Progressive Education with Traditional Values
Our Traditional Programming Makes Us Unique and Effective
Traditional methods and practices makes us unique! We provide direct instruction of specific skills which include the separate instruction of phonics, grammar, spelling, handwriting and mathematics computation. These skills are first taught separately through direct instruction, and then they are integrated into the practices of reading, writing, speaking, and problem-solving.
Traditional values guide our actions. Our school rules state that we are all expected to show respect, responsibility, and self-control. Through the setting of purposeful goals in the areas of citizenship and academic achievement, and through the provision of fair and firm discipline, traditional values are sustained.
These practices are based on thirty years of research that has proven this is a sound pedagogy for teaching students.
The resources selected for the traditional program form a building block approach to our instruction. As resources and knowledge are shared across grade levels, there is continuity of instruction throughout your child’s school experience.
Learn more about our Traditional Program
We Serve the Educational Needs of Children Throughout the West End of Edmonton
As an alternative program, James Gibbons School has much larger boundaries than other schools: we can accept children from anywhere on the west end of Edmonton! All students for whom we are not a neighbourhood school are eligible for yellow bus transportation, and yellow bus service for kindergarten students is free.
See James Gibbons’ Transportation Boundaries
Information About Transportation to Alternative Programs
First-year Nursing students were at the school for one day a week for six weeks, as part of a health promotion course. They spent the day in a classroom, being part of the study buddy program, often working individually with one or two children. I, their instructor, and the nursing students, were amazed by the positive attitude and unremitting kindness of the staff, towards each and every student. The peacefulness and kindness which permeates the school fosters an atmosphere conducive to academic learning, as well as develops well rounded children who are not ‘supercharged’ with unnecessary stress and noise.
– Pauline, Nursing study buddies coordinator
Principal’s Message
Welcome to James Gibbons School!
James Gibbons School has a proud history of maintaining high standards for both academic achievement and character development. Students who experience our traditional program from kindergarten to grade six will be well prepared for the academic and social demands of junior high. Parents and educators have praised our program for producing disciplined, positive, and responsible citizens who are highly motivated achievers.
The school building has been recently renovated, and the school grounds include an up-to-date playground and a large play area with soccer field, baseball diamond and basketball areas. The school also utilizes the Jasper Park Community skating rink. There are strong ties between the school and surrounding neighbourhood, and both students and parents value the strong sense of community within the school.
– Eddie Mah, Principal
