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Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School

Canada, Calgary

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees CA$3,500 - 47,250
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 700
Type Co-educational
Opened 1971
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Taught languages French, Spanish
Typical class size 17
Strengths Outdoor Education, Performing Arts, Sport
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School is an independent co-educational K–12 day school in Canada offering an IB continuum from the Primary Years Programme to the Diploma Programme. The PYP operates Kindergarten to Grade 6 within the Alberta Education framework to foster global perspectives. The MYP (Grades 7–10) covers eight subject areas and requires study in at least two languages, while Grades 11–12 may pursue the IB Diploma Programme or the IB Certificate pathway, including an Extended Essay. The school sits on a 220-acre natural campus with wetlands, forests, grasslands and an observatory. Facilities include a 65,000-square-foot arts and learning expansion opened in 2018, a 630-seat C.A. Smith Arts Centre, dedicated arts studios, the Peter B. Ditchburn Library with over 37,000 books, and Aspen Lodge and Band Room. Outdoor Education is a flagship program; the rugby program is highly regarded; and Round Square and the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award provide global leadership opportunities.

298136 24 St W #20, Foothills, AB T1S 7A4, Canada

The Essentials

Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School has 700 pupils, typical class sizes of 17, instruction in English.

Location
Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School is located in Foothills, Alberta, Canada. The campus covers 220 acres of natural surroundings. The address is 20-298136 24 St W, Foothills, AB T1S 7A4.

Stages
Elementary School (K-Grade 6), Middle School (Grades 7-9), Senior School (Grades 10-12)

Type
The school is an independent K-12, IB continuum co-ed day school.

Additional learning support
Well-being, academic success, and personal best are priorities. Student Services supports learning, social and emotional needs, and educational planning. Personalized learning includes small class sizes, weekly advisor meetings starting in Middle School, and learning strategists who coordinate targeted support including counselling and essential learning-skills development.

Country affiliation
Canada
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Day-school only; no boarding or home-stay programs.

Uniform Requirement
Uniforms are required. The initial uniform cost ranges from 800 to 1,000. The gym strip and Spartan athletic wear are available at Tweeds and More Uniform Store on campus.

Food Options
On-site food services prepare meals daily. All meals are dietician-reviewed and dietary needs are accommodated.

Governance and Ownership
Independent K-12 IB World School governed by a Board of Governors.
Fees

Annual tuition at Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School ranges from CAD 3,500 to CAD 47,250 for 2026/27.

Tuition — Domestic students (CAD)
- Kindergarten: CAD 21,969.
- Grades 1–3: CAD 26,921.
- Grades 4–6: CAD 27,561.
- Grades 7–9 (includes STS Flex 9): CAD 27,862.
- Grades 10–12 (includes STS Flex 10–12): CAD 28,240.

Detailed billing — standard tuition payment options (domestic)
- Option 1 (three-payment schedule):
- Tuition Deposit 1 due February 15: CAD 2,500 (all grades).
- Tuition Deposit 2 due June 15: CAD 6,500 (all grades).
- Tuition balance due September 15: remainder of the annual tuition (examples):
- Kindergarten balance: CAD 12,969 (total CAD 21,969).
- Grades 1–3 balance: CAD 17,921 (total CAD 26,921).
- Grades 4–6 balance: CAD 18,561 (total CAD 27,561).
- Grades 7–9 balance: CAD 18,862 (total CAD 27,862).
- Grades 10–12 balance: CAD 19,240 (total CAD 28,240).
- This schedule is presented as the standard three-payment option.

- Option 2 (four-payment schedule with two later installments):
- Tuition Deposit 1 due February 15: CAD 2,500.
- Tuition Deposit 2 due June 15: CAD 6,500.
- Two equal installment payments due September 15 and December 15 (examples of each installment):
- Kindergarten: CAD 6,809 per installment (total as shown CAD 22,617).
- Grades 1–3: CAD 9,527 per installment (total CAD 28,054).
- Grades 4–6: CAD 9,683 per installment (total CAD 28,367).
- Grades 7–9: CAD 9,838 per installment (total CAD 28,676).
- Grades 10–12: CAD 10,033 per installment (total CAD 29,066).
- A surcharge applies to installment plans (see surcharge note below).

