Foothills School Division (FSD) is committed to high quality instruction and excellence in learning. Learner engagement, support and success are priorities for all programs offered by Foothills School Division. A variety of programs improves opportunities and learning experiences for students. Foothills School Division promotes innovative thinking and practices in support of optimizing student learning, achievement and success through regular and alternative programs. 

Alternative programs, as programs of choice, are established to meet the specific educational interests and/or needs of students and their parents. Program Advisory Committees consisting of students, parents, community members and teachers work with the school administration to support the program, provide input on matters related to the program, as well as, assist in the recruitment of students and promotion of the program.

As referenced from Section 19 of the Education Act, ‘Alternative Program’ means an education program that emphasizes a particular language, culture, religion or subject matter or uses a particular teaching philosophy. The uniqueness of Alternative Programs lies in the existence of the following defined set of elements:

• A defined and consistent set of unique features intended to be long-term and sustainable. 
• The program usually involves the entire school or a combination of grades/classes at the school.
• A program where the educational approach influences the schooling experience of a child.
• A school culture or learning environment that reflects the uniqueness of the program.
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Alternative Programs in FSD include the following:

Explore: Nature Based Learning

A Kindergarten - Grade 6 Alternative Program in Foothills School Division through École Percy Pegler School

Learning outside in nature and with our community is the way we feel education is meant to be.  Students experience and connect with the Alberta Curriculum through hands on, relevant, and rigorous learning experiences that motivate them to wonder, explore, question, care, and learn.

Nature Based Learning is founded upon 4 essential pillars:

• Place Based Learning
• Experiential Education
• First Peoples Principles of Learning
• Outdoor Education

View more about the 4 essential pillars here.

Why Nature Based Learning?

Nature Based Learning is a powerful way to learn. Instead of making abstract connections from a textbook, students are immersed in the academic content as it unfolds before them in their own community. There is a beautiful flow that happens when learning in the outdoors. Students feel a sense of calm as they learn, and this leads to a more supportive learning environment.

Students enrolled in this program:

• Experience increased motivation, engagement, and success with learning.
• Develop deep connections to nature and the environment.
• Experience increased academic achievement.
• Experience learning that is meaningful and connected to the real world.
• Develop skills to overcome physical, emotional, and academic challenges.
• Become well rounded students who have a strong sense of community.
• Develop leadership skills to benefit their communities now and in the future.

For more information click here to learn more.

French Immersion

Foothills School Division's French Immersion Program provides learners with the opportunity to acquire fluency in speaking, reading, writing, listening, and communicating in French by the end of Grade 12. It is a program in which French is the language of instruction, beginning in Kindergarten or Grade 1 and continuing to Grade 3 when English is introduced. This program is designed for non-Francophones and is an effective way for learners to become fluent in French while achieving all of the learning outcomes of the regular programs of study.

In addition to providing students with the opportunity to achieve proficiency in both of Canada’s official languages, English and French, our French Immersion program nurtures the cultural, social, intellectual, and emotional development of each learner.  Learners become proficient in French by using it to study other school subject areas from Kindergarten through to Grade 12.

The French Immersion program is open to all students within the Foothills School Division catchment area as well as students from other school programs.

For more information and a list of schools offering French Immersion please click here to learn more.

International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program

Millarville Community School has been an authorized International Baccalaureate World School offering the Primary Years Program since April 2009. Millarville Community School offers the Primary Years Program (PYP) to students from Kindergarten to Grade 5.

The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programs of international education and rigorous assessment. These programs encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right. For more information about the IBO, please click here to learn more.

Montessori Program

Foothills School Division offers an Elementary Montessori Program for students in Grades 1 – 6 at Big Rock School in Okotoks. No prior Montessori experience by students is required to attend the program. Our teachers hold Alberta Teaching Certificates and are trained in the Montessori methodology. Montessori education balances freedom with responsibility in the classroom. It is a logical and consistent plan of education that follows the child from one developmental stage to the next. By appealing to inherent motivation, children develop through exploration and discovery with hands-on materials. The method combines more active participation by the child in their own learning, combined with high standards of academic excellence, social awareness and moral development. It also integrates a vision of humanity and its accomplishments designed to encourage children to ultimately take their place in their communities as responsible contributing adults. Our program follows the Alberta Program of Studies and integrates the Montessori Philosophy & Method of Learning including:

• Large blocks of uninterrupted learning time
• Small group lessons and independent work choices that personalize student learning
• Multi-aged students learning together
• Infusion of modern-day technology into curricular areas

For more information click here to learn more.

Questions?

Contact: Caroline Roberts, Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services