Rundle Academy Building Futures Campaign Case for Support

TRANSFORMING LIVES TOGETHER

RUNDLE ACADEMY

A world of possibilities

STUDENTS, TEACHERS, AND FAMILIES SAY THAT MAGIC HAPPENS HERE Since opening our doors in 1998, Rundle Academy has grown from 17 to 280 students. Today, our school consistently ranks as one of Calgary’s top programs for students with learning disabilities (LD).

LD students who struggle to learn in a traditional educational setting find their place, inner strength, voice, and path at Rundle. That’s because we see the potential of every person who walks through our doors.

The Academy rebuild is a lead priority for Rundle.

The members of the Rundle College Society Board of Directors view the Academy’s new home as a critical imperative and have generously committed over $2,000,000 to making this vision a reality.

Now, we need your help.

A MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL JASON ROGERS

We are thrilled to share the Rundle Academy Case for Support — our bold vision to transform and expand our school while staying true to the values that have shaped us for over 25 years. At the heart of this initiative is the creation of a purpose-built facility designed not only to support our current students but also to welcome 175 more students with diagnosed learning disabilities.

This project is about more than bricks and mortar; it’s about deepening our impact. It’s about creating a space where every student is known and valued, where dedicated teachers inspire growth, and where the lifechanging power of education shines every day.

We invite you — our Rundle community, friends, and the greater Calgary community — to partner with us to make this dream a reality. Together, we can ensure that more students experience the unparalleled opportunities that Rundle Academy provides.

JOIN US AS WE BUILD RUNDLE ACADEMY’S FUTURE With input from students, faculty, Rundle’s leadership, and creative and architectural teams, we have proudly designed a new purpose-built school that reflects the magic, innovation, and growth that happen within its walls.

By reimagining Rundle Academy’s space, we will serve many more Calgary families with a stellar learning experience in a school designed with students’ needs at heart, for teachers to do their best work, and for a community to grow, come together, and celebrate.

UNLOCKING POTENTIAL AND MAKING AN IMPACT Rundle Academy delivers specialized programming for students from grades 4-12 with a diagnosed learning disability. The Academy team takes an immersive approach that unlocks our students’ potential.

10% 99% 99% of Canada’s students have a learning disability.

of Academy students finish their high school diploma compared to 85% of all students across Alberta.

of Academy graduates are accepted to one or more leading post-secondary institutions in Canada and abroad.

"When I started at the Academy in grade 5, my teacher made me feel so welcome and taught me new strategies that helped me with my learning. I felt like I finally belonged.

Everyone at Rundle has different needs and you don’t have to worry about being judged for yours. My teachers have supported me to self-advocate for what I need to succeed, which will be so important for me in the future, at university and beyond."

– CLAUDIA S., GRADE 12 STUDENT

RUNDLE ACADEMY IS

TRANSFORMATIVE LIFE-CHANGING SO THE NEED TO PROVIDE MORE SPACE IS CLEAR.

Rundle Academy receives on average

Available openings for only

Due to lack of space, we are forced to turn away

APPLICATIONS

STUDENTS

STUDENTS EVERY YEAR

150+

45

100+

WITH YOUR HELP, WE CAN BUILD SPACE TO WELCOME MORE STUDENTS TO THIS SPECIAL PROGRAM.

While our building will change, the small class sizes, the sense of calm, the supportive community, and the exceptional teachers will remain. Same Heart. New Home.

HOW WE DO IT

Student-centred

Small class sizes

We meet students where they are and design a unique approach to learning based on their needs and strengths.

A low student-to-teacher ratio means every student gets the attention and support they require to learn and thrive.

Accommodating and supporting students’ needs Based on each student’s learning profile, teachers provide a personalized set of tools to set them up for success. Students learn how to advocate for themselves.

An inclusive community with heart Everyone belongs here.

We recognize each other’s gifts and do not pass judgment.

Through generosity, contribution, and empathy, the Rundle Academy community lifts each other up.

Exceptional teachers Our teachers are dedicated, invested, and trained to teach students with learning disabilities. They build meaningful relationships with their students, make themselves available, and give personalized feedback so every student can succeed.

While our program has grown into something truly special, the Academy’s building needs an extensive expansion to support the needs of our students, teachers, and community.

