2026-27 APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE SOON!
PROGRAM INTRODUCTORY INFORMATION AND APPLICATION
We anticipate hosting our Open House on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
Applications will be accepted from February 1 to February 28, 2026.
Prospective students must complete all application requirements to be considered for the program. All applicants will be notified by the end of May regarding the status of their application. Please review all the resources and watch the videos on this page to gain a better understanding of the High Performance Athlete Development Pathway at Bowness before applying.
2026-27 Application information will be available soon.
WHAT IS HPAD
The High Performance Athlete Development pathway is a unique program that takes a multi-sport approach to understanding athlete development. We provide a variety of opportunities for students through collaborative facilitation by teachers and experts specializing in specific sports or sport science. This is the CBE’s first high performance pathway that is based on the long-term athlete development principles which builds; motivation, confidence, physical literacy, and lifelong passion for athletic pursuits.
Students attain, develop, and advance their athletic knowledge and skill development through theory, training, and immersion activities. Immersion activities have included sports such as
· Speed skating
· Skeleton
· Bobsleigh
· Luge
· Track and field
· Olympic lifting
· Fencing
· Adaptive sports
· Rowing
· Golf
· Squash
· Track cycling
· Mountain biking
· Cross country skiing
· Baseball
HPAD 10 is a full-year program where student can earn up to 15 high school credits.
PARTNERSHIPS
HPAD has developed multiple community sport partnerships to support our programming and our primary partner in delivering this amazing student experience is the Canadian Sport Institute of Alberta. Through this collaboration CSI Alberta provides theoretical expertise, coaching in multiple sport science disciplines, and access to high-performance training facilities. Examples include sessions on mental performance, nutrition, coaching fundamentals, strength and conditioning (periodization, Olympic lifting, change of direction, and power/speed).
HPAD is recognized by the Canadian Olympic Committee, Canadian Paralympic Committee, and Own the Podium.
HPAD LEGACY PROGRAM
The HPAD Legacy Program launched in the 2023-24 school year. Funds raised through public grants, family/alumni donations, and fundraising efforts are managed by Education Matters to support HPAD students and the program with the following:
· HPAD Financial Support Grant – Students facing financial barriers could apply for assistance to help pay program fees. HPAD is an inclusive program and we want to make sure all students have an opportunity to participate.
· HPAD Student Award – HPAD would like to recognize outstanding graduating students of the program and support them financially in their educational and athletic journeys beyond high school.
· Program Needs – long term projects that would focus on updating class materials and equipment.
HPAD CORE VALUES
Over the past few years, HPAD has developed specific core values that help students understand the program's vision, philosophy and build community. These values guide HPAD students in making good decisions, boost their confidence when facing new challenges, and ultimately empower individual growth throughout their experience.
HPAD’s Core Values are:
· Respect – Respect yourself, your peers, facilities, partners, and teachers.
· Communicate – Communicate with curiosity and kindness, and advocate for your needs.
· Engagement – Commit to applying all HPAD teachings to the best of your ability and celebrate the efforts of those around you.
HPAD prides itself on fostering a culture of performance, equity, and inclusivity. By embodying these values, all students can reach their highest potential.
WHAT DO STUDENTS SAY
Student #1 - I love being active and trying new things. The knowledge that I’ve acquired in HPAD, I’ve been able to apply to my sport and it has given me an edge that not all athletes have. I believe being a multi-sport athlete is very beneficial and I’ve come to understand that through HPAD.
Student #2 - I enrolled in HPAD for a final year because this pathway has been the reason I’ve grown. I knew it from my grade 9 year that this opportunity would help to change my life, and I have made countless amazing memories and friends.
Student #3 - I love HPAD. I love trying different sports, I love physical activity, I love the core ideology of the program (Multisport athletes), and I love the break from academics. This is also a good head start towards kinesiology, a program I am more than likely going to study.
WHERE
HPAD utilizes Bowness High School’s gymnasiums, athletic fields, and two training centers (the recently upgraded fitness center and performance lab) along with various community facilities. This includes access to high-performance training sites such as the Canadian Sport Institute Alberta Performance Center, Winsport Ice House, Olympic Oval, Calgary Rowing Club, and more.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD CANDIDATE
HPAD is open to all students entering grade 10. Those who are motivated, open-minded, inclusive, coachable, and eager to expand their knowledge and skills as multi-sport athletes thrive in this program. You do not need to compete in high performance sport to be accepted; if you have a passion for sports and a desire to learn, THEN APPLY!
PROGRAM INTRODUCTORY INFORMATION AND APPLICATION
Bowness will host our Open House on the evening of Thursday, January 29, 2026. Please check our main page for more information.
Applications will be accepted from February 1 to February 28, 2026.
Prospective students must complete all application requirements to be considered for the program. All applicants will be notified by the end of May regarding the status of their application. Please review all the resources above and watch the videos on this page to gain a better understanding of the High Performance Athlete Development Pathway at Bowness before applying.
OUT OF AREA STUDENTS (Transfers Requests)
The CBE has specific transfer processes for candidates applying to HPAD as out-of-area transfer students. This includes current CBE students living outside the Bowness catchment area and those who are not currently CBE students. Please visit the Transfers - CBE webpage for more information.
Registration for the 2026-27 school year typically opens in mid-January and closes March 15. All candidates must complete their HPAD application requirements by February 28 to allow the selection committee sufficient time to process all applications.
HPAD falls under the category of - a sequence of courses up to the 30-level that is not offered at the student's designated school.
For inquiries, please contact
Phil Barndt (he/him)
Athletic Director – HPAD Pathway
Bowness High School
e: phbarndtcbe.ab.ca