CAA High School Erickson Centre
Calgary Stampede Youth Campus
640 - 14 Avenue SE
Calgary, AB T2G 1E8
Year 10 to Year 12
Applications are being accepted for the 2024-2025 school year and beyond.
Interested in learning more about our high school program?
Click here to learn about high school tours and information sessions.
About our High School Program
Calgary Arts Academy is located in the Erickson Centre on the Calgary Stampede Youth Campus, just outside of the East Village, the heart of the revitalized Arts District. Our students enjoy modern facilities, with access to professional dance, theatre and musical studios in the TransAlta Performing Arts building. Our small and growing high school program started in August 2020 and we were excited to celebrate our first Year 12 graduating class of 2023! CAA has smaller class sizes, focused arts instruction and committment to helping students become active designers of their own learning through Arts Immersion.
Learning through Arts Immersion
Students at Calgary Arts Academy experience a caring community grounded in the pillars of the Circle of Courage and Democratic Discipline. They develop meaningful, supported relationships with teachers and artists. Students are the heart of our school and are valued, seen, heard and trusted. At CAA we nurture their whole selves as they design their own futures as artists and spirited citizens.
Mentorship
Starting in Year 10, student have mentorship opportunities with prominent arts leaders and arts organizations within the local arts community. Students can receive their Fine Arts Distinction Award by completing 30 credits in the arts, and the Leadership in the Arts (LDC3458) course.
Special Projects
Explore your art form more deeply. Students are encouraged to complete a Special Projects Course, where they can experience self-directed study in an area of their passion.
High School FAQ's
Will I learn math and science? What courses does CAA offer? Yes! Core courses offered are English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies at the 10/20/30 levels. We also offer Biology 20/30, Chemistry 20/30 and Physics 20/30. CAA does not offer Knowledge & Employability (K&E), AP or IB level courses. Our students are on the path to achieve their Alberta High School Diploma.
What options does CAA offer? Students will focus their option courses in at least two art forms (Dance, Drama, Visual Art, Media Arts, Music and Creative Writing) throughout their high school career. Starting in Year 11, students can also study Culinary Arts. Courses offered and the method of teaching is for students to design their own futures as artists and spirited citizens while focusing on developing their whole selves.
Does CAA have a work experience program? At this time, we do not offer Work Experience courses, practicums or the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP).
Do you have high school sports teams? We offer PE classes at the 10, 20 and 30 levels. At this time, we have not had enough interest to run high school athletics teams. Our well-rounded students with a passion for sports often focus on arts at school and play sports outside of school.
Does CAA have a GSA? Yes! Students run a lunchtime GSA, with a supervising teacher. They coordinate several Belonging activites throughout the year.
How will I get to school? Is transportation provided? CAA does not offer busing for high school students. We are centrally located and most of our students take public transit. We are walking distance from the Erlton/Stampede LRT stations and on the future green line. We do not have student parking available through the school.
Students who find success in our program:
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Are highly motivated and independent learners.
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Are resilient and flexible.
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Thrive in a fast-paced and rigorous program.
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Challenge themselves artistically.
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Commit to and understand Calgary Arts Academy's pillars.
Application Information
In addition to the application form, please include the supporting documents:
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Copy of your students's identification document, such as birth certificate.
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Copy of your student's most recent report card.
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Any relevant educational documents, such as IPPs or specialized assessments.
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One page student reflection. See page 3 of the application for details. Click here to view our pillars.
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$50.00 administrative fee.
We accept cash, cheque, credit cards (please, no AMEX), and e-transfers. If you submit your application by email, you will receive instructions on how to make the payment using either a credit card or an e-transfer.
How to submit the completed application
Send the completed applicaton and supporting documents by:
Please combine documents into two or three PDF's. Photographs of student identification are acceptable.
Calgary Arts Academy
Attn: Registrar
640 - 14 Avenue SE
Calgary, AB T2G 1E8
In Person
Applications can be dropped off in person at any of our three campuses during office hours.
Phone
Questions? Contact admissions (403) 532-3020 Option. 3
Next Steps
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You will receive confirmation that the application has been received. All applications received will be reviewed to ensure they are completed.
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An application is considered complete once all required elements have been received.
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Applications will be added to our wait list, based on the date the completed application is received.
Available spaces are offered to applicants on a first-come, first-served basis, with siblings of current students receiving priority until September 30 of the current school year. Applications that remain on the wait list are transferred to the wait lists for the following school year and next grade level.
An administrator will review the completed application package when the student's name is at the top of the wait list. We may ask for updated report cards, IPPs and specialized assessments if the information on file is no longer current.
Families will be contacted to set up an audition/interview when a space becomes available.
Student Auditions and Interview
Current CAA students and new students applying to our high school program will be required to audition in two art forms. Applicants will receive further information once their completed application package has been received. Students should prepare to share their strengths and goals, both as an artist and in their other studies. A guide will be shared with auditioning students to help them prepare.
All students are asked to audition to:
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Help build their confidence.
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Share their passion for the arts.
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Gain experience with audition and interview processes.
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Share why they want to attend CAA for high school.