Charter Schools in Alberta
Working together to support choice and innovation in public education

Alberta's Charter public schools are autonomous public schools of choice which provide education in an innovative way. Each charter school is designed to implement innovations in the organization and delivery of education, which results in improvements in student learning. Charter public schools:

• are tuition-free public schools are operated by non-profit organizations (in our case, the Westmount Charter School Society) and are governed by a Board of Directors
• have a unique focus (we are a school for gifted students)
• employ Alberta certified teachers
• are accessible to all students
• have no religious affiliation
• offer curriculum approved by Alberta Education
• offer innovative and enhanced methods of instruction
• encourage meaningful parental involvement
• provide a safe, caring and responsive environment
• employ active, effective leadership
• employ certificated and dedicated staff
• are publicly accountable for student achievement, financial reporting, accomplishment of educational goals (via the school's Education Plan/Annual Education Results Report) , and compliance with provincial regulations and policies.

Links to Alberta's Charter Schools:

in Calgary
Almadina Language Charter Academy (ESL, K-9)
Calgary Arts Academy (Arts Immersion, K-9)
Calgary Girls' School (all girls, gr 4-9)
Calgary Science School (Science infused, gr 4-9)
Foundations for the Future Charter Academy (academic excellence & character development, K-12)
Westmount Charter School (excellence in gifted education, K-12)

elsewhere in Alberta
Aurora Charter School, Edmonton (Traditional, K-9)
Boyle Street Education Centre, Edmonton (Engage at-risk youth, age 14-19)
CAPE, Medicine Hat (academically capable underachievers, gr 1-9)
Mother Earth's Children's Charter School, Stony Plain (traditional indigenous pK-8)
New Horizons School, Ardrossan (gifted education, K-9)
Suzuki Charter School, Edmonton (enriched with music, K-6)
Valhalla Community School, Valhalla Centre (rural leadership, K-6)

For further information about Charter Schools, download the most recent TAAPCS newsletter, its October 2011 annual report, or visit The Association of Alberta Public Charter Schools website at www.taapcs.ca

As well, the Canada West Foundation has a report that gives a good overview of Charter Schools.

9 November 2011