Monday, December 1, 2025
After a thorough review of enrolment, feedback, and program resources, the Division has made the decision that the Enhanced Academic Program (EAP) will not be offered at Holy Cross and Holy Family Catholic Schools beginning in September 2026.
Each year, Edmonton Catholic Schools reviews its programs to ensure we are offering sustainable and effective learning opportunities that best serve our students, families, and the Division. In Spring 2025, Educational Planning invited EAP families, students, and staff to complete a Division-wide questionnaire to better understand why families choose EAP, their experiences in the program, and how we can further support student success.
Click here to review the What We Heard Summary.
Program Closure Rationale
The Division carefully reviewed each school’s program, taking into account feedback, enrolment, and program resources. The details below explain the specific reasons for the changes at each school.
Holy Cross
The decision to remove EAP from Holy Cross was made due to several factors:
- French Immersion already provides a rigorous and enriched academic experience that aligns with the goals of EAP.
- Enrolment in the Enhanced Academic Program has declined, making it difficult to deliver the interactive, high-quality experience families expect.
- Holy Cross is the only French Immersion junior high school in the Division offering EAP. This limits opportunities for collaboration with other EAP schools.
- Feedback from families during the engagement process indicated limited interest in continuing with the EAP at Holy Cross. Many did not see the added value of the program within the existing French Immersion context.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Holy Cross
Q: Why is the Enhanced Academic Program being removed from Holy Cross?
A: The decision was made after a review of the program and community feedback. Several factors contributed, including declining enrolment, limited collaboration opportunities with other EAP schools, and the availability of rigorous academic programming already offered through French Immersion at Holy Cross.
Q: When will the program be removed?
A: The program will no longer be offered at Holy Cross beginning in September 2026.
Q: What does this mean for current students in EAP?
A: Students currently enrolled in EAP at Holy Cross will continue in the program for the remainder of the 2025–2026 school year.
Q: Will my child still receive enriched academic opportunities?
A: Yes. French Immersion at Holy Cross continues to offer a rigorous and enriched learning experience. Students will continue to be challenged through inquiry-based learning, problem-solving activities, and opportunities to develop key competencies that support success in high school and beyond.
Q: Are there other schools that offer the Enhanced Academic Program?
A: Yes. The program will continue to be offered at other locations. Visit ecsd.net/enhanced-academic-program-eap for details.
Q: Who can I contact if I have questions or concerns?
A: Please reach out to your school Principal. You can also email engagement@ecsd.net for general inquiries.
Holy Family
The decision to remove EAP was made due to declining enrolment. For the current school year, only a small number of applications were received, which is not enough to support the collaborative and engaging learning environment the program is designed to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Holy Family
Q: Why is the Enhanced Academic Program being removed from Holy Family?
A: The decision was based on declining enrolment. For the current school year, only a small number of applications were received, which is not sufficient to run a program of this nature.
Q: When will the program be removed?
A: The program will no longer be offered at Holy Family beginning in September 2026.
Q: What does this mean for current students in EAP?
A: Students currently enrolled in EAP at Holy Family will continue in the program for the remainder of the 2025–2026 school year.
Q: Will my child still receive enriched academic opportunities?
A: Yes. Holy Family will continue to offer a rigorous and enriched learning experience. Students will continue to be challenged through inquiry-based learning, problem-solving activities, and opportunities to develop key competencies that support success in high school and beyond.
Q: Are there other schools that offer the Enhanced Academic Program?
A: Yes. The program will continue to be offered at other locations. Visit ecsd.net/enhanced-academic-program-eap for details.
Q: Who can I contact if I have questions or concerns?
A: Please reach out to your school Principal. You can also email engagement@ecsd.net for general inquiries.
Next Steps
Academic achievement and rigorous learning will continue to be central to the educational experience at both schools, ensuring all students are challenged, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.
We understand this change may be disappointing for some families. Please know that we remain committed to providing a high-quality and engaging Catholic education for every student in our care.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact your school principal or email engagement@ecsd.net.