Golden Hills School Division is located 25 minutes east of the beautiful city of Calgary in the province of Alberta, Canada. We value our diverse environments and the safe communities we are part of that are rich with culture and exceptional learning opportunities for international students.
Many of the Golden Hills schools are amongst the best in Alberta; offering an outstanding Alberta Education curriculum that is ranked amongst the best in the world and taught by outstanding Alberta Government certified teachers. We also have one of the smaller student/teacher ratios in the province of Alberta. Our schools offer: high level academic study, English as a Second Language (ESL) classes (Alberta Benchmarks), and a wide variety of other opportunities in the areas of career and technology studies, fine arts, and sports. Golden Hills also has two Christian Schools and a FLEX online learning program.
Golden Hills is one of two public school divisions in Canada that offer both dormitory accommodations as well as a homestay program. Our dormitory leaders and homestay parents nurture and encourage students, while making their residence both a place they can call home and a sanctuary where they can relax and study. Our Accommodations Coordinators are always available to help and support our students, their parents, and homestay families.
Golden Hills is a place where students experience success and growth with an education that will give them endless possibilities for their future.
Program Established: 2004
Programs Offered: Full Year, 1 Semester, Short Term, Global Leader Program, Customized Programs, Summer Program, Plus Program, Flex (online) Program
Specialized Programs: Robotics, Fine Arts, Career and Technology Study (CTS), Hockey, Soccer Academy, Fastball Academy, Baseball Academy, Music Academy
Language(s) of Study: English
Total number of schools: 22
High schools for international students: 7
Total Students: 8,100
Total International Students: 280
International Students Accepted for Grades: K-12
Nearest Airport: Calgary International Airport
Strathmore is located 25 minutes east of the beautiful city of Calgary in the province of Alberta, Canada with a population of approximately 15,000. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the area, Strathmore is a progressive community drawing business to the area in agriculture and marketing with a growing interest in oil and gas exploration.
Drumheller is located 1 hour and 25 minutes northeast of Calgary. The world renowned Royal Tyrrell Museum containing the largest collection of dinosaur fossils is found in Drumheller along with several historical sites.
Strathmore and Drumheller are our largest centers offering many recreational activities for a wide variety of interests including: community centers and sports facilities for hockey, skating, swimming, curling, fitness centers and skateboard parks along with walking paths, playgrounds and water parks. Health services include: general hospital, walk-in medical clinics and other community health services.
Residents enjoy a blend of country and city lifestyle in safe and caring communities.
Students entering our program have two accommodation options.
Homestay Program – Students live in a safe, secure environment with a Canadian family carefully selected by our Golden Hills International Team and the student’s family. Full board is provided with students having a private bedroom and study area, desk, dresser and bed, access to laundry facilities and transportation to school if needed. Students are expected to assist with household chores and adhere to Golden Hills School Division rules. The in-house full-time accommodations coordinator looks after the needs of the students and homestay families who are regularly interviewed to ensure that the accommodations are working well for both the students and families.
Dormitory – Golden Hills is one of two public school divisions in Canada that offers dormitory facilities which are available in three locations: Strathmore, Drumheller and Three Hills. Students have full board with two students per room in most cases; however, some single rooms are available. The dorms are equipped with laundry facilities, computer access, a central lounge, access to a gymnasium and organized activities and programs. Three meals and snacks are provided daily. Students are expected to adhere to Golden Hills School Division rules. The in-house full-time accommodations coordinator looks after the needs of the students who are regularly interviewed to ensure that the accommodations are working well.
Schools in the Golden Hills School Division provide a variety of extra-curricular activities including:
- Fine Arts (drama, instrumental music, choral music, dance)
- Full sports programs including volleyball, basketball, track and field, soccer, rugby, tennis, golf, football, badminton, hockey, curling, cross country running.
- Clubs include: Debate Club, Leo Club, Yearbook Club, Chess Club, International Student Council and Leadership Club
Activities are organized by dorm leaders for students residing in the dorms.
There are also team sports run by community members which change depending on the season (e.g. baseball is offered in the summer only).
Entrance Dates: September & February
Application Deadlines: not applicable
Application Fee: $250
Full Year Tuition Fee: $12,350
1 Semester Tuition Fee: $6,175
Annual Homestay Placement Fee: $400
Homestay Monthly Fee: $1,150, Dormitory Fee: $1,475
Annual Health Insurance Fee: $650,
Annual Student Services Fee: $1000
Usage Fee (non-refundable): $150
Annual Custodianship Fee: not applicable
All funds are in Canadian dollars and apply to the 2023-2024 school year.
All funds are in Canadian dollars
Prices are subject to change, please confirm fees during the application process.
General Inquiries Email: communications@ghsd75.ca
Website: ghsd-international.com/
Mailing Address: 435A Highway #1
City: Strathmore
Province: AB
Postal Code: T1P 1J4
Phone: 1-800-320-3739 or 1-403-934-5121
Airport: Calgary International Airport (YYC)
