At Sunchild School, our academic program has grown through listening, reflection, and lived experience. There was a time the old colonial education and Euro-centric thoughts and examples were not reflected in the students. It has now been a full generation that Sunchild School has been providing Indigenous ways of knowing, examples, and learning in curriculum that has been developed for this culture. Today, our academic programs honour this truth that students learn best when they feel they belong.
Sunchild School continues to meet Alberta Provincial curriculum requirements. Alongside this, our educational programs are shaped locally, with care and purpose, so learning resonates with Cree student identities. Today, our academic programs honour this truth, that students learn best when they feel they belong.
Sunchild School learning programs invite students into stories, teachings, and discussions that carry meaning today. Our teachings include Cree traditions, language, and values. This teaches appreciation for the past and how to live today.
Cree language is an integral part of our educational programs, offering words and meanings tied closely to the natural world. Elders from the Cree community share present-day teachings, while students explore family roles and responsibilities. We combine these teachings with Western principles such as Science and Math, helping students understand how past changes shaped Indigenous lives and continue to influence them now.
Blending cultural learning with Alberta standards takes thoughtful teaching. Our educators work closely with curriculum experts and school administration to create lessons that meet requirements and are meaningful.
Sunchild School’s teachers deliver education programs with energy, patience, and flexibility. They adapt lessons when needed, always aiming to keep students interested, involved, and willing to try. Our teaching methods support steady learning and build trust in the classroom.
At Sunchild School, our culturally grounded approach to education creates learning spaces where students feel welcomed, respected, and supported. When Indigenous students see their identities reflected and valued, they become more engaged in their learning, attend school more consistently, and develop greater confidence in their abilities.
By honouring culture alongside academic goals, we foster a strong sense of belonging that supports both academic achievement and readiness for life beyond the classroom.
The Alberta curriculum meets Canadian academic standards. At Sunchild School, we create more relevant locally developed curriculum that still meets those academic standards.
Alberta has some of the best education programs in Canada and the world. Alberta students have also historically performed well on international ranking tests.
We offer kindergarten, elementary, junior high, and senior high educational programs, along with preschool (Head Start). Adult Education courses are also offered so that adults of any age can achieve their high school equivalency. At every level, language, math and social skills are included. In later years, Social Studies and Science are included.
Our teachers adjust lessons and provide support within learning programs to students who need it, so they can build skills at a comfortable pace. Teachers can help students one-on-one. Tutoring is also frequently offered by several teachers.
