Our School

L.Y. Cairns School is a specialized learning environment for junior and senior high students. We offer a comprehensive range of courses for students with mild cognitive learning needs. Our success oriented programs prepare students to be contributing members of society through a focus on literacy, numeracy and employability skills.

For the students who attend L.Y. Cairns School, learning is more than completing assignments or passing exams. Here, learning is about discovering how to realize your full potential and succeed in the classroom, home and community.

We offer an array of courses which focus on improving academics, vocational and employability skills. Our specialized classes allow students to gain skills in all these areas and also to apply these skills through their senior high community work experience. A post secondary transition program is offered off-site to support students as they move into the adult world.

At L.Y. Cairns, students can achieve the following graduation certificates:

1. Employabilities Skills Achievement Certificate: This certificate is awarded jointly by the Edmonton Public School Board and the Conference Board of Canada.

2. Certificate of High School Completion: This certificate is awarded jointly by the Edmonton Public School Board and L.Y. Cairns School .

3. Certificate of High School Achievement: This certificate is awarded by the Alberta Ministry of Education.

Our classroom work is supported by excellent facilities, which include our library, four computer labs, cafeteria, a variety of technical/vocational classrooms and a well equipped fitness room and gym. Co-curricular clubs and teams complement our programs and are offered before and after school and at lunch time.

Special features

• Individualized program plan for each student

• Emphasis on literacy and numeracy skills for all students

• Focus on personal and life management skills

• School to work transition

• High school work experience

• Six year programming

• Academy of Reading

• Knowledge and Employabilities courses for senior high

Admission Requirements

L.Y. Cairns is an Edmonton Public School for students with mild cognitive disabilities in Grades 7 - 12.   These students also have academic delays and difficulty managing with day to day activities as measured on an adaptive behaviour scale. 

Students are identified within the school system using academic and psychological assessments.

To attend L.Y. Cairns, students must have a mild cognitive disability. Students with additional disabilities are reviewed on an individual basis which includes an in school observation and a file review. 

Students must be able to

• Independently manage the school program at L.Y. Cairns 

• Manage a locker and timetable

• Work independently within a classroom with one teacher and class sizes of 14 up to 20 at the senior high level

• Complete independent, mandatory community based work experience at the senior high level

• Maintain appropriate behaviour for these settings

• Communicate appropriately amongst their peers and within their school and community 

It is recommended that parents first discuss schooling options with their child’s present teacher.  That teacher can also contact L.Y. Cairns School if they require clarification and information.