12 in Junior Preschool).	Student teacher ratio low student-to-teacher ratio
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression 30+ University Destinations.	Higher education progression 100% university placement rate into universities and programs of their first choice
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented Honours program based on Alberta Education curriculum; Advanced Placement program offered (English AP annually, with other AP courses available based on demand)
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning CFIS provides extensive social and emotional learning support through a dedicated learning supports team, including school psychologists and guidance counsellors. Specialist staff assist with literacy and language development, contributing to students' social-emotional growth. The Library and Learning Commons spaces foster inquiry-driven learning, digital citizenship, and cross-curricular competencies aligned with UNESCO principles. The House Program offers a faculty-mentored environment to develop students' academic, social, and emotional potential. Guidance counsellors support students' well-being and post-secondary planning, complementing a learning environment designed to nurture emotional growth.	Social & emotional learning Delta West Academy emphasizes real-life relationships and personal growth, fostering mutual respect and trust so each student can shine and grow. The school maintains a safe, caring, respectful, and safe learning environment that supports intellectual risk-taking and personal development. A 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio enables individualized attention and strong teacher–student relationships. Parents are encouraged to participate in school life and collaborate with staff to support social and emotional development within the community.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) CFIS provides a wide-ranging learning supports program with specialist staff to assist students. Literacy facilitators motivate reading and support homework, and Reading specialists focus on helping youngest students become proficient in written French. School psychologists support social and emotional challenges. Learning strategists develop customized educational plans, and Teacher assistants and Interns provide in-class support. External support includes educational aides, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists.	Special educational needs (SEN) Delta West Academy provides a framework for supporting students who need accommodation or assistance. When a student requests help or an accommodation, the school, through the Principal or designated staff, responds in a caring, respectful, and timely manner. The policies align with Alberta Education Act and Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms to maintain a welcoming, caring, respectful, and safe environment. The code of conduct promotes inclusive behavior and respect for diversity, guiding student and staff interactions.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language CFIS uses full French immersion with English literacy development beginning in Grade 3 and Spanish instruction introduced in Grade 4. EAL specialist support is available for students whose first language is not English. Embark offers a supportive entry point for Grade 1–4 students with no prior French experience. English language development is integrated alongside French immersion to support multilingual learners. The program fosters fluency in multiple languages throughout the primary years.	English as an additional language Delta West Academy does not offer specialized ESL or ELL courses at this time. Nevertheless, small class sizes and attentive teachers provide intensive in-class support across subjects. International students must be fluent in English to succeed in the program and to transition to university.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing CFIS provides mental wellbeing support through school psychologists to aid students with social and emotional challenges. Guidance counsellors offer individual attention to students' well-being and post-secondary planning. The Learning Supports team and the House Program contribute to students' social and emotional development. Small class sizes and a bilingual immersion environment support a positive sense of belonging and well-being. The library spaces reinforce wellbeing through inquiry, collaboration, and digital citizenship.	Mental wellbeing Delta West Academy supports a safe environment that is intellectually, emotionally, socially, and physically secure. The school emphasizes a welcoming, caring, and respectful atmosphere to support students' mental and emotional well-being. Students are encouraged to engage in learning with confidence within a nurturing community.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding CFIS has an Anti-Racism & Mutual Respect Policy safeguarding the rights of all community members to be treated with kindness and respect, privacy, and self-identification. The policy outlines processes for reporting rights violations, investigations, and consequences, including confidentiality and restorative actions. It emphasizes non-discrimination across race, culture, gender, and other identities and provides guidance on enforcement and safe-campus practices.	