Juno Beach Academy options offered to keep program going

The Calgary public school board has given parents with children at the Juno Beach Academy two choices.

The alternative program that focuses on Canadian studies and promotes the cadet movement was in danger of being scrapped because of dwindling registration.

But now the parents can choose between keeping the academy at Dr. Norman Bethune School in the citys southeast, or moving the children to facilities at Queen Elizabeth school in the northwest.

If the program is moved, junior high students would still cover the academys unique Canadian studies topics, but they would participate in flag and parade drills on their own time.

The high school students would additionally do drills as credit courses.

A parent meeting is set for Feb. 26 at which time a CBE official will advise them of the options and collect feedback. The final decision will be made by the board.