Alberta charter schools

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Calgary Girls' School was granted a charter in 2003 Calgary Girls' School.jpg
Calgary Girls' School was granted a charter in 2003
Connect Charter School, a science oriented charter school New Calgary Science School 18.jpg
Connect Charter School, a science oriented charter school

Alberta charter schools are a special type of public school [1] which have a greater degree of autonomy than normal public schools, allowing them to offer programs that are significantly different from regular public schools operated by district school boards. Charter schools report directly to the province, bypassing their local district school board, may not exceed their assigned quota of students without provincial permission. They are also unique, in the sense that they may reject students for admission and can charge additional fees in the form of school uniforms, bus services, extracurricular activities, and more.

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As of 2022-23, roughly 11,000 students were enrolled in charter schools (1.4% of total student population), compared to 508,478 in public schools (66.3%), 177,633 in separate schools (23.1%), and 40,676 in private schools (5.3%). [2]

Alberta charter schools are publicly-funded institutions run by private school associations or authorities that must be registered non-profit societies. The charter schools theoretically cannot have any religious affiliations, can only charge additional & optional tuition, and cannot operate on a for-profit basis. The teachers must be certified, and the curriculum must follow the approved provincial curriculum - though are permitted to adopt additional, independent educational programs and philosophies into their programming. Alberta, which passed enabling legislation in 1994 (three years after the first charter school opened in the United States in Minnesota), remains the only province in Canada that allows charter schools. [3] [4]

Charter schools are represented by The Association of Alberta Public Charter Schools (TAAPCS).

Supporters claim that charter schools offer greater "freedom in choice of education" for parents of students. [5] They also claim that charter schools improve the public education system by offering higher-quality education and supporting disadvantaged students. [6]

Critics have argued that charter schools 'Americanize' the public K-12 education system, and effectively allows privately-operated institutions to receive public funding - though with less oversight and more freedom in their programming. [7] Public education advocates have also noted how charter schools undermine the public education system by subsidizing a market for separate and segregated educational systems using public funds, instead of increasing funding to regular K-12 institutions. [8] [9]

Charter schools in Alberta

Current charters

As of July 2024, there are 37 approved charter schools operated by 22 authorities. [10] The number of charter schools was previously limited to a maximum of 15, [11] but Jason Kenney's UCP government eliminated this cap effective September 2020. [12] [13] [14]

LocationSchool AuthorityCharter/CampusCharteredGradesNotes
Calgary Alberta Classical Academy Ltd. Calgary Classical Academy Bridgeland Campus (K-5)2022K-8 (with plans to expand to K-12)Students acquire an academically rigorous and traditional liberal arts education, focusing on classical Western canon art, literature, and philosophy. Offers language instruction in French, Mandarin, and Latin. [15]
Calgary Classical Academy Currie Barracks Campus (K-8)2023
Edmonton Classical Academy Eastgate Campus (K-8)2023
Almadina School Society Almadina Language Charter Academy, Mountain View Campus (K-4)1996K–9English as a Second Language. [16]
Almadina Language Charter Academy, Ogden Campus (4-9)
Calgary Arts Academy (CAA) CAA Knob Hill Elementary Campus (K-3)2003K–12Students learn Alberta Curriculum through Arts Immersion. [17] [18]
CAA Rosscarrock Middle School Campus (4-9)2003
CAA High School Erickson Centre (10-12)2020
Calgary Girls' Charter School (CGCS) CGCS Bel-Aire Campus (4-5)20034–9All-female school with a focus on developing a strong sense of self and understanding historical and contemporary gender issues. [19] [20]
CGCS Lakeview Campus (6-9)
Connect Charter School ---19994–9Formerly called the Calgary Science School. Focus on outdoor education and technology. More instruction time on mathematics, science, and technology, employing a problem-based approach to learning. [21]
Foundations for the Future Charter Academy (FFCA) FFCA High School Campus (9-12)1997K–12Focus on academic excellence, leadership, and character development. [22] It is the only Alberta charter school currently operating more than two campuses. [23]
FFCA South High School Campus (9-12)
North Middle School Campus (5-8)
Northeast Elementary Campus (K-4)
Northwest Elementary Campus (K-4)
South Middle School Campus (5-8)
Southeast Elementary Campus (K-4)
Southwest Elementary Campus (K-4)
Fusion Education Association Fusion Collegiate **proposed for 202410-12Dual credit course partnerships have been established with University of Calgary, Olds College, Junior Achievement Southern Alberta, and a number of industry and business partners.

