Clear Water Academy was incorporated in 1994 as an accredited University Preparatory Private Catholic School. Over the past 20 years a wide variety of educational choices have become available across North America as an alternative to traditional public schools. Home schooling, virtual schools, charter schools, language immersion schools, distance education and private schools are all available in Calgary. One choice that was common elsewhere in North America, but absent in Calgary, was a private Catholic school.

In 1995 a group of business people and lay leaders founded Clear Water Academy the first private Catholic school in Calgary. This group of parents, teachers and supporters recognized the growing demand in Calgary for a unique centre of learning based on the Catholic faith. The founders adopted a proven educational model, which emphasizes academic excellence and spiritual formation, as well as a strong program of character development and commitment to apostolic works. This educational philosophy is called Integral Formation. It originated from the Legionaries of Christ, a worldwide Order of Roman Catholic priests and has been implemented in schools in North America by the National Consultants for Education Inc.

Clear Water Academy has demonstrated strong, steady growth since opening in 1995. From a modest beginning with 24 students, 2 teachers and a rented downtown office for a school, it now has enrollment of over 400 students, including 7 foreign students, 42 staff and a permanent central location in the former Currie Army Barracks.

Clear Water Academy, is one of Alberta's premier private schools and has established a strong reputation for academic excellence. In 2002 and 2003, Clear Water Academy was ranked Alberta's top academic private school.

Clear Water Academy currently offers Pre-Kindergarten age 3 to Grade 12.