It also serves the neighbouring communities of Airdrie, Chestermere, Cochrane and Rocky View County.

Unlike the Calgary Board of Education, the territory of the CSSD extends slightly outside the municipal limits of the city.

The public (CBE) and Catholic (CSSD) systems operate independently of each other, and are both under the direct authority of the provincial government of Alberta.

The CSSD offers a variety of specialized programs, including Advanced Placement, Fine Arts, the Hockey Canada Skills Academy, Home Study, International Baccalaureate, Languages, Single Gender and Year-Round Education.

There is also the Self-Directed Learning program at Bishop Carroll High School, which allows students to move through the Alberta curriculum at their own individual pace.