The new NE Calgary school is already full

A new school in northeast Calgary is preparing to install portable devices.

It opened a year ago, but Friday was the official “grand opening” at Prairie Sky School in the Skyview Ranch neighborhood. At the festive event, students presented their speeches and performances.

Kindergarten through ninth grade is already full, and Calgary Board of Education (CBE) Trustee Marilyn Denis said she plans to bring in portables.

“We're always in favor of additional education,” he says, adding that CBE is currently experiencing 40 years of record growth.

Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides said the increase is happening in school boards across the province.

“We're seeing a significant increase not only in students, but in people moving to Alberta,” he says. “They're families, and it puts pressure on them to enroll.”

He said they are working on boards where the new school is needed.

CBE is planning another event next week to celebrate the opening of North Trail Middle School in Coventry Hills. The school opened in September 2023 and serves the communities of Coventry Hills, Country Hills, Country Hills Village, Harvest Hills, Panorama Hills and Hidden Valley.