"Before Rundle, our son fought going to school and was losing his self confidence. ‘School is not my best subject,’ he would say to people who asked him how school was going. Since coming to Rundle, he has incredible supports, a great group of friends, a sense of belonging, and is succeeding in school in ways we did not think possible. The focus on citizenship and character in all aspects of the Rundle journey have been amazing We feel like we won the lottery when our son was accepted into Rundle and continue to feel that way five years on!"

– ROB DAWSON, RUNDLE ACADEMY PARENT

A remarkable home for remarkable people We consulted our community of students, parents, teachers, architects, and the thought-leaders at global design and innovation company IDEO to imagine a space that encourages differentiated learning in a supportive, nurturing environment.

The new design maintains that comfortable, humble spirit, while also introducing purpose-built learning spaces and incredible new facilities.

We believe everyone who needs specialized education should have access to it.

The world needs more Academy graduates.

The CAPITAL EXPANSION will increase our space from

30,000 SQUARE FEET

enable us to welcome

TO

70,000 SQUARE FEET

175 MORE STUDENTS.

Post-and-beam construction will honour the building’s roots and give the space a sense of home.

Open, light-filled spaces will promote calm and connection.

A combination of wood, Rundle stone, and metal features will give the building a residential feel.

Details that promote wellness and learning.

THE HEART OF THE SCHOOL Upon arriving, students will be greeted by a beautiful open space with a great staircase. This is where the school will gather for announcements, to hang out, and to celebrate together.

Academy graduates are empowered with an exceptional education, the tools they need to self-advocate at postsecondary and beyond, and a willingness to take on challenges with grit.

Purpose-built learning spaces • Reflection spaces where students can find a corner to be alone, reflect, and study.

• Intentionally designed spaces for quiet, private study, testing, and innovative learning technologies such as voice-to-text.

• Spaces where the community will come alive.

Open, accessible, and inviting hallways.

• Gym, fitness, music, and art rooms allow students to explore wellness and creativity.

• Dedicated grade 12 lounge.

• Open, accessible, and

"Dr. Jason Rogers and his team have a vision about the community and the students. They want to be champions for future leaders and to create an exceptional environment that provides incredible service. This building will have an enduring impact on both current and future students and families."

– MIKE ESFARJANI, RUNDLE ACADEMY PARENT

• Innovative science lab surrounded by windows so light can filter in.

• A private student services hub where students can receive mental health support.

• Connected and accessible administrative offices.

Varied, sloped rooflines will create a village feel.

Cozy outdoor spaces will provide additional space to study and socialize.

Designed to blend in with our greater community.

Spaces to study and socialize "This new building is going to give a tremendous boost in terms of agency and self-worth to our students. Every piece of the design has so much intentionality. Students of all learning profiles will be seen and will see their worth within this new space."

– KELLIE ADAMS, RUNDLE ACADEMY ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

Transformative classrooms Classrooms tailored for small class sizes and collaboration.

Flexible seating possibilities so teachers can create the right learning setup for each class.

Each classroom has two work pods for quiet study and work, plus large group break-out spaces just outside the classroom door.

Angled walls create cozy, architecturally interesting, and welcoming classrooms.

JOIN US LET’S REIMAGINE SPACES AND TRANSFORM LIVES

CHOOSE A WAY TO GIVE THAT’S MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU

Donate or pledge

Become a corporate partner or sponsor

Leave a legacy Bequeath funds in your will.

Volunteer your time

Recognition and naming opportunities are available to inspire investment and honour leadership for the following spaces: Great Hall Gymnasium

Learning Commons Art Studio

Science Labs Fitness Centre

Music Room Classrooms

THE FUTURE IS OURS TO BUILD YOUR GIFT TO THE ACADEMY IS A LASTING AND TANGIBLE INVESTMENT

Our goal is to celebrate the completion of phase 1 while welcoming 455 students through a phased-in approach, representing a 62% increase in our enrolment.

Once complete, the Academy’s physical footprint will be a transformative new space that represents the innovative, caring, and creative approach that defines our programming.

The new space and its programming capabilities will continue to attract top-tier teachers who will shape the next generation of good humans.

.

"Rundle Academy is a unique school that changes the trajectory of people’s lives. The redevelopment of the Academy is a cause I knew I wanted to invest my own time and money in. This important project will allow the Academy to continue to thrive and extend its program to more students for years to come."

– JON MCKENZIE, RUNDLE COLLEGE SOCIETY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Partner with us to transform lives For more information, please contact

Caroline Banadar Manager of Major Gifts and Campaign, Rundle College Society rundlebuildingfutures.ca buildingfutures@rundle.ab.ca 12.05.24