CBe-learn is the Calgary Board of Education’s (CBE’s) online school, offering regular programming for students in Grades 1-12. It operates as a single school with its own teachers and students, who attend online from their homes across Calgary. It has been part of CBE for over 20 years.

Grades

Grades 1 to 12.  

Commitment

CBe-learn requires a full school year commitment and is not designed to allow for transitions to in-person learning mid-year.

Course Offerings

CBe-learn offers the regular program, covering the full English Alberta Education Programs of Study (visit My Child's Learning: A Parent Resource on the Alberta Education website for more information). It offers courses required for high school completion, including Core and Career and Technology Studies (CTS) courses.

Full-Time School

Students who are part of the full-time online learning program at CBe-learn are connected to CBe-learn only, not their in-person community school. They access learning resources and support through CBe-learn.

Teaching

  • All classes are taught by certified teachers. 
  • Students interact with their teacher and each other as they learn.
  • Interactions occur both in real-time (synchronous) and through recorded videos, written instructions, etc (asynchronously). See details below.

Calendar / Schedule

  • CBe-learn follows the CBE traditional calendar (2025-2026) 
  • Students must be available for learning that is scheduled within the regular school day. Anticipate 20-30 hours of learning/week for full-time students. This includes time for both live (synchronous) learning as well as time to read instructions, complete assignments, watch recorded videos, etc.

Parent Involvement

Parents are involved and offer learning assistance. See below and the grade-specific web pages for details.

Technology Requirements

At home, each student requires:

  • An internet connection
  • Their own laptop or desktop computer (Students who attempt to access courses via tablets and phones consistently struggle to meet learning outcomes.)
  • A working web camera, speakers and microphone
  • A separate headset and microphone (recommended)

Further information regarding technical specifics can be found on the Technical Support for Students and Parents help page. 

Learning Environment and Supplies

Families support online learning by providing:

  • A quiet workspace free from distractions
  • A routine that supports learning
  • Supplies and resources typical to what is used in each grade level (detailed requirements will be provided)
  • Additional subject-specific supplies as needed (e.g glue for art projects)

See grade-level pages (linked below) for specific information.

Learning Tools

Teachers guide and support learning using a variety of learning tools including:

  • Brightspace (by D2L)
  • Virtual Classroom
  • Google’s Education Suite including Google Classroom and Google Meet

English Level

Level 3 English proficiency is recommended to support EAL students (English as an Additional Language) in being successful at CBe-learn. Please discuss your child’s best option for learning with your current school. 

Eligibility and Registration/Transfers 

Please view the How to Register for Full-Time Online Learning webpage for details on who can attend CBe-learn and how to request a transfer.

Characteristics of a Successful CBe-learn Student

We encourage you to take an anonymous, optional Online Self and Family Assessment to help you determine if online learning is right for your family.  

Youngest Online Learners Require

Older Online Learners Require

  • Significant home support
  • Passion for learning
  • Responsibility over learning
  • Developing literacies
  • Comprehensive literacies
  • Good time management
  • Strong self-advocacy skills
  • Self-motivated
  • Self-disciplined
  • Home support (limited amount required)

Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning

Teachers at CBe-learn use both synchronous and asynchronous activities to support student learning.


Synchronous Learning

  • Examples: video conference, live chat and live-streamed videos
  • Communication happens live in real time
  • All students learn at the same time 
  • Allows for instant feedback and clarification

Asynchronous Learning

  • Examples: recorded videos, blog posts, emails and written instructions
  • Information is available all the time
  • Each student can learn at different times 
  • Allows students to work at a time that fits their schedule

View the Grade-Specific Pages

CBe-learn does NOT offer

CBe-learn offers regular programming for Grade 1-12 students. We do not offer:

  • Kindergarten
  • Alternative and other programs such as:
    • French Immersion
    • Spanish Bilingual
    • International Baccalaureate (IB)
    • Advanced Placement (AP)
    • Art-Centred Learning
    • Traditional Learning Centre (TLC)
    • Montessori
    • All Boys or All Girls
    • Special Education Classes (EES, TASK, etc.)
  • Correspondence-based courses where students progress through independently and at their own pace.

Why does CBe-learn only offer regular program classes?
CBE has nearly 250 schools offering a wide variety of programs and courses for a wide variety of learners. We must deploy resources across the system in a manner that is responsible and equitable for all students. We do not have the resources to provide all offerings through both an in-person and online learning format. As well, the complexities of some programs and learning requirements are best supported in person.

Is this the same as Home Education?
No. CBe-learn is different from Home Education, where families are responsible for offering a program of studies for their child by developing, administering, managing and evaluating the progress of their student.