Schools
The Grande Prairie Public School Division's International Student Program serves students in Grades 6 through 12. Our Division is made up of a total of 18 schools.
Currently, the schools accepting International Students include:
- Charles Spencer High School 9-12
- Grande Prairie Composite High School 9-12
- Alexander Forbes School K-8
- Crystal Park School K-8
- Derek Taylor Public School K-8
- École Montrose School K-8
For more information about any of our 18 schools, click here.
School Year
The School Year runs from the first weekend of September through to the last weekend of June. A typical Senior High (Grade 9-12) year is organized in two semesters September to January and February to June.
For September entry, students should have the application process completed in May. For a February entry, application forms should be completed in November.
Student Entry Points
Student entry points are strongly encouraged to align with the start of the two semesters for students exploring a full, or half year experience. We have a 15 year history of students from Japan who most commonly join us for the second semester starting in February and return to Japan a year later in January. It's a cold start to their experience as they arrive in the middle of winter but it has proven to be very successful for our students.
Students exploring a short term stay must work through the international education team to ensure proper arrangements and preparations have been made for a successful experience. Initial contact in all situations is by e-mail to: inted@gppsd.ab.ca
Programs
In Grande Prairie Public School Division, we have a wide-rage of programming available for International Students. Students will have the opportunity to choose a course of study at their grade level that will provide a rich academic experience in the core subjects of mathematics, the sciences, English, and social studies (history, politics, & economics), as well as a range of elective courses that matches and exceeds what is available in many schools across the province of Alberta.
International Baccalaureate Program
Students may also choose to participate in the world recognized International Baccalaureate (IB) program available as part of the IB Program at Grande Prairie Composite High School. We note that students considering this at the high school level should already be in IB at their home school to create the best opportunity for success for students in grade 11 and 12 with a sound working knowledge of English as the primary language of learning.
Elective course selection at the high school level: Grades 10-12
Our schools offer an incredible range of electives in addition to Math, Science, and the humanities, providing students with an opportunity to pursue their passions. Please check with Grande Prairie Composite High School and Charles Spencer High School for available course selections.
The Academy
The Academy is part of the programming offered at Alexander Forbes School, École Montrose School, Aspen Grove School and Charles Spencer High School. Students can enter the Hockey, Dance, Soccer, Golf or Athletics programs, designed for Grades 4-12. This program is not included in our regular tuition program and is designed for students particularly passionate in these activities. In addition to high quality academic instruction, time is built into the student's daily schedule to focus on their passion, while earning credits (in the high school program only).
English Support
International students receive English as an Additional Language (EAL) support, appropriate to their needs, in an inclusive classroom setting with their Canadian classmates. Our students quickly take International Students in as friends and are excited to share in learning new languages and culture. Your English will improve every day!
For more information on all programs and services available at Grande Prairie Public Schools, click here.
