edgeschool.com
WELCOME TO EDGE SCHOOL Our mission is to build a culture of personal excellence in academics, athletics and character Our vision is to be a global leader in Student-Athlete Development
CONTENTS
PASSION Go Mountaineers Academics Athletics Character Facility Athlete health services
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PASSION Our small class sizes, allow our teachers and coaches to spend quality time with each student-athlete. All of our staff are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of each student. In turn, our students become community leaders ready to make a positive difference in the lives of others. By providing best practice athletic development, together with a unique university preparatory program, we believe that our student-athletes have the ability to reach new levels of personal excellence every day.
When student-athletes join the Edge family they: • become part of a community that understands, respects and develops their passion for sport; • are surrounded by the academic and athletic resources that they need in order to achieve personal goals; • become teammates, friends, and supporters of fellow Edge Mountaineers from different sports, and cultural backgrounds; • understand and respect one another while fostering a friendly competitive spirit; • develop new skills and confidence which will serve them throughout their lives.
THROUGH THE PURPOSEFUL INTEGRATION OF ATHLETICS, ACADEMICS AND CHARACTERBUILDING, EDGE SCHOOL PROVIDES THE ULTIMATE EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT FOR PASSIONATE STUDENT-ATHLETES TO ACHIEVE PERSONAL EXCELLENCE.
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GO MOUNTAINEERS! THE MOUNTAINEER CODE
“I PLEDGE TO LIVE THE CODE, WITH PRIDE, ALWAYS.” AS A MOUNTAINEER: 1. I KNOW THE WAY, GO THE WAY AND SHOW THE WAY. 2. I GIVE ALL I’VE GOT, ALL THE WAY, ALL THE TIME. 3. I EMBRACE ADVERSITY IN A POSITIVE WAY. 4. I ACT IN A RESPECTFUL WAY, ALL THE TIME.
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ACADEMICS Active, healthy children are better learners. Movement serves to energize and activate the body, improve focus, and develop the brain. Physical activities develop fundamental movement skills and promote positive social interactions, increasing students’ competency and self-esteem. This leads to overall improved academic achievement. We are committed to individual attention and small class sizes to ensure that our unique programs remain focused on the development of each Edge student. Edge School faculty and staff work closely together to help each student-athlete reach his or her personal goals. To support these goals, we take into account students’ academic workloads and deadlines, as well as their training, performance and competition schedules. Because we understand how student-athletes think and learn, we employ a variety of tools such as Teacher Advisory Group (TAG) meetings, Personal Learning Plans (PLPs), and scheduled tutorial time, to help students succeed.
As a university preparatory program, Edge School challenges student-athletes from kindergarten to grade 12 to continually achieve new levels of personal excellence.
We follow the curriculum as prescribed by Alberta Education for Kindergarten through Grade 12. Kindergarten – Grade 3 At the early elementary grades, the focus is on developing skills in literacy, numeracy and physical literacy. Movement is incorporated, throughout the day, into the teaching and learning of the prescribed outcomes. Research shows that this physical activity activates the brain, which improves focus and academic achievement. Grades 4 - 9 The academic focus at these grade levels is on the core courses, with daily classes in English Language Arts, Social Studies, Math, and Science. In grade 7, students begin regularly scheduled Spanish classes. Students continue to have daily activity built into their schedules, with an increasing sport-specific focus. High School We offer a university preparatory program with only the dash one level of courses. The focus remains on the core courses. Fueled by their passion for sport, our students also pursue courses such as nutrition, sport psychology, and flexibility training which incorporate essential athletic development principles. Optional courses are offered in Art, Sport Medicine and Spanish. Most of our graduates earn significantly more than the required number of credits to graduate.
