More than a School: Rundle Academy is a Lifeline and Confidence Builder

In a heartfelt gesture of support, Rundle grandparents Claudia and Randy Findlay have donated $500,000 to support the expansion of Rundle Academy.

The gift is a direct reflection of the profound impact Rundle has had on their grandchildren’s lives—not just their three grandchildren who are attending or have attended the Academy, but also their grandchildren who have attended Rundle College.

“This is our way of saying a huge thank you to Rundle, and to everybody who has helped our grandchildren along the way,” says Claudia. “For the three who have been at the Academy, we saw that the school was the environment they needed to be in. They are able to go to school knowing that when they get there they have the support they need for their learning. Having this in place, learning becomes less stressful and more enjoyable. Their teachers have done way more than just give them the academic tools they need to learn in their style; they've given them confidence.”

The Findlays, honorary co-chairs of the Building Futures fundraising campaign, are no strangers to giving back to the Calgary community. The couple has been actively involved in major fundraising campaigns, including the Alberta Children’s Hospital, and Randy has been involved in fund development for not-for-profit organizations for 30 years.

“You have to be passionate about the causes you support,” he says. “This was an easy one for us to get behind. We hope that this help brings more families and their children the same success of learning that our grandchildren have experienced. They are academically prepared, they’re joyful and confident as they go forward.”

Helping Kids be Kids

“It's not fair that some kids have challenges beyond their control, whether it’s health challenges or learning challenges. Every kid deserves opportunities. It is important to realize that there are many ways to learn and achieve,” Claudia says.

“The kids at the Academy are there to acquire the tools that apply to their learning challenges. In addition they play sports, create art and drama, and participate in community service programs and field trips,” adds Randy. “They get a wonderful and complete school experience where school goes beyond their learning disability.”

With one grandchild graduated from the Academy (and the others graduating this year and in 2027), the Findlays have already seen how that complete school experience has allowed them to thrive beyond Rundle.

“Investment in education is an investment in the future, to the next generation,” Claudia says. “We believe that’s so important. There are so many bright minds and there’s a better understanding of different ways of thinking now, and schools like the Academy are helping with that.”

Same Heart, New Home

For Randy and Claudia, there was one piece of the Academy expansion that meant the most to them, because they know it’s what meant the most to their grandchildren.

“When we first heard about the building expansion and increasing the number of students, it was so important to us when [Head of School] Jason Rogers said, ‘ We're going to maintain the same spirit that's there,’” Randy says. “Yes, it's going to be more kids, but the classes will remain small, the rooms are going to be designed specifically for these students, and we’re replicating what has been so successful.”

“The Academy is friendly. You walk in, it doesn't feel too formal, and it’s never going to be too stuffy because the community knows what these students need; maybe it’s what preceded them, how they feel about learning when they first walk through the doors, and making sure they feel safe and secure in a small, warm community,” adds Claudia.

Tied directly to that, they say, is the vision that Rundle will continue to hire teachers who understand students with learning disabilities, and who have the passion for and commitment to supporting these students.

The Findlays hope their donation to support the Building Futures campaign and their personal story helps inspire other Rundle families—including other grandparents—to give today to support education.

“The school fills a vital educational need and deserves to be supported—today,” says Randy. “Being able to attend a school like the Academy makes all the difference in the world. It saddens us to think about the families who can’t attend because there aren’t enough seats—but we hope to help change that. Rundle Academy is fulfilling a need in Calgary and in society.”