Affording CJA

The Calgary Jewish Academy strongly believes in making CJA affordable for all families wishing to give their child a Jewish education and is committed to providing resources to increase access to the school. CJA provides several options to help families manage tuition costs, including community bursary programs, childcare grants, and tuition discounts where applicable.

This page outlines the programs available to help families manage the cost of tuition, including community bursaries and other tuition supports, and explains how to apply.

Community Bursary Programs

Eligible families may apply for financial assistance through the Integrated Bursary Program (IBP). Through a confidential financial review, IBP determines a family’s co-pay, which is the portion of tuition the family is expected to contribute.

If approved for IBP, the remaining tuition is shared between IBP community funding and the Calgary Jewish Academy.

  • Families pay the IBP-determined co-pay
  • IBP typically supports 65% of tuition beyond the co-pay
  • CJA subsidizes the remaining 35%

Families may also apply for the Prosser Parent’s Choice Bursary, a program of the Prosser Charitable Foundation. Prosser has its own application process and eligibility requirements.

When awarded, Prosser funding helps support the portion of tuition subsidized by the Calgary Jewish Academy to keep Jewish education accessible for families. For families receiving IBP support, Prosser does not change the IBP-determined co-pay.

Scroll down this page for details and frequently asked questions about each bursary.

Tax Receipts

As a religious independent school, the Calgary Jewish Academy issues tax receipts to families for the eligible portion of tuition fees each year. CJA also provides charitable tax receipts to families who make donations of cash, gifts-in-kind, and securities to the school.

Alberta Child Care Affordability Grant

Families with students in our licensed childcare programs (Nursery and Junior Kindergarten) receive tuition reductions through the Alberta Child Care Affordability Grant. This grant is paid directly to the school, and families do not need to apply. The grant amount is automatically applied to each eligible student’s account, reducing Nursery and Junior Kindergarten tuition.

Families may also apply independently for the Alberta Child Care Subsidy, which provides additional income-based support. If your family is approved, please share your Approval Notice with us, and we will adjust your fees accordingly.

MULTI-CHILD Tuition Discounts

To support larger families, CJA offers a multi-child tuition discount. Families with multiple children enroled at CJA receive 25% off tuition for the third and each additional child enroled in Kindergarten to Grade 9. This discount is not available to bursary recipients.

How to Apply for Bursary Support

Step 1: Complete Enrolment at CJA

Enrolment is considered complete once all required enrolment documents and deposits have been submitted.

Step 2: Apply for Financial Support

Eligible families may apply for the Integrated Bursary Program (IBP) and the Prosser Parent’s Choice Bursary by the application deadlines each spring, for the coming school year. Income eligibility guidelines for each program are provided below.

Step 3: Review & Decision

Applications are reviewed by the relevant organizations. Bursary decisions are based on eligibility, family circumstances, and available funds through each organization. Please note that bursary funding is not guaranteed.

Step 4: Confirmation of Family Co-Pay

For families approved for the Integrated Bursary Program, the IBP assessment determines the family’s co-pay, which is the amount the family pays toward tuition. CJA will update the Tuition & Fees Agreement and confirm the family’s payment schedule based on this assessment.

An award from the Prosser Parent’s Choice Bursary helps support the portion of tuition subsidized by Calgary Jewish Academy and does not change the IBP-determined co-pay.

How to Apply for Bursary Support

Step 1: Complete Enrolment at CJA

Enrolment is considered complete once all required enrolment documents and deposits have been submitted.

Step 2: Apply for Financial Support

Eligible families may apply for the Integrated Bursary Program (IBP) and the Prosser Parent’s Choice Bursary by the application deadlines each spring, for the coming school year. Income eligibility guidelines for each program are provided below.

Step 3: Review & Decision

Applications are reviewed by the relevant organizations. Bursary decisions are based on eligibility, family circumstances, and available funds through each organization. Please note that bursary funding is not guaranteed.

Step 4: Confirmation of Family Co-Pay

For families approved for the Integrated Bursary Program, the IBP assessment determines the family’s co-pay, which is the amount the family pays toward tuition. CJA will update the Tuition & Fees Agreement and confirm the family’s payment schedule based on this assessment.

