Land Acknowledgement
We respectfully acknowledge that our school sits on Treaty 7 territory, and that the people of the Blackfoot Confederacy — including the Siksiká, Piikáni, Káinai First Nations, the Tsuut’ina First Nation, Métis Nation of Alberta, and the Stoney Nakoda including Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations, were the caretakers of the land where we now learn and play.
Calgary French & International School is situated on Aiss ka pooma, a traditional Blackfoot name meaning Medicine Hill, and known today as Paskapoo Slopes. The buffalo that roamed this traditional hunting ground provided food, shelter and clothing to its inhabitants. This land continues to be a place where plants, animals, rocks, water, air and earth, people and all things tangible and intangible exist. As participants now gathered here at CFIS, in the heart of Aiss ka pooma, we have an ongoing responsibility to protect, learn about and honour the land. We thank its traditional caretakers and knowledge keepers.
EDIA Statement
CFIS is a respectful community, dedicated to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. We deeply value the unique identities and well-being of every community member, striving to ensure everyone feels accepted, supported, and has a true sense of belonging. We embrace and share a variety of perspectives, experiences, and cultures. With kindness and empathy, we learn and grow together.
MISSION
Calgary French & International School develops each student’s individual and academic potential through full French immersion, an international focus and the development of the whole student in a rich and dynamic learning environment.
VISION
CFIS graduates will be active global citizens with a foundation for life-long success, and our school will be the leader in French immersion and international education.
We care. Nous sommes bienveillants. We connect.
Nous créons des liens. We strive. Nous visons l’excellence. We grow. Nous grandissons ensemble.
Leading with purpose.
A message from the Head of School & Society Board Chair
At Calgary French & International School (CFIS), we empower multilingual minds and global hearts. Through our robust multilingual and international programming, we ignite curiosity and foster a lifelong love of learning. From Early Childhood Education to Senior School, our students develop into critical thinkers and compassionate leaders prepared to make their mark on the world.
Looking ahead, CFIS is poised for growth and innovation. Our enhanced strategic plan charts a bold course for the future, guiding us toward our long-term vision of becoming Alberta’s only bilingual IB World Continuum School. With PYP and DP authorizations in place, MYP authorization expected by 2027, and IB continuum integrated by 2028, CFIS will offer unparalleled opportunities for students to excel academically, culturally, and personally.
Building for the Future
To realize this vision, CFIS is committed to enhancing our facilities and programs to accommodate growing enrolment and to offer transformative experiences.
Our ambitious goals include:
• Maintain strong student and staff retention through genuine commitment to each individual’s experience.
• Enhance programming by integrating global standards and real-world learning.
• Upgrade and create new dynamic spaces to foster innovation and growth.
• Expand enrolment where capacity allows.
Milestones in Student Experience
From enriched multilingual education to leadership opportunities, CFIS students engage in diverse cocurricular activities, advocacy, and community service, building empathy and a sense of global responsibility. We are proud to shape future-ready graduates who are confident navigating diverse perspectives.
Join Us in Shaping the Future
CFIS’s long-term vision is fueled by the collective efforts of our community. Together, we aim to reimagine education and create a school environment that offers every student the tools, opportunities, and inspiration to thrive.
We invite you to explore the big ideas driving our strategic vision, from the journey toward IB World School Continuum status to bold facility enhancements that will transform the CFIS student experience. Thank you for joining us as we build an exciting future for our students.
Guiding the way.
Setting priorities for CFIS. The Strategic Planning Committee, working with the Head of School, identified five Strategic Priorities. These Strategic Priorities build on CFIS's strengths, whilst helping to address areas of challenge.
Strategic Priorities and Measures of Success
PRIORITY 1
Grow vibrant school divisions within a full French immersion and international context.
PRIORITY 2
Engage our diverse community.
PRIORITY 3
Value and celebrate our staff.
PRIORITY 4
Enhance our financial flexibility.
PRIORITY 5
Evolve with purpose, together.
Priority 1
Grow vibrant school divisions within a full French immersion and international context.
Bright ideas belong here.
PRIORITY 1.2
STRENGTHEN BILINGUAL AND MULTILINGUAL COMPETENCIES
Champion French immersion from toddlers to Grade 12. Deliver consistent, high-impact instruction that fosters deep fluency, confidence, and cultural appreciation.
Nurture multilingual growth through French, Spanish, and English pathways. Foster confident multilingual learners from ECE to Grade 12, with intentional growth in French, Spanish, and early English foundations.
Cultivate global communicators with strong, flexible language skills. Empower students to thrive in diverse settings through meaningful, progressive language learning.
PRIORITY 1.1
DELIVER ROBUST, EVOLVING ACADEMIC PROGRAMMING
Inspire lifelong learners through seamless, world-class curriculum continuity. Integrate Alberta, IB Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programmes, from toddlers to Grade 12.
Build strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, and problem solving. Nurture deep engagement in multilingual literacy and numeracy, critical thinking, and realworld problem solving.
Elevate French and global proficiency at every stage. From playful beginnings to purposeful fluency—foster confidence, competence, and readiness for life beyond graduation.
By launching Junior Preschool, CFIS now offers the earliest French immersion entry point in Western Canada.
From the earliest start to graduation, CFIS students emerge bilingual & globally ready — welcomed by top English, French, and bilingual universities.