- Option 3 (monthly installments):
- Tuition Deposit 1 due February 15: CAD 2,500.
- Tuition Deposit 2 due June 15: CAD 6,500.
- Nine equal monthly installments due September 15 through May 15 (examples of each monthly installment):
- Kindergarten: CAD 1,586 per month (total CAD 23,276).
- Grades 1–3: CAD 2,208 per month (total CAD 28,875).
- Grades 4–6: CAD 2,244 per month (total CAD 29,196).
- Grades 7–9: CAD 2,282 per month (total CAD 29,538).
- Grades 10–12: CAD 2,324 per month (total CAD 29,916).
- A 3% surcharge is added to each installment payment plan.

Tuition — International students (CAD)
- Grades K–6: CAD 47,250.
- Grades 7–9: CAD 47,250.
- Grades 10–12: CAD 47,250.
- International tuition does not include homestay/accommodation, visa or study permit costs, transportation to/from school, travel expenses, or other costs required for attendance.

STAND School tuition (CAD)
- Grades 9–12 (STAND program): CAD 9,900 (standard STAND tuition figure; STAND also publishes separate detailed fee schedules and payment models).

Registration / enrolment fees
- One-time registration fee (payable upon initial acceptance to reserve a place): CAD 3,500.
- The registration fee is separate from tuition and is not applied toward tuition.

Other mandatory or optional fees and typical additional costs
- Uniforms: initial uniform purchase estimated between CAD 800 and CAD 1,000; subsequent annual costs are generally lower.
- Transportation (daily busing): full‑time daily bus service example totals and deposit schedule:
- Bus deposit due June 15: CAD 1,000.
- Bus balance due September 15 (full-time route): CAD 2,500 (total CAD 3,500).
- Full-time bus with installment plan example: deposit CAD 1,000 plus 9 monthly payments of CAD 289 (installment total shown CAD 3,600).
- One-way fare and single-ride options are available (one-way example: deposit CAD 1,000 + balance CAD 875 = CAD 1,875; single ride charged per trip, e.g., CAD 25 each way).
- Bus fees are non-refundable and registration by the specified June deposit date secures a seat on a route.
- Technology and mandatory transportation for curricular trips have been rolled into the tuition totals (these are included in the tuition amounts shown).
- Tuition Reimbursement Insurance (TRI): optional, recommended; TRI fee listed as CAD 250 (due with the June deposit in the fee schedule examples).
- Tuition fees without TRI are presented as non‑refundable in the fee schedule.

Refunds and insurance
- Tuition and other fees are generally non‑refundable unless covered by the optional Tuition Reimbursement Insurance (TRI).
- TRI is offered as an optional protection product (example TRI fee CAD 250).
- Families can choose TRI at enrolment to provide tuition remission protection in specified circumstances (registration for TRI and its terms are handled during enrolment).

Late payment, collections and financial terms
- Interest on overdue accounts: 2% per month (24% per annum) applied to unpaid balances after 30 days.
- Accounts more than 120 days past due may be sent to a collections agency and may affect re-enrolment eligibility.
- A surcharge (example: 3%) applies to installment payment plans.

Accepted payment methods and transaction charges
- Accepted payment methods: cheque, VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and online banking.
- Credit card transactions are subject to a credit card convenience fee of 2.4%.
- Specific payment deadlines (deposit and installment due dates) must be met according to the chosen payment option.

Boarding / accommodation
- Strathcona‑Tweedsmuir operates as a day school; boarding is not provided as a regular on‑campus option.
- International tuition notes exclude homestay or accommodation; such arrangements and their costs are the responsibility of the student/family.

Summary notes for parents (practical points)
- The school offers multiple tuition-payment models: standard three-payment option, a multi-payment option with two larger installments, and a monthly installment plan; each payment model lists exact deposit and installment amounts and specific due dates.
- A one-time registration fee of CAD 3,500 is required to reserve an accepted place.
- Optional protections such as Tuition Reimbursement Insurance are available for families wanting refund coverage; without TRI, tuition fees are presented as non‑refundable.
- Bus service, uniforms and incidental costs (field trips, equipment, homestay for internationals) are additional to tuition where applicable; busing uses its own deposit and payment schedule and is explicitly non‑refundable.