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ACADEMICS Personal Learning Plans As part of our holistic approach to student-athlete development, every Edge student has a Personal Learning Plan (PLP). PLPs are an educational tool designed to provide students with understanding, and ownership of their academic, athletic, and personal goals. At Edge, PLPs are created using myBlueprint, a web-based, interactive educational planning program. The process begins with support from Teacher Advisory Group (TAG) teachers, with the intent of having students take more ownership of their portfolio as they approach high school graduation. myBlueprint provides tools to : • Build a portfolio • Set interactive SMART goals • Interactively plan courses and options • Track towards graduation • Research post-secondary options • Explore occupations Travel Many Edge students have periods of extensive travel for their sport. It is the reality of dedicated, passionate athletes. Edge staff work with the students to ensure that their academics are not compromised due to their sport travels. Prior to travel, a student and their teachers create an academic learning plan to establish the “The biggest difference I found appropriate assignments and workload while the student is away. With online accessibility to both course work and staff, Edge students have the support they need while travelling for training or competition. Having the skills to achieve this balance serves our students well in their post-secondary years.
between my public school and Edge was that all of my classmates were as busy, as passionate and as driven as I was.” Gillian Abbott- alumna
Edge School’s innovative learning environment fosters academic and athletic excellence for our student-athletes. Edge School’s academic programs: • teach the critical thinking skills and learning strategies students need to become independent life-long learners; • foster leadership skills through the character-building principles inherent in sport and education; • provide opportunities to apply learned skills in both classroom and community settings; • help our young men and women develop positive self-esteem, core values and interpersonal skills; • incorporate applicable training and athletic development principles. TAG Every Edge student is part of a Teacher Advisory Group (TAG). This regularly scheduled group meeting provides the opportunity for: • students and teachers to review and revise personal learning plans; • character development and leadership projects; • proactive academic planning and time management; • collaborative activities, team building and group challenges. Alumni Edge provides a uniquely balanced curriculum ensuring our students have a variety of options after graduation and are welcomed by some of North America’s most prestigious post-secondary institutions including Harvard, Princeton, Brown, Yale, McGill and Queen’s. We help student-athletes evaluate the universities, leagues, and career paths that best fit their goals and needs – both academically and athletically. Through Career and Life Management, SAT preparation support, and university application and scholarship guidance, studentathletes are led and encouraged by Edge staff. edge school viewbook | page 11
ATHLETICS In our model, sport is a vehicle for academic excellence and character development. Each Program is staffed with specialized, sport-specific directors, instructors and coaches, bringing local, national and international experience to our programs. Coaches highlight fair play, teamwork and integrity in all aspects of training and competition. The Long Term Athlete Development model emphasizes fun and variety for early elementary aged children. Students in Kindergarten to grade 3 will have multiple activity times strategically placed throughout their school day. Their physical activity programming will include: developing fundamental movement and sport skills; working on social interactions through teamwork and game play; and focusing on developing healthy habits for lifelong participation in activity. In grades 4 through 12, we offer skill training academies in dance, figure skating, golf, hockey, and soccer. For students training in any other sports, such as swimming, alpine skiing, tennis, luge, equestrian, and gymnastics, our Flex Program offers a flexible schedule which allows them to pursue their athletic goals while ensuring academic success. Our MultiSport Academy allows students to train in more than one sport over the course of a year. In addition, students participate in regular physical education classes and have the opportunity to play other sports as part of our Calgary ISAA interscholastic teams including volleyball, badminton and track and field. Our in-house athlete health services are part of all Programs and include: • Sport psychology and counselling • Nutrition counselling • High performance training
“The student body and faculty at Edge helped me tremendously to excel academically and athletically. The program provided me with the flexibility and balance required to achieve my goals.� Veronika Zischka - alumna edge school viewbook | page 13
HOCKEY The Edge School Hockey Program is made up of an extensive Hockey Skill Academy and a highly sought-after Team Program. We have a comprehensive hockey curriculum which supports the development of our Skill Academy players through to our Team Program or other hockey programs. Skill Academy Regardless of a player’s current skill level, our Hockey Skill Academy is committed to the development of each student-athlete’s confidence, individual playing skills, and opportunities in both academics and athletics. We have seen tremendous growth within our Skill Academy students as they work through our extensive hockey curriculum. The game is explained, demonstrated, and practiced through a logical progression of practice drills and skill development. The ultimate goal is to train and educate every student, so that they can perform at his or her highest level.
