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Calgary French & International School

Global Education

Internationally minded. Globally connected. Wholeheartedly engaged.

At Calgary French & International School, global learning isn’t something we teach—it’s something our students live. From their first years on campus to their final days as graduates, CFIS students develop a deep sense of cultural awareness, compassion, and confidence that transcends borders. Through immersive travel, global partnerships, and real-world exchanges, they explore what it means to be part of a shared, interconnected world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CFIS is the only independent school in Calgary to be named a United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) associated school. 

 

 

How Global Learning Comes Alive

Global citizenship begins early at CFIS, with UNESCO’s four pillars of learning embedded into our Early Childhood and Primary programs. As students grow, internationalism deepens. From bilingual storybooks and cultural celebrations to global exchanges and leadership conferences around the world, our students learn to appreciate diversity as a vehicle for expansion.

Early Years & Primary

UNESCO pillars shape student thinking—learning to know, do, live together, and be—developing empathy, identity, and respect for others. These foundations are complemented by Round Square ideals, which begin to foster a sense of adventure, service, and global connection from an early age.

 

 

 

Middle School

Students begin to explore global challenges and travel opportunities, engaging with Round Square ideals through collaborative, cross-cultural experiences.

Senior School

Leadership, language, and lived experience take center stage. Students participate in international conferences, exchanges, and service projects, putting their learning and fluency into action across continents.

 

 

See how our students learn beyond borders!

Round Square: A Global Philosophy in Action

CFIS is the only Round Square school in Calgary

CFIS is proud to be a full Global Member of Round Square, an international network of like-minded schools committed to six key ideals: Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership, and Service. These values are more than abstract concepts—they’re lived experiences. Our students host and visit peers from around the world, take part in reciprocal exchanges, and attend global conferences that spark imagination and expand worldviews.

Whether welcoming a student into their home or meeting again in a different country years later, CFIS families form relationships that often stretch far beyond campus walls. These bonds reflect the heart of our global programs: meaningful, human connections that inspire curiosity, compassion, and joy.

CFIS students have built friendships with peers in Australia, Argentina, India, Scotland, South Africa, Colombia, and beyond—and we’re just getting started!

Round Square in Action

Our Travel Studies program (beginning in Grade 7) gives students the chance to put their trilingual fluency (English, French, and Spanish) into practice through meaningful, immersive experiences. From cultural tours and adventure travel to service learning and student-led exploration, each journey is designed to build personal independence, global understanding, and deep community connection. Students return not only with stamps in their passport, but with new perspectives, lasting friendships, and the confidence to lead.

IB Learning: An International Lens on Every Lesson

As an IB World School, CFIS integrates International Baccalaureate philosophy across all three programmes—PYP, MYP, and DP—creating a seamless foundation for globally minded learning. The IB framework, with its focus on international mindedness, conceptual learning, and the Learner Profile, aligns beautifully with our global programming and helps students see themselves as citizens of both their local and global communities.