About Us

Next Step is a supportive, alternative  senior high school for students who require a non-traditional, individualized program. Located in community-based sites in Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, and Vegreville, Next Step provides students with:

  • a safe, comfortable environment
  • flexible, individual schedules
  • the opportunity to take responsibility for their own education and to experience success
  • excellent teachers and encouraging and respectful staff

Our Mission

To provide each student with the individual attention, guidance, and encouragement in order for them to successfully complete their educational goals.

Our Beliefs

  • All students can learn and experience success.
  • A quality education contributes to the emotional, intellectual, physical, and social development of the student.
  • Learning is a lifelong process in which education plays a fundamental role.
  • Our program must be innovative, flexible, and continuously improving in order to meet the challenges presented by change.
  • Integrity, honesty, tolerance, and responsible behaviour must be fundamental in all that we do.
  • All students deserve a safe and caring environment.
  • Education is the foundation of success.

Programs & Services

Next Step schools offer all levels of English Language Arts, Social Studies, Math, and all Sciences required to attain a Diploma or Certificate of Achievement in the province of Alberta. We also have a variety of complementary courses, Work Experience, RAP and Green Certificate available to students. Apart from our specialized complementary courses, Next Step is able to offer most courses from Alberta Education Programs of Study.

Students are involved in setting up their own programs and goals. Attendance and work completion schedules are flexible and are designed to meet individual student needs.

Administration

Barclay Spady, Principal

Krista Porter, Assistant Principal

 

About

Early Dismissal: One hour earlier

Time: All Day

Students dismissed one hour earlier than usual

Professional Learning Day: No school for students

Time: All Day

Substitute Appreciation Week

Time: All Day

EIPS is celebrating Substitute Appreciation Week from March 13 to 17, 2023. Annually, EIPS officially recognizes the professional service our substitute teachers and non-teaching staff provide throughout the Division each day. We encourage schools, boards, families and community members to take a moment this week to tell your valued teaching and non-teaching substitute colleagues how thankful you are for the exceptional services they bring to our school community.

From all of EIPS, thank you for all that you do!

Week of Inspirational Math

Time: All Day

EIPS schools will explore all things mathematics during the Week of Inspirational Math (WiM). Students will take part in a variety of inspiring and creative math activities for the week and explore real-world applications of mathematics in a number of professions.

Substitute Appreciation Week

Time: All Day

EIPS is celebrating Substitute Appreciation Week from March 13 to 17, 2023. Annually, EIPS officially recognizes the professional service our substitute teachers and non-teaching staff provide throughout the Division each day. We encourage schools, boards, families and community members to take a moment this week to tell your valued teaching and non-teaching substitute colleagues how thankful you are for the exceptional services they bring to our school community.

From all of EIPS, thank you for all that you do!

Week of Inspirational Math

Time: All Day

EIPS schools will explore all things mathematics during the Week of Inspirational Math (WiM). Students will take part in a variety of inspiring and creative math activities for the week and explore real-world applications of mathematics in a number of professions.

Substitute Appreciation Week

Time: All Day

EIPS is celebrating Substitute Appreciation Week from March 13 to 17, 2023. Annually, EIPS officially recognizes the professional service our substitute teachers and non-teaching staff provide throughout the Division each day. We encourage schools, boards, families and community members to take a moment this week to tell your valued teaching and non-teaching substitute colleagues how thankful you are for the exceptional services they bring to our school community.

From all of EIPS, thank you for all that you do!

Week of Inspirational Math

Time: All Day

EIPS schools will explore all things mathematics during the Week of Inspirational Math (WiM). Students will take part in a variety of inspiring and creative math activities for the week and explore real-world applications of mathematics in a number of professions.

Substitute Appreciation Week

Time: All Day

EIPS is celebrating Substitute Appreciation Week from March 13 to 17, 2023. Annually, EIPS officially recognizes the professional service our substitute teachers and non-teaching staff provide throughout the Division each day. We encourage schools, boards, families and community members to take a moment this week to tell your valued teaching and non-teaching substitute colleagues how thankful you are for the exceptional services they bring to our school community.

From all of EIPS, thank you for all that you do!

Week of Inspirational Math

Time: All Day

EIPS schools will explore all things mathematics during the Week of Inspirational Math (WiM). Students will take part in a variety of inspiring and creative math activities for the week and explore real-world applications of mathematics in a number of professions.

Report Cards - elementary and junior high

Time: All Day

Excluding Ardrossan Junior Senior High, Lamont High, SCA Secondary and Vegreville Composite High

Week of Inspirational Math

Time: All Day

EIPS schools will explore all things mathematics during the Week of Inspirational Math (WiM). Students will take part in a variety of inspiring and creative math activities for the week and explore real-world applications of mathematics in a number of professions.

Substitute Appreciation Week

Time: All Day

EIPS is celebrating Substitute Appreciation Week from March 13 to 17, 2023. Annually, EIPS officially recognizes the professional service our substitute teachers and non-teaching staff provide throughout the Division each day. We encourage schools, boards, families and community members to take a moment this week to tell your valued teaching and non-teaching substitute colleagues how thankful you are for the exceptional services they bring to our school community.

From all of EIPS, thank you for all that you do!

