Best Schools in Calgary
by Neighbourhood
School quality is one of the top factors families consider when choosing where to rent in Calgary. This guide covers the top-rated schools by quadrant, so you can find the right neighbourhood for your family — or know which areas attract the best family tenants.
School catchment areas in Calgary are managed by the Calgary Board of Education (CBE) and the Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD). Catchment boundaries change periodically — always confirm your specific address catchment at cbe.ab.ca or cssd.ab.ca before making rental or investment decisions.
Northwest (NW)
The NW quadrant is widely regarded as having the best school concentration in Calgary, making it the top choice for family renters.
Marion Carson School
Arbour Lake · Grades K–6
Consistently one of Calgary's top-rated elementary schools. Strong parent involvement.
Robert Thirsk High School
Tuscany / Royal Oak · Grades 10–12
International Baccalaureate (IB) program. One of Calgary's top public high schools.
Glenbrook School
Glenbrook · Grades K–9
Strong academics and sports programs. Family-oriented community.
William Aberhart High School
Briar Hill / Hounsfield Heights · Grades 10–12
Large, well-resourced school near the University of Calgary.
Simon Fraser School
Varsity · Grades K–9
U of C proximity attracts academic families. Strong science programs.
Southwest (SW)
SW Calgary has excellent schools especially in the inner city and established communities like Lakeview, Signal Hill, and Aspen Woods.
Calgary French & International School
Cougar Ridge · Grades K–12
Private bilingual school. One of Calgary's most prestigious. Strong waitlist.
Webber Academy
West Springs · Grades K–12
Private school. Excellent academics. Popular with high-income families.
Ernest Manning High School
Aspen Woods · Grades 10–12
One of Calgary's highest-rated public high schools. IB program. Strong sports.
Rundle College
Lakeview · Grades K–12
Private school with exceptional reputation. Long waitlists.
St. Mary's High School
Mission / Cliff Bungalow · Grades 10–12
Catholic school. Strong academics and community.
Southeast (SE)
SE Calgary is one of the fastest-growing areas in the city, with newer schools in communities like Mahogany, Auburn Bay, and Legacy.
Mahogany School
Mahogany · Grades K–4
Brand new facility. Modern amenities. Growing community.
Auburn Bay School
Auburn Bay · Grades K–4
Community-focused school in one of Calgary's most popular lake communities.
Dr. E.P. Scarlett High School
Haysboro / Willow Park · Grades 10–12
Large established school. Strong sports programs.
Bishop Grandin High School
Maple Ridge · Grades 10–12
Catholic school. Strong IB program. Well regarded.
Joane Cardinal-Schubert High School
Evergreen · Grades 10–12
Specialized fine arts program. Good choice for creative families.
Northeast (NE)
NE Calgary is the most diverse quadrant in the city. Schools here reflect that diversity, with strong English as Additional Language (EAL) programs.
Bishop McNally High School
Taradale / Martindale · Grades 10–12
Large Catholic school. Strong academics and sports. Diverse community.
Nose Creek School
Coventry Hills · Grades K–9
Community school in a growing NE neighbourhood.
Lester B. Pearson High School
Beddington · Grades 10–12
International focus. Diverse student body.
Sir John A. Macdonald School
Monterey Park · Grades K–9
Established school with strong community ties.
City Centre (CC)
Inner-city Calgary has a mix of boutique schools, French immersion, and specialized programs. Popular with professional renters without children, but family demand is growing.
Beltline School (formerly Colonel Walker)
Beltline · Grades K–6
Urban school with strong parent community. Walking distance for most Beltline residents.
Sunalta School
Sunalta · Grades K–6
Small, community-oriented school. French immersion program.
Calgary Arts Academy
Sunnyside · Grades K–9
Specialized arts-integrated curriculum. Popular choice for creative families in the inner city.
What This Means for Landlords
Family tenants are your best tenants
Families with children enrolled in local schools stay longer — often 3–5+ years. School catchments create genuine neighbourhood loyalty.
School quality drives rental premiums
Properties in top school catchments (Robert Thirsk, Ernest Manning, Bishop McNally) consistently command 5–15% rent premiums over comparable units outside the catchment.
Best family rental markets
NW Calgary (Tuscany, Royal Oak, Varsity) and SW Calgary (Aspen Woods, Signal Hill) offer the best combination of top schools and strong rental demand.
Investors: verify catchment before buying
A 2-block difference can mean different school catchments. Verify the specific address before purchasing investment property in school-focused neighbourhoods.
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