To know which school to send your child(ren) to is a different topic per se—especially in a city as huge as Calgary.

There are over 200 high schools in Calgary, each catering to learners from different backgrounds and interests, including those with learning difficulties and language barriers.

In this article, we are not only creating a list of high schools in Calgary, but we are also going to simplify the whole process of having you find a perfect school that would surely tickle your child’s fancy.

ABOUT THE CITY OF CALGARY

Calgary is the third-most largest city in Canada, with a population of over 1.3 million. Situated in the western Canadian province of Alberta, Calgary is consistently listed among North America’s and Canada’s best cities for liveability and quality of life.

In addition to having one of the biggest economies in the country, the city is home to some of the country’s most reputable secondary and post-secondary institutions, including the famous University of Calgary (U of C) and many other prestigious high schools.

Having said that, whether you are looking for the best public or private high schools in Calgary, it is necessary to consider a range of factors—from facilities, gender, sports, to location.

A general rule of thumb is to always check on the school website to know whether your location falls within the catchment/enrolment area, as some schools do not admit students who live outside the enrolment area.

Below are the top ten best high schools in Calgary. And as we rightly mentioned early in this post, these schools comprise public and private schools. Therefore, only choose the one that would match your children’s needs.

Top 10 Best High schools in Calgary, Canada

Forest Lawn High School

ENROLMENT: Approx. 1,259

GRADES: 10 – 12

SCHOOL TYPE: Public School

GENDER: Co-educational

TELEPHONE:   403-272-6665

ADDRESS: 1304 44 St SE Calgary, AB, T2A 1M8

EMAIL   [email protected]

PROGRAMMES:  Advanced Placement (AP), Dual Credit, Off-Campus Work Experience, Regular

WEBSITE:  school.cbe.ab.ca/school/forestlawn

Forest Lawn High School is a secondary school in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Established in 1968, Forest Lawn is one of the most sought-after high schools in the region, with an enrolment of approximately 1,259 students.

Despite the huge student enrolment, the school is known to be one of the best high schools in Calgary. Although an English school, it also provides instructions in French and Spanish.

At Forest Lawn, students from Grade 10 offer the Advanced Placement (AP) course, plus a full range of extracurricular programs in athletics, music, fine arts, etc.

Forest Lawn High School is under the Calgary Board of Education (CBE), the largest school district in Western Canada.

Notre Dame High School (Calgary)

ENROLMENT: Approx. 2,200

SCHOOL TYPE: Catholic High School

GENDER: Co-educational

TELEPHONE:  403-500-2109

ADDRESS : 11900 Country Village Link NE Calgary, AB T3K 6E4

WEBSITE:  notredame.cssd.ab.ca

Notre Dame High School is a Catholic high school in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, focused on providing a Catholic Academic Education to the students.

Presently catering to approximately 2,200 students, it is one of the largest high schools in Calgary. The school is governed by the Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD).

Notre Dame High School was established in 2005 and started with Grade 10 and Grade 11 pupils. But today, it caters to students from Grade 10 through Grade 12.

Of the 262 high schools in Alberta, Notre Dame is ranked as one of the best. This school is ideal for parents who want to send their child to a school where Christian ethos is fully adhered to.

Centennial High School Calgary

ENROLMENT: Approx. 1,432

GRADES:  10 – 12

GENDER: Co-educational

TELEPHONE :  403-256-8140

ADDRESS: 55 Sun Valley Blvd SE Calgary, AB, T2X 3W7

EMAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: school.cbe.ab.ca/school/centennial

Centennial High School is a secondary school in Calgary. Founded in 2004, it caters to learners from Grade 10 through Grade 12.

The school is part of the Calgary Board of Education (CBE) and currently has over 1,432 students on the roll. As one of the leading high schools in Calgary, Centennial High School does not only provides a safe and stimulating environment for students to learn and thrive.

It also encourages students to participate in any extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and drama.

At Centennial High School, every child matters! Whether you are a new or returning student, you’d most certainly find studies at this school to be fun.

ALSO READ: Best primary schools in Centurion 

ST Francis High School Calgary

ENROLMENT    Approx. 1,700

GRADES    10 – 12

GENDER    Co-educational

TELEPHONE    403-500-2026

ADDRESS    877 Northmount Drive NW Calgary, AB T2L 0A3

WEBSITE    stfrancis.cssd.ab.ca

St. Francis High School Calgary is a co-educational, Roman Catholic high school situated in Calgary. It is one of the largest high schools in Calgary, serving approximately 1,700 students in the city and beyond.

Opened in 1962 with fewer than 500 students in Grade 9 to Grade 11; the school now delivers educational programs to learners from Grade 10 through Grade 12.

As an Advanced Placement (AP) Program school, it offers learners a plethora of challenging and enriched materials and activities so as to equip them with the right knowledge and skills suitable for the ever-changing world.

Like most Catholic schools in Calgary, St. Francis High School is a member of the Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD).

St Mary’s High School Calgary

ENROLMENT:  Approx. 1,060

GENDER: Co-educational

TELEPHONE:  403-500-2024

ADDRESS: 111 – 18 Avenue SW Calgary, AB T2S 0B8

GRADES: 10 – 12

WEBSITE: stmarys.cssd.ab.ca

You can seldom find a list of high schools in Calgary without the inclusion of St. Mary’s High School. That in itself should give a sense of how reputable the school has become.

Founded in 1885, the school operates with a student population of approximately 1,060. As a Catholic secondary school, it is governed by the Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD).