Safeguarding Delta West Academy maintains a safe and caring environment with a code of conduct that addresses bullying and other inappropriate behavior. The school operates under applicable education legislation to ensure rights and a safe learning environment for students and staff. When a student requests assistance or accommodation, staff respond in a caring, respectful, and timely manner. Breaches of the code of conduct are investigated by staff and discipline is applied as appropriate. Parents are expected to support the school and work with teachers or the principal to address concerns and ensure a safe learning community.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview CFIS provides two large gyms (South Elementary Gym, 7,000 sq ft; North Secondary Gym, 8,000 sq ft). The Main Soccer Field measures 100 m by 60 m, and there are two U12 pitches (60 m by 45 m). Seed (Elementary) Cafeteria and Core (Secondary) Cafeteria serve students, alongside classrooms, an Elementary Music Room and a Secondary Band Room. A Virtual Tour lets you preview campus spaces. The address is 700 77 Street SW, Calgary, AB T3H 5R1.	Facilities overview Delta West Academy moved to the Bridgeland School in 1998, gaining a gym, a playground, and expanded classrooms. In 2004, Delta West Academy purchased Bridgeland as its permanent home. The Bridgeland location provides a playing field and bright, spacious spaces that support learning outside the classroom. The school maintains an average 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio, enabling individual attention in a compact, well-lit setting. The Bridgeland campus offers strong downtown connections that support partnerships and real-life experiences.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities CFIS has two gym spaces and outdoor fields for athletics. The South (Elementary) Gym is 7,000 sq ft and the North (Secondary) Gym is 8,000 sq ft. The Main Soccer Field is 100 m by 60 m, with two U12 pitches (60 m by 45 m). Seed (Elementary) Cafeteria and Core (Secondary) Cafeteria are on-site dining spaces.	Sports facilities Dragon Athletics offers year-round competitive sports as part of the Calgary Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA). Junior, senior, boys, girls, and mixed teams are trained by experienced coaches. Competitive sports include soccer, badminton, track and field, basketball, volleyball, cross country running, and golf. Athletes are developed to be good sportsmen, dedicated, and physically and mentally competitive.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities CFIS provides general classrooms for daily lessons. An Elementary Music Room supports music education, and a Secondary Band Room supports instrumental programs. The facility listing also includes on-site cafeterias and general academic spaces used for instruction. The campus is configured to accommodate both elementary and secondary learning environments.	Academic facilities The school provides a 1:1 technology ratio in classrooms. French and Spanish are taught by second language specialists. A strong literacy and numeracy program is complemented by a daily Handwriting Without Tears printing program. Learning is organized around monthly themes infused into activities, centers, and stations. A bright, well-equipped learning environment supports exploration.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities CFIS offers co-curricular activities including an annual school musical. It is a member of the Calgary Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA) and participates in seven sport seasons. The school provides opportunities for Travel Studies and Round Square activities, and integrates International Baccalaureate programs across PYP, MYP and DP for globally-minded learning.	Extra curricular facilities Field trips occur every month. After-school care is available on-site until 5:00 pm daily. A private bus service operates to NW quadrant. Elementary students have a supervised lunch program with microwaves available in lunchrooms. The school partners with the Discovery Kids After School Care Program.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History CFIS has operated for over 50 years, originally known as The Calgary French School. It was Calgary's first French Immersion school and established its French language program before the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism. Early classrooms were housed in church basements and shared spaces, moving to Sacred Heart School in 1974; in 2003 CFIS opened a new Cougar Ridge campus and adopted the CFIS name. The school celebrated its first Grade 12 graduation in 2010 and has since become a Round Square school and UNESCO Associated School, authorized for the IB Diploma Programme in 2019 and pursuing IB Primary Years Programme candidacy in 2022 with plans for Middle Years Programme by 2025. It educates over 780 children from junior preschool to Grade 12 and graduates students fluent in French, English, and Spanish.	History Delta West Academy (DWA) is a provincially accredited private school founded in 1993 by the Delta West Academy Society. It opened with 11 students spanning elementary to high school and maintained a 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio to foster personal attention. The school began downtown Calgary, then moved in 1998 to the Bridgeland School, gaining a gym, playground and more classrooms; a Kindergarten program was added in 1999. In 2004, DWA purchased the Bridgeland School as its permanent home, continuing the founders' vision of combining rigorous academics with hands-on learning and community engagement.
