Sherwood Park, AB. — New to the 2025-26 school year, Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) is exploring a full-day kindergarten pilot program focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Students in the program will attend kindergarten for a full school day, every day. In addition to following the kindergarten curriculum from Alberta Education, the teacher of the program will integrate STEM into all activities to create an engaging environment where students can actively participate in hands-on, inquiry-based learning.

“We believe STEM education provides a foundation for young learners to explore, discover and grow,” says Kari Huk, an assistant director with Supports for Students at EIPS. “This approach not only fosters curiosity but also nurtures critical thinking skills that are essential for lifelong learning. We aim to inspire students to see a world full of possibilities and to approach challenges with creativity and confidence. By fostering a love for exploration, we prepare them for future success in both school and life.”

STEM Kindergarten provides children with additional learning opportunities and better prepares them for Grade 1. It supports their social, emotional and academic development through a combination of instruction, play and structured activities.

To ensure the program is self-sustainable, families must pay an additional cost for the full-day program—$350 per month—as Alberta Education only funds a half-day kindergarten program. Parents and caregivers will be able to pay the fee annually, quarterly or monthly. The monthly fee covers staffing costs, field trips and consumable supplies to support the STEM programming.

Any children that are residents of EIPS may apply to attend STEM Kindergarten at Wes Hosford Elementary. This program must have sufficient registration for it to be offered for the 2025-26 school year.

Families can register their child in STEM Kindergarten as part of the 2025-26 Kindergarten Registration process that opens 9 a.m. on February 1. Different to regular kindergarten programming, parents and caregivers must apply for this pilot program by February 28. If there are more applicants than spots available, a random selection draw will take place. Families will be notified of their child’s acceptance into STEM Kindergarten after March 1, 2025.

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