Private school education is traditionally considered a privilege of wealthy families, but many independent schools in Edmonton and across Alberta are actively working to make their programs more accessible to gifted students regardless of their families' financial circumstances. Scholarships and bursaries are two key financial support tools that private schools use to attract talented children and ensure diversity in their student body.
Overview of financial support in Alberta's private schools
There are over 160 independent school authorities in Alberta, operating approximately 230 schools and serving over 48,000 students. The provincial government does not regulate the tuition fees that private schools can charge for grades 1 through 12, so the cost of tuition varies significantly between institutions. This creates a significant financial barrier for many families, especially considering that the average family in Calgary cannot afford to spend nearly 30 percent of their income on private school tuition.
That is why many private schools have developed comprehensive financial aid programs that include both academic merit-based scholarships and need-based bursaries. Over 90 percent of publicly accredited independent K-12 schools in Alberta offer some form of assistance to families through scholarship and financial aid programs. This demonstrates the private education sector's broad commitment to the idea of accessible education for talented children from different socioeconomic backgrounds.
Types of financial support in private schools
Merit-based scholarships
Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional achievement in academics, leadership, the arts, athletics, or other fields. Unlike bursaries, these scholarships do not require proof of financial need—they are awarded solely on the basis of talent and achievement.
These scholarships typically vary in size depending on the student's level of achievement and the policies of the specific school. Some private schools offer scholarships that cover 10 to 50 percent of tuition, while others may offer full scholarships to particularly gifted students. The selection process usually includes an evaluation of academic performance, letters of recommendation, interviews, and sometimes a portfolio or demonstration of talent.
Need-based scholarships
Scholarships are grants given to students so that they can attend an independent (private) school when their families cannot afford it. Many schools that are members of the Council of Independent Schools have fundraising programs to offer more assistance to families who are unable to pay for tuition. These funds are provided as bursaries to reduce school fees.
Bursaries are assessed on a financial basis and require parents or guardians to complete a declaration to determine whether the student meets the necessary criteria. This assessment is usually conducted annually for as long as the bursary is required.
Specific Edmonton private schools and their scholarship programs
TEMPO School
TEMPO School is one of Edmonton's most renowned private schools, offering education from kindergarten to grade 12 with an emphasis on academic excellence. The school believes that not only gifted students thrive in a challenging academic environment, but that all children, with the right parental support and focused teaching, will succeed.
TEMPO School has a well-developed academic scholarship system that begins in Grade 7. Scholarships are awarded based on school grades received at the end of each academic year, and students must be enrolled at TEMPO and complete the required course load.
For students in grades 7 and 8, the criterion is a minimum average score of 85% in English, grammar, and six other academic subjects. The scholarship amounts are: $100 for an average score of 85-90% (TEMPO scholarship), $200 for 90-95% (TEMPO scholarship with honors), and $300 for 95-100% (TEMPO scholarship for excellence).
From 9th to 12th grade, the minimum average score is reduced to 80%, but the scholarship amounts increase: $500 for 80-90%, $750 for 90-95%, and $1,000 for 95-100%. An important feature is that these funds are held in trust and paid to students upon completion of TEMPO in 12th grade, provided that all fees have been paid. Students who leave school before graduation lose their accumulated funds.
Additionally, TEMPO School awards a $250 scholarship for each final exam in which the student receives a score of 95% or higher. These subjects include English, French, social studies, mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics.
Edmonton Academy
Edmonton Academy is a specialized private school for students in grades 3-12 who have been diagnosed with specific disorders or learning difficulties. The school has been in existence since 1983 and provides specialized education tailored to the needs of its students.
The school offers a limited number of scholarships to help families with financial difficulties. Scholarship applications are only considered after a child has been enrolled at Edmonton Academy, and decisions on applications are made in August. Families interested in applying for a scholarship can contact the school for an application form.
Progressive Academy
Progressive Academy is an independent private school that has been providing quality education to children from kindergarten to grade 12 in Edmonton since 1984. The school also offers an exceptional preschool program for 3- and 4-year-olds.
Tuition for the 2025-2026 school year is $326.25 per month for kindergarten (including the government accessibility grant) and $1,182.50 per month for grades senior kindergarten through 12th grade. The school offers discounts for families with multiple children and pre-payment options. Progressive Academy positions itself as a school that supports gifted students and offers an individualized approach to learning.
