The National Sport School – a WinSport Canada and Calgary Board of Education initiative – is now accepting applications for students to attend the 2012-2013 school year.

For sport approval and program administration:
Stephen Norris, Vice President, Sport (403) 202-6572

For educational program information:
Ken Weipert Principal, National Sport School 403-777-7329

The outcome of various studies proved that 50 per cent of young athletes who had potential to excel in sport were forced to choose between their education and their chosen sport. As a result, in 1994, WinSport Canada and the Calgary Board of Education established the National Sport School (NSS) to support high-performance student-athletes.

The school enables students to compete internationally without compromising their studies. The innovative program offered at the NSS delivers personalized plans for structured learning with teachers, parents and coaches, all of whom are committed to providing an environment for student-athletes to pursue excellence in both their athletic and academic endeavours. From Grades 9 to 12, the school is home to 150 student-athletes and when away at competitions, the students work on their studies through distance learning over the internet.

WinSport Canada oversees the registration process and liaises with the sport governing bodies to ensure each applicant meets the established sport criteria. On receipt of approval from the sport association, the NSS interviews the applicant to ensure the program will meet their academic needs.

Two years ago, the NSS was represented by over 20 current and former student-athletes who competed for Canada in the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Torino, Italy. This represented over 10% of the Canadian Team. The NSS is also proud to acknowledge the following medal winning alumni:

• Kaillie Humphries
  2010 Olympic Gold Medallist, Bobsleigh
• Jennifer Botterill
  2006 Olympic Gold Medallist, Women's Hockey
  2002 Olympic Gold Medallist, Women's Hockey
  
• Carla MacLeod
  2006 Olympic Gold Medallist, Women's Hockey
• Kyle Shewfelt
  2004 Olympic Gold Medallist, Gymnastics
• Jessica Sloan
  2000 Six-Time Paralympic Gold Medallist, Swimming
• Alanna Kraus
  2002 Olympic Bronze Medallist, Short Track Speed Skating
  2006 Olympic Silver Medallist, Short Track Speed Skating
• Blythe Hartley
  2004 Olympic Bronze Medallist, Diving
• Deidra Dionne
  2002 Olympic Bronze Medallist, Freestyle Skiing Aerials

National Sport School Applications Now Being Accepted
2010 Olympic Gold Medalist Kallie Humphries - along with 20 other members of Team Canada at the Vancouver Olympics - chose the National Sport School in Calgary to pursue excellence in their sport while completing high school. If you:

• are a student currently in grades 9-11
• compete at a high level in any Olympic Sport
• believe you qualify to meet WinSport Canada's sport criteria to attend the National Sport School

now would be the time to apply for our 2012-2013 academic year. The school will likely be full again next year, so it is wise to apply early. Click here to access an application form .
For information on the sport criteria necessary for your sport, please contact Stephen Norris, Vice President, Sport at (403) 202-6572 or by email snorris@winsportcanada.ca 

Sport Approval

• a) Return completed registration form and most recent academic records to:
  
  National Sport School
  Suite 101 - 151 Canada Olympic Rd. S.W.
  Calgary, AB T3B 5R5
  
• b) WinSport Canada will contact the respective Sport Governing Body to determine if the athlete meets the criteria for acceptance to NSS by their sport association.
• c) WinSport Canada will notify student athletes and their parents by letter indicating whether sport approval has been achieved and the individual is eligible to continue to the next phase of the application process.

• a) The NSS Principal will review the completed application package.
• b) NSS will contact references to determine NSS program suitability for the prospective student.
• c) Student athletes and parents will be contacted to arrange for an interview and review of schedule/program.
• d) NSS staff will contact student athletes and parents regarding academic approval (in some cases approval may be given in the interview).
• e) Successful applicants will receive a package of permission forms which must be completed and returned to the school.

• Application for Registration (PDF)