(Click here for a directory of department-specific phone numbers.)
Elk Island Public Schools
Central Administration Building
683 Wye Road
Sherwood Park, Alberta
T8B 1N2
Phone: 780-464-EIPS (3477)
Fax: 780-417-8181
Toll Free: 1-800-905-3477
Note: All EIPS' staff email addresses use the following format: firstname.lastname@eips.ca
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Who is Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS)?
Elk Island Public Schools is one of Alberta's largest school divisions. We provide a quality education for approximately 16,200 students in 44 schools throughout Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Strathcona County, Lamont County, and the western portion of the County of Minburn. View our System Fact Sheet for more information about EIPS.
How large are the schools and where are they located?
The schools range in size from approximately 20 students in each of the two Hutterite Colony Schools to 1,300 students in a high school in Sherwood Park. By geographic area, EIPS has:
Further details about the division can be found in our Three Year Education Plan (2011-2014).
How many staff members work at EIPS?
The system employs approximately 875 FTE teachers (certificated staff) and approximately 500 FTE classified, or non-teaching staff.
What is the purpose of the annual Satisfaction Survey?
The purpose of the EIPS Satisfaction Survey is to ask key stakeholders what is important to them when we talk about education in our community. While we try to align the information with Alberta Education's goals, the survey also provides an opportunity for EIPS to better determine priorities when we look at learning for students.
How does EIPS fare on the survey?
EIPS is fortunate to be able to celebrate many successes. Through the survey, we found that parents and staff are satisfied that EIPS is producing responsible citizens through a challenging variety of programs and services. EIPS provides a safe place for their children to go to school and the division has competent staff with the skills, knowledge and resources to meet the student's needs. The full report with details on future challenges and celebrations of EIPS' successes can be found in the EIPS Annual Education Results Report (2010-2011).
How does EIPS compare with the province with its test scores?
Elk Island Public Schools' students exemplify a standard of educational excellence in academic achievement and participation rates on both the Diploma Exams and the Provincial Achievement Test. They consistently score well above provincial scores while maintaining high participation rates. Further information and details can be found in the EIPS Annual Education Results Report (2010-2011).
How can I find out where my child will attend school?
With the authority of the School Act, EIPS has created a boundary system where students are assigned a designated school, depending on school capacity and utilization. However, there are provisions in policy for system-supported programs such as language programs. Please reference our School Attendance Boundary Maps or use the Versatrans e-Link® tool on this website.
Who is my representative on the EIPS Board of Trustees?
EIPS is governed by a Board of nine trustees representing the areas of Fort Saskatchewan (2), Sherwood Park (3), the County of Minburn (1), Strathcona County South of Wye Road (1), Strathcona County North of Wye Road (1), and the County of Lamont (1). As elected representatives, trustees are accountable to the public they serve. Public Board Meetings are held on the third Thursday of every month* and Trustees are available by voice mail and email. For further information and details, please visit the Board of Trustees section of our website.
*Dates subject to change, please check the posted schedule on the EIPS Board of Trustees section of our website.
At what age can I enrol my child in Kindergarten (ECS)?
Please visit FAQs about Kindergarten.
Does the division offer alternative educational programs?
There are a number of alternative programs and services available through EIPS. Programs range from Alternative Christian and Logos Christian Program to our junior and senior high Next Step schools. For information about the programs that are available in EIPS, please visit the Programs section or send an e-mail to EIPS Communication Services via our contact form.
See also: Board Policy 18 - Alternative Programs.
What if my child has special needs?
EIPS facilitates program development for students with special needs. Please contact Student Support Services at (780) 417-8265.
What about second languages?
EIPS has a number of language programs designed to meet the needs of your child including French, English, German, Spanish and Ukrainian. Contact your local EIPS' school for further details or visit Languages Programs.
Do you have before and after school care available?
As a system, we do not have a program in place for before and after school care, but a number of schools throughout the jurisdiction work cooperatively with service providers to run programs within and in conjunction with the school. To see if your local school provides this service, please inquire with them directly or visit out of school care for a list of locations.
How do I register?
You can register your child by contacting your neighbourhood EIPS' School or visit Registration for more information.
Did you know?
EIPS has over 150 yellow bus routes throughout the jurisdiction and buses approximately 8,000 students each year. This includes service for bilingual programs, special education, and Kindergarten (ECS).
EIPS does not own any buses; rather the division contracts services with a number of independent and large bus contractors.
Who is eligible for busing?
As per Alberta Education regulations and EIPS' Board Policy 17 - Student Transportation Services, all students who reside 2.4 km or greater from their designated school are eligible for free busing. For further information, see our Frequently Asked Questions under Busing and Transportation.
How much does it cost for Payride busing service?
EIPS provides options for ineligible students under a Payride system. See Fees for the current fee schedule. There is also a fee for ECS noon-time busing services. This service is provided for students in urban Sherwood Park and, if numbers warrant, those attending one of three daycares in Fort Saskatchewan only.
I need to know more about student transportation. Where do I look?
Visit Busing and Transportation on the EIPS website.
You may also contact the department directly at:
Student Busing and Transportation Inquiries
Phone: (780) 417-8151
Toll free: 1-800-905-3477
Send an email to EIPS Student Transportation via our contact form.
If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact Communications Services at:
683 Wye Road
Sherwood Park, AB
T8B 1N2
Phone (780) 417-8122
Fax (780) 417-8181
Send an email to EIPS Communications Services via our contact form.
