EIPS Board Approves New Name of Replacement School in Sherwood Heights

Ken Marshman, a project manager at EIPS, stands at the construction site for the newly named Forest Grove School.

Sherwood Park, AB. — Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) is pleased to announce the name of the new replacement school in the Sherwood Heights area of Sherwood Park: Forest Grove School. The Board of Trustees approved the name at a public Board meeting on Dec. 19, 2024.

In fall 2024, the Division gathered input from students, families, staff and community members on what the name of the replacement school should be. The newly named Forest Grove School will house students from Sherwood Heights Junior High and École Campbelltown.

“Because the replacement school will be the academic home for two existing schools, and students attending will form an entirely new school community, the Board of Trustees felt an entirely brand-new name would help students and staff craft their own unique identity and culture,” says Cathy Allen, the Board Chair of EIPS. “As well, because the replacement school is being constructed in a neighbourhood filled with streets named for various trees, we felt the name ‘Forest Grove’ not only reflected this historic naming convention but also represents how each student is a unique tree that—when growing together—forms a diverse and unified forest.”

All names submitted by the community were reviewed by the Board of Trustees who considered each name suggestion and any accompanying feedback before making their final choice.

“We want to thank everyone who provided valuable suggestions and feedback on the name for the replacement school,” says Allen. “The new building will provide incredible opportunities for students to engage, grow and succeed in a leading-edge learning space.”

Forest Grove School is slated to open in the 2026-27 school year. Once open, Forest Grove School will offer an elementary French Immersion program and a dual-track junior high program, offering both a regular English program and a French Immersion program for grades 7 through 9.

Elk Island Public Schools is one of Alberta’s largest school divisions, serving approximately 17,950 students in 42 schools. We are proud to be an integral part of our communities, including Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Vegreville, Strathcona and Lamont counties, and the western portion of the County of Minburn.

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For more information, media can contact:
Laura McNabb, Director, Communication Services, EIPS 780-417-8204 cell 780-405-4902