Alpenglow School

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Alpenglow School is an alternative program for Kindergarten - Grade 6 children within Canadian Rockies Public Schools.  The curriculum considers the 3 pillars of Waldorf pedagogy, nature immersion and Alberta Education to create an exciting, inspiring, nurturing, and creative learning environment for the children.  The current Alpenglow Kindergarten and Grade 1-6 classes are located in a quiet wing of the Canmore Collegiate High School.

REGISTRATION FOR 2024/2025

Registration for 2024/2025 school year Kindergarten programs is open through the Canadian Rockies Public Schools website.

Kindergarten Options

Alpenglow School is conscious of the many changes in a child’s life as they transition from the home and begin their school learning journey. 

Our unique, full-day kindergarten is structured to address the Alberta Education curriculum through a blend of Waldorf methods and play-based learning.  Teachers recognize the importance of outdoor play as the foundation of learning and growth. Children experience healthy childhood development as they build connections to nature, to themselves and to others through a range of intentional activities including oral storytelling, sensory awareness games, purposeful skill-building and creative time in nature. 
As we do not wish finances to be a barrier to welcoming your child to our program, we offer program assistance.  To be eligible, you will need to hold a Town of Canmore Affordable Service Program Identification Card.  Take a look here for more information on this program and how to apply for a card.  Email [email protected] should you have any questions regarding this program or want to discuss eligibility or other payment scheduling options.

Experiential Learning

More and more research is showing the importance and positive academic benefits of experiential learning (learning by doing) and having educational experiences in nature.  Our program that is inspired by Waldorf education and nature supports children by incorporating these teaching practices into the children’s daily school experience.

Key Aspects of the Alpenglow School

  • The daily routine is simplified with fewer transitions in the day, as subjects are more integrated and taught in blocks of weeks.
  • There is time outside every day, in addition to recesses, for nature immersion and nature integration.
  • The child's development and readiness for curriculum content are considered with each grade level. Academics first start in Grade 1.
  • The AB curriculum is taught in each grade. From Grade 1 onwards additional subjects are taught. Some examples are: music (instrument is taught- recorder), form drawing (to support handwriting, drawing & mathematical skills), handwork and a language (French).

There is an integration of subjects, such as Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies with nature immersion, artistic mediums, experiential learning and storytelling. There is a lot of movement and activity to incorporate new concepts. There is limited or no testing in elementary school grades.  However, Grade 3 and 6 do take Student Learning Assessments (SLA). The students create their own workbooks rather than have textbooks or worksheets.

Community Building

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There are yearly events and festivals, such as Winterfest and Springfest, for the school community and greater community.

The Alpenglow Parent Handbook provides additional details and program information about the Alpenglow School. Click here to find a link to the current Parent Handbook.