Small Changes, Big Results at J.T. Foster High School

At J.T. Foster High School in Nanton growth isn’t just a goal—it’s a story that continues to unfold with pride and purpose. Over the past several years school administration, staff, and students have been committed to improving school culture, accountability, leadership, and academic performance. The data shows those efforts are paying off. 

“We’re seeing positive changes in our school as we have focused on culture and accountability,” says Jason MacDonald, J.T. Foster High School principal. “By making small changes we are seeing big results.”

School administrators greet students by name each morning as they arrive at school, which creates a sense of connection and a place where students want to be. Reformatting option classes by using a quarter system, combining grades, and assigning courses has sewn the seeds of connection with other students and the staff.

By making lockers mandatory at J.T. Foster, problems of hallways littered with student bags, shoes, and garbage was addressed. In the context of a mobile electronic device ban in schools, each student has a secure location to store their belongings and devices. Students are taking more pride in their school and are taking their education more seriously through high expectations that can be met.

Another way that school administration is encouraging a higher level of accountability and improved school culture is by prohibiting clothing with alcohol, tobacco, or drug branding, or with sexual references and inappropriate language. This expectation promotes respect and aligns with wellness policies of no substances like vaping, smoking, or alcohol on school property.

“Since implementing these strategies we’ve seen significant improvement in our perception data,” MacDonald says. “The Measurable Results Assessment shows growth in the areas of leadership, culture, and academics since the benchmark survey in 2022.”

The annual Measurable Results Assessment (MRA) surveys staff, students, and parents to assess key areas of Leadership, Culture, and Academics. In 2022 (the first year of the survey), J.T. Foster High School’s aggregate score was 66%, with academics the lowest of the three areas. In 2023 that score rose to 68% and rose again to 74% in 2024, where academics ranked the highest. The 2025 MRA score is 76%, showing significant improvement in leadership, culture, and academics since 2022.

“We’re celebrating these results from this staff, student, and parent survey,” says MacDonald. “In addition, the Alberta Education Assurance Measures summary has shown excellent improvement over the past three years. The best approach we can take is to make consistent, positive change over time. This is just the beginning for us.”