Northern Lights Public Schools proudly serves over 5,800 students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 across 28 schools. Approximately 38% of students self-identify as First Nations, Métis or Inuit, reflecting the rich cultural diversity that enhances the student learning environment.
Geographically, Northern Lights is one of the largest school divisions in Alberta, covering 14,800 square kilometres and spanning 200 kilometres from Wandering River in the north to Cold Lake in the east. The division’s schools are located in the urban centres of Bonnyville, Cold Lake and Lac La Biche, as well as the rural communities of Ardmore, Caslan, Glendon, Iron River, Plamondon, and Wandering River. NLPS also operates schools on the Pine Meadow Hutterite Colony, Kikino Métis Settlement and Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement. Additionally NLPS provides educational services to the Provincial Campus Based Care Centre (Elk Lodge School) in Lac La Biche.
As one of the largest employers in the Lakeland region, NLPS plays a significant role in the local economy. Beyond direct employment, the division also supports its communities by contracting services for student transportation, custodial, and other services.
To meet the diverse needs of its student population, NLPS offers a broad range of programming, including: online learning and home education through the Learning Together Anywhere School, outreach programs in five communities, preschool and out-of-school care, full-day programming for Kindergarten students, as well as dual credit, apprenticeship, and work experience opportunities for high school students.
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
The Board believes:
- decisions are informed by reliable data and made in the best interest of all students.
- each and every student can learn and should be encouraged and provided with opportunities to become active learners;
- in creating an inclusive environment that embraces diversity and is supportive and safe for all;
- in providing welcoming, high quality learning and working environments where students, staff and parents feel connected, valued and respected; and
- stakeholders should be provided with meaningful opportunities for input and involvement.
Our Priorities
In addition to the outcomes set for the division by Alberta Education, Northern Lights School Division’s Education Plan includes two priorities specific to Northern Lights that we will be focusing on:
- increasing student achievement
- continuing to support the improvement of the mental well-being of students.
More information about how we plan to address these priorities is included in our Education Plan.