Programs

Strong academic foundations matter deeply at First Steps Elementary Academy, and so does everything that surrounds them. Our programs are designed to develop the whole child: curious, creative, physically active, linguistically capable, and genuinely challenged at their own level. From Pre-School through Grade 8, every student has access to a breadth of programming that most small private schools simply do not offer.

Page Summary
  • Programs include French and ESL, STEAM, the Arts, off-site Physical Education, gifted learners, and licensed Out of School Care
  • Serving families in Red Deer, Blackfalds, and Penhold
  • All programs are available to students from Pre-School through Grade 8

Our Programs

Language

Language

First Steps offers French instruction to build genuine bilingual confidence year over year. For students who are new to English, our dedicated ESL program ensures language is never a barrier to learning, belonging, and growing.

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STEAM

STEAM

Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics are woven into the school year across all grade levels through hands-on, project-based learning that crosses subject lines.

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Arts

Arts

Visual art, music, and performance are core parts of the First Steps experience. The Arts develop creativity, focus, self-expression, and the kind of confidence that can't be measured.

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Physical Education

Physical Education

All Physical Education at First Steps takes place off-site to give students a wider range of physical experiences than any school gymnasium can offer, while building community connection alongside physical confidence.

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GAT

GAT

First Steps is the only school in Red Deer to offer a dedicated Gifted and Talented Hub: a formally structured Special Education program for students diagnosed as gifted.

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Out of School Care

Out of School Care

For working families, First Steps offers licensed before and after school care in the same familiar environment your child is in all day.

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What Every Program Has in Common

Every Student Gets One-On-One Attention. 

Small class sizes and daily individual attention mean no child moves through any program unnoticed. Teachers know their students, their strengths, their challenges, and what they need to grow.

Every Program Is Purposeful. 

Each program is designed with clear goals, qualified instruction, and a direct connection to developing capable, confident, well-rounded students.

Every Child Is Included. 

Whether your child is building English skills through ESL, being challenged in the G.A.T. Hub, performing at the Festival of Trees, or climbing a rock wall for the first time, every student participates, every student belongs.

Every Experience Connects. 

The cross-curricular approach that runs through STEAM, the leadership skills built through the Arts, and the discipline developed in phys ed reinforce one another and support the academic work happening in the classroom every day.

See Our Programs in the Classroom and Outside 

The best way to understand what First Steps offers is to experience our programs for yourself. Book a private tour and bring your child; they are welcome to spend a day with us.

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