Frequently Asked
Questions

What is Parkland School? 

Parkland School is a DSEIS, we are accredited and in good standing, located along the river in Red Deer. We are a Grade 1 - 12 school, serving students who are 6 - 19 years of age. Our hours of operation are 8:45 am to 3 pm, Monday to Friday and we follow a regular 10 month calendar (September to June). Students at Parkland School must all fit the severe disability coding criteria set by Alberta Education and Childcare. Our staff to student ratio is high as a result of the severe classroom complexities of the students we serve, and our classes are all led by certificated teachers. Given our specialized training and experience, we  have the ability to accommodate students with high medical and other complex needs.

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

A DSEIS is a "designated special education independent school." Our school follows the full Alberta Education and Childcare Programs of Study new curriculum, and due to the unique needs of our student population, we modify programming to the level of the learner. All students who attend our DSEIS school have individualized programming suited to their ability levels to ensure the greatest success achievable. We also have a Wellness PLUS subject where we incorporate basic life skills into the daily instructional time. 

can my child come to your school?

In order for your child to come to Parkland School, they must meet eligibility criteria, you can email the school and request the admission procedures document. We serve students who are Grades 1 - 12, aged 6 to 19 years.

What are the entrance criteria?

Your child must be diagnosed with severe multiple disabilities and a global developmental delay/intellectual delay in order to attend Parkland School. Your child must have proper documentation that proves their diagnosis or multiple diagnosis from a doctor or psychiatrist given to the school before admittance is confirmed. Review of all documentation commences as part of the vetting process. If you are hoping to enroll your student here, please be ready to provide all necessary documentation when you first approach the Administration. More information can be obtained by emailing the school office. 

​WHY DO I NEED TO PROVIDE A BIRTH CERTIFICATE FOR MY CHILD?

A birth certificate is required for enrollment within any school in the province. ​

IS TRANSPORTATION INCLUDED? ​

Not always. If you are within the city, we would either add the student to our own bus fleet (if there is a spot available), 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 3:00 pm daily. We would do our best to see if transportation can be arranged, but it is not always the case. We do not transport anyone outside of Red Deer City limits.

IS THERE A WAITLIST FOR YOUR SCHOOL?

Yes. We only have a certain capacity. Spots open up as students graduate each year, or advance from one classroom to another. In any given year, we typically have between 1-5 graduates.  When placing a student in Parkland School, we must consider many factors, such as your child's age, academic level, cognitive ability, behavioral concerns, medical fragility, etc. Your child must also meet severe disability funding requirements.​​

CAN MY CHILD START HALFWAY THROUGHOUT THE YEAR?

Typically no, but in some emergency cases, this can rarely happen, based on meeting all of the entrance requirements and current waitlist status. Registrants should be registered by the Sept 28th Alberta Education count date deadline.

what is the difference between an independent school and a private school?

There is no difference. The term "private" was changed to "independent" as of September 2025 according to Alberta Education and Childcare legislation.