Renert School
Although Renert School is based in Calgary, it is worth mentioning as an example of the financial support model for private schools in Alberta. The school combines rigorous academic instruction with a rich extracurricular program. In mathematics and the humanities, students are grouped by ability rather than by grade, allowing them to progress without limitations in their areas of strength.
The school offers financial assistance, which is assessed on a sliding scale based on total household income and net family assets. It is important to note that aid is provided solely on the basis of financial need, not academic merit, making it accessible to students regardless of their current grades. Renert School graduates have received some of the most prestigious scholarships in Canada, including the Schulich Leader Scholarship.
Calgary private schools with developed scholarship programs
Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School
Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School (STS), located in Okotoks near Calgary, is one of the most prominent examples of a comprehensive financial support system among Alberta's private schools. In the current academic year, the school has allocated more than $535,000 for scholarships and bursaries for students.
The school offers entrance scholarships for new students in grades 5-12 based on their academic achievements, compassionate character, and leadership abilities. Scholarships can be as high as $5,000 for the first year of study at STS. Applications for entrance scholarships are submitted along with applications for admission to the school.
The Forever Woods Endowment Fund, created to honor the memory of seven students who died in an avalanche on February 1, 2003, holds a special place. This fund supports three-year scholarships for students entering the 10th grade at STS. Scholarships are awarded to the best candidates who demonstrate both financial need and outstanding merit (academic, character, and leadership).
There are five Forever Woods named scholarships, each of which recognizes the personal qualities of the deceased students: the Ben Albert Scholarship (for excellence in academic and athletic achievement), the Scott Broshko Scholarship (for the motto “Be the Best”), Michael Shaw Scholarship (for participation in the outdoor education program), Marissa Staddon Scholarship (for young women who demonstrate generosity of spirit), and Jeffrey Trickett Scholarship (for excellence in academics and the arts).
According to the school, approximately 20 percent of the 660 students receive some form of assistance, either based on financial need or merit. In the 2017-18 school year, the school allocated more than $365,000 in financial aid.
Tuition for 2018-19 ranged from $15,450 for kindergarten to $22,930 for grades 10-12, plus additional fees, including a $3,500 registration fee and transportation costs. Need-based bursaries are available to families who demonstrate a gap between their disposable income and the expected cost of education at STS.
Webber Academy
Webber Academy in Calgary allocates $775,000 annually for scholarships and bursaries. The school is a coeducational, non-denominational university preparatory school and regularly ranks among the top schools in the province according to the Fraser Institute.
Tuition fees for the 2026-2027 school year are: $21,000 for kindergarten, $24,000 for senior kindergarten to grade 6, $25,200 for grades 7-9, and $25,800 for grades 10-12. The school offers a 10% and 15% discount on tuition fees for the second and third child from the same family, respectively.
Scholarships are available for students in grades 6 through 11 who are entering grades 7 through 12 at Webber Academy. The selection committee looks for candidates who demonstrate a commitment to excellence, a compassionate character, and a passion for learning and life.
West Island College
West Island College in Calgary is a leading private school for students in grades 7-12 that combines academic excellence with hands-on, experiential learning. The school offers a unique Pathway Grants program that provides resources, mentorship, and support to students to realize their entrepreneurial and innovative ambitions.
West Island College graduates regularly receive prestigious scholarships for further education. For example, 2020 graduate Ana Quintero Garcia received a Schulich Leaders scholarship worth a total of $100,000 to study at McGill University's Faculty of Engineering.
Provincial and National Scholarships for Talented Students
In addition to scholarships directly from private schools, talented students in Alberta can apply for numerous provincial and national scholarships to help fund their education.
Alexander Rutherford Scholarship
The Alexander Rutherford High School Achievement Scholarship is one of the most well-known provincial scholarships in Alberta. It is worth up to $2,500 and is awarded based on academic achievement in high school. Students must have an average grade of 75-80% or higher in five subjects in grades 10, 11, and 12 to receive different levels of scholarships: $400 for grade 10, $800 for grade 11, and $1,300 for grade 12.
Loran Scholars Scholarship
The Loran Scholars Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and generous scholarships in Canada. Its total value is $100,000 over four years of undergraduate study. It includes an annual scholarship of $10,000, tuition waiver at one of 25 partner universities, personal mentoring from a Canadian leader, and up to $14,000 to fund summer internships.
To apply, students must be in their final year of high school, have a minimum grade point average of 85%, be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and be born between January 1, 2004, and September 1, 2010. The Loran program considers character, leadership, and community service to be more important indicators of potential than standard academic measures.
