The National Inclusive Education Award is an initiative organized by Inclusion Canada and its Provincial and Territorial member associations. The award for Alberta is provided jointly by Inclusion Canada and Inclusion Alberta to honour teachers, schools, or school districts whose commitment to inclusive education is exemplary and deserving of recognition.

This year, the awards were presented to the following schools at the 2026 Inclusion Alberta Family Conference on April 17, 2026:

Northern Lights School (Calgary Board of Education) 

Northern Lights School is a truly inclusive school where belonging, progress and collaboration are not just ideals but daily practice, say the parents of grade 3 student Noah. 

“Over the years, Noah has been supported by countless staff members who consistently show a willingness to reflect, adapt, and improve the quality of his education,” says parent Joelle.  “He is not simply present in the classroom; he is genuinely included.”  

Noah participates in large and small group activities, has performed singing and dancing routines alongside his peers, and is held to high expectations as a valued and capable member of his school community. He is eager to go to school in the morning and comes home with a smile on his face every day. 

École Lacombe Upper Elementary School (Wolf Creek Public School Division) 

Two years ago, Darcie’s son Noah was only able to attend school for about 3 hours a day. It was a difficult time for the family and they worried about Noah’s future. With the support of Inclusion Alberta, Noah’s school team and Wolf Creek Public School Division, Noah now attends full school days alongside his peers in the regular grade 4 classroom at Ecole Lacombe Upper Elementary School.  

Darcie says the school has had open communication and has worked through challenges without resorting to sending Noah home. He has been able to go on field trips and has made meaningful connections with his peers that have resulted in birthday party invites.  

Darcie says she is now hopeful that things will only continue to improve for Noah’s school journey. 

Johnny Bright School (Edmonton Public Schools) 

Johnny Bright School is a place where everyone truly belongs, according to Pooja and Rajesh, parents of grade 6 student Ravvya. Pooja says that throughout her time at Johnny Bright, the school has worked intentionally to make sure that Ravvya’s learning experiences honour her strengths, include instruction adapted with creativity and care, and always ensures that she can participate meaningfully in the classroom community. The school’s genuine belief in Raavya’s potential have supported her growth both academically and socially. 

“Johnny Bright feels less like a school building and more like a community built on respect, belonging, and opportunity for all,” says Pooja. 

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As an organization that values and supports the full inclusion of children in regular education classrooms, Inclusion Alberta thanks Northern Lights School, Ecole Lacombe Upper Elementary School and Johnny Bright School for their commitment to their students who have been fortunate to be fully included in their regular classrooms.