Arriving Calgary early August so I applied for two schools as an out of catchment student based on a few factors but mainly because we won't have a full time address until after we arrive. I have been offered places in both schools, wondering if you folks in Calgary have any preference based on location and/or school reputation. I have no problem driving 20/30 mins to school as that was our journey time for many years...Our daughter will be entering 9th grade and the schools are SpringBank Community High School (9 through 12) OR Calgary Science School (9) followed by Central Memorial High (10 through 12) Whether you have children in those schools, or if you have an opinion, I would love to hear from you

Are you looking for a particular slant to the education? We have been looking at Central Memorial for the performing arts program, which looks great, and the school seems good (but not excellent) in all other respects. I don't know anything about the other two.

Those schools are a fair journey apart. Where are you aiming to live (and/or work)? A school commute of 30 mins would be no fun at all for you if you also have to be at work. And 30 mins to Springbank in the winter and back home then repeat in the afternoon...you are a better parent than me.

Our daughter is pretty academic. Central Memorial came recommended from a friend who grandchildren both attend. Calgary Science School is a charter school and does project based learning and Springbank seems pretty academic with a strong emphasis on using computers to complete all coursework both of which seem to fit the bill. I am not going to work but I take your point about the commute in the winter. We're looking at SW but are pretty flexible as hubby will be mobile for work. I know Springbank is rural but we will live closer to the city and The areas surrounding CSS look nice but I haven't visited any of them...