Spring Break

Time: All Day

Schools closed to staff and students

Spring Break

Time: All Day

Schools closed to staff and students

Spring Break

Time: All Day

Schools closed to staff and students

Spring Break

Time: All Day

Schools closed to staff and students

Spring Break

Time: All Day

Schools closed to staff and students

Spring Break

Time: All Day

Schools closed to staff and students

Spring Break

Time: All Day

Schools closed to staff and students

Spring Break

Time: All Day

Schools closed to staff and students

Early Dismissal: One hour earlier

Time: All Day

Students dismissed one hour earlier than usual

Good Friday - Statutory holiday

Time: All Day

Schools closed to staff and students

Central Services closed

World Health Day

Time: All Day

Vimy Ridge Day

Time: All Day

Easter Monday - Division closure day

Time: All Day

Schools closed to staff and students

Central Services closed

RAP Information Session

Time: 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Location: Ardrossan Junior Senior High, 53129 Range Rd 222, Ardrossan, AB

Learn everything there is to know about how students can get involved in the Registered Apprenticeship Program.

National Volunteer Week

Time: All Day

National Volunteer Week

Time: All Day

National Volunteer Week

Time: All Day

School Advisory Council Meeting

Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

National Volunteer Week

Time: All Day

National Volunteer Week

Time: All Day

Gathering of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Families

Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Glen Allan Elementary

Once again this school year, the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education team is hosting a series of gatherings for EIPS families of First Nations, Métis or Inuit children. We’re excited to host the events in person this year. These gatherings are a time in the evening when we can meet together to share, learn and connect. All family members of all ages are welcome, and dinner will be provided at all gatherings.

Gathering 2 features art with Métis knowledge holder Connie Kulhavy. 

View the full schedule of family gatherings

For more information or if you're interested in participating, reach out to the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education lead teacher at your child's school. RSVPs are appreciated to help the Division plan accordingly.

National Volunteer Week

Time: All Day

Earth Day

Time: All Day

National Volunteer Week

Time: All Day

Parent Teacher Conferences FSO

Time: 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Administrative Professionals' Day

Time: All Day

Parent Teacher Conferences SPO/VJO

Time: 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Teacher Appreciation Day

Time: All Day

Early Dismissal: One hour earlier

Time: All Day

Students dismissed one hour earlier than usual

National Day of Awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

Time: All Day

Professional Learning Day: No school for students

Time: All Day

Moose Hide Campaign Day

Time: All Day

Grade 9 PAT: English Language Arts (including K&E) Part A

Time: 9:00 am - 10:20 am

School Closure Day

Time: All Day

Schools closed to staff and students

Victoria Day - Statutory holiday

Time: All Day

Schools closed to staff and students

Central Services closed

Early Dismissal: One hour earlier

Time: All Day

Students dismissed one hour earlier than usual

Humanities Diploma Exam Prep

Time: All Day

June 8, 9, 10

ELA 30-1

Social Studies 30-1

Humanities Diploma Exam Prep

Time: All Day

June 8, 9, 10

ELA 30-1

Social Studies 30-1

Next Step Graduation @DOW

Time: All Day

Humanities Diploma Exam Prep

Time: All Day

June 8, 9, 10

ELA 30-1

Social Studies 30-1

Math Diploma Exam Prep

Time: All Day

June 10 & 11

Math 30-1/2

Math Diploma Exam Prep

Time: All Day

June 10 & 11

Math 30-1/2

Diploma Exam: English Language Arts 30-1 & 30-2 Part A

Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Diploma Exam: Social Studies 30-1 & 30-2 Part(ie) A

Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Diploma Exam: Mathematics 30-1 & 30-2

Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Science Diploma Exam Prep

Time: All Day

June 17 & 18

Biology 30

Chemistry 30

Physics 30

Science 30

Science Diploma Exam Prep

Time: All Day

June 17 & 18

Biology 30

Chemistry 30

Physics 30

Science 30

Diploma Exam: English Language Arts 30-1 & 30-2 Part B

Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Grades 7 and 8 Exam: English Language Arts Part B

Time: All Day

Each school will determine the specific time for the exam

Diploma Exam: Social Studies 30-1 & 30-2 Part(ie) B

Time: 9:00 am - 11:30 am

Grade 9 PAT: English Language Arts (including K&E) Part B

Time: 9:00 am - 10:15 am

June Solstice

Time: All Day

National Indigenous Peoples Day

Time: All Day

Grades 7 and 8 Exam: Mathematics Part(ie) A

Time: All Day

Each school will determine the specific time for the exam

Diploma Exam: Biology 30

Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Grade 9 PAT: Mathematics Part(ie) A

Time: 9:00 am - 9:30 am

Grades 7 and 8 Exam: Mathematics Part(ie) B

Time: All Day

Each school will determine the specific time for the exam

Grade 9 PAT: Mathematics Part(ie) B (and K&E Mathematics)

Time: 9:00 am - 10:20 am

Diploma Exam: Chemistry 30

Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Grades 7 and 8 Exam: Social Studies

Time: All Day

Each school will determine the specific time for the exam

Diploma Exam: Physics 30

Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Grade 9 PAT: Social Studies (including K&E)

Time: 9:00 am - 10:20 am

Grades 7 and 8 Exam: Science

Time: All Day

Each school will determine the specific time for the exam

Last day of classes

Time: All Day

Report Cards - elementary and junior high

Time: All Day

Diploma Exam: Science 30

Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Grade 9 PAT: Science (including K&E)

Time: 9:00 am - 10:15 am

Operational Day

Time: All Day

Schools closed to students

Summer School starts

Time: All Day