FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR
2026-27 JUNIOR HIGH REGISTRATION
ADMISSIONS:
Q: When can I apply to Crestwood for the Academic Alternative Program?
A: The application process is open from: January 9-30, 2026
Q: When is the portfolio due?
A: The portfolio must be completed by January 30, 2026 at 4:00 pm.
Q: Can I apply to both the Gifted and Talented Program and the Academic Alternative Program at Crestwood ?
A: Sorry, you do not have this option. If you are requesting to attend our Gifted and Talented Program, your current school will need to help you with this process. From February 2-9, 2026 your elementary school will be able to complete the SNAP process for coded students. Please note that the timelines are different for our two Junior High programs.
Q: How does my child’s current Grade 6 teacher fill out the Teacher Input form?
A: Once the application form is complete, we will send an email to the student’s current Grade 6 teacher. They will complete the confidential teacher input section, which is due February 5, 2026.
Q: When are the group interviews?
A: Students will come to the school for a scheduled group interview during the week of February 2-5, 2026. We will send you more information once applications are complete.
Q: What if my child does not complete the portfolio before the due date?
A: Students must complete all aspects of this portfolio before January 30 at 4:00 pm in order to be considered for a position at Crestwood.
Q: When will we find out if my child has been accepted to attend Crestwood for Grade 7?
A: Families will be notified of the status of their application by March 18, 2026.
Q: My child currently does not attend an Elementary School with Edmonton Public Schools. Can they still apply to attend Crestwood for Junior High?
A: Yes, however students need an EPSB (Edmonton Public School Board) email to join the Google Classroom required to complete the portfolio process. These students should contact the office for a digital copy of the requirements of the portfolio process at crestwood@epsb.ca . If your child is not currently enrolled in Edmonton Public Schools, you will need to submit an Edmonton Public School new student registration form online. This opens on Feb. 2, 2026.
Q: We live in the attendance area for Crestwood School, and are not currently attending Crestwood School, what do we need to do?
A: If you live in our designated attendance area, you are not required to complete the application process since Crestwood is your designated Junior High School. Please email the Crestwood office at crestwood@epsb.ca for more information on your next steps (address verification, registration, etc.).
Q: How is the Gifted and Talented Program different from the Academic Alternative Program?
A: The Gifted and Talented programming supports students who have advanced intellectual ability compared to other students their age. These students have exceptional potential or ability across a wide range of areas, from creative thinking to understanding abstract relationships.Students in this program have the special needs code 80. Group activities and projects allow students to extend their learning and explore multiple complex problems and challenges.
Q: If my child currently attends Edmonton Public and is coded Gifted and Talented, are they guaranteed a spot in the Gifted and Talented program at Crestwood?
A: Sorry, attendance in any special needs program is based on available space and the zone in which you currently live.
Q: If my child is coded Gifted and Talented, how do I apply for a spot in the Gifted and Talented program at Crestwood?
A: The process to apply for the special needs programming class is different. You DO NOT go through the SAME application process as the Academic Alternative program. You need to ask your current elementary school to use the SNAP process. Elementary schools must SNAP eligible students from Feb.2-9,2026. Your elementary school will let you know if you have been accepted by MARCH 20.
Q: How does the Academic Alternative Program differ from regular programming in Junior High?
A: All Edmonton Public Schools programming is based on curriculum determined by Alberta Education.The Academic Alternative Program combines a focus of academic excellence in the core subjects with strategies that foster a joy in learning through creative, critical and global thinking. Students discover their own strengths as learners in order to become citizens and leaders in a changing world.
Q: I have more questions about Crestwood?
A: Please look at our website or contact our school office at crestwood@epsb.ca or (780)-452-4525.
Q: What is the difference between the Gifted and Talented Program and the Academic Alternative Program?
A: Both programs move through the curriculum at an accelerated pace in comparison to a regular classroom. The Gifted and Talented Program, requires students to be tested and be coded as Gifted and Talented to get into the program. Academic Alternative classes are also academically focused, offering students the opportunity to work with a similar peer group.
Q: Can I apply for more than one school in Edmonton Public?