Community	Community CFIS is a diverse community with 30+ nationalities represented. There are 80+ co-curricular clubs and activities and 80+ volunteers in the school community. CFIS is a Round Square school and UNESCO Associated School, and its global education includes service and exchange trips and conferences.	Community DWA combines strong academics with a respectful, connected school culture, where students build confidence, leadership, and empathy. Parents value open communication, family involvement, and focus on personal growth, and are engaged in volunteering, events, councils and fundraising. 100% of graduates are accepted into the universities and programs of their choice.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association Parent involvement is supported through volunteering opportunities and an active alumni network. Alumni and volunteering are listed as components of the CFIS Community, and events such as the Spring Benefit engage families in school life.	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual All CFIS students participate in speech, debate, and Model UN in Grades 7-9. Many junior and senior high students also compete in dozens of extra-curricular teams and travel study opportunities. In the Secondary division, options are designed to augment core courses and explore new subject areas.	Academic & intellectual DWA uses the Alberta Education curriculum across JK–12 with a university-preparatory focus. Junior High includes Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) coursework in selected subjects, and High School offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Classes are small to support active participation and personalized feedback, with junior high classes capped at 12 students. 100% of Grade 12 graduates are accepted into universities and programs of their choice.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative CFIS offers music, performing arts and visual arts across all divisions. The CFIS musical is a yearly production including performers and production crew from secondary classes and audiences from multiple grades. Past musicals have included Newsies, The Little Mermaid, Spamalot, Mary Poppins, The Addams Family and Legally Blonde. The visual arts curriculum engages students in diverse mediums, and an annual Evening of the Arts showcases student talents.	Arts & creative Drama and Music are dedicated courses in Elementary grades. Kindergarten includes Music, Art, and Drama instruction. In High School, Drama is offered as Drama 10, 20, 30 (full year). The school maintains Elementary Performing Arts specialists to guide arts education.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language CFIS teaches in both French and English with immersive French-language instruction and support for multilingual learners. The Elementary program integrates the Alberta curriculum with immersive French-language instruction. There is support for EAL and French immersion learners, with staff available in multiple languages. CFIS promotes global citizenship through Round Square initiatives.	Cultural & language French and Spanish instruction is provided by second language specialists from early grades. In Junior High and High School, French and Spanish are taught by language specialists. French 10, 20, 30 and Spanish 10, 20, 30 are offered in High School. Delta West Academy does not offer specialized ESL/ELL courses.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies A variety of student clubs are available in the Elementary division and are incorporated into the school day over lunch periods. In the Secondary division, students select six options each year to augment core courses and explore new subjects. Many junior and senior high also compete in dozens of extra-curricular teams and travel study opportunities.	Social & hobbies Elementary programs include regular field trips and a Bucket Filler social responsibility program embedded in school culture. Junior High features Community Outreach and a schedule of activities that supports social engagement. High School emphasizes leadership opportunities, student events, and yearly international travel excursions. Athletics are offered through Dragon Athletics within the CISAA.
