in regular classrooms, with just 40 students enrolled to provide a calmer, more supportive environment.
St. Anthony School is designed for children who face significant behavioural and emotional challenges, including aggression, anxiety, and difficulty regulating their actions. Many of these students are unable to function safely in traditional school settings, and in some cases, even at home without extra support.
Principal Nicole Lavallee says the small size allows staff to give students time, space, and individualized attention. For example, when students become overwhelmed, they are not rushed but instead allowed to calm down at their own pace. Tools like noise-cancelling headphones and specialized equipment are used to help them manage stress.
This model is part of a broader strategy in cities like Calgary and Edmonton, where school districts are creating specialized, low-capacity schools to better support complex student needs.
The approach highlights a growing shift in education—recognizing that some students require highly tailored environments to succeed, rather than fitting into standard classroom structures.