A: Students will be notified with adequate time to enroll in another junior high school if they are not accepted at Crestwood.You can pre-enrol in a school before the deadline of March 25, 2026.
Q: Does Crestwood have yellow bus service?
A: Crestwood does not have yellow bus service, but it is accessible from ETS.
Q: Where do we eat lunch?
A: Students eat their lunch in various classrooms, outside or in parts of the hall. Crestwood does not have a dedicated cafeteria space, but we do have a school store that sells drinks, snacks and simple meals like instant noodles.
Q: How many students attend Crestwood?
A: Our student population is about 460 students. About 200 are elementary and the rest are junior high.
FRENCH:
Q: I have never taken French before. Will I be okay?
A: Many of our Grade 7 students have taken other languages in Elementary, and the French teachers recognize that. It usually does not take long for the students to catch up.
Q: I was in French Immersion. Will I be challenged?
A: Crestwood offers French as a Second Language programming, but our French teachers are happy to provide extensions and challenges for students with more French experience.
Q: How often would I have French?
A: You would have three French classes per week.
HUMANITIES:
Q: What does Humanities mean?
A: Humanities is an integrated Social Studies and Language Arts course. The students often see the Humanities teacher twice a day, and many projects and themes cross both subjects.
Q: How much Humanities homework can I expect?
A: Homework for humanities might consist of completing assignments started in class and reviewing material for exams.
Q: How often would I have Humanities?
A: You would usually have humanities twice a day. (9 classes in the week)
MATH:
Q: How much Math homework can I expect?
A: It is expected that students will practice the skills learned in class at home.
Q: What are some typical Math projects for Grade 7?
A: Grade 7 projects might include Coordinate Grid drawings,or developing a Probability Game for a Math Fair. For added depth of instruction, extensions include contests, Math in Art, and important historical figures in Math.
Q: How often would I have Math?
A: You would have 4 math classes in the week.
SCIENCE:
Q: How much Science homework can I expect?
A: If not completed at school, students are expected to complete homework activities at home. The amount of work required depends on the week and the amount of time available in class.
Q: Do we get to do labs?
A: Yes. In Grade 7-9 there are a variety of hands-on labs and projects.
Q: How often would I have Science?
A: You would have Science 5 classes in the week.
ATHLETICS/PE:
Q: What sports teams are there?
A: At Crestwood, we have teams for cross country running, soccer, volleyball, basketball, badminton, track and other sports depending on interest.
Q: How do I join a sports team?
A: Teams are created through try-outs. Due to the size of our gym, we cannot have large teams. Over 60% of our junior high students join at least one sports team.
Q: What activities are we going to do in Phys Education?
A: You can expect the standards like volleyball, basketball and dodgeball. You will also go for walks in the river valley, play gaga ball and even learn some dancing skills.
Q: How often would I have Phys Education?
A: You would have three Phys Education classes per week.
COMPLIMENTARY COURSES /OPTIONS:
Q: What options are offered at Crestwood?
A: Currently Crestwood offers Band, Art and Media as full-year option courses. These options are subject to change based on teacher availability and expertise.
Q: When do I get to choose my year-long option?
A: Students sign up for year-long options in May or June. They indicate their first and second choice.
Q: Do I get to change options?
A: At Crestwood, we have a variety of trimester options offered throughout the year. You will sign up for those in May or June. These options are subject to change based on teacher availability and expertise.
Q: Do I need to have any experience for Band?
A: No musical experience is necessary, though you should have some basic knowledge from taking music in elementary.
Q: I play piano/guitar/ukulele/violin. Can I play that in Band?
A: No, those instruments are not part of the band ensemble. You have to choose a wind instrument (brass or woodwind) or percussion.
Q: How do I get an instrument for Band?
A: You can buy your own, or rent one. The cost for rental varies depending on the instrument.
EXTRACURRICULAR:
Q: What extracurricular activities are there at Crestwood?
A: There are clubs such as Student Council, Anime Club, Crochet Club, Chess Club, and the School Store.
Q: What school trips can I go on?
A: This changes every year. There is an annual Grade 7 trip to Birch Bay Ranch, as well as a day trip to Drumheller in June. There are also Band trips to Band Camp at Nakamun and performance tours.