Engage

In 2022 Granum School has 38.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) students. Future projections show a decline:

• 2023 - 33.5 FTE students
• 2024 - 33.5 FTE students
• 2025 - 28 FTE students

In 2022-2023 we have 4.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) teaching staff including administrators as well as 3.4 FTE support staff.

Historically Granum School has had very low class sizes compared to other schools in LRSD. For the 2022-2023 school year the averages are:

• K-Grade 3 - Granum: 13 / LRSD average: 20
• Grades 4-6 - Granum: 10 / LRSD average: 20
• Grades 7-9 - Granum: 16 / LRSD average: 24

Granum teacher/pupil ratio: 1:9.6
LRSD average teacher/pupil ratio: 1:18.8

We use a number of measurements to see how schools in LRSD are performing. The Granum Measurable Results Assessment is on par with the LRSD average. Alberta Education Assurance Survey Measurement results are higher than provincial averages in all areas except Grade 6 and 9 Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs).

Former and current Granum School students were asked about their experience. 

They said the best things about Granum School were:

• Small classes
• Great staff and connections with staff
• Connection with community
• Caring environment and know classmates well
• Nice gym
• Junior High recess
• More personalized teaching

The students also shared some things that were challenging about attending a small school, including:

• Lack of programs and options
• Lack of kids to talk with and less choice in who you hang out with
• Limited extracurricular activities
• Multi-grade classrooms

When we think about educating LRSD students we are happy to see these strengths at Granum School:

• Safe and caring environment
• Inclusive practices
• Parent involvement
• School facility is large and in good condition

However, the Division is concerned about:

• Limited extracurricular activities
• Limited programming choices
• Low academic results
• Declining enrolment
• High costs per student
• Dipping below 35 students has significant Alberta Education funding decreases

The Rural Small Schools Grant from Alberta Education is designed to address challenges associated with operating small schools in rural Alberta. 

For schools with between 35 and 55 students, Alberta Education funds $454,500. For schools with fewer than 35 students, that funding drops to $233,238 and lower, depending on student enrolment.

Through the years, Livingstone Range School Division and the administration at Granum School have worked to find innovative ways to keep Granum School viable, including:

• Combining grades in a multi-age approach
• Allowing high school students to continue their education at Granum School
• Granum Fire Academy
• Welcoming Mennonite students
• Combining Granum School administration with Hutterite Colony Schools and Grade 1-6 Virtual School responsibilities and oversight

We have also explored a cheer squad, art school, and Christian-based program focus.