One of the great benefits of living in Edmonton is that there are always new schools being built, giving local residents more opportunities to give their children the best education possible. But with all of the changes taking place, it can be difficult to keep track of new schools options in a given area.
That's why we've prepared this helpful list of all of the new schools in the greater Edmonton area.
The 2017 Announcement
On March 21st, 2017, the government of Alberta announced it will be allocating $500 million towards building eight brand-new schools, replacing nine existing schools, and modernizing an additional seven schools, many of which are in Edmonton.
The modernization plan includes schools in Edmonton and involves upgrading the electrical and mechanical systems as well as installing functional upgrades to give students access to the most effective and modern learning environments.
Two projects in Edmonton foresee brand-new construction, including a new elementary school in Lethbridge and another school in the Ellerslie area. The plan also foresees a new grade 7-9 school in The Meadows and a new grade K-6 school in Pilot Sound, available to residents of Cy Becker.
The school modernization program also includes money for upgrading Highlands High School based on a public-government plan crafted following a two-year community consultation process. The original Highlands building built in 1914 will be modernized, the current addition and existing annexe will be removed and a new addition will be built. Furthermore, Highlands will convert to a K-9 school.
Note: Once the Highlands project is completed, the nearby Mount Royal and Montrose schools will be closed and existing students diverted to Highland.
The Future List at a Glance
Based on the above-mentioned announcement, here is the future for Edmonton area schools at a glance:
- École Joseph Moreau - Replaced
- Highlands Junior High - Replaced
- Ben Calf Robe - Modernized
- Junior High School (The Meadows) - New build
- Pilot Sound Elementary - New build
- Ellerslie Elementary - New build
Note: Construction is slated to begin 2018 for new schools with the openings scheduled for 2021.
New Edmonton Schools Added in 2017
A total of 11 new schools opened in Edmonton this year, including:
- Constable Daniel Woodall in Windermere - K-6
- David Thomas King in Secord - K-9
- Dr. Lila Fahlman in Allard - K-9
- Donald R. Getty in Chapelle - K-9
- Hilwie Hamdon in Hudson - K-9
- Ivor Dent in Beverly - K-9
- Jan Reimer in The Orchards - K-9
- Kim Hung in Granville - K-7
- Michael Phair in Webber Greens - 7-9
- Shauna May Seneca in Walker - K-7
- Svend Hansen in Laurel - K-9
Note: Shauna May Seneca is temporarily operating at the Jan Reimer School until January 8th, 2018, due to issues related to the surrounding wetlands. And the Kim Hung School is likewise temporarily operating at the Michael Phair School until January 8th, 2018.
Edmonton Area Catholic Schools
The number of students enrolled in Catholic schools in the Edmonton area is expected to rise to approximately 43,000 students, including those at the modernized Ben Calf Robe - St. Clare school and the brand-new Archbishop O'Leary High School.
The Edmonton area Catholic school district also saw five new schools open this year, including Christ the King school that serves students grades K-9.
Edmonton Modernized Schools in 2017
Several schools are undergoing the process of being modernized in 2017, including:
- The Alberta School for the Deaf
- Caernavon
- Ross Sheppard (expected to open in 2018)
- Vimy Ridge Academy
Furthermore, the Lilian Osborne School is currently being expanded.
School Projects Website
The Alberta government has set up a website that allows residents to keep track of all school building projects in their community. This is a great resource for seeing both ongoing and planned school projects throughout the greater Edmonton area and Alberta.
By logging onto this site, you can view new school projects in your area and set up alerts specific to your community.
Finding the Right School for You
If you're new to Edmonton or are looking for a different school for your children, the Edmonton Public School District has a useful website. Beyond helping you find a nearby school, it also contains tips and helpful information about assessing schools based on your needs, location and bus service, child care options, and each school's academic focus.
Once you've found the right school for your child, you can go online to register as well as pre-enroll existing students for the upcoming academic year.
As Alberta and the greater Edmonton area continue to thrive, parents and guardians will enjoy an ever-increasing number of top-rated educational facilities to choose from for their children.
Whether it's a public, private, or parochial option, Edmonton is growing by leaps and bounds when it comes to providing top-notch schools. If you have recently located to Edmonton, take your time and do the research to find exactly the right school for your own and your child's needs.