Team Program The Edge Hockey Team program balances athletics, academics, sport therapy, and community participation to ensure that each student-athlete can achieve personal excellence. We currently have 6 Edge Mountaineer Hockey Teams which compete in multiple regional, provincial, national and international tournaments. With the possibility of future expansion, our current Edge Mountaineer Hockey Teams consist of 3 Male Midget Teams, 2 Bantam Male Teams and 1 Girls Midget Prep Team. The Mountaineers play an average of 50 games in leagues, tournaments and exhibition games in Alberta, Canada and the United States. Athletic Therapists support our hockey teams at home and on the road. Weekly • On-ice training sessions in Edge arenas • Hockey-specific Strength and Conditioning sessions at the Duckett Performance Centre (on the Edge Campus) • Individual and team-play skill development with professional coaches, including a goaltending coach • Targeted training to strengthen skating, passing, puck control, shooting, offensive and defensive play, and creativity • Access to on-site athlete health services such as Edge 360 Sport Therapy Clinic and Counselling
Notable Alumni • Mathew Dumba –Minnesota Wild, NHL • EriC Kroshus – Harvard University, NCAA, ECAC All-Academic Team • Dan Bertram- Boston College, NCAA , ECHL, Jr.A • Shawn Stuart- Union College, NCAA, ECAC All-Academic Team • Joe Colborne - Calgary Flames, NHL • Coda Gordon- 2012 NHL draft, WHL • Ben Lake – Sacred Heart University, NCAA • Erika Sowchuk – University of Wisconsin • Jennifer Matichuk – Yale University, NCAA, ECAC All-Academic Team • Kelly Murray – Cornell University Graduates have gone on to schools like Princeton, Harvard, Yale, Cornell, Union, York, McGill and more.
The principles of leadership, effort, fairplay and teamwork, along with the staff’s commitment to develop each individual’s game, allow a player to maximize their ability on and off the ice.
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DANCE The Edge Dance Program exposes students to a comprehensive and diverse training program. The curriculum is designed to inspire the young dancer, improve technique and cultivate well-round performers. Program Structure • Dancers participate in Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Modern and Lyrical classes on a regular basis. • Prepares dancers to succeed in post-secondary or professional opportunities. • We invite master teachers from across North America to teach master classes. • Optional travel opportunities allow dancers to experience world-class workshops and performances. Past trips have included Amsterdam, London, Barcelona, San Francisco, New York, Alaska, Chicago and Montreal. • Students also receive additional exposure to industry components such as costume design, video production, audition reels, staging, lighting, and resume guidance. The Edge Dance Program offers a second-to-none learning environment for dancers supported by the Edge academic faculty, high performance training staff and sport psychology, creating a complete dance training experience.
“I was able to balance both my academics and my athletics. I could leave school to pursue opportunities and be able to come back and be on top of my school work” Allie Bertram- alumna
Notable Alumni • Gillian Abbott – Cirque Du Soleil, The Juilliard School • Allie Bertram- So You Think You Can Dance Canada, 1st Runner-up • Terra Kell- University of Arizona • James Cabrera- Joffrey Ballet School • Sydney Knoll- The Young Americans
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FIGURE SKATING The Edge Figure Skating Program provides recreational and competitive skaters with a complete training program, both on and off the ice. With extensive support from the Edge Academic team, it is our goal to develop students to their fullest potential, providing them with a unique academic and athletic experience. Like elite skaters, Edge skaters have a team comprised of a skating coach, athletic trainer, movement coach, dance teacher (ballet and modern), nutritional guidance and sport psychology counselling.
Program Structure The figure skating program is comprised of 3 components: on-ice training, off-ice training, and strength and conditioning at the Duckett Performance Centre. The on-ice sessions are taught by our skating development team to enrich our skaters’ turns, edges, stroking and field moves. The coach to student ratio is a maximum of 1:10 for on-ice training. During the on-ice training time, skaters also have the option to work with their own coach. Integrated with the Edge Dance Program, the off-ice component includes ballet, alignment, flexibility, musicality, jazz stylization and artistic development. The strength and conditioning in the Duckett Performance Centre provides warm-up techniques for injury prevention, muscle activation and jump strengthening. Edge allows students to maximize their potential by training during the day then continue their club figure skating training programs outside of school. The Edge Figure Skating Program will not test or offer Skate Canada programs.
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FLEX The Edge Flex Program can help the busy student-athlete manage his or her studies, training and competition time. This program is designed to enable student-athletes to follow their athletic dreams while ensuring academic success. Some of our flex students represent their region on the local, provincial, national and international stage. The Flex Program is ideal for any busy student-athlete, from equestrian riders, to volleyball players, who need a balance of flexibility and structure within their academic environment.
