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Alberta Accredited International Schools

This program builds and strengthens international relationships while sharing expertise and best practices.

Overview

Alberta's government works with international organizations to enable them to offer the Alberta curriculum to students.

The Alberta Accredited International Schools (AAIS) program works to:

  • increase international recognition of Alberta’s high-quality education through its international schools
  • enable international schools to provide the Alberta curriculum and credentials to their local students
  • create sustainable and efficient opportunities for internationals schools to receive and maintain government accreditation
  • collaborate with government ministries and non-government organizations to link accredited schools, their teachers, students and community leaders with opportunities to study and work in Alberta

We monitor and accredit international schools to ensure that quality programming is delivered by Alberta certified teachers to thousands of students abroad.

View the AAIS map

Benefits of accreditation

Alberta's world-class education system has an excellent reputation and is recognized as one of the best in the world. Alberta’s strong Kindergarten to Grade 12 curriculum, highly qualified and trained teachers, and high standards contribute to students reaching their full potential.

When students graduate from an Alberta accredited international school, they receive the internationally recognized Alberta high school diploma. Many of Alberta's high school graduates continue their education at Alberta's outstanding universities and colleges. Others pursue post-secondary studies at excellent universities and colleges around the world that recognize the value of an Alberta education.

Becoming accredited

Becoming an Alberta accredited international school requires leadership, commitment, planning, resources and time. Schools can move through 4 tiers as they proceed through the accreditation process.

The tiered approach allows schools to build capacity and provides a step-by-step accreditation process that assures continuous improvement based on evidence, engagement and learning.

  • Tier 4

    Tier 4 is typically the initial level of accreditation. At this level, schools begin implementing the Alberta program, including beginning to hire Alberta certificated teachers and an Alberta Program Administrator or Principal who holds a leadership certificate.

    Tier 4 schools cannot offer grades 9-12 programming and cannot issue Alberta high school credits.

  • Tier 3

    Tier 3 schools must meet all accreditation requirements including the hiring of Alberta certificated teachers and an Alberta Program Administrator or Principal who holds a leadership certificate.

    Tier 3 schools cannot offer grades 10 -12 programming and cannot issue Alberta high school credits.

  • Tier 2

    Tier 2 schools must meet all Tier 3 accreditation requirements and can offer programming from kindergarten to grade 12. They can issue Alberta high school credits and students in Tier 2 schools can graduate with Alberta high school diplomas if they meet all graduation requirements.

    For many schools, Tier 2 will be their highest level of accreditation.

  • Tier 1

    Tier 1 is the highest level of accreditation awarded to schools who consistently meet all accreditation requirements, demonstrate excellence in educational programming and foster international collaboration.

    They can offer programming from kindergarten to grade 12 and issue Alberta high school credits. Students in Tier 1 schools can graduate with Alberta high school diplomas if they meet all graduation requirements.

Application process

Alberta Education and Childcare's application process includes the submission of an Expression of Interest form. Alberta Education and Childcare reviews the expression of interest form to determine the candidate’s potential to meet all AAIS accreditation requirements.

If determined eligible, an application form will be provided. Alberta Education and Childcare must receive the completed application no later than September 15 for the school to be considered for accreditation in the following school year. A non refundable application fee must be submitted along with the application form.

For more information on the application process and requirements or to request an Expression of Interest form, please contact [email protected].

Working abroad

Alberta accredited international schools employ qualified and enthusiastic individuals to join their teams.

Teaching credentials

Teachers interested in seeking employment in an Alberta accredited international school must meet the Teacher certification requirements and are encouraged to contact the school directly.

Alberta accredited international schools are solely responsible for the recruitment and hiring of teachers and administrators. Teachers and administrators are responsible for due diligence when entering into employment contracts.

Teaching experience towards an Alberta permanent professional certificate will be considered in schools that are in Tiers 1, 2 or 3. Teaching experience in Tier 4 schools does not count towards an Alberta permanent professional certificate.

Accreditation process

For details on the accreditation process and requirements, request a copy of the 'Handbook for the Alberta Accredited International Schools' by emailing us at [email protected].

Accredited schools

Contact

Connect with the Alberta Accredited International Schools program:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-422-6527
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]

Address:
Alberta Accredited International Schools program
Alberta Education and Childcare
8th Floor, 44 Capital Boulevard
10044 108 Street
Edmonton, Alberta  T5J 5E6

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