It is the mission of École Brander Gardens School to ensure one year or more of growth for every student.  We create a positive environment to inspire self-discovery and a love of learning by supporting students academically, emotionally, and socially.  We engage students, families, staff and community stakeholders in this ongoing process.

École Brander Gardens School offers French Immersion programming for students Kindergarten through grade 6. Students typically commence French Immersion in Kindergarten or Grade One.

French Immersion is one approach to second language learning.  Take a look at the attached link to a YouTube video for information on the French Immersion Program within Edmonton Public Schools.  

FRENCH IMMERSION

• Students receive 100 percent of their instruction in French in Kindergarten, Grade 1 and part of Grade 2.
• Students begin formal English Language Arts instruction at the midpoint of Grade 2 and continue to receive English Language Arts in grades 3-12.

BENEFITS

•Proficiency in English and French
•Improved academic achievement Improved communication skills in a student’s first language
•Knowledge and appreciation of different cultures
•International language certification opportunities

There is no previous knowledge required of French when registereing in Kindergarten or Grade 1.  Grade 1 students may register even if they complete Kindergarten in Regular (English).  Students entering the French Immersion program after Grade 1 are considered on an individual basis.  For more information about eligibility, contact the school at brander@epsb.ca or 780-436-6740.

The video below was created by the Institute for Innovation in Second Language Education at Edmonton Public Schools to support the promotion and expansion of French immersion programs and increase awareness for the benefits of learning French.  

French for Life! French Immersion at Edmonton Public Schools

École Brander Gardens School offers Regular (English) programming for students Kindergarten through grade 6.  We strive to offer programming for all students, including special needs students, in an inclusive environment. 

For official and up to date information regarding our school's catchment boundaries, please refer to  www.epsb.ca 'Find a School Tool.'

École Brander Gardens School is a dual-track elementary school, which means that two programs from Kindergarten to Grade 6 are offered in the same school:  Regular (English) and French Immersion.  To complement our strong academic programming, we offer a focus in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) projects, daily physical dducation and a vibrant Arts program with specialists in Music.  Students are expected to do their best in all course work and pursuits.  

Elementary curriculum is outlined in provincial programs of study, which identify what students are expected to learn and do in all subjects and grades.  The curriculum is designed to help students achieve their individual potential and create a positive future for themselves, their families and their communities. See what students are expected to learn in each grade, including overviews of subjects and topics. 

For students with special education needs, inclusion in the community school is the first option considered. Inclusion refers not only to setting but to specially designed instruction and support for students in regular classrooms.  Parents and school staff work together to provide the best support to each student. For more information regarding Special Education Click here 

All English students take French as a Second Language (FSL) beginning in Grade 4 to 6. In this program, French is taught as a subject to develop communication skills in French and an understanding and an appreciation of the cultures of French-speaking peoples.  Students learn to achieve their potential through a variety of teaching and learning styles geared toward the individuals learning level and style. 

Click here on the curriculum summaries at each grade level.

Interactions programming supports students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD impacts how people understand what they see, hear and sense. This lifelong disability can result in difficulties in communication, social relationships, behaviour or learning. Although some students with ASD achieve at grade level, many have uneven or delayed achievement. All Edmonton Public Schools programming is based on curriculum determined by Alberta Education. Students enrolled in Interactions will receive the same high-quality education offered in all of our programs.

GOALS

• Improve communication, social interaction and behaviour while developing academic skills

Benefits

• Demonstrate growth in communication skills
• Demonstrate growth in building and maintaining relationships, and understanding social situations 
• Demonstrate growth in managing frustration and problem-solving
• Improved ability to handle change or challenging emotions (e.g. anxiety)
• Development of life skills to support independent living and employment

Program Delivery

• Structured environment with regular routines
• Smaller classes for more targeted instruction
• Visual aids, concrete examples and hands on activities
• Frequent praise and other meaningful rewards to help students adopt positive behaviours and attitudes
• Opportunities to join other classes for instruction in a student's areas of strength

Eligibility

To be eligible for programming, students must be:

• 5 1/2 to 19 years old on September 1
• Clinically disagnosed with ASD
• Demonstrating stereotyped behaviours, and have severe impairment in social interactions and communication. 

Alberta Curriculum

All Edmonton Public Schools programming is based on curriculum determined by Alberta Education. Students enrolled in Interactions will receive the same high quality education offered in all of our programs. 

Transportation

Most schools offering special education programming have some yellow busing options available. For more information about busing, please contact the office at 780-436-6740 or brander@epsb.ca or call Student Transportation at 780-429-8585.