Program Structure • Academic Coordinator aiding students to access academic resources and balance their demanding schedules • High performance training at the Duckett Performance Centre • Open Tutorial time to manage their academic course work and receive academic support from Edge staff • Sport Psychology Consultant provides mental performance support • Support from on-site athlete health services staff including sport therapy and sport nutrition
“The single most important thing is the small class sizes.” Donna PincottEdge Parent
Notable Alumni • Arianne Jones – Luge - National Luge Team • livia Jack - Rhythmic Gymnastics - University of Calgary • Dan Blattler - Swimming - University of British Columbia • Nicole Smith - Tennis - Arizona State University • Paige Russell - Equestrian - Texas A & M
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SOCCER The Edge Soccer Program is for passionate soccer players looking for premier skill development on the pitch and as life-long leaders and learners.
The program is designed to help players develop strength, speed, and technical and tactical skills, while introducing them to post-secondary opportunities in athletics and academics.
Program Structure The program offers a comprehensive soccer skill academy. The goal of this skill development program is to have every student making tactical and technical decisions with composure and confidence during group play. Students receive coaching during school hours from the Edge Soccer Director as well as selected guest coaches. Students belong to a variety of local soccer clubs and continue to participate in their respective leagues, tournaments and exhibition play.
The Edge School Soccer Program utilizes our state-of-the-art FIFA 2 Star athletic turf field.
“It was amazing to be able to play my favorite sport as a class and learn new things about it all the time. Also, the one-on-one attention from my coach was great so that I could work on my individual game, which would not have been as easily done had I not gone to Edge.� Kiercy Mah- Alumna
Notable Alumni • Veronika Zischka - University of North Dakota • Sarah Blanchard - Daniel Webster College • Ranee Premji - University of North Carolina • Mikaella Meibock – San Jose State University
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GOLF Student-athletes of the Edge Golf Program have the unique opportunity to pursue their golf goals in a full-time academic and yearround athletic setting. Students develop skills, character and knowledge of the game of golf through a team-oriented atmosphere. The Edge Golf Program brings world-class instruction in swing fundamentals, short game practice and rule strategies, as well as managing rounds on a golf course. Tournament and practice round play in Canada and the US provides a setting where attributes taught through lessons can be incorporated into game situations. This provides Edge golfers outstanding postsecondary golf scholarship opportunities. Our unique high-performance skill development program provides students with fall, winter and spring golf instruction, training and competition.
Program Structure • Hands-on golf sessions including lessons and play. • The in-house golf centre, with putting green and golf simulator, permits coaching staff to work with students year-round in real-life situations, analyze swing and break down the game while engaging in live-action play. • Access to on-site Athlete Health Services: strength and conditioning at the Duckett Performance Centre, sport therapy, sport psychology and nutrition support. • Use of top-rated facilities: Springbank Links, Riverside Golf Centre, as well as other local facilities. • Competitive and development programs to suit individual skill levels. • Travel opportunities to tournaments in areas such as Arizona, California, Texas, Washington and the Pacific Northwest. Over the past 10 years many of the graduates of the golf program have gone on to post-secondary institutions such as University of Calgary, University of Alberta, Xavier University, University of Southern Mississippi, University of Missouri, and McNeese State University.
“Edge School has taught me to be a leader in every aspect of my life.” Sang Lee- Alumnus
Notable Alumni • Laeni Bendzik - University of Louisiana @ Monroe; University of Texas @ San Antonio; 2007 All- American All-Academic • Rochelle Brown - Long Island University • Brad Thompson - Mississippi State University • Cecilia Jeon - Texas A&M @ Corpus Christi • Brock McKechnie - Mercer University, GA • Scott Lowe - Santa Clara University, NCAA Div1 Golf; AB Golf Scholarship • Sang Lee - Washington State University, NCAA Div1 Golf • Jocelyn Alford – University of British Columbia; Oklahoma State University
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CHARACTER At Edge School, academic excellence and athletic skill development represent only a portion of the training that student-athletes receive. We integrate character development into everything we do to build confidence, self-esteem, interpersonal skills and positive life-long values. Our four guiding principles - Leadership, Effort, Attitude and Dignity - form the foundation for Edge School and shape our expectations for behaviour at all times. Our LEAD model is a deliberate integration of the guiding principles which unite our academic, athletic and character development programs. LEAD acts as our compass in the creation and implementation of our character development program which is intentionally intertwined into all that we do. Every Edge student and staff member is part of a Mountain Team and these teams play an important part in the Edge philosophy. Through friendly and spirited competition, students and staff members compete against each other to promote team building and community involvement. From the Terry Fox Run, to the annual Coin Race, students take pride in their Mountain Teams’ progress and strive to win the treasured Mountain Cup! Our Mountaineer Code, a living guideline of expectation and obligation, is a daily reminder of how we need to think and act in order to allow each of us to thrive in and beyond the Edge School community. The School’s leaders, teachers and coaches are united in their vision for students, and use the Mountaineer Code as a guide to incorporate character development throughout the students’ day.