An award from the Prosser Parent’s Choice Bursary helps support the portion of tuition subsidized by Calgary Jewish Academy and does not change the IBP-determined co-pay.

Community Bursary Programs

Integrated Bursary Program (IBP)

The Integrated Bursary Program (IBP) is a community-based financial assistance program administered by the Calgary Jewish Federation. IBP provides needs-based support to families enrolled in Jewish day schools and camps, including the Calgary Jewish Academy.

The IBP uses a centralized, confidential application process to determine bursary amounts. Meeting the IBP income guidelines does not guarantee funding.

Families who:

  • are enrolled at CJA for the upcoming school year,
  • meet income and eligibility guidelines, and
  • submit a complete application to IBP.

  1. Complete enrolment at CJA
  2. Download the IBP application form at jewishcalgary.org/financial-aid
  3. Complete one application per family for all programs and services covered by the IBP.
  4. Submit the application directly to Calgary Jewish Federation with all required documents by Monday, April 13, 2026 (4:00 pm).

Please note that incomplete IBP applications will not be considered.

Families must submit:

  • the completed IBP application (pages 4–8),
  • income documentation (T4s, T5s, Notice of Assessment),
  • supporting financial statements, and
  • any additional documentation requested.

Plase note, incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the IBP Committee.

IBP considers total family income from all sources and a family’s expected contribution. For applications in 2026, the guidelines include:

Total Family IncomeExpected Family Contribution
$30,000 – $50,000$1,500 – $5,000
$50,000 – $70,000$5,000 – $9,000
$70,000 – $100,000$9,000 – $15,000
$100,000 – $120,000$15,000+

These are guidelines only. Family circumstances and available funds are also considered.

Applications are submitted directly to Calgary Jewish Federation (not to CJA) by the deadline of Monday, April 13, 2026.

Submission options:

IBP reviews each family’s financial situation and determines a co-pay amount, which is the portion of tuition the family is expected to pay. The remaining tuition is supported through the Integrated Bursary Program (65%) and subsidized by Calgary Jewish Academy (35%).

Prosser Parent’s Choice Bursary

The Prosser Parent’s Choice Bursary is a program of the Prosser Charitable Foundation that provides tuition support for students attending participating independent schools, including CJA.

Depending on eligibility and available funds, Prosser may award up to $5,000 per student, supporting the portion of tuition that CJA subsidizes.

Families who:

  • are enrolled at CJA for the 2026-27 school year,
  • meet income and eligibility guidelines, and
  • submit a complete application through the school.

Preference is given to:

  1. Current bursary recipients
  2. New students entering their first year at the school
  3. Other eligible applicants

  1. Complete enrolment at CJA
  2. Click here to download the Prosser Bursary application form
  3. Complete a separate application for each student
  4. Submit the application and supporting documents to CJA by emailing Nick Ross at rossn@cja.ab.ca

Applications submitted directly to the Prosser Charitable Foundation by parents or guardians will not be considered.

Families must submit both the completed application form and documentation showing financial need. Please submit one of the following options:

Option 1: Proof of government income support, such as:

  • Calgary Transit Subsidized Transit Pass
  • Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH)
  • Subsidized housing (city housing or housing cooperative)

OR

Option 2: Proof of income, by providing:

  • a copy of the most recent Income Tax Notice of Assessment for each parent or guardian

The Parent’s Choice Bursary uses household income before tax to help determine eligibility. This amount corresponds to Line 15000 on your Canadian Income Tax Return.

For applications in 2026, the guidelines are:

Household SizeIncome Before Tax (Guideline)
2 peopleUp to $42,000
3 peopleUp to $52,000
4 peopleUp to $63,000
5 peopleUp to $71,000
6 peopleUp to $80,000
7 or more peopleUp to $88,000

These figures are guidelines only. Meeting the income guideline does not guarantee eligibility or funding. Applications are reviewed based on income, family circumstances, and available funds.

Applications are submitted to CJA by the application deadline of Thursday, March 19, 2026.

Submission options:

The IBP assessment determines each family’s co-pay, which is the amount the family contributes toward tuition. If a Prosser bursary is awarded, it does not change the IBP co-pay. Instead, it helps support the portion of tuition that CJA subsidizes to keep Jewish education accessible for families.