Charter schools

Overview

Charter schools are autonomous non-profit public schools that:

• provide basic education in a different or enhanced way
• follow Alberta's programs of study (curriculum)
• have a focus not already offered by the board of the school authority in which the charter schools are located. This could include unique:
  • learning styles
  • teaching styles
  • approaches
  • philosophies
  • pedagogies
• demonstrate collaboration or engagement with a post-secondary institution or a school authority
• have the potential to improve the education system as a whole and enhance education research and innovation

Alberta has 13 charter schools in 23 school buildings. Most school authorities with charter schools are in Calgary and Edmonton.

Find a list of Alberta charter schools.

Charter Schools Handbook

The Charter Schools Handbook includes information to help:

• parents learn more about charter schools
• charter organizers plan and establish a charter school
• administrators process charter school applications

Additional resources

• Education Act
• Charter Schools Regulation
• Accommodating Students with Exceptional Needs in Charter Schools

Contact

Connect with Alberta Education for more information on charter schools.

Phone: 780-427-6272
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)