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Calgary French & International School

Primary School
grades 1-5

A Launchpad for Your Child's Potential

Primary at CFIS is more than a school experience—it's a joyful, multicultural community where students are known, valued, and inspired each and every day.

Through small class sizes and immersive, global-minded learning, we help children grow into the best version of themselves. Our dedicated educators provide personalized support—nurturing each child’s academic, emotional, and social growth in a warm, dynamic environment.

With French immersion as the foundation, students build fluency while developing creativity, confidence, and an international mindset. Whether they're continuing from our Early Childhood Education program or arriving from another school, every learner is supported and inspired to thrive.

 

Join our upcoming June tour!

Come see our campus and culture for yourself—and discover why so many families choose CFIS.

Schedule Your Tour

2024 Fraser Rankings

    #1 FRENCH SCHOOL
#2 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 
IN ALBERTA

New to French? Start Here!

Our Embark program offers a highly supportive entry point for Grade 1–4 students with no prior French experience. During this dedicated time, students build their language skills while learning alongside peers in our full immersion setting.

Explore the Embark Program!

Sparking A Lifelong Love of Language
 

  • Caliber of French: We appropriately challenge both native speakers and those newly developing their language skills.

  • Fluency in Multiple Languages: In Grade 3, students begin developing English literacy (reading and grammar) skills and Spanish instruction is introduced in Grade 4. 

  • Expert Support: EAL specialist support is also available for students whose first language is not English. 

 

 

 

Global Learning in Every Classroom

CFIS is proud to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP)—a globally recognized, student-centered framework for learners aged 3–12. Built on inquiry, exploration, and real-world connection, the PYP engages students across subject areas, helping them build deep conceptual understanding and take ownership of their learning.

As a UNESCO school, we foster intercultural dialogue and global citizenship from the earliest grades. CFIS students develop empathy, perspective, and agency—learning not just how to answer questions, but how to ask ones that matter.

    CFIS IS THE ONLY FULL FRENCH IMMERSION IB PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAMME IN ALBERTA

 

 

 

Through the IB PYP, students engage in meaningful Units of Inquiry, following the themes of: 

  • Who We Are

  • Where We Are in Place and Time

  • How We Express Ourselves

  • How the World Works

  • How We Organize Ourselves

  • Sharing the Planet

 

 

 

 

Specialists, Enrichment & Exploration

Our Primary faculty includes specialist teachers in visual arts, music, and physical education, providing students with a well-rounded education that goes beyond core academics. Field trips, guest speakers, and hands-on projects bring learning to life in ways that resonate deeply. Clubs begin in Grade 1 and are offered by grade level and interest. Whether building a robot, cooking a new dish, or creating works of art, students have endless opportunities to explore, express, and grow.

 

 

 

CFIS's forward-thinking approach prepares young learners to navigate a rapidly changing world with confidence, curiosity, and compassion.

 


A Purposeful Learning Path

At CFIS, the IB journey begins at age 3 and continues through graduation—encouraging students to ask questions, make connections, and understand the world beyond themselves.

Rather than memorizing facts, students build their own understanding as independent, creative problem solvers, supported by full French immersion and meaningful real-world experiences.

To see the kids at home speaking to each other in French, thinking they have a secret code and secret language that their parents don’t understand, has been amazing for us.

JEssica, ECE & Embark Parent

IB Primary Years Programme (Grades 1-5)

  • Inquiry-Based Learning: Encourages curiosity and exploration.
  • Transdisciplinary Themes: Helps students connect learning across different subjects.
  • Holistic Development: Focuses on academic, social, and emotional growth.

 

Explore our IB PYP

 

IB Middle Years Programme (Grades 6-10)

  • Interdisciplinary Learning: Connects ideas and skills across subject areas.

  • Personal Project Development: Fosters independent research and creative problem-solving.

  • Student Agency & Reflection: Encourages ownership of learning and thoughtful self-assessment.

 

Explore our IB MYP

 

See our Primary School Students in Action

Building Confident, Capable Learners

 

 

CFIS sets students on a path of personal and academic growth. We nurture students to become strong communicators, critical thinkers, and compassionate leaders. Literacy and numeracy skills are developed through a hands-on, integrated approach that makes learning meaningful and relevant.

And as students grow in both though and language fluency—and personal confidence—they begin to take increasing ownership of their learning, laying a strong foundation for Middle School and beyond.
 

Explore Middle School

Explore Primary at CFIS 

To learn more about our Primary experience, contact our Admissions Team at admissions@cfis.com 

Connect with Admissions