Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
Who is Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS)?
Elk Island Public Schools is one of Alberta's largest school divisions. We provide quality education for approximately 17,950 students in 42 schools throughout Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Strathcona County, Lamont County and the western portion of the County of Minburn.
How large are the schools and where are they located?
The schools range in size from approximately 20 students in each of the two Hutterite Colony schools to approximately 1,500 students in a high school in Sherwood Park. By geographic area, EIPS has:
- 19 schools in Sherwood Park
- 9 schools in Fort Saskatchewan
- 5 in rural Strathcona County
- 5 in Lamont County
- 4 in Vegreville (County of Minburn)
How many staff members work at EIPS?
The Division employs approximately 880 full-time equivalent (FTE) teachers (certificated staff) and approximately 550 FTE classified, or non-teaching, staff.
How does EIPS compare with the province with its test scores?
Elk Island Public Schools' students exemplify a standard of educational excellence in academic achievement and participation rates on both the Diploma Exams and the Provincial Achievement Test. They score well above provincial scores while maintaining high participation rates. Further information and details can be found in the EIPS Annual Education Results Report.
How can I find out where my child will attend school?
With the authority of the Education Act, EIPS has created a boundary system where students are assigned a designated school, depending on school capacity and utilization. However, there are provisions in policy for system-supported programs such as language programs. Refer to our school attendance boundary maps or find your designated school for more details.
Who is my representative on the EIPS Board of Trustees?
EIPS is governed by a Board of nine trustees representing the areas of Fort Saskatchewan (2), Sherwood Park (3), the County of Minburn (1), Strathcona County South of Wye Road (1), Strathcona County North of Wye Road (1), and Lamont County (1). As elected representatives, trustees are accountable to the public they serve. Public Board Meetings are held on the third Thursday of every month* and Trustees are available by voice mail and email. For further information and details, visit the Board of Trustees section of our website.
*Dates subject to change, please check the posted schedule on the EIPS Board of Trustees section of our website.
Educational Programs
At what age can I enrol my child in Kindergarten (ECS)?
To be eligible to enrol in kindergarten, your child must turn five years old on or before December 31 of their kindergarten year. Refer to the FAQs about Kindergarten for more information.
Does the Division offer alternative educational programs?
There are a number of alternative programs and services available through EIPS. Programs include academic, Christian, language and immersion, and outreach programs. Learn more about the Alternative Programs offered through EIPS.
See also: Board Policy 18: Alternative Programs.
What if my child has special needs?
EIPS facilitates program development for students with special needs. Please contact Specialized Supports at 780-417-8219.
What about second languages?
EIPS has a number of language programs designed to meet the needs of your child including French, English, German, Spanish and Ukrainian. Various immersion, language and culture and second language programs are available throughout the Division. Contact your local EIPS' school for further details.
Do you have before and after school care available?
As a system, we do not have a program in place for before and after school care, but a number of schools throughout the jurisdiction work co-operatively with service providers to run programs within and in conjunction with the school. To see if your local school provides this service, please inquire with them directly or visit out-of-school care for a list of locations.
How do I register?
You can register your child by contacting your neighbourhood EIPS' School or visit Registration for more information.
Student Transportation
Did you know?
EIPS has more than 170 yellow bus routes throughout the jurisdiction and buses approximately 9,500 students each year. This includes service for bilingual programs, special education and Kindergarten (ECS).
EIPS does not own any buses; rather the Division contracts services with a number of independent and large bus contractors.
Who is eligible for busing?
As per Alberta Education regulations and EIPS' Board Policy 17: Student Transportation Services, kindergarten to Grade 6 students whose parent/guardian resides 1.0 kilometres or more from the school the student attends, and grades 7 to 12 students whose parent/guardian resides 2.0 kilometres or more from the school the student attends are eligible for busing. Families pay an "eligible" student transportation fee for this service—see Fees for the current fee schedule. For further information, refer to the FAQs under Busing and Transportation.
How much does transportation cost for ineligible students?
EIPS provides options for ineligible students under a separate "ineligible" student fee category—see Fees for the current fee schedule.
I need to know more about student transportation. Where do I look?
Visit the Transportation section on the EIPS website.
You may also contact the department directly at:
Student Busing and Transportation Inquiries
Phone: 780-417-8151
Toll free: 1-800-905-3477
Send an email to EIPS Student Transportation via our contact form.
More Questions?
If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact us.
683 Wye Road
Sherwood Park, AB
T8B 1N2
Phone: 780-464-3477
Fax: 780-417-8181
Send an email to EIPS' Communications Services via our contact form.