Financial Assistance

First Steps Elementary Academy believes every child deserves access to a high-quality education. If the cost of tuition is a concern for your family, we want you to know that help is available, and we are committed to making First Steps accessible to as many children as possible.

This information is confidential. What you share with us stays with us.

Page Summary
  • Reduced Tuition Program for qualifying families in Red Deer, Blackfalds, and Penhold, with children ages 5–12
  • Families receiving Provincial Social Services assistance, the Alberta Child Health Benefit, or those with Government-Sponsored Conventional Refugee status may be eligible for additional support through the Reduced Tuition Program.
  • Families enrolling children in Pre-School or Pre-Kindergarten programs may also apply for the Alberta Child Care Subsidy

Reduced Tuition Program

First Steps offers a Reduced Tuition Program for families who qualify based on household income. Tuition under this program is determined by your family's income bracket, so support is scaled to reflect your circumstances.

Who is eligible:

  • Families with children between the ages of 5 and 12
  • Families with a combined yearly household income within the qualifying threshold

Please contact us directly to confirm the current income threshold, as this amount is reviewed periodically.

How to Apply

Step 1 — Submit a short form

Complete the brief form at the bottom of this page. It lets us know you are interested and gives us the basic information we need to get in touch.

Step 2 — Receive your full application

Once your short form is received and complete, we will email you a full application to fill out and return.

Step 3 — Application review

Your completed application will be reviewed by the school Principal. You will receive a phone call to arrange a personal appointment.

Step 4 — Interview

If your application is accepted, you will have a one-on-one meeting prior to your child's start date.

What You Will Need

Depending on your family's situation, you will be asked to provide supporting documentation. Please have the relevant documents ready when completing your full application.

All applicants: A Notice of Assessment from the current tax year from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

If you receive Provincial Social Services assistance: A photocopy of a current dated Social Services Benefits Card, or a letter from Social Services confirming you receive assistance and that the children listed are your dependents.

If you are low income but do not receive Social Assistance: A copy of your Alberta Child Health Benefit card and the letter of confirmation of renewal for the current year.

If you are a Government-Sponsored Conventional Refugee: 

  • A photocopy of your "Confirmation of Residency" papers indicating Conventional Refugee status and a current Citizenship & Immigration cheque stub
  • A copy of the current Interim Federal Health Certificate of Eligibility for the applicant and children
  • Additional documentation that may be requested: A recent pay stub or record of employment from your last employer.

Only fully completed applications will be reviewed. All information provided is kept strictly confidential.

Child Care Subsidy for Pre-School & Pre-Kinders

Families enrolling children in our Pre-School or Pre-Kinders programs may also be eligible for the Alberta Child Care Subsidy. This is a separate government program that helps offset the cost of licensed childcare.

To apply, visit applychildcaresubsidy.alberta.ca and select the OSC subsidy option. If you have questions about whether your family qualifies or need help with the application, please reach out.

Apply for the Reduced Tuition Program

To get started, complete the short form below. Once received, we will be in touch with your full application within a few business days.

Fields required: Parent name(s), child's name and age, email address, phone number, program of interest, and a brief explanation of your circumstances.

Reduced Tuition Application Form

We Are Here to Help

If you are unsure whether your family qualifies, or if you have questions about the process before filling out a form, please reach out to us directly. A conversation costs nothing, and we would rather you ask than assume the door is closed.

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