Even though most of our schools offer a regular program, no two are quite the same. All schools teach according to Alberta Education’s mandated curriculum, however a school’s focus, optional courses and school activities are as unique as every school.​​​

• French Immersion 
• International Baccalaureate 
• French International Baccalaureate 
• Regular English Programming
• CTS Programming (Business & Technology) 

The French Immersion Program at Western Canada High School is designed for both “early” and “late” immersion students coming from junior high schools. To obtain a Calgary Board of Education Certificate of Achievement in French Immersion, students must take 45 credits in courses taught in French over three years. Fifteen credits must be obtained in French Language Arts. Students may obtain the remaining 30 credits by taking courses in Mathematics and Social Studies. All of these follow the regular Alberta Curriculum but are taught in French. As well as taking immersion courses, students follow the regular program in order to obtain a high school diploma. It is possible for students to obtain the French Immersion Certificate of Achievement as well as the IB Diploma in French. Students should take at least one French Immersion course in every semester. 

For more information see the French Immersion and International Languages page

 The CBE offers alternative programs of academic excellence and rigour, including the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme. The program develops “internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.” (From the IB Learner Profile.) The programme encourages participation in creative and service-oriented actions, as well as personal and academic reflection, addresses intellectual, social, emotional, and physical well-being, and covers the curriculum required by Alberta Education and the IB programme. You can look on the CBE website for more information on the IB program, including registration information.

For more information see the International Baccalaureate Programme page

The majority of students who are enrolled in IB at Western will take their IB courses in English; however, Western is unique in that it also offers an IB Bilingual Diploma in French, and an IB Diploma with a concentration in International Languages: French and Spanish.

For more information see the International Baccalaureate Programme page

The ELL Program offers instruction for English Language Proficiency levels 2 to 5:

1. Beginner Level 2; at least 50% of classes are sheltered ELL
2. Intermediate Level 3 A & B; at least 25% of classes are sheltered ELL
3. Advanced Intermediate Level 4 A & B; at least 25% of classes are sheltered ELL
4. Proficiency Level 5 students are placed in the regular ELA 10-1 or 10-2 classes depending on the strength of their English reading comprehension and writing skills.

Students graduate to the next proficiency level when their skills have reached that level. Demonstrating increased proficiency beyond the next level may result in students being moved on by two classes: For example, they may move from ELL 3A to ELL 4A, skipping ELL 3B. Similarly, some students may need to spend more time at a particular level than the usual time of one semester.