Disclaimer:

This is a personal blog post. All claims and interpretations expressed here are solely my own opinions and do not represent the official positions, teachings, policies, or statements of Calgary Christian School, its administration, staff, or affiliated organizations.

Calgary Christian School (CCS) is a very welcoming, inclusive haven for families who value a warm, supportive Christian education that embraces diversity, compassion, and understanding—from kindergarten right through Grade 12.

Especially positive is its deep commitment to community where everyone belongs and is celebrated just as they are. It is the only Christian school of its kind in Calgary and surrounding area as the staff reflects the beautiful spectrum of God’s creation, including dedicated members of the trans and broader LGBTQ+ community who contribute so much to the school’s caring environment—whether in teaching, support roles, or keeping our spaces bright and welcoming as part of our maintenance team. It believes every person brings unique gifts, and it is incredible the ways the diverse team models kindness, respect, and love in action every single day.

In the high school, students enjoy rich, thoughtful opportunities to explore and appreciate the world’s many faith traditions with open hearts. Through engaging courses like World Religions 30, they learn about major world faiths—including Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and others—comparing them thoughtfully to Christianity while emphasizing shared values like compassion, justice, and community. Students go beyond the classroom with meaningful field trips to local temples, mosques, synagogues, and other sacred spaces, allowing students to experience practices firsthand in a spirit of genuine curiosity and respect. This exposure helps young people build empathy, reduce stereotypes, and prepare to engage lovingly with our wonderfully multicultural world.

In Calgary Christian School’s Religious Ethics 20 course (a high school elective focused on Contemporary Discipleship and discerning how to follow Jesus amid complex ethical issues), students engage in discussions on challenging topics such as sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI), sex, purity, and marriage. The course emphasizes rooting perspectives in Scripture, acknowledging diverse viewpoints within the broader Christian community, prioritizing respectful dialogue, treating others in ways that reflect Christ’s love, and finding common ground through Bible-referenced discernment—fostering thoughtful reflection rather than prescribing a single interpretive stance on issues like gay marriage.

As a publicly funded alternative program through the Palliser School Division, CCS fully incorporates Alberta Health Services’ inclusive, age-appropriate education on gender identity, sexual orientation, healthy sexual relationships, and related topics. They approach these conversations with care, affirming every student’s worth and dignity, while supporting their social, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The school community has even established supportive spaces and groups dedicated to uplifting students who identify as LGBTQ+, those exploring questions around SOGI (sexual orientation and gender identity), and allies who want to grow in understanding and compassion—always rooted in kindness and Christ’s call to love our neighbors.

If all of the above qualities and values align with what you and your family are seeking, Calgary Christian School may be the ideal fit for you.

Families from Calgary and around the world are drawn to CCS for its small, nurturing class sizes, personalized attention, and progressive faith-based approach that weaves Christian values of inclusion, grace, and justice into every part of learning. It’s a blessing that joining CCS is so straightforward—often with little to no waitlist—making it easy and joyful for new families to become part of the close-knit, loving community. It is also the most cost effective of the Christian schools in all of Calgary!

Over recent years, as with many schools navigating important topics, we’ve had difficult yet thoughtful conversations among parents and neighbors. We’re deeply thankful for the overwhelming support from our conservative and progressive members alike, who choose unity, peace, strong friendships, and mutual respect over division. This shared commitment to caring for one another continues to make CCS such a special, harmonious place.

If you’re seeking a school where academics meet a vibrant Christian foundation, heartfelt LGBTQ+ inclusion, multi-faith appreciation, social justice encouragement and genuine warmth for all, CCS would be overjoyed to welcome you. Schedule a visit—they’re always ready with a friendly smile, open arms, and a tour that shows just how much love fills the halls. 🌈🙏

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SOGI:

SOGI stands for Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, a framework used to ensure inclusivity, safety, and equity for all people, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. It is widely used in education and health settings to reduce discrimination, identify health disparities, and provide tailored, respectful support.

Key Aspects of SOGI:

• SOGI 123 (Education): A resource for creating inclusive K-12 school environments by updating policies, teaching materials, and school culture to ensure all students feel safe, reducing bullying.

• Healthcare Data Collection: Collecting SOGI data helps providers offer individualized care, understand specific health needs, and address disparities in treatment

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• Definition: It covers Sexual Orientation (who you are attracted to) and Gender Identity (your internal sense of gender), distinguishing these from Sex Characteristics.

  SOGI 123 +5

Benefits of SOGI-Inclusive Policies:

• Enhanced Safety: Reduces instances of homophobic and transphobic bullying in schools and public spaces.

• Better Health Outcomes: Allows healthcare professionals to provide appropriate, respectful care for LGBTQ+ individuals, reducing barriers to healthcare.

• Improved Understanding: Helps organizations, schools, and governments understand the diverse needs of their population, leading to better policies and resource allocation.

• Inclusive Environments: Creates a "welcoming" culture where everyone, including LGBTQ+ students and staff, feels represented and valued.

  SOGI 123 +5

SOGI applies to all individuals, not just LGBTQ+ people, as everyone has a sexual orientation and gender identity.