Students will be able to choose from the specialized pathways in business and entrepreneurship; animal and health sciences; skilled trades; or pursue an open pathway (blended). Graduates will obtain a high-school diploma, and either 1) a certificate, diploma or up to 15 credits toward university or college diploma or degree courses, or 2) skilled industry training and credential(s) towards an Apprenticeship. [24]

STEM Innovation Academy STEM Innovation Academy Middle School (7-9)20217-12Focus on STEM education and digital technologies. Sister school to Stem Collegiate (in Edmonton). [25]
STEM Innovation Academy High School (10-12)
Westmount Charter School Westmount Elementary School (K-4)1996K–12Curriculum and charter mandate described as serving 'gifted students'. [26]
Westmount Mid-High School (5-12)
Calmar New Humble Community School ---2021K-6Offers agricultural and experiential land-management education.
Edmonton Alberta Classical Academy Ltd. Edmonton Classical Academy **proposed for 2024-25K-8Students acquire an academically rigorous and traditional liberal arts education, focusing on classical Western canon art, literature, and philosophy. Offers language instruction in French, Mandarin, and Latin. [27]
Aurora School Ltd. Aurora Academic Charter Primary School1996K–12Directed academically-oriented instruction [28]
Aurora Academic Charter Secondary School2023
Boyle Street Education Centre ---1995K–12Offers trauma-informed, reconciliation-first education, primarily for inner-city Indigenous youth whose formal schooling has been interrupted. Available programming includes art, cooking, fashion, hairstyling, drama, Indigenous cultural experiences, music, woodworking, yoga, meditation, and more. [29]
STEM Collegiate Canada ---20237-9 (with plans to expand to 10-12)Focus on STEM education and digital technologies. Sister school to STEM Innovation Academy (Calgary). [30]
Suzuki Charter School ---1995K–9 Teaches music using the Suzuki method of learning. The philosophy behind the methodology, originally developed by Shin'ichi Suzuki, extends into other areas of study. [31]
Thrive Charter School ---2023K-6Focus on STEM. Offers extended learning hours (8am-6pm) and extracurricular programming.
Genesee (nearWarburg) Mother Earth's Children's Charter School (MECCS) ---2003K–9Canada's only Indigenous charter school. Programming and learning based around values including the Medicine wheel, Seven Sacred Teachings (Respect, Love, Courage, Wisdom, Honesty, Humility, Truth) as a basis for action, and traditional Indigenous teaching and philosophies. [32]
Gwynne Gwynne Valley Rural Education Association (GVREA) Gwynne Valley Rural Academy **proposed for 2024K-9 (with plans to expand to 10-12 by 2027).Will be focused on horticulture, life skills, food security & sustainability, trades & vocation, finance & budgeting, Maskwacis learning partnerships & cultural exchanges, permaculture, animal husbandry, and resource management. [33]
Holden Holden Rural Academy Society Holden Rural Academy 20227-12Core courses in the morning, followed by afternoon options that include sports, fine arts, automotive & HD mechanics, woodworking & construction, culinary, Apprenticeship (through RAP) or work experience, or other off-campus or online programming. [34]
Leduc New Humble Community School Association New Humble Community School 2022K-9"New Humble Community School is a public charter school located in Leduc County, Alberta. NHCS offers a unique learning experience through the use of agriculture, environment & stewardship as an instrument for experiential hands-on learning." [35]
Medicine Hat Centre for Academic and Personal Excellence (CAPE) Institute ---1995K–9Individualized and integrated programs "aimed at helping underachieving but intellectually capable students strive for academic and personal excellence". [36]
Sherwood Park New Horizons Charter School Society New Horizons Charter School 1995K–9The first charter school opened in Canada.

Programming for 'gifted students'. [37]

Valhalla Centre Valhalla School Foundation Valhalla Community School 2008K–9Programming based around rural education and leadership, 'entrepreneurial culture', explicit phonics, second language (German or French, starting in Grade 1), cultural literacy, etiquette. [38] [39]

Former charters

Three charter school have closed:

See also

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References

  1. ↑ Alberta charter school handbook (PDF). Executive Council of Alberta. 2002. ISBN   0-7785-2550-3.
  2. ↑ Open Data, Government of Alberta. "Table 2. Alberta student population by authority system" . Retrieved 8 March 2024.
  3. 1 2 3 Ritchie, Shawna (January 2010). "Innovation in Action: An Examination of Charter Schools in Alberta" (PDF). Canada West Foundation. Retrieved 18 February 2017.
  4. ↑ Mindzak, Michael (2020-07-07). "Charter schools: What you need to know about their anticipated growth in Alberta". The Conversation. Retrieved 2024-03-08.
  5. ↑ "Charter schools offer more variety within Alberta education | Globalnews.ca". Global News. Retrieved 2024-03-08.
  6. ↑ "BLOG: All provinces—not just Alberta—should embrace charter schools". Fraser Institute. 2024-03-03. Retrieved 2024-03-08.
  7. ↑ "'The commodification of education is never good': Concerns raised over charter schools in Alberta". Edmonton. 2022-02-23. Retrieved 2024-03-08.
  8. ↑ "Privatization and Charter Schools". Support Our Students. Retrieved 2024-03-08.
  9. ↑ "Private and Charter Schools". Public Interest Alberta. Retrieved 2024-03-08.
  10. ↑ "Alberta Schools and Authorities". education.alberta.ca. Retrieved 17 July 2024.
  11. ↑ "School Act: Charter Schools Regulation" (PDF). Province of Alberta. March 2007. p. 8. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
  12. ↑ "Alberta government introduces bill to change rules on charter schools, home schooling". Global News. 20 May 2020. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
  13. ↑ "Education Act: Charter Schools Regulation". Province of Alberta. 1 September 2020. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
  14. ↑ "School Act: Charter Schools Regulation" (PDF). Province of Alberta. March 2007. p. 8. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
  15. ↑ "Our Schools". Calgary Classical Academy. Retrieved 17 December 2022.
  16. ↑ "Who We Are". Almadina Language Charter Academy. Retrieved 21 February 2017.
  17. ↑ "Home". Calgary Arts Academy. Retrieved 6 March 2024.
  18. ↑ "Our Story" (PDF). Calgary Arts Academy. Retrieved 21 February 2017.
  19. ↑ "Annual Education Results Report 2015-2016" (PDF). Calgary Girls' School Society. Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 February 2017. Retrieved 21 February 2017.
  20. ↑ McBeth, Dianne (30 March 2016). "Capital Plan Submission" (PDF). Calgary Girls' School Society. Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 February 2017. Retrieved 21 February 2017.
  21. ↑ "2012-2027 Charter Document" (PDF). Connect Charter School. May 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 September 2016. Retrieved 21 February 2017.
  22. ↑ "Foundations for the Future Charter Academy Charter Document". Foundations for the Future Charter Academy. Archived from the original on 14 February 2019. Retrieved 14 February 2019.
  23. ↑ "FFCA Director Handbook". Foundations For the Future Charter Academy. pp. 4, 5. Retrieved 21 February 2017.
  24. ↑ "FAQ - Fusion Collegiate" . Retrieved 2024-03-08.
  25. ↑ "Mission and Vision". Stem Innovation Academy. Retrieved 2023-11-19.
  26. ↑ "A History of Innovation at Westmount Charter School, Calgary". Westmount Charter School. 4 March 2013. Archived from the original on 22 February 2017. Retrieved 21 February 2017.
  27. ↑ "Our difference". Edmonton Classical Academy. Retrieved 2024-03-08.
  28. ↑ "Aurora Charter School Evaluation Report" (PDF). Aurora Academic Charter School. 17 December 2014. p. 3. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 December 2016. Retrieved 21 February 2017.
  29. ↑ "Our School". Boyle Street Education Centre. Retrieved 2024-03-08.
  30. ↑ "About Us". STEM Collegiate. Retrieved 2023-11-19.
  31. ↑ "Charter" (PDF). Suzuki Charter School Society. June 2013. Retrieved 21 February 2017.
  32. ↑ "Mother Earth's Children's Charter School in Canada: imagining a new story of school". Childhood Education. 81 (6). 15 August 2005.
  33. ↑ "Home". Gwynne Valley Rural. Retrieved 2024-03-08.
  34. ↑ "What kind of curriculum and options are available?". Holden Rural Academy. 2021-04-05. Retrieved 2024-03-08.
  35. ↑ "About Us". NHCS. Retrieved 2024-07-17.
  36. ↑ "Brochure" (PDF). Centre for Academic and Personal Excellence. Retrieved 22 February 2017.
  37. ↑ "Welcome to New Horizons School". New Horizons School. Retrieved 22 February 2017.
  38. ↑ "Our Charter". Valhalla School Foundation. Retrieved 22 February 2017.
  39. ↑ "Valhalla Community School Charter" (PDF). Valhalla School Foundation. Retrieved 22 February 2017.
  40. ↑ Raham, Helen (23 May 1998). "Lessons Learned: First Canadian Charter School Closed". Society for Advancement of Excellence in Education. Retrieved 18 February 2017.
  41. ↑ Sheppard, R (1998-07-06). "A school failure". Maclean's . 111 (27). ISSN   0024-9262.
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