For many families, choosing a neighbourhood in Calgary starts with one question: how good are the schools? Whether you are buying, selling, or relocating, schools often shape lifestyle and real estate decisions.
This guide explores the best public schools in Calgary for families. You will see which schools stand out, why their neighbourhoods are desirable, and what home prices look like.
For those who prefer to watch instead of read, check out my YouTube video on the best public schools in Calgary for families.
Know Your School Types in Calgary
Calgary has several types of schools, and it’s easy for families to mix them up when researching. Here’s the breakdown:
- CBE: Calgary Board of Education public schools
- CCSD: Catholic public schools
- Charter: Publicly funded with specialized programming
- Private: Independent, tuition based
This article focuses only on CBE public schools, which are the largest and most widely used in Calgary.
How Schools Impact Real Estate in Calgary
Strong public schools are one of the biggest drivers of demand in Calgary neighbourhoods. Families often choose where to live based on designated school boundaries, which makes homes in these areas more desirable and more resilient in price during market shifts. Properties in top catchments can sell faster and command a premium compared to similar homes outside those boundaries.
Pro Tip: Always double check your designated school with the CBE Find-a-School tool before buying.
The Best Public Schools in Calgary
These schools stand out not only for strong academic performance but also for the neighbourhoods that surround them. Each combines quality education with family friendly communities that make them some of the most sought after places to live in the city.
Andrew Sibbald School (Score 8.0)
Grades: K–5
Neighbourhood: Lake Bonavista
Average Home Value: $993,400
Lake Bonavista is Calgary’s premier lake community, known for its family orientation, strong schools, and access to Fish Creek Park. Families value safety, recreation, and the number of school options nearby.
- Safe, family-oriented neighbourhood with 2 private lakes
- Proximity to Fish Creek Park and Southcentre Mall
Elbow Park School (Score 8.3)
Grades: Elementary
Neighbourhood: Elbow Park
Average Home Value: $1.76M
Elbow Park is one of Calgary’s most affluent inner city areas. It offers historic charm, tree lined streets, and close proximity to downtown. Families move here for both lifestyle and prestige.
- Scenic parks and pathways along the Elbow River
- Strong community with heritage homes
- Close proximity to downtown
Louis Riel School (Score 8.3)
Grades: Elementary and Junior High
Neighbourhood: Oakridge
Average Home Value: $825,000
Oakridge is a mature neighbourhood with large homes, strong community ties, and excellent connectivity thanks to the ring road.
- Specialized programs attract students from across Calgary
- Large renovated bungalows and mature landscaping
- Close to South Glenmore Park and reservoir pathways
Prince of Wales School (Score 8.3)
Grades: K–6
Neighbourhood: Parkland
Average Home Value: $900,000
Parkland is a family friendly neighbourhood bordering Fish Creek Park. Prince of Wales benefits from a quiet, safe community with strong schools and convenient shopping nearby.
- Hidden gem with excellent park access
- Quick connections via Deerfoot Trail and Macleod Trail make commuting downtown straightforward while keeping the neighbourhood tucked away and peaceful.
Colonel Walker School (Score 8.4)
Grades: Elementary to High School
Neighbourhood: Inglewood
Average Home Value: $725,000
Inglewood is Calgary’s oldest and most artistic neighbourhood, known for character homes, lively streets, and a strong sense of community. Colonel Walker sits in a heritage location, close to downtown.
- Unique mix of homes and architectural styles
- Walkable to downtown and river pathways
- Artsy, vibrant atmosphere with local shops and restaurants
Calgary Christian School (Score 8.4)
Grades: Preschool–12
Neighbourhood: Glendale / Glenbrook
Average Home Value: $700,000–$800,000
Calgary Christian is a publicly funded faith based alternative school. Families like the strong community ties and the convenience of Glendale and Glenbrook, which are well connected west side neighbourhoods.
- Publicly funded alternative program under Palliser
- Mature neighbourhoods with large lots and renovation potential
- Good transit and shopping access on the west side
Marion Carson School (Score 8.4)
Grades: Elementary
Neighbourhood: Varsity
Average Home Value: $922,700
Marion Carson is recognized for its Mandarin bilingual program. Varsity is a well established community with proximity to U of C, shopping, and major roads.
- Bilingual Mandarin program adds unique appeal
- Safe, clean, and family friendly community
- Close to University of Calgary and Market Mall
Altadore School (Score 8.7)
Grades: K–6
Neighbourhood: Altadore
Average Home Value: $1.2M
Altadore is a trendy inner city neighbourhood near Marda Loop. Families love the shopping, restaurants, and parks, although congestion can be a drawback.
- Popular with professionals and young families
- River Park and Sandy Beach nearby
- Mix of modern infills and older character homes
Rideau Park School (Score 8.8)
Grades: K–9
Neighbourhood: Rideau Park
Average Home Value: $1.65M
Rideau Park is one of Calgary’s most exclusive areas, offering riverfront living, walkability, and proximity to downtown.
- Scenic river setting with access to pathways
- Walkable to Mission, 4th Street, and 17th Ave
- Exclusive, high demand neighbourhood
Brentwood School (Score 8.9)
Grades: K–6
Neighbourhood: Brentwood
Average Home Value: $775,000
Brentwood is one of Calgary’s most consistently popular family neighbourhoods. It is close to U of C, transit, and shopping, and offers a cluster of schools in the Triwood area.
- Often voted Calgary’s best family neighbourhood
- Easy access to transit and major roads
- Strong community associations and recreation facilities
Trinity Christian School (Score 8.9)
Grades: K–9
Neighbourhood: Midnapore
Average Home Value: $678,000
Trinity Christian is a faith based school in Midnapore, a lake community in south Calgary.
- Access to Midnapore Lake and Fish Creek Park
- Affordable compared to Lake Bonavista
North Haven School (Score 9.1)
Grades: Elementary
Neighbourhood: North Haven
Average Home Value: $700,000
North Haven is a quiet, mature neighbourhood bordering Nose Hill Park. Families appreciate the bungalows, quiet streets, and proximity to nature.
- Mature community with older homes
- Quick access to Nose Hill Park
- Affordable compared to inner city options
Sunalta School (Score 9.6)
Grades: K–6
Neighbourhood: Scarboro / Sunalta
Average Home Value: $1.25M
Sunalta is one of the most desirable inner city public schools, located in Scarboro near downtown. Families value the large lots, historic homes, and quick access to the core.
- Overlooks downtown with winding historic streets
- High demand, upscale feel in Scarboro
- Walkable to Beltline, downtown, and transit
School Boundaries and Lotteries in Calgary
Calgary public schools assign students based on home address, but when a school or program is full, a lottery system is used to decide placement. Lotteries usually take place in February, and priority is given to students who live in the walk zone or already have siblings enrolled. Families who don’t get in may be redirected to another nearby school.
That’s why it’s important for parents to confirm school boundaries and lottery status before they begin viewing homes or making a purchase.
Final Thoughts
Calgary’s top public schools shape where families choose to live and have a lasting impact on neighbourhood values. Finding the right school often goes hand in hand with finding the right community and the right home.
If you’re ready to take the next step, here are some helpful resources to guide your move.
- 📞 Call/Text: (403) 471-4212
- 📧 Email: ryan@ryangillard.ca
- 📈 Request a Home Evaluation
- 🗂 Buyer’s Guide
- 🗂 Seller’s Guide
- 🗂 Relocation Guide
- 🏡 View Homes in Calgary
- 💰 Compare Calgary Mortgage Rates
- ✅ 10 Things to Check Before Buying a Condo