Grades Taught
8-12
About
Our Next Step vision is to create a community of learners who embody the virtues of acceptance, flexibility, individualization, respect, and responsibility. Next Step is located in community-based sites in Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan and Vegreville.
Introduction
Next Step schools are 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
Population
470 full time & 450 combined shared students
Principal
Barclay Spady
Trustee
Don Irwin (Sherwood Park)
Jacqueline Shotbolt (Fort Saskatchewan)
Randy Footz (Vegreville)
Administration
Krista Porter, Assistant Principal
Motto
Small steps are still progress!
Vision
Our Next Step vision is to create a community of learners who embody the virtues of acceptance, flexibility, individualization, respect, and responsibility.
Philosophy
Acceptance- We strive for a diverse and inclusive environment where every student, parent, caregiver, and staff member feels accepted, irrespective of their background, beliefs, or circumstances. We believe that learning is most effective when everyone feels like they belong.
Flexibility- Understanding that each learner is unique, we aim to offer flexible learning and a range of teaching methodologies to cater to individual needs. Whether through elective courses, extracurricular activities, or personalized learning paths, flexibility is at the heart of our educational approach.
Individualization- Building on the concept of flexibility, we focus on personalized education. Our staff are committed to identifying each student’s strengths, and areas for growth, allowing for a more tailored educational experience while maintaining a high academic standard. This individual attention ensures that every student is equipped with the tools they need to succeed both academically and personally.
Respect- In our community, respect is mutual. Staff, students, caregivers, and parents are encouraged to show respect for each other's ideas, feelings, and contributions. We believe that open dialogue, grounded in respect, fosters a rich learning environment where complex issues can be discussed and dissected.
Responsibility- While our staff are committed to providing the best educational experience possible, we also encourage students, caregivers and parents to take responsibility for their learning journey. This includes active participation in school activities, regular communication with staff, and a commitment to personal and academic growth.
For parents, caregivers, and families, becoming a part of the Next Step community means joining a network committed to these virtues. Together, we work toward providing an educational experience that values the uniqueness of each student, respects the input of each community member, and prepares learners for a future full of possibilities.
Beliefs
- To provide each student with the individual attention, guidance, and encouragement in order for them to successfully complete their educational goals.
- 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 Plan
SCHOOL GOAL 1: Building staff capacity by engaging in best alternative learning practices will result in improvement in course completion, graduation rates and attendance.
SCHOOL GOAL 2: Students and families are connected in meaningful, authentic, and engaging ways with an inclusive school community through a variety of communication and interactive opportunities wherein diversity is embraced.
SCHOOL GOAL 3: Students will be introduced to a variety of career prospects via presentations, seminars and hands-on learning opportunities facilitating diverse career exploration opportunities.
Programs and 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.