Alberta's Commitment
Universal Public Education
Under the Canadian Constitution, each province and territory has exclusive jurisdiction over education. Each system reflects the diversity of the region’s unique historical and cultural heritage.
Public education is provided free of charge to all Canadian citizens and permanent residents under 20 years of age until the end of secondary school. In Alberta, students are legally required to attend school from ages 6 to 16.
Our public education system includes public, separate, francophone and charter schools, as well as alternative programs and virtual programs offered by school boards, and home education. Public and separate school boards operate the basic education system in the province — the universal system accessible to everyone. Separate school boards administer Roman Catholic and Protestant separate schools. In Alberta, the minority Roman Catholic or Protestant faith has the right to form its own school system.
| Quick Facts: Alberta Firsts Alberta was the first province to establish:
And, Alberta is one of the first to offer a registered apprenticeship program to help students begin to learn a trade while in high school. |
Key Principles
The Alberta School Act contains five fundamental principles that define a first-rate education for every child in this province:
Access to quality education – Every student has the right of access to a quality basic education that is consistent with the student’s abilities and provides the knowledge, skills and attitudes to be a self-reliant, responsible, caring and contributing member of society.
Equity – All students have equal access to a quality basic education regardless of where in the province they live.
Flexibility and choice – Parents and students have opportunities to choose schools and programs in the public education system, within standards and policies set by the provincial government. School boards are expected to meet the educational needs of the students and communities they serve.
Responsiveness – The student is the focus of the education system. Legislation, policies and practices support communities in delivering school programs and services that are responsive to the unique needs of each child.
Accountability – All those involved in making decisions about educational matters — from the Minister to school boards and staff, parents and students — must be accountable for their decisions.
The School Act establishes the relationship of the Minister of Education to students, parents and school boards. It enables the Minister to prescribe courses and programs of study, instructional time and materials, and educational standards such as high school graduation requirements.
The School Act also defines the roles and responsibilities of school authorities, superintendents, principals and teachers, as well as a code of conduct for students.
