Cochrane, Alberta Schools Guide

Welcome to your comprehensive guide to schools in Cochrane, Alberta. Whether you're relocating to the area or exploring educational options for your family, Cochrane offers a diverse range of public, Catholic, Francophone, charter, and private schools to meet various learning needs.

Public School Districts Serving Cochrane

Cochrane is served by three main public school districts:

Rocky View Schools: This district encompasses several schools offering programs from kindergarten through high school.

  • Fireside School (K–8): Located in the Fireside community, offering before and after-school programs and a nutrition program.

  • Glenbow Elementary (K–4, French Immersion): Situated in the Glenbow neighborhood, featuring Early French Immersion and partnerships with local childcare providers.

  • École Elizabeth Barrett Elementary (K–4, French Immersion): Part of the "Tri-School Site" alongside Manachaban Middle and Cochrane High, offering Early French Immersion.

  • Ranche View School (K–8): Located in Sunset Ridge, providing before and after-school programs through Calgary Child’s Play.

  • Cochrane Christian Academy (K–8, Christian): Offers a faith-based curriculum in a supportive environment.

  • Mitford School (5–8, French Immersion): Introduced French Immersion programming in 2023, located in the West Valley neighborhood.

  • École Manachaban Middle School (5–8, French Immersion): A dual-track school offering both English and French Immersion programs.

  • Bow Valley High School (9–12): Situated in the Riversong community, offering a standard curriculum along with fine arts and off-campus education programs.

  • Cochrane High School (9–12, French Immersion): Part of the Tri-School Site, offering French Immersion and specialized programs like R.O.A.M.S.

Calgary Catholic School District

For families seeking Catholic education:

  • Holy Spirit Catholic School (K–6) Located in the Fireside neighborhood, providing a faith-based curriculum.

  • St. Timothy High School (7–12) Situated in Sunset Ridge, accessible via Calgary Transit, offering core curriculum mandated by Alberta Education.

Conseil Scolaire FrancoSud

Serving the Francophone community:

  • École Notre-Dame des Vallées (K–12, Catholic) Offers programs for both primary-English speakers learning French and primary-French speakers learning English.

Charter Schools Near Cochrane

While Cochrane doesn't have charter schools within its boundaries, several are located in nearby Calgary:

  • Westmount Charter School: Caters to gifted students with campuses for elementary and mid-high levels.

  • Almadina Language Charter Academy: Focuses on English language learners, offering programs from K through 9.

  • Calgary Arts Academy: Provides an arts-immersed curriculum for students in K through 9.

  • Calgary Classical Academy: Offers a rigorous liberal arts education for K through 12 students.

  • Calgary Girls’ School: An all-girls middle school focusing on leadership and empowerment.

Private Schools Near Cochrane

Several private schools are accessible in the Calgary area:

  • Banbury Crossroads School: A self-directed learning environment following the Alberta curriculum.

  • Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT): A polytechnic institute offering a wide range of programs, including a highly ranked School of Business.

  • University of Calgary: One of Canada's top research universities, offering diverse programs and co-op opportunities.

Ready to Enroll?

Cochrane's educational landscape offers diverse options to suit every family's needs. As the town continues to grow, so do its educational opportunities, ensuring a bright future for its students


For more detailed information and resources, visit the Town of Cochrane's official schools page.

Overview of Cochrane, Alberta

Nestled in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies and along the banks of the Bow River, Cochrane is a vibrant town located approximately 18 km west of Calgary. With a population of 32,199 as of 2021, it stands as one of Alberta's fastest-growing communities. Cochrane seamlessly blends small-town charm with modern amenities, making it an attractive place for families, professionals, and retirees alike. Cochrane & District Chamber of CommerceWikipedia

Parks, Trails & Outdoor Recreation

Cochrane boasts an abundance of green spaces and outdoor amenities:

  • Sunset Ridge: Features over 5 km of scenic pathways, a 6-acre freshwater pond, multiple parks, playgrounds, and an outdoor exercise circuit.

  • Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park: Offers expansive trails and panoramic views along the Bow River, ideal for hiking and cycling enthusiasts.

  • Riverfront Park: A serene area along the Bow River, perfect for walks, picnics, and enjoying nature.

Sports & Fitness Facilities

The Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre (SLS Centre) is a premier facility in Cochrane, encompassing:

  • Four ice arenas

  • Aquatic centre

  • Climbing wallIndoor turf and track

  • Fitness centre and gymnasium

  • Gymnastics centre

  • Preschool programs and more

  • Town of Cochrane

This 325,000-square-foot centre caters to a wide range of sports and wellness activities.

Shopping & Dining

Cochrane's shopping and dining scene combines local charm with convenience:

  • Historic Downtown: Home to unique boutiques, art galleries, and cozy cafes.

  • The Quarry: A shopping centre featuring a variety of retailers, including grocery stores, restaurants, and service providers.

  • Mountain View Plaza (Heritage Hills): Offers essential services including a pharmacy, dental clinic, fitness centre, and dining options like Aama Nepalese Restaurant.

Arts, Culture & Events

Cochrane boasts a vibrant cultural scene:

  • Cochrane Ranche Historic Site: A significant heritage site offering insights into the town's ranching history.

  • Annual Events: Including the Labour Day Rodeo & Parade, Canada Day celebrations, and the Pumpkin Lantern Festival.

  • Art Walks: Regular events showcasing local artists and their work throughout the community.

Diverse Neighborhoods

Cochrane comprises several distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character:

  • Fireside: Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and proximity to schools.

  • Glenbow: Offers mature trees, parks, and easy access to downtown.

  • Riverview: Features the Cochrane Golf Club and scenic views along the Bow River.

  • Greystone: A newer community adjacent to the SLS Centre, providing modern amenities and recreational opportunities.

  • Sunset Ridge: Boasts stunning mountain views, interconnected pathways, and a central park.

Transportation & Accessibility

Cochrane's strategic location ensures easy connectivity:

  • Proximity to Calgary: Just 18 km west of Calgary, accessible via Highway 1A.

  • COLT (Cochrane On-Demand Local Transit): An app-based transit system offering flexible transportation within town.

  • Access to Nature: Quick drives to the Rocky Mountains, Kananaskis Country, and other provincial parks.

For more detailed information on Cochrane's amenities and community offerings, you can visit the Town of Cochrane's official website, Cochrane Tourism, and Cochrane Chamber of Commerce.


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