What Renfrew does

Renfrew Educational Services is a registered Canadian charity and Alberta-designated Special Education School founded in 1974 in Calgary. It delivers integrated educational and therapeutic programs for children with disabilities (diagnoses including Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Global Development Delays, visual and hearing impairments, and complex communication needs) across four school locations: the Janice McTighe Centre, Thomas W. Buchanan Centre, Bowness Centre, and Child Development Centre. A fifth facility, the Three Sisters Centre in Bearspaw (budgeted at $32M, ~60,000 sq ft, opening 2027-2028), will extend the educational pathway continuously from Kindergarten through Grade 12 for ~225-250 students.

The core service offering combines education with a transdisciplinary therapeutic team of certified teachers, psychologists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, music therapists, vision and audiology specialists, and assistive technology professionals operating under one organizational umbrella. Signature program components include Early Childhood Services (ages 2 years 8 months to 5, with 1:3 adult-to-student ratio), Elementary Education Program (ages 6-12, 1:4 ratio), the Integrated Services for Children with Motor Disabilities, the Specialized Services Program, the Low Incidence Team (AAC, vision, deaf/hard of hearing), and the Wellness Empowerment Program. Proprietary or differentiated programming includes Mind and Movement Rooms, sensory gyms, multi-sensory spaces, a Core Word Curriculum for AAC users, and a therapy service dog. A 48-bus fleet provides door-to-door transportation to over 90% of students.

Renfrew's revenue model is hybrid: government funding from Alberta Education covers most classroom operations; FSCD (Family Support for Children with Disabilities) funds specialized service programs; Calgary and Area Child and Family Services Authority and City of Calgary Family and Community Support Services fund therapeutic and support services; program fees ($100/month ECS resource fee, $450/month Elementary) and private assessment fees ($400 SLP assessment) cover a small portion; donations, corporate sponsorships, and annual gala proceeds (Helping Kids Soar Gala; Birdies for Kids 50% match) fund capital needs including the Three Sisters Centre. Approximately 550 children are enrolled in school programs annually, with additional thousands served through community contracts with independent schools, school districts, and First Nations across southern Alberta.

Name

Renfrew

Legal name

Renfrew Educational Services

Website

https://renfreweducation.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1974

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Renfrew Educational Services is a Calgary-based Canadian charity and designated Special Education School, founded in 1974, delivering integrated educational and transdisciplinary therapeutic programs for children with disabilities ages 2-12 across four school locations, with a fifth K-12 facility (Three Sisters Centre) under construction for 2027-2028.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Special Education Services

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111), Educational Services (61), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Learning Disabilities & Dyslexia Schools & Programs (EDAKAAAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Special Education Staffing & Contracted Providers (Paras, Therapists, Specialists) (EDAJAKAL), Transition & School-Readiness Support for Special Needs Children (HSAAAIAO), College Readiness & Disability Services Transition Support (EDAKANAB)

Keywords

• Special education services
• Early childhood education
• Pediatric therapy services
• Disability support programs
• Assistive technology services

Headquarters

HQ city

Calgary

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Funding: Funded by Alberta Education for school operations, Calgary and Area Child and Family Services Authority, and City of Calgary – Family and Community Support Services for therapeutic and support services
2. Program Fees: Monthly tuition fees for Early Childhood Services ($100/month) and Elementary Education Program ($450/month). Assessment fees of $400 for Speech-Language Pathology assessments.
3. Donations and Fundraising: Private foundations and individual donors contribute to capital needs, building projects (Three Sisters Centre), buses, and program development. 100% of donations go to the charity through Birdies for Kids program.
4. Vehicle Donations: Partnership with Donate a Car Canada for vehicle donations, providing tax receipts and free towing across Canada

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Renfrew Educational Services operates designated Special Education Schools and community-based programs for children with disabilities ages 2 through Grade 12 in Calgary, Alberta. It delivers integrated classroom instruction, pediatric therapies (speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology, music therapy), assistive technology/AAC, vision and deaf/hard-of-hearing services, and respite programs, funded through Alberta Education, FSCD, City of Calgary, private program fees, and charitable donations.

Product overview

Renfrew Educational Services is a registered Canadian charity and designated Special Education School operating as a multi-site educational organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of programs and services for children with disabilities. The organization operates four established school locations in Calgary (Janice McTighe Centre, Thomas W. Buchanan Centre, Bowness Centre, and Child Development Centre) plus an upcoming fifth location (Three Sisters Centre opening 2027-2028). The core educational offerings include Early Childhood Services (ECS) for ages 2.8-5 years and Elementary Education Program for ages 6-12, both delivered with low adult-to-student ratios. Renfrew provides therapeutic programs including Integrated Services for Children with Motor Disabilities (ISMD) and Specialized Services Program for children ages 2-12 with FSCD funding. Community-facing services include Private Assessment & Therapy Services, Community Services contracts with schools and First Nations, Expanding Capacity and Learner Supports (ECLS) for independent schools, Stepping Out on Saturdays respite program, Low Incidence Team services for vision, hearing, and complex communication needs, and the Wellness Empowerment Program for mental health. The organization serves approximately 550 children annually in its schools with thousands more benefiting from community contracts.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Early Childhood Services (ECS) Half-day preschool program for children ages 2 years 8 months to 5 years, using play-based learning to develop early literacy, numeracy, and social skills with a 1:3 adult-to-student ratio at Renfrew's school locations.
• Elementary Education Program Full-day program for children ages 6-12 following a modified Alberta curriculum, integrating music, art, physical fitness, and life skills with a 1:4 adult-to-student ratio.
• Integrated Services for Children with Motor Disabilities (ISMD) FSCD-funded program for children ages 2-6 with motor disorders, providing transdisciplinary therapy in family home and community settings with a focus on motor and sensory integration.
• Specialized Services Program FSCD-funded program for children ages 2-12 designed to improve daily living skills through play-based intervention in home and community, focusing on communication, socialization, and self-care.
• Private Assessment & Therapy Services Fee-for-service therapeutic assessments and interventions including speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, music therapy, psychology, and assistive technology for children ages 0-18, offered evenings and weekends at centres or in-home.
• Community Services Contract-based therapeutic and educational services delivered by Renfrew psychologists, therapists, and consultants to independent schools, school districts, and First Nations communities across southern Alberta.
• Expanding Capacity and Learner Supports (ECLS) Alberta Education-sponsored capacity enhancement program delivered with AISCA and Providence, providing therapeutic assistance, professional development, and direct services to K-12 students at independent and private schools.
• Stepping Out on Saturdays (SOS) Respite Program Saturday respite program for children with disabilities ages 5-12, offering play activities and social skill development with a 1:4 ratio, partially funded through FSCD.
• Low Incidence Team Specialized team providing vision services, complex communication/AAC support, and deaf/hard of hearing services including Educational Audiology, functional vision assessments, and communication device training.
• Wellness Empowerment Program (WEP) School-based mental health capacity building initiative providing wellness coaching, workshops, and resources for positive mental health outcomes in children, youth, and families, funded by Alberta Health Services.

