When it comes to your child’s schooling needs, you want to make sure they’re receiving a great education in an environment that best suits them. That’s why it’s important to find the right school to set them up for success in the classroom as early as possible. But with so many good elementary schools in Edmonton to choose from, which ones stand out over the rest?
We’ve compiled a list of the top-ranked elementary schools in Edmonton to help make your decision easier. You’ll be able to learn more about what each school has to offer your child so you can narrow down your search and find the best fit for them.
Please note: The schools listed below aren’t in any particular order but all have been given high rankings based on past and current reports from the Fraser Institute.
1. MOUNT PLEASANT SCHOOL
Out of all the schools in the Edmonton area, Mount Pleasant School has constantly been ranked as the best school for academic performance. The main reason for this top ranking is this school offers their students an alternative program that goes by the name of Cogito. This Cogito program works at taking those students who are excelling in academics to be put into their own environment that focuses on order and structure.Â
Because Mount Pleasant is such a coveted school to get into, students must meet certain requirements which the school will provide to those interested. Mount Pleasant is located in the Pleasantville neighbourhood and operated by the Edmonton Public School System.
2. WINDSOR PARK SCHOOL
Located in the south central neighbourhood with the same name, Windsor Park School is a small public school that focuses mainly on achieving excellence through both literacy and numeracy. That’s why many students who don’t even live in the Windsor Park community come specifically to this school for their learning needs.Â
However, since the Windsor Park School is located near the University of Alberta, many of the students attending are the children of the University staff members. The school also provides space for the University and Community Early Learning Centre, for children ages two+ up to six.
The Windsor Park School is also known for its excellent music program that features a music specialist, and their programs are enhanced via experiential learning, access to new technologies and more.
3. STRATFORD SCHOOL
Stratford School is a public school that also employs the Cogito program. Unlike the others, this school is found in Jasper Park and hosts students from Kindergarten to Grade 9. The Stratford School doesn’t only focus on academics. It also caters to developing the student’s creativity, as well as their life skills.Â
The curriculum is mainly knowledge-based, so it depends on a lot of hard work and dedication from both the staff and students. Here, the student’s work habits and organizational skills are strengthened. Typically, the student’s parents bring them and pick them up from this school, as the students come from all over west and central Edmonton.
4. ST. MARTIN ELEMENTARY CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Located in the established and popular south central Edmonton community of Lendrum Place, the highly recommended St. Martin K-6 Catholic School offers world-class Ukrainian bilingual learning and dance training.
In fact, it is only one of two schools on the planet that offers this type of dance training in both their Physical Education and Fine Arts programs! If you are Ukrainian and want your children to be closer to their roots, this is a great place to learn.
Even if you aren’t, St. Martin School will open up your kids to a new culture and language in a safe, supportive setting. It’s important to note that academics is a huge focus here. The impressive programs found here are taught by a talented staff of educators and are designed for students to excel in the classroom and in life.Â
5. GRANDVIEW HEIGHTS SCHOOL
Within the Grandview Heights area of Edmonton is the Grandview Heights public school. This school hosts grades one to nine with to their two program options: the standard Alberta Program of Studies program and the Academic Alternative Program for the older students in junior high.
At the Grandview Heights School, students are prepared for any schooling to follow thanks to their strict focus on the core subjects. Technology plays a big part here in the literacy, Physical Education, and French programs taught.
6. CRESTWOOD SCHOOL
Just east of Jasper Place and next to the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, you’ll find the highly-recommended Crestwood Elementary Junior High School. You do need to live in the neighbourhood in order for your children to attend here, but if you’re looking for a new home or a place to put down roots this is a great option.Â
Aside from the impressive regular learning program offered here, in Grades 7-9 you’ll also find the Academic Alternative and Challenge Programs. This is a huge benefit for kids who are more advanced than others because they will be taught in a way that challenges them so they can continue to learn new skills.
Crestwood School also has a great mix of sports teams to choose from. Basketball, Volleyball, and Soccer are a few of the favourites, but there’s something for every skill set. You can find the full list of athletics programs here. At Crestwood, you can feel good knowing your child is being challenged in and out of the classroom as they stay active doing something they enjoy.Â
7. WESTBROOK SCHOOL
This culturally diverse elementary school is nestled in the southwest Edmonton neighbourhood of Aspen Gardens and is worth taking a closer look at.Â
Westbrook School caters to all learning types, with a regular and Challenge program offered here. There is also a French as a Second Language program which all students from Grades 4-6 are required to take. This is a fun way for children to learn Canada’s other official language and learn about its rich French roots.
If you want your child to excel in the classroom, you’ll feel confident sending them to this school. Westbrook has been recognized as a School of Distinction, winning Awards for Excellence in Education in the Excellence in Language Arts and in Excellence in Science categories. This is a telling sign of the kind of top-tier teachers who work here and their commitment to getting the most out of each student, no matter their background.
Now that you’ve read about each school and the programs they offer, you can reach out to your favourite ones to learn more. It’s natural to want the best of the best when it comes to the education your child receives and you can’t go wrong with any of these top-ranked Edmonton elementary schools.
Originally posted Aug 24, 2017; updated Sep 2, 2022
Author: Casey C.
I enjoy long walks on the beach...just kidding. Diehard Oilers Fan (#SorryNotSorry). Old Man Millennial.