Belonging, Choice, and Student Success in High School

For many families, choosing a high school is about more than programs and buildings. It’s about a feeling — the sense that a child will be seen, supported, challenged, and encouraged to become who they are meant to be. Across our division’s high schools, students are finding that feeling in different ways, but with a shared result: confidence, belonging, and readiness for what comes next.

For some students, learning needs flexibility. For others, it is all about the arts and expression of creativity. From academics and advanced placement to career preparation and trades training, and everything in between, Foothills School Division has it all. At Cameron Crossing in Okotoks, staff understand that every student arrives with their own story and their own reasons for choosing a different path. Once they arrive, the focus is simple: success.

“What our students need most of all is flexibility in their own learning style and strong support from staff,” said Principal Monica Crane. “Once they realize these things are all in place at Cameron Crossing, students can be successful. They can flourish here”. 

Flexible learning spaces and student support contribute to Cameron Crossing student success. 

That flexibility shows up in many forms — independent pacing, strong teacher support, community-based learning, and opportunities to combine school with real-world experience. Grade 11 student Tyson credits the approach with helping him move ahead quickly and with purpose.

“I’ve been able to get stuff done here faster, because of the school’s approach to independent work and the staff’s flexibility,” he said. Through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). Tyson is earning credits while gaining work experience, with plans to graduate high school already holding journeyman designation in plumbing and gas fitting. 

Others speak about the sense of safety and belonging they feel the moment they walk through the doors. “Our students feel safe here and know they belong,” said Crane, noting that Cameron Crossing is a closed campus and works closely with the other FSD schools so students can blend programming and remain connected to sports teams and peers across the community. 

That sense of belonging echoes across the division.

Students grow and thrive within the indoor garden at École Secondaire Highwood High School

In High River, École Secondaire Highwood High School students describe a place where opportunity is abundant and participation is encouraged — whether in classrooms, clubs, athletics, or the arts. Grade 11 student Tatum balances a full academic schedule with basketball, volleyball, and career-focussed options as she works toward her goal of entering nursing.

“No matter what your interests are, there’s something for everybody to become engaged in here,” she said. “The teachers are super supportive, and they really help students juggle their priorities”. 

Highwood High students point to learning experiences that go beyond textbooks: science labs that prepare them for post-secondary expectations, commercial culinary training, drama productions, Indigenous learning, and opportunities to explore language and culture through immersion and travel. These experiences help students see what’s possible — and where their learning can take them. 

At Oilfields High School in Diamond Valley, students talk about creativity, connection, and choice. Smaller class sizes allow teachers to work closely with students as they explore academics, fine arts, athletics, agriculture, and outdoor education.

Planting seeds for the OHS Vertical Farm

“Our teachers are really supportive in helping students match their interests in option classes,” said Grade 10 student Alexis. “They make sure we’re prepared with everything we’ll need for our post-secondary plans”. 

From drama and technical theatre to vertical farming, woodworking, and Indigenous learning, students describe hands-on experiences that bring learning to life. Grade 9 student Samantha sees these opportunities as a way to grow at her own pace while staying deeply connected to her school community. “There are opportunities to be involved in a lot of different things,” she said, noting her involvement in student council, sports teams, and cultural activities. 

Within the growing town of Okotoks, École Secondaire Foothills Composite High School | Alberta High School of Fine Arts (ÉSFCHS | AHSFA) students often talk about culture first. They describe a place where kindness is expected, differences are respected, and high expectations are paired with strong support.

Students at ÉSFCHS | AHSFA are the leads in their own learning

“This school is just incredible,” said graduating student Nolan. “The connections with peers and teachers feels like a never‑ending cycle of positivity throughout the school”. 

For Nolan and his peers, those relationships create the confidence to challenge themselves academically, artistically, and personally. Students pursue Advanced Placement courses, competitive athletics, trades, robotics, and fine arts — often discovering new passions along the way.

“There are so many different pathways to pursue here,” Nolan said. “Foothills Comp has ignited a huge amount of confidence in me and I’m ready to take on a lot of big things”. 

Across all FSD schools, readiness for life beyond high school is not an abstract idea — it is built intentionally through real experiences. Students graduate having already worked in their chosen fields, performed on national stages, competed at high levels, managed demanding schedules, and learned how to advocate for themselves and others. They leave knowing how to learn, how to connect, and how to contribute.

Equally important, students know they belong.

Whether a student thrives in a large, bustling school or a smaller, flexible environment, they describe places where they are known by name, supported through challenges, and encouraged to pursue their goals — even when the path looks different from others’. 

With Advanced Placement, outreach programming, French Immersion, Fine Arts, skilled trades, athletics, student leadership, and so much more, our high schools are united by a shared commitment: a place for all, where every student is welcome, valued, and prepared for what comes next.

Discover how you can make the move to high school at foothillsschooldivision.ca