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered major, gold sponsor, silver sponsor, media sponsor, minor and core.

• EllisDonmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 12 March 2026Event sponsor for 2026 Helping Kids Soar Gala supporting Three Sisters Centre construction.
• MacquariemajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 12 March 2026Event sponsor for 2026 Helping Kids Soar Gala supporting Three Sisters Centre construction.
• Amrizegold sponsorGTM or Marketing Partner · 12 March 2026Gold sponsor for 2026 Helping Kids Soar Gala.
• Computersharegold sponsorGTM or Marketing Partner · 12 March 2026Gold sponsor for 2026 Helping Kids Soar Gala.
• Enbridgegold sponsorGTM or Marketing Partner · 12 March 2026Gold sponsor for 2026 Helping Kids Soar Gala.
• CIBCsilver sponsorGTM or Marketing Partner · 12 March 2026Silver sponsor for 2026 Helping Kids Soar Gala.
• RBCsilver sponsorGTM or Marketing Partner · 12 March 2026Silver sponsor for 2026 Helping Kids Soar Gala.
• TD Banksilver sponsorGTM or Marketing Partner · 12 March 2026Silver sponsor for 2026 Helping Kids Soar Gala.
• Scotiabanksilver sponsorGTM or Marketing Partner · 12 March 2026Silver sponsor for 2026 Helping Kids Soar Gala.
• CTVmedia sponsorGTM or Marketing Partner · 12 March 2026Media sponsor for 2026 Helping Kids Soar Gala.
• Donate a Car CanadaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVehicle donation partner accepting cars, trucks, RVs, boats, and motorcycles for Renfrew. Free towing provided across Canada.
• AISCA (Association of Independent Schools and Colleges in Alberta)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerECLS (Expanding Capacity and Learner Supports) operates as an Alberta Education-sponsored project funded by AISCA in conjunction with independent schools, private ECS operators, and in partnership with Providence and Renfrew.
• ProvidencecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in ECLS program alongside AISCA and Renfrew for capacity enhancement and therapeutic assistance to independent and private schools.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Kerry's Place Autism Services: Ontario-based non-profit providing autism services across the lifespan including residential, day, and family programs, with dedicated school-age and youth educational supports. Directly comparable as another Canadian non-profit delivering school-linked and community-based supports to children with autism and developmental disabilities using a transdisciplinary approach.
• Children's Link Society: Calgary-based non-profit that connects families of children with disabilities to information, resources, and support services across southern Alberta. Directly comparable due to its same geography, similar family-support focus, and role as a referral and advocacy hub for the same population Renfrew serves.
• Geneva Centre for Autism: Toronto-based organization providing intervention services, school consulting, and training for the autism community. Comparable as a Canadian non-profit specializing in autism education, therapy, and consulting services serving schools, families, and professionals in a manner similar to Renfrew's ECLS and Community Services arms.
• Centre for Autism Services Alberta (CASA): Alberta-based non-profit delivering education, behavioural, and therapeutic supports for children and youth with autism spectrum disorder. Comparable as a specialized Alberta service provider combining school-based programming, therapy, and family supports in the same disability-services category as Renfrew.
• SAAAC Autism Centre: Toronto-based non-profit delivering centre-based educational, therapeutic, and life-skills programs for children, youth, and adults with autism. Comparable as a specialized community education and therapy provider combining direct service with family support in a similar fashion to Renfrew.
• Giant Steps School: Quebec-based specialized school offering individualized educational programming for students with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions. Comparable as a Canadian non-profit special education school with low student-to-staff ratios, integrated therapy, and a strong clinical-educational model like Renfrew's.

Broad incumbents

• Inclusion Alberta: Alberta-wide non-profit advocating for and supporting persons with developmental disabilities and their families, including inclusive education advocacy. Comparable because it operates across a broader disability mandate spanning advocacy, family support, and inclusive schooling in the same Alberta ecosystem as Renfrew.
• Easter Seals Alberta: Provincial branch of the national Easter Seals disability organization, providing programs and services for Albertans with physical and developmental disabilities. Comparable as a long-standing Alberta charity delivering a portfolio of disability programs and relying on a similar mix of government contracts and donor support.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/RESCalgary
• Facebookfacebook.com/RenfrewEducationalServices

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Renfrew