Community Outreach Edge encourages students to give back to the community. For many years, we have supported a variety of organizations (SEE BELOW). Recently, Right to Play Canada named Edge School a Game Changer for our on-going support.
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FACILITY With our remarkable 170,000 square-foot campus, Edge has become one of Calgary’s premier training and education facilities. Edge School is one of the very few schools to have all the necessary academic and athletic facilities in one building. ACADEMICS Almost 60,000 square feet of academic space spread over two floors is designed for up to 400 students. These include well-equipped classrooms and science labs, the Boyce Family Centre of Excellence Learning Commons, and a hot-meal, full-service cafeteria. ATHLETICS The Jim Davidson Sports Complex is a world-class athletic, recreational and community-use facility made possible by the generous contributions of Calgary’s community leaders and philanthropists. Inside and outside this 90,000 square foot complex you will find: • Two NHL sized arenas: the Kyle Stuart Memorial Arena and Edge Arena #2, with large hockey dressing rooms • Edge School Founders & Alumni Lounge, with private view of Kyle Stuart Arena • Edge School Golf Centre with putting green and golf simulator • G2 Gymnasiums with two NBA sized courts • Duckett Performance Centre (DPC), high performance training and fitness centre • Three Professional Dance Studios • State-of-the-art Athletic Turf Field • Professional Performance Stage • Edge 360 Sport Therapy Clinic
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Athlete Health Serv Cafeteria Perhaps the most critical, yet often overlooked, aspect of a balanced training program is nutrition. Nutrition plays a key role in academic performance, athletic performance, and in every aspect of development. It is important to provide our students with the right fuel and to help them form good nutritional habits associated with athletic success and overall health and wellness. Edge School has teamed up with Chartwells to deliver outstanding food services, prepared fresh in our fully-equipped kitchen and served in our spacious cafeteria. The service is open much of the day, with the menu offering breakfast, snacks and lunch. Edge 360 Sport Therapy Clinic Our full-time athletic therapist ensures that Edge students receive the support they need stay in top shape through education, prevention and rehabilitation. Our fully-equipped sport therapy clinic offers athletic therapy, physiotherapy, and chiropractic services, allowing student-athletes to easily work sessions into their daily schedules. Sport Psychology and Counselling Sport psychology and mental performance training has become a pivotal component within training programs for both individual athletes and sports teams. Our in-house sport psychology consultant provides many services to our students, parents and staff including one-on-one and group/ team mental performance support at home and on the road. Our Career Practitioner offers students academic and career counselling, as well as post-secondary and scholarship information.
“Edge takes care of every student here.� Davut Tahir- Student
vices Duckett Performance Centre The Duckett Performance Centre (DPC) has earned a global reputation as a premier training centre for high performance athletes. Located adjacent to Edge’s gymnasium, the DPC offers teams, groups and individuals alike, state-of-the-art equipment and professional services at a world-class level. The DPC contains the latest in Sport Science and Human Performance Measurement, including: • Posture Analysis • Max VO2 • Wingate • Sport Specific Performance Measures of Dynamic Power and Flexibility The DPC has been designed with an acute attention to detail. The treadmills, Keiser functional trainers, medicine balls, free weights, high-end Mondo flooring and Olympic-quality straight track, combined with the DPC staff’s meticulous training programs, ensure that each student-athlete benefits to his or her maximum potential.
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CONTACT US Edge School for Athletes 33055 Township Road 250 Calgary, AB T3Z 1L4
edgeschool.com T 403 246 6432 F 403 217 8463 info@edgeschool.com Facebook – /edgeschool Twitter - @edgeschool
Arrange a tour: Director of Admissions T 403 246 6432 ext. 111 admissions@edgeschool.com