CALGARY – As many as 15 charter schools could open in Alberta this fall under guidelines released by the province.
Proposals are now under review and could be approved by June, said Garth Norris of Alberta Education.
Charter schools are designed to provide an innovative or enhanced education program to improve student learning in ways not currently available.
One group proposes a school for gifted and talented students. Another proposal will design a program that targets special needs children in an inner city area. A third plan is to offer a highly academic program with emphasis on core subjects and the sciences.
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The deadline for the first round of approvals is May 15, said Norris.
A maximum of 15 schools will be approved for the fall. Charters will be granted for terms of three to five years.
Charter schools have operated for several years in the United States, but the concept is new in Canada.
The curriculum must meet the department’s requirements and students must write provincially set exams. The charter schools are accountable for their results and student achievements. They must be open to all children providing there is space available. And all teachers must hold a valid Alberta teachers’ certificate.
The schools would be run by a charter school board made up of parents, teachers and community members. The schools are not allowed to charge tuition and they must be operated as non-profit organizations. Provincial funding will be comparable to regular public schools.
Charter schools may not be affiliated with any religious denomination, except in the case of a charter approved by a separate school board.
