Even though most of our schools offer a regular program, no two are quite the same. All schools teach according to Alberta Education’s mandated curriculum, however a school’s focus, optional courses and school activities are as unique as every school.​​​

At Jack James High School we recognize the unique and diverse learning needs of all of our students. We are dedicated to creating a supportive learning environment with a focus on promoting positive mental health and resiliency within the school community. Jack James staff is committed to providing students with authentic and personalized learning experiences that foster individual growth and encourage an exploration of future employment and life opportunities. Jack James students learn through a variety of best-practice teaching and learning strategies including authentic, hands-on experiences, integration of technology, strong community connections, and formative assessment. The Jack James approach to teaching and learning directly supports the achievement of the Calgary Board of Education Board of Trustees Results Policies and Three-Year Education Plan. 

We stress the development of universal employability and life skills in all classes so that our students can understand and meet the requirements of a competitive local and global work force. Jack James High School is committed to supporting students through a strength-based approach that attempts to maximize individual student potential. Each student begins their unique pathways journey by selecting programs and courses that reflect their individual interests and passions. These choices provide opportunities for employment in a variety of career areas.

Personalization of learning provides students with an educational framework that includes:

• Inquiry focused
• Student centred assessment practices
• Development of learner profiles
• Flexible program delivery
• Technology infusion
• Social construction
• Individual student learning plan
• K & E and Diploma streams available

Please see the Detailed High School Course Guide for more information.

The purpose of Knowledge and Employability (K&E) is to enable students to:

• develop essential concepts, skills, and attitudes in preparation for their roles in the home, community and the work place
• develop self-esteem by being successful in their learning experiences
• develop practical applications and connect their learning to the home, community and workplace

Diploma courses at Jack James are designed for students with specific needs that would benefit from a more supportive classroom environment with fewer students. 

This may include students who:

• achieve success through experiential learning activities
• may benefit from non-traditional learning programs and environments
• want to explore apprenticeship and/or post-secondary opportunities at the college level

The Work Experience program provides students with the opportunity to explore the work environment.  Students can:

• Earn credits for working or volunteering
• Explore potential career choices
• Receive practical on-the-job training
• Obtain references and contacts necessary for future employment
• Be Student-for-a-Day at various post-secondary facilities
• Register for Dual-credit or Exploratory programs off campus

The Registered Apprenticeship Program provides students with on-the-job training toward an identified trade.  Student who utilize this route can:

• Gain valuable hours toward their apprenticeship (bluebook)
• Network with industry expertise
• Explore future career and life opportunities

Staff works to support students in the following areas:

• Personal interest inventories to determine abilities and future job/career potential
• Resume writing
• Job application, interview preparation and work search skills
• Building a portfolio
• Complete Exploratory Program or Dual-credit Program applications
• Career talks and awareness of job or training opportunities