Northern Lights Public Schools is located in northeastern Alberta in the heart of the Lakeland region. It stretches from the Saskatchewan border on the East to Highway 63, which runs through Wandering River, on the West. Altogether the division spans over 200 kilometres from Cold Lake to Wandering River and covers a geographic area of 14,800 square kilometres. The area is noted for its natural beauty, numerous multi-season outdoor recreational opportunities, and abundant wildlife.
We provide a variety of education options to families through our 27 schools, including six
outreach schools and our new Learning Together Anywhere School which provides families with an alternative to in-person classes. We serve approximately 5,800 students located throughout the Lakeland. Our schools are located in Bonnyville, Cold Lake, Lac La Biche, Glendon, Plamondon, Ardmore, Caslan, Iron River, Wandering River, Kikino Métis Settlement, Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement and the Pine Meadow Hutterite Colony. In addition, Northern Lights Public Schools provides services to students from Beaver Lake Cree Nation, Cold Lake First Nations, Elizabeth Métis Settlement, Frog Lake First Nation, Heart Lake First Nation, Kehewin Cree Nation and White Fish First Nation.
The Lakeland region enjoys a diverse economy largely comprised of oil and gas, agriculture, forestry, hunting, fishing, trapping and tourism sectors, as well as 4 Wing Cold Lake. The downturn in the oil and gas industry has negatively impacted the economy of the region, as well as school enrolment. The area is also very culturally diverse, including several First Nations and Métis communities, as well as other cultural groups that either settled in the area as early pioneers, or have moved into the area more recently due to economic opportunities.
It is within this geographical, economic and culturally diverse region that Northern Lights Public Schools offers a robust Kindergarten to Grade 12 education system that aspires to ensure every student learns and every student excels.
Our Vision
Improving our World, One Student at a Time
Our Mission
Working Together to Help Every Student Learn and Excel
Our Values
In Northern Lights Public Schools we value:
Passion for Learning
Mutual Respect and Trust
Integrity
Collaboration
Innovation
Increasing Leadership Capacity
Excellence
Accountability
Diversity
Our Beliefs
In Northern Lights Public School we believe:
Each and every person can learn and should be provided with an opportunity to learn;
Students and staff are entitled to a safe and caring learning environment;
Education is everyone’s responsibility; and
Stakeholders should have opportunities for meaningful involvement.
Our Priorities
In addition to the outcomes set for the division by Alberta Education, Northern Lights School Division’s Three-Year Education Plan includes two priorities specific to Northern Lights that we will be focusing on:
- improving students' mental health and wellness
- improving students' numeracy skills and understanding
More information about how we plan to address these priorities is included in our Three-Year Education Plan.