Education Options for Children in Kindergarten to Grade 12

Please visit the Calgary Catholic School District website for the most up-to-date information. Placement into the specialized programs are by referral only from the school board, talk with the school learning team to learn more.

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Observation Class – Grades 1-6 

A small class in a congregated setting within a regular school. The purpose of the placement is to determine the most appropriate educational program for students with severe and complex learning profiles. The program allows for enhanced monitoring and assessment. This is a 2-year program.

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Supports for students with Autism

Connections Class – Grades 2-6

The Connections class is a congregated setting within a regular school. Students may be considered part of a regular education classroom and the Connections program. The program provides a high level of support to students with autism with average cognitive ability who require additional support and strategies with self-monitoring and regulation. Integration into the regular program may be immediate and consistent or gradual and varies according to the student’s profile and Learner Support Plan (LSP). Once these self-regulation skills are strongly established, students will return to their home school community. The average placement duration is 2 or 3 years.

St. Anthony Congregated School – Grades 1-12 

This school is designed to meet the needs of students with complex developmental conditions such as autism and who have complex regulation, communication and behavioural challenges. It serves students from elementary to high school with severe developmental conditions with behavioural issues.

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Cognitive Disabilities –
Educational Support I, II and III – Grades 1-12

Educational Support I (ESI)

The Educational Support I (ESI) programs are provided for students with mild cognitive disabilities. 

• • In elementary, students usually receive instruction in one or more core subjects within the congregated ESI classroom.

• • The junior high program provides instruction in academic and life skills with a focus on language arts and mathematics instruction. Time is also spent on social skills training.

• • For senior high, ESI is a three-year program which combines practical academic instruction and work experience opportunities in the community. Students graduate from this program with a certificate of completion, but do not receive a high school diploma.

The Educational Support II (ESII)

The Educational Support II (ESII) programs are provided for students with moderate cognitive disabilities.These programs emphasize the development of essential and supportive skills including communication skills, motor skills, academic skills, and life skills. Students may require assistance for personal care and safety as well as close supervision and one-on-one intervention. Students may receive consultation with speech, physical and/or occupational therapists. Integration with age-appropriate peers occurs according to individual student need, interest, skills, and abilities.

• • In elementary, students receive support with communication and academic skills.

• • For junior high, the focus is on daily living skills with an emphasis on the functional application of academic skills.

• • In senior high, social skills and where appropriate, job skills training are emphasized.

The Educational Support III (ESIII)

The Educational Support III (ESIII) programs are designed for students with severe cognitive disabilities. These programs emphasize the development of essential and supportive skills including communication skills, motor skills, life skills, and functional academic skills.

• • The program provides community-based instruction to allow students the opportunity to practice and transfer skills taught in the classroom to other environments.

Diverse Learning Class 

For Airdrie, Cochrane and Chestermere – Grades 1-12, Chestermere 1-6. The Diverse Learning classes in satellite communities may include students with mild or moderate cognitive disabilities. Students receive instruction in one or more core subjects as well as life/adaptive skills. Participation in the regular classroom for other subject areas is considered as per the Learner Support Plan.

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Emotional/Behavioural Disabilities

Starting Points (Grades 1-6)

The Starting Points program is a congregated setting within a regular school. The goal of the program is to assist the students in acquiring the necessary behavioural skills in order to integrate back into their home schools or other designated programs.

Transitions Programs (Grades 4-12)

These programs provide an opportunity for students with severe mental health difficulties, who have a history of being unsuccessful in a regular educational setting, to work in a safe treatment focused classroom environment that assists them in identifying their own emotional issues while allowing them to learn more acceptable coping strategies.

Congregated Behaviour Setting – Our Lady of Lourdes (Gr. 1-12)

This program is designed to meet the needs of students with complex social, emotional, family and/or academic and behavioural challenges. Students are referred to Our Lady of Lourdes by the school district because they have not been successful in their community school setting.

P.A.R.K Program – Program for At Risk Kids

Supports high school students who have a history of social, psychological, physiological, and academic concerns; an inability to cope within the traditional classroom setting; and are at risk of dropping out of school. This program is available in 2 school locations.

Fresh Start Outreach

There are two Fresh Start Outreach programs. The Junior High program, and the High School program.

• • The Junior High Fresh Start Outreach Program provides a different type of structured learning environment, based on individual student learning needs that creates opportunities for students to receive support and services that encourage personal success.

• • The High School Fresh Start Outreach Program serves those students who find it very challenging to be successful in a traditional learning environment.