Mary’s High School serves students from Grade 10 through Grade 12. Apart from being the oldest school in Calgary, it has made a name for itself over the past years.

Today, it is known to offer some of the best education for students in Calgary, and its students’ academic performance is one of the best in the region.

Secondary Schools in Calgary

Sir Winston Churchill High School Calgary

ENROLMENT:   Approx. 2,249

GRADES : 10 – 12

GENDER: Co-educational

TELEPHONE: 403-289-9241

ADDRESS: 5220 Northland Drive NW Calgary, AB, T2L 2J6

EMAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: school.cbe.ab.ca/school/sirwinstonchurchill

Sir Winston Churchill High School is one of many senior high schools in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, operated by the Calgary Board of Education (CBE).

Founded in 1986, the school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) World Programme, and it is rated one of the best public high schools in Alberta.

Despite its consistency in ranking among the leading schools in Calgary for academics; it is highly regarded as one of the best in national mathematics competitions, science competitions, poetry contests, etc.

Sir Winston Churchill High School athletic teams are arguably one of the best in the province. They often times take part in the Calgary Zone of the Alberta Schools Athletic Association.

Henry Wise Wood High School

ENROLMENT: Approx. 1,473

GRADES : 10 – 12

GENDER:  Co-educational

TELEPHONE: 403-253-2261

ADDRESS:  910 – 75 Avenue S.W. Calgary AB T2V 0S6

EMAIL:  [email protected]

WEBSITE:  school.cbe.ab.ca/school/henrywisewood

Henry Wise Wood High School, commonly abbreviated as HWW, is a public high school in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The school opened in 1961 to not more than 200 pupils. Today, HWW has over 1,473 students enrolled from Grade 10 to Grade 12.

Henry Wise Wood offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme and the Gifted and Talented Education Program (GATE). HWW is managed by the Calgary Board of Education (CBE) and is also part of the Action for Bright Children Society.

In addition to its academic exploits, HWW is also actively involved in sports. It has a handful of sports teams, including rugby, basketball, swimming, soccer, volleyball, to mention but a few.

Western High School Calgary 

ENROLMENT:  Approx. 2,211

GRADES: 11 – 12

GENDER: Co-educational

TELEPHONE:  403-228-5363

ADDRESS: 641 17 Ave SW Calgary, AB, T2S 0B5

EMAIL    [email protected]

WEBSITE :  school.cbe.ab.ca/school/westerncanada

Western Canada High School, often referred to as WCHS, is a public high school situated in Calgary. It was founded in 1903 to cater to learners from Grade 10 through Grade 12.

Owing to its strategic location, WCHS is regarded as the most centrally located public secondary school in the city. Academically, it is ranked as one of the best high schools in Calgary.

In addition, the school provides English language and French as the primary language for instruction.

WCHS also offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme, including an extensive visual and performing arts program. Western Canada High School is a member of the Action for Bright Children Society.

Crescent Heights High School Calgary

ENROLMENT : Approx. 1,834

GRADES:  10 – 12

GENDER: Co-educational

TELEPHONE: 403-276-5521

ADDRESS : 1019 1 St NW Calgary, AB, T2M 2S2

EMAIL:  [email protected]

WEBSITE   school.cbe.ab.ca/school/crescentheights

Crescent Heights High School is a co-educational, public high school in Calgary with an enrolment of 1,834 students in Grade 10 through Grade 12.

CHHS, as it is commonly known, is a member of the Calgary Board of Education (CBE), and it is among the leading high schools in Calgary. Literally, all the students who graduate from the school gain immediate post-secondary school admission.

At Crescent Heights High School, nearly 40 percent of students come from outside the immediate enrolment zone.

Among the communities served are Crescent Heights, Coventry Hills, Hidden Valley, Crossroads, Mt Pleasant, Renfrew, Sunnyside, Mayland Heights, Vista Heights, Bridgeland, Tuxedo Park, Rosedale, etc.

Lester B Pearson High School Calgary

ENROLMENT:  Approx. 1,699

GRADES: 10 – 12

GENDER: Co-educational

TELEPHONE: 403-280-6565

ADDRESS: 3020 52 St NE Calgary, AB, T1Y 5P4

EMAIL:  [email protected]

WEBSITE    school.cbe.ab.ca/school/lesterbpearson

Lester B. Pearson High School is a mixed-gender, public senior high school located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Founded in 1990, the school is under the Calgary Board of Education (CBE). It is one of Calgary’s high schools to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) World Programme. In addition, it also offers the French Immersion program.

At Lester B. Pearson High School, students can earn a combination of French Immersion and International Baccalaureate (IB) course certificates.

With over 1,591 students on the roll, Lester B. Pearson High School strives to maintain its reputation in terms of the quality of education and providing an environment where learners can develop and grow.

Things to consider before Choosing the best High School.

If you are a parent looking for the best high school for your Child then the factors below will be important to consider, this includes:

• Academics: This is probably the most important factor for most parents. Consider the school’s curriculum, graduation rates, and test scores.
• Extracurricular activities: Does the school offer a variety of extracurricular activities that your child is interested in? This could include sports, clubs, or arts programs.
• Location: How far is the school from your home? Consider the commute time and transportation options.
• School culture: What is the school’s atmosphere like? Is it supportive and welcoming?
• Teachers: Are the teachers qualified and experienced? Do they have a good rapport with students?

Final Thoughts

These are some of the best high schools in Calgary, if you have any questions or more insight kindly feel free to drop your questions in the comment section.