(Amounts shown are in Canadian dollars as presented in the school's published student fee schedule and tuition information.)
Academics

Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP).

Curriculum
The school has an IB World School continuum: PYP (Kindergarten to Grade 6), MYP (Grades 7-10), and DP (Grades 11-12). The PYP uses six units of inquiry within the Alberta Education curriculum to foster global perspectives and multi-subject learning. The Alberta Education curriculum is delivered through the MYP, enabling study across eight subject areas and the requirement to study at least two languages. In Grades 11-12, students may pursue the IB Diploma Programme (or IB Certificate pathway), including an Extended Essay as part of the diploma.

Student Teacher Ratio
Small class sizes.

Exam Results
IB Diploma results (2024 Year 2): 46 candidates registered; average diploma score 34; 12 retakes; highest score 39; 172 subject entries; 11 candidates passed; 0 excluded. Alberta Diploma results (2022-2024): Acceptable standard: 88.7% (2022), 91.2% (2023), 90.2% (2024); Standard of excellence: 32.6% (2022), 39.1% (2023), 38.8% (2024).

Higher Education Progression
Graduates go on to post-secondary programs at leading Canadian and international institutions.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Well-being, academic success, and discovering each student's personal best is STS's priority. Student Services supports learning, social and emotional needs, and educational planning. Beginning in Middle School, students meet with their dedicated advisor every week, in addition to a five-minute advisor period each morning, and they set goals and work on self-management skills. This advisor structure continues in Grade 10 with a dedicated period for student/advisor interaction. There is counseling and Learning Strategists who collaborate with teachers and parents to monitor progress and tailor support. Because of small class sizes, personalized attention is the norm and the learning-support process is coordinated through Student Services.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
STS uses a Model of Learning Support with universal, targeted, and specialized levels of support. A Learning Strategist liaises assessment with psychologists and facilitates communication with parents and faculty, and develops and maintains an Academic Profile with input from all stakeholders. Students may be referred to Student Services for targeted or specialized support, with a Student Background Form and an Action Plan guiding the process. Classroom teachers differentiate instruction and monitor progress, coordinating with Learning Strategists and specialists; psycho-educational assessments guide interventions. Counseling is available as part of the support framework, and STS commits to providing high-quality learning opportunities for all students through a coordinated learning-support process.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through STS's focus on mental health, resilience, and social-emotional learning. A provincial mental health grant enabled STS to hire a school psychologist to support student wellbeing. The 2022-2023 AERR reports pilot of the Open Parachute Mental Health Program at STS. The 2025 Education Plan notes mental health, resilience, and social-emotional learning as a focus with expanded support systems. STS's mission emphasizes flourishing emotionally as part of holistic development, aligning with these wellbeing efforts.

Safeguarding
The health and safety of the STS community is paramount and all members have the right to feel safe in the school environment. Health and safety protocols include staying home when unwell, enhanced cleaning and air-filtering, and a mask-friendly environment. Visitors sign in at the main entrance and are guided to remain in designated gathering hubs for safety. STS Policies provide formal guidance on governance, continuity of education, safety in sport, and safeguarding-related matters to ensure a positive and respectful environment. These measures reflect STS's commitment to safeguarding across the school community.
Parent Experience

History
Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School opened in fall 1971 as a coordinate school following major donations. One year later it became a coeducational day school for Grades 1–12. The outdoor education program and the social agencies program began in the 1970s, creating a family‑like environment. Advanced Placement courses were introduced and campus expansions added the Science Wing, the Arts Wing, the Sandy Heard Sports Hall, and the Outdoor Education Centre. The motto Nil Nisi Optimum began to be interpreted as “Nothing but your best,” and Head of School leadership included Mrs. Grant‑Watt's appointment in August 2018.

