Cochrane students need more school spaces for effective learning.
With more than 300 new kindergarten to Grade 8 (K–8) students enrolling every year, Cochrane’s growth demands the equivalent of a new school every two to three years.
Education is the responsibility of the provincial government, and our rapid growth demands more classrooms. Rocky View Schools has identified the need for a new K–8 school and a new high school in Cochrane.
Recent Cochrane school spaces timeline:
- 2017: A new public elementary school opens in Cochrane.
- 2022: Holy Spirit School, part of the Calgary Catholic School District, unveils a new building, replacing the former school. The former Holy Spirit School is re-acquired by Rocky View Schools and becomes the Cochrane Christian Academy.
- 2023: The Provincial government approves pre-planning for a K-8 school in the Capital Plan, which does not guarantee when school development will take place.
- 2024: Proposal for a new Cochrane high school is submitted for consideration in the Provincial budget.
- 2026: Projected completion of an expansion to Bow Valley High School, which will add approximately 300 new spaces.
- 2026: Anticipated increase in K-8 student population to 4,700 in Cochrane with only school space for 3,900.
- 2027: Projected opening of K–8 school in Rivercrest, which Rocky View Schools received construction funding for in the 2024 provincial budget. Until this school opens, utilization of Rocky View’s K–8 schools in Cochrane will remain high at 101 per cent.
Help us share Cochrane’s story
While the Town of Cochrane actively advocates for our community’s needs, your voice makes an even bigger impact. By speaking up, sharing information and engaging with government officials, you help ensure Cochrane’s priorities are heard loud and clear.
Help amplify Cochrane's voice
Send an email advocating for additional investment in education
While the Town of Cochrane actively advocates for our community’s needs, your voice makes an even bigger impact. By speaking up, sharing information and engaging with government officials, you help ensure Cochrane’s priorities are heard loud and clear.
Take action. Send an email to government officials — Advocate for additional investment in Cochrane’s education by emailing key decision-makers:
Tips for writing effective emails to government officials:
- Focus on the facts.
- Be clear on the reason for your communication.
- Focus on collaboration with the provincial government, rather than being adversarial.
Need a starting point?
Share
Use social media, blogs, podcasts, or interviews to share Cochrane’s story. Add your own experiences and thoughts to make it personal and engaging.
Ask questions
Engage with Provincial elected officials by asking questions about the advocacy priorities. Your inquiries can increase understanding and provide opportunities for dialogue.
Sample questions
Can you provide an update on the progress of the pre-planning for the K-8 school approved in the 2023 Capital Plan?
Q. What is the Province doing to ensure timely construction and staffing of new schools, particularly in response to the anticipated increase in student population in Cochrane?
When do you anticipate pre-planning approval for a new Cochrane high school, submitted for approval in the 2024 Provincial budget?
Stay informed
Check back here often for updates on advocacy priorities and progress to remain part of the conversation so you can continue advocating for Cochrane's needs.