Elves Special Needs Society

Grades 1-12

At Elves, we’re ensuring continual growth and educational development throughout our learner’s lives by targeting their success through showcasing their abilities. 

Elves is an independent school offering Grades 1-12 for learners ages 6 to 20. Elves is also a Designated Special Education Program (DSEP) accredited by Alberta Education. 

We provide programming for over 25 learners in Grades 1-12 in Edmonton, Alberta at the following location:

Elves Adult & Youth Centre – 10419-159 Street (please note: our address has been updated due to expansion. We are now 10421 159 St. You may still find us on Google with our old address). 

  • 8:45 am to 2:15 pm Instructional Hours (1000 hours)

Admission Criteria

Elves’ Grades 1-12 classrooms are for learners who:

  • Parents/caregivers have consulted and coordinated support with their Resident School Board prior to admission. Tuition and transportation agreements are required. 
  • Are between the ages of 6 to 20.
  • Have severe delays in the following developmental areas:
    • Emotional or behavioural.
    • Physical, cognitive, or medical.
    • Vision or hearing.

Why Choose Elves?

At Elves’ School, small classroom sizes are offered to our learners with high staff ratios. Classrooms are multi-aged and grouped according to abilities. Our secure facility provides a large indoor area for gross motor activities and exercise, along with access to an adapted kitchen and laundry room. A barrier-free playground and putting green in an enclosed courtyard provides a safe environment where learners can explore.

Sensory opportunities are promoted in classroom activities, while learners also utilize the large onsite Snoezelen Room to experience a soothing and stimulating environment.

Accommodations and Facilities at Elves’ School Program

  • Small classroom sizes
  • Multi-aged groupings with adapted/modified curriculum
  • Large indoor areas for gross motor activities and exercises, an adapted kitchen and laundry room, a Snoezelen (sensory) room, and vans for community outings.
  • There are also patios adjacent to each classroom, and a wheelchair accessible playground area (also fenced).
  • Adapted computers and specially-designed equipment, plus audio/visual materials are available for student use.

Typical School Day

Looking for details on how your child’s school day will take place? Check out Elves’ Grade 1-12 timetable.

What other options are available through Elves Special Needs Society?

  • Outreach Program: coordinated by a certified teacher serving the educational needs of students who are unable to attend school for periods of time. Students are assigned to ‘Outreach’ on an individual basis.  This program can be offered to preschool children or school-age students.
  • Transitional supports to Elves’ Adult Program, community schools and so on.

Onsite Services

  • Physiatry
  • Home Nutritional Support
  • Pediatric Development Outreach Services (PDOS)
  • Psychological Assessments
  • Triple P Parenting Program
  • Elves’ Summer Respite Program offered in July and funded by Edmonton Regional Disabilities Services (ERDS)

External Referrals 

  • Children and Adolescent Services Association (CASA)
  • Feeding and Swallowing Assessment Clinics
  • Glenrose Seating Clinics
  • Specialized Treatment and Rehabilitation Services (STARTS – Adult Mental Health)

Individualized Program Plan (IPP)

Each learner has an IPP created in collaboration with Elves’ staff and parents/caregivers. Goals are developed based upon each learner’s abilities and may include taking control of their environment, building self-esteem, and improving functional abilities. The IPP considers the areas of:

  • Receptive and expressive communication
  • Cognitive and academic abilities
  • Daily living skills
  • Social and emotional development
  • Fine and gross motor skills
  • Sensory integration

Elves’ School Program specializes in teaching students with complex physical needs, cognitive disabilities, Down Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and Autism.

Elves’ Team

  • Certified Teachers
  • Educational Assistants
  • Early Education, Special Needs, and Proactive Behavioural Consultation
  • Speech and Language Pathologists and Assistants
 
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Physical Therapists
  • OT/PT Assistants
  • Program Support Workers
  • Nursing

Contact Elves

To learn more or to set up a tour, please contact us here:

Want to enroll someone at Elves? Fill out the Admission Inquiries form here and someone will contact you.