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Glenmore Christian Academy first opened on September 1, 1980, in the First Alliance Church basement with 60 students in grades 1 through 6, an ECS (Kindergarten) program, and the Agapeland Preschool program. The students in grades 1 through 6 were in three split classes (Grade 1/2, Grade 3/4, Grade 5/6) with 20 students. With the completion of the Christian Education addition to First Alliance Church, the enrollment was expanded to approximately 240 students in September of 1981, adding Grade 7 and 8 to the school. To accommodate the promotion of the Grade 8 class the following year, Grade 9 was added. A senior high school program with grades 10 and 11 operated for two years. Because this met with mixed success, it was discontinued the emphasis being placed on building a quality program for students in Kindergarten to Grade 9. During the summer of 1987, the Board was informed at Dr. Oakley Junior High School would become vacant for September. After satisfactory arrangements were negotiated with the Calgary Board of Education, the school was relocated for September 1987. After four years at Dr. Oakley and the eventual termination of the lease, plans to construct the first phase of a new building were put into effect, and a 52,000 square foot facility was created in the south of Calgary. The current Glenmore Christian Academy opened on September 3, 1991. A new 554 seat theatre* was constructed in 2000 to facilitate an increased focus on the arts. Then, in September of 2005, a 350 seat cafeteria opened for service. Parking lot upgrades took place over the summer of 2005 to provide expanded parking. The next few years would also see a second full-size gymnasium being built. On February 1, 2012, the new Junior High wing opened with a new band room, drama room, and chapel space. The Junior High wing was designed to provide more natural light and to encourage creative thinking, including providing furniture with innovative designs. It has been apparent that God has had his hand on the school from its inception. We are deeply indebted to Him for His guidance and direction over the years. The significance in GCA students' lives will be determined over time as the students take their place in the Christian community. Welcome to GCA Elementary! It is our priority with over 500 students to ensure that each child gets plenty of individualized attention. We achieve this by offering four to five classes per grade with a maximum of 20 students (K to Gr 3) or 25 students (Gr 4 & 5) per class.* Our newest Junior Kindergarten program, along with our Kindergarten program, has an adult to child ratio of 10:1. In our Elementary school, the Bible is more than a class: it is infused into every subject we teach. Using the Alberta curriculum as a base, our unique, Biblically infused, accelerated academic program starts in Junior Kindergarten. Strong literacy and numeracy skills are introduced to give our students the fundamentals of reading, writing, and mathematics before entering Grade 1. Students learn the importance of teamwork and problem solving and begin to nurture and develop a life-long relationship with Christ. Using a collaborative approach, students are allowed to learn a range of subjects from a team of expert educators. They are also introduced to multimedia and research tools to help prepare them for our changing technological world. Service to others is a focus throughout all of the grades. Both the school as a whole and the individual grades take on service projects for the school year in order for students to learn the importance of empathy and charity, as well as support the community on local, national, and international levels. These projects continue into Junior High as our students gain the fundamental skills and understanding behind servant leadership. In Junior High, our goal is to create a dynamic Christian environment where students excel at learning while developing life-long relationships within our community and with Christ. To facilitate a smooth transition into the new grade and foster strong relationships, grade groupings go on overnight retreats at the start of the school year. These experiences offer students opportunities to bond with staff and with each other while enjoying outdoor education benefits. Our Grade 9 students spend February break building homes for those in need and serving poor communities in Mexico on a Mission Trip. Throughout the year, our students are offered the opportunity to discover who they are and nurture their God-given talents through chapels, small group sessions, our Mission to Others program, and other Christian-based initiatives. Leadership growth is also enhanced through mentorship opportunities with students in the Elementary school. Our accelerated, Biblically infused curriculum includes core subjects (math, science, language arts, social studies) and the addition of 'option' courses: Band, Art, Drama, Outdoor Education, and TDI (Technology, Design & Innovation). Students can explore either French or Spanish as their second-language option. Junior High is a BYOD (Bring Your Device) environment, allowing digital literacy growth alongside regular classwork. Outside of regular classes, students can pursue interests in artistic and athletic endeavors. Our GCA Royals athletic teams participate in various sports through the CISAA (Calgary Independent School Athletic Association) League. Students also regularly utilize our expansive theatre for chapels, assemblies, band concerts, and extensive musical theatre production. Clubs such as the Art Club, Drama Club, Student Leadership Team, and more are other opportunities for students to explore their interests. The potential for growth in all aspects of life is encouraged to mature into young adults and servant leaders. View full school