Lighting the Way
With them, for them, and because of them.
TIS is entering its 23rd year offering an international educational experience to our students. From its earliest beginnings, the school has prioritized developing students who excel academically and contribute positively to the global community. This success relies upon TIS’s longstanding commitment to valuing individual wellbeing, student agency, and creating a culture of inclusivity - values that define who we are and how we lead. Over two decades, these values have shaped TIS into a leader in student-centred, values-driven education.
To light the way is to lead with intention, championing wellbeing, student voice and inclusivity not as trends, but as pillars of our educational philosophy. Our international approach to education, supported by a diverse and experienced faculty from around the globe, is anchored by the IB PYP and DP. These programs prioritize the development of learning skills and personal character traits while, promoting real world connections and interdisciplinary thinking, thereby establishing a robust framework for developing our future generation.
We hold ourselves to high standards — and we’re proud to be recognized as an Alberta Tier 1 international school, a designation that reflects our academic rigour, operational excellence, and commitment to student success. (Note: Alberta recently revised its tier system, placing Tier 1 at the top.)
Over the years, TIS has pursued and maintained rigorous international accreditations, including the IB PYP and DP, which guide our student-centred, inquiry-driven approach. We are currently undergoing accreditation with the Council of International Schools (CIS) — a process that involves deep reflection and external evaluation across governance, curriculum, wellbeing, and global citizenship. These accreditations aren’t just badges. They’re proof of our commitment to continuous growth and global standards.
Lighting the way also means evolving — not just in vision, but in practice. This year TIS is deepening its focus on literacy and numeracy across all grade levels. To support this, we’ve introduced new tools, such as MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) Growth tests for Grade 3-11 students and Acadience assessments for SK to Grade 6. This data, along with other assessment data collected during the year, will allow us to better address individual needs in English literacy and mathematics development. It’s part of our ongoing commitment to global readiness and personalized support, ensuring every learner is equipped to thrive on a pathway of continuous growth.
We also invest continuously in the spaces where learning happens. Our Robotics and Science Labs, Innovation and Idea Lab, only to name a few, have become integral parts of our educational landscape, providing students with hands-on opportunities to explore coding, design thinking and STEAM. Our environments are designed for collaboration, creativity and real-world problem-solving, reflecting our ongoing commitment to future-ready learning.
And because great learning starts with great teaching, we prioritize professional development (PD) for our teaching staff. Our teachers are not only mentors, they are learners too. We support them in staying at the forefront of educational technology, pedagogy, and wellbeing practices. By investing in our educators, we ensure that every student is guided by someone who’s equipped, inspired, and deeply committed.
This commitment extends beyond the classroom. Our students benefit from a wide range of experiences that nurture global awareness, personal growth, and a sense of purpose:
Our annual Experience Week (upper Elementary through to High School) includes up to a week at an international destination, where students learn about diverse cultures and their local traditions and challenges.
Programs like the Young People’s Award and IB CAS (Creativity, Action, Service) develop personal and interpersonal skills, as well as encouraging teens to serve their communities both locally and internationally.
Our participation in international athletics leagues and other competitions also deepens international understanding and the importance of teamwork.
And our annual University Fair brings a large group of international tertiary school representatives, connecting students with global pathways for higher education and future careers. The opportunities for studying abroad are vast, both in terms of geographic location and specific programs of study.
TIS continues to light the way in international education, guided by our values, driven by purpose and focused on each student’s growth toward personal excellence. This isn’t just a school-wide effort. It’s a shared commitment between staff and families to create the best future for our students.
We light the way forward, with them, for them, and because of them.
