Requirements for an Alberta High School Diploma or Knowledge & Employability Certificate

Louise Dean School encourages all students to complete their high school. We work to personalize learning within a very supportive learning environment. Flexible scheduling, low teacher: student ratios and integrated technology all support student achievement.

In Alberta, a minimum of 100 credits in specific courses is required to receive a high school diploma. Students may also earn a Knowledge and Employability Certificate which is based on 80 credits in specific courses. Each credit earned represents approximately 25 hours of instruction. Students will find that dependent on the length of the course, they will earn 1, 3 or 5 credits. Many students at Louise Dean School are taking credits at different grade levels. We attempt to be flexible in our scheduling to support girls who have been out of school or on leave from school due to pregnancy or parenting.

Students at Louise Dean School are offered all courses required for graduation or K&E certification; however, low student enrolment courses may be facilitated through online or distance learning. The Assistant Principal works with each student directly to ensure that their timetables are well balanced and lead towards graduation.

The following core courses are required for an Alberta High School diploma. 

• 10 credits from CTS, Fine Arts or Second Language courses
• A total of 20 credits at the 30 level
• Remaining credits will come from a variety of options and other academic courses
• All 30 level academic courses must write a provincial examination worth 50% of the year’s work
• The school offers additional courses at the 30 level, but it should be noted that math and science are only required at the 20 level (Grade 11 level) 

Specialized and Required  courses at Louise Dean School

All students who register at Louise Dean School must take a five credit Life Skills course. This course helps girls examine life style challenges and helps them prepare for the demands of parenting. This course is collaboratively taught with a teacher and a certified life skills coach.

Prenatal class is mandatory for all girls who are pregnant. This three credit class, which is supported by our onsite public health nurse, helps students prepare for labour and delivery. Girls tend to develop a strong support group during their pregnancy due to discussions in this class.

When students return from maternity leave, a Parenting class is required. This three credit class, which is facilitated by a social worker and a teacher allows for lots of question asking. As your child develops and grows a lot of questions arise. Your peer group and these facilitators will be there to support you.

These are required courses that support the unique learning needs of our students. Students will not be exempted unless there are extenuating circumstances that are generally related to high school completion timelines.

The school also offers a great Cosmetology program where students can earn up to 30 credits! The lab is an actual hair salon that welcomes paying ‘guests’ as well as staff and students for the complete salon experience. Whether cosmetology is a career interest or simply a personal passion, this is a great learning lab.

The Foods program offers another great learning opportunity. Our modern kitchen offers 30 different classes from simple survival food to creative baking and international cuisine. Students are welcome to take their great main dishes or baking home.

Art is offered up to the 30 level and we have many students using this creative experience as a college entrance course. Students are afforded strong instruction while being provided with time to develop personal creativity.

Physical fitness during pregnancy is very important, as is getting in shape after the baby is born. Our gym is equipped to support students up to the ninth month and to get them into shape again. The P.E. class uses many off site facilities and encourages healthy life styles.

Technology skills are key to future personal and work success. While CTS courses related to technology are not mandatory, all of our students are encouraged to become tech savvy. Technology is integrated in throughout the school day and our specialized classes help you master necessary skills. Photography is a new favorite!

We also offer…Fashion studies, psychology, work experience and other courses of student interest.

While we are a small school that works very hard to offer a broad range of high interest courses to all of our students. Our goal is to ensure that all of our students are given the supports needed to graduate.

For more information on courses, students are invited to meet with the Louise Dean admin team.