Our Programs

CGCS is unique because our Charter mandates a focus on students in grades 4-9, where research shows girls-centered learning to have the highest impact (particularly in Science, Technology and Math related subjects). These years are also key in promoting self-confidence, resiliency and healthy relationship-building skills. 

Alongside the provincial curriculum, we also include our Go Girls program. This curriculum was developed to support students to: 

• Demonstrate understanding of equity, diversity and inclusion of all genders
• Establish and maintain a healthy body image
• Develop a positive self-image and confidence
• Manage and create healthy relationships with peers, family and school members
• Develop strategies to independently make safe and responsible decisions
• Understand sexuality
• Examine, understand and appreciate the contributions and place of women in history, in society today and in the future.

At CGCS we believe that language is the key to opening oneself up to new cultural experiences and self-discovery. Students are offered authentic experiences within the classroom that allow them to feel connected to their learning, celebrate culture, and make meaning of language. A goal of our French program is to have students leave class more curious about the world and more confident in their abilities to communicate in another language. 

Understanding the importance of health and wellness is a central pillar at CGCS. In grades 4 through 9, all students have the opportunity to be active everyday, as well as understand the integral  role physical activity has in creating a balanced and healthy lifestyle.  Activities are designed to expose students to a variety of pursuits that promote life-long engagement, from hiking, dance, cross-country skiing, and skating to more sport-based activities, like volleyball, basketball and track. In addition to understanding the importance of living an active lifestyle, with a female-centric focus, students explore the impact of a variety of factors on our social and emotional well-being. Throughout grades 4 - 9, students learn strategies to reflect on their personal experience, manage their individual mindset and advocate for their own unique needs. Our rich health and wellness program is enhanced through Outdoor Education and field studies.

Students at CGCS have the opportunity to understand the importance and value of service learning in local, national and international communities. Service learning at CGCS requires the giving of time and building understanding relating to important issues that exist within our world. Staff help students comprehend the complexity in social issues, and then work with students to cultivate ways in which learners become activists and change makers to address societal issues. Service learning not only helps students to better comprehend the world around them, it also serves as a medium to develop compassion and empathy for others.  

At Calgary Girls Charter School, Leadership Development in students is carefully scaffolded and embedded throughout grade 4 to 9 programming. Using our Go Girls curriculum, students have multiple opportunities to learn about strong, historical leaders and activists and develop a positive and cogent self-image, while unpacking who they are as leaders.  Our programming is designed to provide students different opportunities to:

• reflect on their personal identity and leadership qualities;
• build compassion and empathy through perspective-taking;
• develop the capacity to plan and initiate;
• contribute to a community of belonging through celebrating diversity;
• work collaboratively with their peers;
• set goals and develop plans for achieving personal goals;
• take ownership; 
• learn to manage conflict and 
• develop a strong work ethic.

To foster these skills, students are given authentic opportunities which position them to be leaders, from grades 4 through 9.  Students design and are involved in classroom initiatives, as well as school-wide event planning.