PRIORITY 1.4
EXPAND EXPERIENTIAL AND REAL-WORLD LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Learn by doing—in classrooms, communities, and the world. Embed hands-on, meaningful experiences that spark curiosity and deepen understanding at every age.
Grow leaders who serve with purpose. Develop each student’s leadership capacity through service, citizenship, and real-world engagement.
Expand pathways beyond the classroom. Partner with communities to offer off-campus learning, internships, and global opportunities —including international travel—that prepare students for the future.
PRIORITY 1.3
FOSTER WELL-ROUNDED STUDENTS AT ALL AGES
Enrich learning through the arts, athletics, and innovation. Elevate music, visual arts, drama, physical education, and design as core contributors to cognitive and personal growth.
Strengthen belonging and balance across all ages. Support executive functioning, mental health, and social-emotional development at every stage of learning.
Connect learners through meaningful, cross-divisional experiences. Foster student leadership, collaboration, and continuity from ECE to Grade 12.
Together we are community.
Priority 2
Engage our diverse community.
PRIORITY 2.1
CREATE A CULTURE OF BELONGING
Celebrate diversity. Build connection. Live our values. Embrace individual differences and foster belonging through interdivisional programming and character education.
PRIORITY 2.2
STUDENTS ARE ACTIVE PARTICIPANTS IN OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY
Empower student voice and leadership across all ages. Provide authentic opportunities for students to lead, shape change, and stand up for what matters.
PRIORITY 2.3
PARENTS ARE ACTIVE PARTNERS IN BUILDING A CARING, CONNECTED, AND THRIVING SCHOOL COMMUNITY
Foster a culture of connection. Engage parents as community builders and collaborators in their child’s journey through volunteering to help shape our community.
PRIORITY 2.4
INCREASE THE STRENGTH OF CONNECTIONS WITH CFIS ALUMNI WHO GRADUATED FROM GRADE 12
Keep alumni connected—to each other and to CFIS. Strengthen relationships through data, annual events, and meaningful alumni involvement.
“Here, you will find partners in raising your children —partners who help you navigate their education and their growth into well-rounded human beings, ready to face a world we know little about today.
Together—the school, the family, and the children— we can all learn and grow .”
Morella, IB MYP Parent
Where talent takes root.
PRIORITY 3.1
100% OF STAFF AND FACULTY FEEL VALUED AND SUPPORTED
Nurture a culture of support, appreciation, and growth. Prioritize wellness, collaborative culture, and personalized professional development.
PRIORITY 3.1
CFIS WILL BE RECOGNIZED AS THE EMPLOYER OF CHOICE AMONG FRENCH IMMERSION SCHOOLS IN ALBERTA
Be the destination for top French immersion talent. Attract and retain excellent teachers and grow university partnerships.
A culture of growth and giving.
Priority 4
Enhance our financial flexibility.
PRIORITY 4.1
CFIS WILL MAINTAIN A HEALTHY AND SUSTAINABLE OPERATIONAL BUDGET
Plan for the future—responsibly and strategically. Strengthen enrollment, optimize spending, and maintain long-term financial sustainability.
PRIORITY 4.2
CFIS FUNDRAISING SUPPORTS FINANCIAL STRENGTH AND FUTURE GROWTH
Grow a culture of giving with lasting impact. Inspire philanthropy and strengthen systems that support strategic fundraising.
Building a future with care.
Priority 5
Evolve with purpose, together.
PRIORITY 5.2
ENSURE STABLE ENROLMENT ACROSS ALL DIVISIONS.
PRIORITY 5.1
TELL OUR STORY WITH CLARITY, CONSISTENCY, AND PURPOSE.
Develop and implement a cohesive, strategic approach to all strands of CFIS’s marketing and communications. By 2027, CFIS will be the only bilingual IB World Continuum School in Western Canada.
PRIORITY 5.3
EXPAND FACILITIES AND PROGRAM DELIVERY TO SUPPORT AND SUSTAIN ENROLMENT GROWTH AND THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE.
Coming into focus.
The CFIS Strategic Planning Committee, in conjunction with input from the Board and School Leadership, has selected priority improvements to the School.
Looking ahead at CFIS
EXPANDING THE CFIS EXPERIENCE
Offering the CFIS experience to more students and families by enhancing our facilities and maintaining enrolment where capacities allow.
ENHANCED OPPORTUNIES
Creating spaces and programs that offer greater opportunities for all CFIS students.
FUTURE EXPANSION
Exploring opportunities to accommodate long-term growth.
RENOVATION
As our campus grows, so does our ability to meet demand and sustain the quality and connection at the heart of CFIS.
Phase 1 renovation, at a glance:
Senior School
Community Hub
Completed in September, 2025
Elementary Gym Performance Enhancements
Design STEM Labs for Middle & Senior Schools
To be completed September, 2026
Completed in September, 2025
The future is taking shape — thanks to the community bringing it to life.
Future capacity goals 2025 capacity
186
340
194 Primary School
400
173
240
150
180
School Senior School
Together, we are… Curious minds. Compassionate humans. Allies. Independent thinkers. Ethical decision-makers. Volunteers. Global citizens. Bridge-builders. Advocates. Visionaries. Creative problem-solvers. Champions of belonging. Uplifters. Community. Active listeners. Active partners. Change-makers. Critical thinkers. Cultural contributors. cfis.com