Jo-Anne Koch Scholarship for Gifted Children
The Jo-Anne Koch for Bright Children Society Scholarship, named after the first principal of ABC (Westmount) Charter Public School in Calgary, is designed to support gifted students in their post-secondary education. As the parent of a gifted child and a long-time educator in Alberta public schools, Ms. Koch has been a tireless advocate for the rights and needs of gifted students.
The scholarship is worth $1,500. However, it should be noted that this scholarship is intended for students who are already enrolled in their second or subsequent years of bachelor's degree programs in chemical engineering, nursing, or social work at post-secondary institutions in Alberta.
Schulich Leaders Scholarship
The Schulich Leaders Scholarship is one of the largest scholarships for STEM students in Canada, with awards of $80,000 and $100,000. It is awarded to high school graduates who are entering engineering, science, mathematics, or technology programs. Students from Edmonton and Alberta are regularly nominated for this prestigious scholarship, including students from TEMPO School, Vimy Ridge Academy, and other schools.
How to apply for a scholarship at a private school
Application process
Most private schools accept applications for financial aid annually during a specified period. For example, Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School accepts applications for financial aid from October 1 to February 14 for the following school year, which begins in September. Scholarship decisions are usually made within a month after the application deadline.
Many private schools use Apple Financial Services, an independent organization that conducts a confidential analysis of a family's financial ability to pay for tuition. Apple Financial Services does not decide whether financial aid will be awarded, but only provides a recommendation based on the family's ability to pay for tuition.
What you need to apply
To apply for a merit-based scholarship, you will typically need to:
- Submit a completed school application along with the registration fee
- Provide copies of your report cards for the last two years
- Obtain a letter of recommendation from a teacher or other professional
- Write an essay or letter of motivation (depending on the school's requirements)
- Complete an interview or assessment (for some schools)
To apply for a need-based bursary, you must also complete a detailed financial declaration through Apple Financial Services or directly at the school, which includes information about your family's income, assets, debts, and expenses. All financial documentation is kept strictly confidential.
Charter schools as a free alternative
It is worth noting that Edmonton has charter schools — publicly funded schools that do not charge tuition but offer specialized programs similar to private schools.
Aurora Academic Charter School
Aurora Academic Charter School is a dynamic, innovative, publicly funded charter school located in the Sherbrooke community in northwest Edmonton. The school serves students in grades K-9 and has over 3,000 names on its waiting list. Aurora Academic Charter School offers an enriched academic program and has recently received public funding to expand to the upper grades.
As a public school, Aurora Academic Charter School is free for students, making it an attractive alternative for families seeking an academically challenging education without the financial burden of private schools.
Edmonton Classical Academy
Edmonton Classical Academy is a tuition-free classical charter school serving students in grades K-9 in the 2025/2026 school year. As a public charter school, Alberta Classical Academy does not charge tuition, although families must pay some annual fees to cover program costs not funded by the Alberta government. These fees are $165 per year for kindergarten and $295 per year for grades 1-8.
The school offers fee waivers and financial assistance to low-income families because it believes that all children should have access to a traditional classical education regardless of their background, socioeconomic status, or zip code.
Practical tips for parents
When choosing a private school and applying for a scholarship, there are several important factors to consider.
Start your search early, as scholarship application deadlines are often in late fall or early winter for the following school year. Some schools require you to apply for a spot well in advance, and scholarship deadlines may be even earlier.
Don't be afraid to ask. If you're not sure whether your family is eligible for a bursary, fill out the application anyway. As Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School notes, “If you're not sure whether you qualify, just fill out the application so we can start the conversation.”
Prepare a portfolio of your child's achievements, which may include academic results, awards, certificates, letters of recommendation, and examples of extracurricular achievements. This is especially important for merit-based scholarships.
Consider different options. In addition to private schools, charter schools such as Aurora Academic Charter School, Edmonton Classical Academy, or Suzuki Charter School offer specialized programs without tuition fees. Edmonton public schools also have Gifted and Talented programming that supports students with advanced intellectual abilities.
Summary
Private schools in Edmonton and across Alberta are actively working to make their programs more accessible to talented children from all socioeconomic backgrounds. From TEMPO School's internal academic scholarships to Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School and Webber Academy's extensive financial aid programs, there are a wide range of options for families seeking a quality education for their gifted children.
The key to success is to carefully research the available options, apply early, and communicate openly with schools about your family's financial situation and needs. Whether you choose a private school with a scholarship program or a free charter school with a rigorous academic curriculum, Edmonton offers a variety of paths for your child's talents to flourish.