Mission Statement
QUEST provides individual programming which enables students with special challenges to learn and develop to their maximum potential in a caring and safe environment
All You See Is Part of Me
Know what is best! Expect the Best!
Accept the Best!
Philosophy
Calgary Quest School was established in 1980 by a group of caring parents of young students with challenges. These parents formed a non-profit society and wrote a philosophy for Quest School that continues to this day.
All students regardless of their challenges have the right to:
- education and therapy which will allow them to achieve
their maximum potential
- be treated with dignity and respect
- be led toward normalization for all aspects of
their lives
- a program designed specifically to their individual
needs
Students learn best when programs are designed to meet their developmental needs.
The Quest program is created to address all dimensions of their development.
Students are encouraged to acquire knowledge, skills and attitudes that prepare them for later learning
The Quest environment provides a secure, safe place for students to risk-take while seeing themselves as capable learners.
All students can learn. At Quest we present them with additional support to increase their potential and make the most of learning opportunities. Learning experiences are modified to meet the special needs of the student
Students build a common set of experiences through interactions with others. At Quest they develop relationships with staff and other students including those with similar special needs. Care is taken to help students become aware of their differences and develop tolerance for abilities, strengths and weaknesses of others
Parents have the opportunity for meaningful involvement in the education of their children. Quest staff recognizes that parents' are the children's first and most important teachers. Parents are encouraged to take an active role in establishing goals for their child and suggest teaching strategies .This partnership between Quest teachers, assistants, therapists and parents builds upon the learning students have already acquired in their home.
Coordinated services meet the needs of students and their families. Teachers and therapists together with parents explore other supporting agencies that may assist families in further development of their children.
Over the years Calgary Quest School has had to adapt to the dynamic changes that have taken place in education in the province of Alberta.
A major change occurred in 1995 when Calgary Quest School approached the Alberta Government to become a Designated Special Education School, serving students from 2 years 6 months to 19 years of age. Once this designation was granted Calgary Quest School, took its place as a fully sanctioned school along with other schools designed to bring dignity and respect for education of students with significant challenges. As stewards of this designation, Calgary Quest School must be frequently monitored by Alberta Learning to ensure the high standards that students demand. Our most recent monitoring (Feb/2003) by Alberta Learning offered the following commendations:
School staff demonstrates a strong dedication to students in their care.
There is excellent coordination of services for the students.
Parents report that they are satisfied with their level of involvement in their children’s Individual Program Plans.
Parents report their involvement with other schools had not been meeting the needs of their child, resulting in the parents’ decision to place their child with Calgary Quest School.
Our philosophy demands that the combination of therapy and education be presented within each of the Quest classrooms. Professional educators and therapists work closely with parents to design programs that assist each student to adapt or overcome challenges that had greatly hindered the student to take their rightful place in the school system and their place in society. As part of our Commitment to parents being involved; Calgary Quest School continues to be operated by a volunteer Board of Directors. This board is elected according to Bylaws established to ensure compliance with not for profit policies as established by Corporate Registry (Alberta) and Canada Customs and Revenue (Calgary Quest School offers Tax Receipts).
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