Frequently Asked
Questions

What is Parkland School? 

Parkland School is a DSEPS governed by Alberta Education, we are accredited and in good standing.

I've never heard of a dseps. What is that?

A DSEPS is a "designated special education private school".

can my child come to your school?

In order for your child to come to Parkland School, they must meet eligibility criteria as dictated by Alberta Education, and the school jurisdiction in which you reside must agree to transfer the student to our school.

What are the entrance criteria?

Your child must be diagnosed with severe disabilities in order to be coded for grants. Your child must have proper documentation that proves their diagnosis from a doctor or psychiatrist. 

Can I pay for my child to attend parkland school?

Our tuition is thousands of dollars per year, which is paid for by Alberta Education grants and some school jurisdiction funding, also. The school jurisdiction must agree to allow the transfer in order for the funding for tuition to also follow your child. 

Why do I need to provide a birth certificate for my child?

Alberta Education requires a birth certificate for enrollment within any school in the province. 

If I want my child transferred to your school, what steps do I have to take? 

1. Advocate for your child within their current school setting. First, you must have a conversation with the school's administration/teacher that your child is designated to. This discussion would be for you to express your concerns about why you think your child needs the transfer and to see if the school itself can accommodate your child's needs better.
2. Once you have talked to your designated school's administration, if solutions for your child cannot be achieved there, THEN you contact the school jurisdiction office for an appointment with Student Services.
3. If the school jurisdiction approves, you could phone and talk to Trudy Lewis at 403-347-3911, to thoroughly discuss your child's needs, and arrange for a tour of the school.
4. IF you are satisfied with what we can offer your child here, in terms of educational needs and personal care needs, AND the jurisdiction that you are currently enrolled in agrees to fund the tuition, steps can then be made for the transfer.

Is transportation included? 

Not always. Sometimes, the jurisdiction must also agree to pay for busing if you are from outside of the city of Red Deer. If you are within the city, we would either add the student to our own bus fleet, or arrange for Action Bus transportation if they are in a wheelchair. Alternatively, you as the parent or guardian, can also agree to serve as the child's daily transportation. School begins at 8:45 am and pick up is at 2:55 pm daily. We would do our best to see if transportation can be arranged, but it is not always the case.

Are there school fees?

Yes. Each student is required to pay a $60 registration fee and a $10 recreation fee each year. We ask that you pay these before October 31st. 

Is there a waitlist for your school?

Yes. We only have a certain capacity. Spots open up as students graduate each year. In any given year, we only have between 1-5 graduates. 

Can my child start halfway throughout the year?

In some cases, this is accepted, based on meeting all of the entrance and jurisdictional requirements as noted above. This also depends on waitlist status.

If I don't have permanent residency, can my child attend your school?

You must provide us with proof of citizenship or temporary status, proof of residency, and proof of employment. The child must have a valid study visa, and an Alberta Health Care card.