Community & service	Community & service CFIS offers volunteer opportunities including event planning, library support, food services, sports assistance, musical team support, classroom support, and fundraising. Sign-up is available and a Volunteer Guide provides full details; Police Information Checks are required for volunteers. Time commitments vary, with some roles short-term and others spanning the year.	Community & service Bucket Filler social responsibility is embedded in school culture. Junior High includes Community Outreach as part of service learning. Travel experiences and field trips connect students with communities beyond the campus.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The school's faculty serve as coaches, mentors, directors, activists, philanthropists and facilitators of student initiatives outside the classroom. Explore Elementary highlights leadership opportunities and CFIS's student life offerings.	Leadership & professional Leadership opportunities include Student Council and leadership roles in organizing school events and representing the student body. The High School program includes yearly international and curriculum-based travel experiences. The school emphasizes preparation for university and life through leadership development and community involvement.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The school emphasizes physical education and athletics, with students participating in team and individual sports. Secondary programming uses gyms, school fields, running trails and off-campus experiences, and includes curling, wall climbing, skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing. The Before & After School Care program includes athletic activities, outdoor play, leadership and philanthropy, robotics, coding and programming.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Delta West Academy fosters a close-knit environment where students are known, supported, and encouraged to excel. Small class sizes (for example, Junior High classes capped at 12) promote engagement and reduce stress. The school emphasizes social-emotional security and confidence through mastery experiences and a collaborative learning culture.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision French is the language of immersion; English language arts begin in Grade 3; Spanish is introduced in Grade 4; the school supports bilingual learning through immersion and IB programming.	Language provision French and Spanish are taught as second languages by language specialists. In elementary grades 1-6, French and Spanish are taught by language specialists. In high school, French 10, 20, 30 and/or Spanish 10, 20, 30 are offered as language courses. The International Students page notes that Delta West Academy does not offer specialized ESL/ELL courses, but provides small classes for intensive study with classroom support.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school is a full French immersion school with English literacy starting in Grade 3 and Spanish instruction beginning in Grade 4.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs CFIS offers full French immersion for primary students and the Embark Transitional French Immersion program with additional English language support within a French immersion environment. CFIS also provides International Baccalaureate programmes at primary and high school levels, including a primary years programme; CFIS is the only full French immersion IB Primary Years Programme in Alberta.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards null	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations null	Accreditations Provincially accredited private school (accreditation achieved in 1993) – indicates compliance with provincial private school standards.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions CFIS offers education from 19 months through Grade 12 with instruction in French and English, enriched by Spanish. It is an International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum school offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). The school provides global perspectives and experiential learning through IB and Round Square initiatives and prepares graduates for Canadian and international universities. The CFIS community includes more than 30 nationalities and prioritizes students' well-being and sense of belonging. Tour and Information Sessions are offered monthly to learn about programs, community, and approach to education, and spots can be reserved. Inquiries and applications are handled through dedicated portals. The four academic divisions are Early Childhood, Primary School, Middle School, and Senior School.	Admissions Delta West Academy uses a four-step admissions process: admissions package, school tour, student interview, and testing. Applications can be submitted anytime; if the grade is full, a waiting list is available. To avoid disappointment, submit an application at least six months before the start of the school year. International students should apply by May 31 prior to the September start. The application form is the first step to learn about the child, and the information gathered is protected under PIPA. To arrange a tour, contact the school office. The school provides after-school care and private bus service.
Scholarships	Scholarships CFIS offers targeted funding programs through its Giving pages: the CFIS Annual Fund supports school priorities and classroom upgrades, with a theme of Every Classroom Counts and a goal to raise $350,000 to upgrade current classrooms and construct eight new classrooms opening in 2027. The Bridging Bursary provides financial assistance to current students experiencing temporary hardship, funded in part by community gifts directed to this fund. The Round Square Travel Bursary expands opportunities for student travel and experiential learning, helping more students participate in travel experiences that build resilience and global awareness. Ways to give include One-time Giving, Monthly Giving, Employer Matching Gifts, Gift of Securities, Major Gifts, and Sponsorship. CFIS is a non-profit organization and registered charity, and donations receive tax receipts; contact details for CFIS's Development team are provided on the Giving site.	Scholarships The Delta West Academy Foundation (DWAF) is an independent Society dedicated to fundraising. Families automatically become members on enrolment and elect a fully parent-run board at the Annual General Meeting. DWAF chooses fundraising activities for the year, organizes volunteers and distributes funds based on a school wish list. DWAF funds scholarships, special projects and events, and long-term building funds. Donations can be directed toward Scholarships and Awards, supporting families and recognizing student growth and achievement. Donations may be eligible for tax deductions.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist A waiting list is available if the desired grade is full.
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