Our School's Story
Sunalta School was built in 1912 on the west edge of town during Calgary’s development boom. It was built from sandstone taken from a quarry, which was part of a ravine just west of the school. Although the present facility was built in 1912, Sunalta School originally opened in 1910 as a two-room wooden structure located on 16th Street and 12th Avenue. In September of 1913, the new school opened its doors to students of Knob Hill, Sunalta and Killarney.
In 1957, Sunalta underwent modernization with the addition of two gymnasiums, showers and a music room. The addition was done in the modern style of concrete block, contrasting with the old sandstone structure. In approximately 1964, the old quarry and ravine just west of the school was filled in and became part of Crowchild Trail. The old schoolhouse stood as the city changed around it.
In 1995 Sunalta School celebrated the opening of a new computer lab and creative playground as well as the creation of a mural by local artist Dean Stanton. The mural covers both a north and west-facing portion of the school and is seen by thousands of motorists on both Crowchild and Bow Trail every day. In 2010, the mural was updated as it had to be replaced when the wall was repaired. In 2005, a schoolyard naturalization project - Sunalta Habitat for Learning - was officially opened with shade and sunshine gardens, as well as a sandstone amphitheatre and stone labyrinth. To this day, Sunalta School’s position on a lofty ridge overlooking the valley of the Bow River, gives a beautiful view of downtown Calgary and the river valley.
Over the course of its 100 year history, Sunalta School has served students from kindergarten to grade 9. Presently, the school houses a regular kindergarten to Grade 6 program and two system classes.
Since 1910, Sunalta School has maintained a proud tradition of excellence in public education. As the designated school for the communities of Scarboro and Sunalta, the school, in addition, serves a number of students from around the city who have chosen Sunalta as their school. We are very proud of our school, its history and continuing vitality.
Statement of Philosophy
At Sunalta School we are committed to a collaborative learning environment that encompasses individual growth, responsiveness to change, and success, believing that each child is a unique learner who is encouraged to attain his/her fullest potential.
We provide a positive, supportive and stimulating learning environment. Emphasis is placed upon helping our children develop into self-disciplined, caring, independent, life-long learners. Creativity and critical thinking are encouraged. We believe that students should become capable decision-makers, possess a sense of community and grow into responsible citizens.
We strive to provide a program that is balanced. To this end, we believe that four important program elements provide this balanced approach: (1) Academic excellence, (2) Daily physical education, (3) Strong fine arts program emphasizing creativity and expression, (4) Social responsibility with personal and character development.
We view Sunalta School as a home for the mind where all can work and grow together.
School Motto
"Working and growing together"
School Song
Our school song was composed by local musician/composer, Wayne Immonen, who is also a parent at our school. It reflects the child-like wonder of school, and shows how much we all love this school, "no where else would I rather be".
