William Aberhart High School is a comprehensive high school offering English, Spanish Bilingual and French Immersion programs located in the northwest community of Banff Trail, near the University of Calgary.
About the School
The school was built in 1957 and is situated on 10.2 acres. The school has 54 classrooms, 2 gymnasiums, a fully equipped Fitness Centre available for classes and student memberships, a multi-media library resource centre, and specialized areas for music, drama, and art.
Who Was William Aberhart?
William Aberhart was born in Huron County, Ontario, and as an adult became a Presbyterian minister.
After 11 years of successful teaching, Aberhart moved to Calgary and was appointed as the principal of Crescent Heights High School. He used the radio to communicate religious information to students and pupils became interested in his messages, and because of these services, he developed the nickname "Bible Bill".
Our school proudly displays in our Learning Commons a fine oil painting of Mr. Aberhart. What eventually led William Aberhart to politics was the comment from one of his pupils, "Nobody wants us, we cannot get anything to do, we can't get a job of any kind, nobody has any money." This and the depression encouraged Aberhart to seek political office. With these ideas and others, he founded the Social Credit Party. Aberhart then became a member of the Alberta Legislature and in 1935 was elected as the provincial premier.
William Aberhart played a prominent role in Alberta and was a strong influence on Albertans during the 1920's and 30's. He was an active religious leader, a respected school teacher, a principal with the Calgary Board of Education, and the founder of the Social Credit Party, which won him the position of premier of Alberta.
School Mission
Our role is to provide an environment which enables students to grow as caring, autonomous, lifelong learners, able and willing to participate effectively and responsibly in society.