Community
STS has a vibrant community with an active Alumni Association and events listed under News & Events. The Alumni Association hosts events such as the Alumni Celebration Dinner (the 16th annual on May 7, 2026), Homecoming, Fall Fair, and Open House, and offers programs including Notable Alumni, Alumni Connection, and Celebrating Alumni Series. The site also highlights ongoing community activities and upcoming events for the STS family.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The school has a Parents' Volunteer Association. The Parents' Volunteer Association was formalized and instrumental in support of all STS activities.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School sits on a 220-acre natural campus with expansive outdoor and indoor learning spaces that support teamwork and self-directed study. Outdoor learning is integrated across earth sciences, arts, physical education and outdoor education, with wetlands, forests, grasslands and an observatory on site. Inside, learners access labs, dedicated studios and a full-size theatre, and a 65,000-square-foot arts and elementary learning expansion opened in 2018 with moveable walls, learning pods and flexible seating. Aspen Lodge, the STS Band Room and the C.A. Smith Arts Centre provide purpose-built spaces for arts, drama and music, while the Peter B. Ditchburn Library houses more than 37,000 books and resources. On-campus amenities include a campus cafeteria (Black Watch Bistro), Tweeds and More (the uniform store) and a pond used for nature time.

Sports Facilities
The school sits on a country campus with more than 10 kilometres of trails for year‑round activity, including cross‑country running. Fall sports include cross country and volleyball with multiple teams; winter sports include basketball and badminton; spring sports include track and field, field hockey and rugby, with junior, middle and senior teams. Golf is offered in both Middle and Senior School and is played at Sirocco Golf Course. The rugby program is highly regarded and competes at the Tier III level within Alberta high school athletics. The athletics program emphasizes participation and competitive opportunities across grades 7–12.

Academic Facilities
Inside, the curriculum comes to life in labs, dedicated studios and a full-size theatre. A 65,000-square-foot expansion for arts and elementary learning opened in 2018, featuring moveable walls, learning pods and floor seating to support flexible teaching layouts. The arts spaces include purpose-built rooms for drama and music, expansive art studios and 3D printers for ongoing projects. The C.A. Smith Arts Centre houses a 630-seat theatre with a proscenium/thrust stage, a fly gallery and an industry-standard tech setup, enabling assemblies, concerts and school productions. The Peter B. Ditchburn Library holds over 37,000 books and digital resources to support research and intercultural learning. Aspen Lodge and the STS Band Room provide dedicated spaces for arts and music, and the central gathering hall serves as a flexible hub for collaboration and performances.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Outdoor Education is a flagship program on STS property, offering practical, hands-on experience for field trips and adventure skills. Elementary students participate in Cross Country Running (Grades 4–6); Family Fun Nights (Grades K–4); the Elementary Sports Club (Grades 4–6); and a Cross Country Ski Club (Grades 4–6). The athletics program supports Fall, Winter and Spring sports, including cross country, volleyball, basketball, badminton, track and field, field hockey and rugby, with opportunities for competitive and recreational participation. Speech and debate is a long-standing STS tradition, and additional activities include Round Square and the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award. The campus also offers Summer School at STS and related youth programs.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Middle and Senior School Debate Teams compete in Alberta Debate and Speech Association tournaments. The International Independent School Public Speaking Competition is an activity STS participates in, and STS has hosted it twice. The Model United Nations program strengthens students' research, debate, and consensus-building skills, with Senior School students attending local, national, and international conferences such as the National High School Model United Nations in New York. Every STS student speaks in public each year.

Arts & Creative
Senior School Arts includes Senior Band, Senior Choir, Pit Band, Fall Musical Production, Senior Jazz Band and Combo, One Act Festival, and Art Club: Art and Entrepreneurship. Regular performances, exhibitions and touring opportunities are part of the program, with IB-level study of music and theatre including final exhibitions and recitals. Middle School Arts offers Band, Choir, Intermediate Jazz Band, Middle School Production, and Art Club: Art and Entrepreneurship, while Elementary School Arts covers Music, Visual Art, and Elementary Musical Production.

Cultural & Language
Round Square connects STS with a global network and embeds IDEALS—Internationalism, Democracy, Environment, Adventure, Leadership and Service—across grade levels. Round Square citizenship opportunities include community service, exchange programs and leadership conferences, with STS students participating in activities such as Calgary Drop-In Centre service and international conferences. Student exchanges exist for Grade 7 and Grade 10, with exchanges conducted with boarding and non-boarding Round Square partner schools, typically lasting six to eight weeks for Grade 7.

