On September 18, Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) proudly celebrated the grand opening of Forest Grove School, which replaces Sherwood Park's two oldest schools École Campbelltown and Sherwood Heights Junior High.
Guest speakers with official Forest Grove School plaque
The new, impressive structure on Fir Street includes both elementary and junior high programming. The school now offers a single-track French Immersion program for students in kindergarten to Grade 6, and a dual-track English and French Immersion program for grades 7 to 9, enabling students to remain in one school community throughout much of their education.
"We honour the incredible histories of École Campbelltown and Sherwood Heights Junior High, both of which served Sherwood Park so well for over six decades," says Colleen Holowaychuk, the Board Chair of EIPS. "We're also delighted the elementary and junior high are coming together to form a new school community that will provide the same high standard of educational excellence for decades to come."
The $53-million school, designed through a collaborative- and consultative-design process, will provide an optimal learning environment for 1,015 students. Some of the exciting new features include a three-storey building with dedicated learning spaces, two gymnasiums to support multiple sporting and event activities, and an expansive playground.
"Investments in school infrastructure strengthen Alberta's communities. This replacement school reflects our commitment to building world class learning environments that support both academic success and student well-being," states Martin Long, Minister of Infrastructure.
"Today's opening is an exciting milestone for families in Sherwood Park and a reminder of the progress being made across Alberta through our Schools Now program. As we continue building and modernizing schools at a record pace, projects like Forest Grove School are creating more opportunities for students to learn, grow and thrive in their own communities. We are pleased to see students benefit from a seamless French Immersion pathway from kindergarten through Grade 9 in this exceptional new learning space," says Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education and Childcare.
EIPS is grateful for the Government of Albert's ongoing support and funding to help build the replacement school, which will benefit students, the community and future generations.
