Alternative and Language programs provide CBE families with choices to meet the learning needs of each child. These programs recognize students’ diverse ways of learning and address a broad range of interests and abilities.
Registration for Alternative and Language programs for the 2026-27 school year opens on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026.
Programs offerings include (but are not limited to):
- All Girls
- Arts-Centred
- Indigenous Focus
- Language programs (Mandarin bilingual, early and late French immersion, German bilingual, Spanish bilingual)
- Montessori
- Science
- Traditional Learning Centre
Learn more about Program Options.
Registration and eligibility requirements vary from program to program. Visit the Alternative Programs Registration page to learn more.
School Open Houses
Attending an open house is a great way to learn more about a program or school. School open houses are taking place throughout the month of January and early February.
New to Canada?
We proudly welcome students who are new to Canada. If your child is not a Canadian citizen, please review both our New to Canada page to understand the specific steps your family must follow. For assistance, call the CBE Welcome Centre at 403-817-7789.
Lottery Process
A lottery system ensures fair access to schools or programs that are at or over capacity. Learn more about the lottery process.
If you are registering at a school or for a program that is running a lottery for the 2026-2027 school year, you will need to submit it by the lottery deadline to be included in the lottery draw.
The 2026-2027 school year lottery deadline to submit a registration form is Feb. 10, 2026, at Noon. Lotteries will then be conducted on Feb. 11, 2026 by Noon. If you select more than one alternative program, each school will notify you whether your child has been accepted. If they were not accepted into any of the lottery schools, your child will attend their designated regular program school.
Transportation for Alternative Programs
Students attending Alternative Programs access general transportation under a congregated stop model. Congregated stops are used when students from the same or multiple nearby communities congregate or gather at one stop to take a bus to their chosen school. Learn more about transportation
Ready to register? Visit the Alternative Programs Registration page when registration opens on Jan. 12, 2026: