The Calgary Society for Christian Education

The Calgary Society for Christian Education (CSCE) is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to providing faith-based Christian education. Established in the 1960s, the Society founded Calgary Christian School, originally as a private school, and today operates it as a Christian alternative program within the Palliser School Division in Alberta, Canada.

History and Purpose

Founded in the 1960s, the Society's primary mission is to promote, fund, advance, and sustain Christian education through Calgary Christian School (CCS). The Society administers the school's governance and operational needs, with a focus on integrating faith and learning to equip students as responsive citizens of God's Kingdom. Over its six decades of service, CSCE has developed a family-oriented educational environment that fosters a partnership among home, church, and school communities[1][2].

Governance and Structure

The Calgary Society for Christian Education functions through a membership model where each family with a child enrolled in Kindergarten through Grade 12 holds membership in the Society. Governance is provided by an elected Board of Directors responsible for oversight and strategic decision-making. The Society regularly convenes member meetings, at least twice yearly, to address financial, facility, and faith-based aspects of the school’s operation.

The Society works in partnership with the Palliser School Division, which supports the school’s educational programming. Additionally, a School Council composed of elected parent officers and school principals meets monthly to facilitate communication and collaboration regarding educational and operational matters. This collaborative governance model allows for active parental involvement in shaping Calgary Christian School’s educational experiences[1].

Educational Programs

Calgary Christian School offers education from preschool through Grade 12, providing a continuous Christian learning environment for children aged 3 years through high school. The instructional approach integrates Biblical principles across the curriculum, aiming to cultivate both academic excellence and spiritual growth among students. The school’s motto is “Learn, to Shape God's World,” reflecting its commitment to nurturing students who can impact society through faith-informed leadership and service[2][4].

Mission and Vision

The Society's mission is expressed as creating a community dedicated to integrating faith and learning, striving for excellence in education within a Christ-centered environment. It aims to equip students to become responsive citizens who live and influence the world according to Christian values.

Community and Cultural Acknowledgment

Calgary Christian School, under the operation of the Calgary Society for Christian Education, acknowledges the traditional territories and oral practices of the Blackfoot Nations—including the Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai—as well as the Tsuut’ina and Stoney Nakoda First Nations, the Métis Nation, and all peoples residing in the regions it serves. This acknowledgment reflects the Society’s respect for Indigenous cultures and its contextual awareness within its educational mandate[2].

This governance and educational model position the Calgary Society for Christian Education as a longstanding contributor to Christian-based education in Alberta, providing families with the opportunity to raise their children in a supportive faith-centered community.

[1] https://www.calgarychristianschool.com/about/ccs-structure-and-society-board [2] https://www.calgarychristianschool.com/about [3] https://standforccs.ca [4] https://www.charitydata.ca/charity/the-calgary-society-for-christian-education/108074469RR0001/ [5] https://www.hcacalgary.com/about/hcesc-hca-society