Social & Hobbies
Outside of direct participation in athletic activity, there are many co-curricular opportunities: photography and videography, statistics, research and journalism, and promotion and marketing. At year end, there is an Athletic Awards Celebration recognizing leadership and character. The school also fields competitive teams in cross country and golf and hosts events such as the Terry Fox Run.

Community & Service
Round Square emphasizes community service and service learning, including activities such as Calgary Drop-In Centre projects and other local and international service work. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award provides Voluntary Service as a core component and guides students through four sections (Voluntary Service, Physical Recreation, Skill, Adventurous Journey). Art Club: Art and Entrepreneurship funds Round Square initiatives and supports service projects.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership is developed across the school community rather than confined to formal positions. The school describes leadership as a series of behaviours and emphasizes character, fairness, integrity and empathy as core values. The Round Square IDEALS and the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award further promote leadership, international mindedness, and service, with opportunities to lead and contribute at local and international levels.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The school promotes a life-long love of physical activity through team and individual sports outside regular PE. Outdoor Education focuses on leadership, resilience and well-being through outdoor experiences and practical life-skill development. The Senior School Arts program includes an overnight band camp at Camp Caroline and various performances, while events like the Terry Fox Run support fitness and community solidarity.
Languages

Language Provision
Through the IB programmes, English (IB English Year 1) is offered, with second languages including French and Spanish (French ab initio, French B, Spanish ab initio, Spanish B). The Middle Years Programme requires study of at least two languages. Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School delivers IB Programmes across Kindergarten through Grade 12.
Reputation

Accreditations
IB World School — Alberta's first full IB World School; authorized to deliver IB Programmes in Kindergarten through Grade 12; offers the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP).
CAIS accreditation — Canadian Accredited Independent Schools; accreditation evaluation indicates adherence to national standards for independent schools.
Round Square — STS is a Round Square member; network emphasizes internationalism, service and intercultural understanding.
AEE Accredited — Accredited by the Association for Experiential Education (AEE).
Workplace Safety COR — COR (Certificate of Recognition) for workplace safety.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Ages and eligibility. The school welcomes students from Kindergarten to Grade 12. 2. Online application. The first step in entering Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School is to fill out the online application form; apply as early as possible while space remains. After submission, staff guide you through an applicant checklist. 3. Interview and tour. The Enrollment Office will contact you to arrange an interview, which can be on campus or via video, with time for questions and required assessment steps. 4. Confidential school reference. A Confidential School Reference Form from a current teacher, guidance counselor, or principal should be submitted directly to the school. 5. Reports. Have the most recent report card ready to upload or email; have the final report cards from the previous two years available to share. 6. Formal assessments. Kindergarten to Grade 12 applicants complete assessments during the scheduled interview and tour; Kindergarten and Grade 1 participate in a Group Assessment day in January. 7. Character Skills Snapshot. Grades 7–12 applicants are required to complete a short online Character Skills Snapshot test (SSAT registration is available at ssat.org). 8. Deadlines and rolling admissions. Rolling admissions have started. Early Decision deadline for 2025–2026 was November 30, 2025; Regular Decision was February 10, 2026; after February 11, 2026 rolling admission begins for remaining grades if space is available; for other grades, inquiries can be submitted to discuss capacity. 9. Relocation and inquiries.

Scholarships
Scholarships and bursaries are offered to make STS education more accessible. Over CAD 535,000 in scholarships and bursaries were awarded this year. Financial assistance includes bursaries (need-based) and scholarships (merit-based based on excellence in scholarship, leadership and character). Applications are accepted each year from October 1 to February 14 for the next school year. New Grade 5–12 entrants may apply for the STS Entry Scholarship (up to CAD 5,000 in the first year). Forever Woods Endowment Fund provides three-year scholarships for Grade 10 entrants; both new and continuing students are eligible to apply. Forever Woods Scholarships are available to qualifying students. New Grade 10 applicants must submit a Forever Woods Scholarship application with the admission package by February 14; current Grade 9 students must complete their Forever Woods application by March 1. Bursaries are need-based and processed via Apple Financial Services; the internal Financial Assistance Committee reviews and awards based on recommendations. Typically, bursary allocations are announced in March, about a month after the February 14 deadline. For more information, contact the Enrollment Office or admissions@sts.ab.ca.
School Events
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