# Alberta private schools

Private schools are a type of K-12 educational institution in the Canadian province of Alberta, which are overseen and funded by the Government of Alberta. Tuition limits are not set by the government, and private schools do not receive funding for transportation or optional charges such as uniform and specialized curriculum activities.
In the 2023–24 school year, approximately 45,477 students attended a private school, or around 5.68 per cent of the total student population.
As of April 2024, there are 166 private school authorities in Alberta who operate a total of 222 schools.

## History

In 1946, the Social Credit Party government under the leadership of Ernest Manning recognized the creation of private schools with legislative changes to the provincial Education Act. Lobbied heavily by religious and conservative groups - primarily Dutch neo-Calvinists in the Christian Action Foundation, the Societies for Christian Education, and the Association of Private Schools and Colleges in Alberta (APSCA) - the Government of Alberta began providing public funding to private schools in 1967, starting at $100 per student. Further changes in 1974-76 under Peter Lougheed's Progressive Conservative government increased per-student funding to 33 per cent of what public schools received, then 40 per cent.
Following the election of Ralph Klein in 1992, a notable difference in messaging and justification for private school funding emerged which centred on "parent choice". Klein's government soon introduced charter schools legislation, and in April 1997 a private member bill sponsored by PC MLA Carol Louise Haley and supported by then-provincial treasurer Stockwell Day, seeking a $14 million increase to annual funding of private schools, was brought forward. Per-student funding was increased to 60 per cent of what public schools received by 1998, while the public school system saw wages cut for teachers, funding cuts, repealed education regulations, the centralization of school boards, and the elimination of taxation powers for schools to raise revenue on their own.
This situation was detested by workers in the education system and the public in general and pressure built gradually in the following years, eventually culminating in the 2002 Alberta teachers' strike. At its peak, 22,000 teachers out of a total 32,000 were on strike by February, affecting around 357,000 students out of a total 550,000.
Following unsuccessful back to work orders in February, Minister of Learning and Education Lyle Oberg declared a public emergency. The Klein government in collusion with the Alberta School Boards' Association agreed to pass Bill 12, the Education Services Settlement Act (ESSA) on March 14, 2002, in response to the strike, which was widely seen as a betrayal to teachers and an illegal and draconian piece of legislation. The ESSA imposed a wage settlement arbitration process on teachers and made it nearly impossible to appeal this process or its results in court; gave the government permission to remove the right to strike or lockout; forbade teachers from engaging in slowdowns or diminishing their job duties; broadened the term 'strike' to include two or more teachers acting together to refuse to perform assigned responsibilities; and established severe penalties for any non-compliance. Larry Booi, the Alberta Teachers' Association (ATA) President, responded to the legislation by stating "This is a black day for public education and for democracy in Alberta. This government has made a terrible decision, and we all shall have to live with the consequences".
Though the strike ended, the private school system has grown in size and in funding under Progressive Conservative governments, which formed the provincial government continuously between 1971 and 2015. At the initiative of Ed Stelmach's government in 2008, per-student funding rose to 70 per cent of that received by public schools (equivalent to around $5,200 per student), and remains at this rate today.

## Private schools and private school authorities in Alberta

These are classified by the Government into 3 different types and 2 special designations:
* Registered private schools: registered under Section 29(1) of the Education Act; must meet requirements outlined by the Act and in sections (2), (3), (4), (5), and (21) in the Private Schools Regulation. They are ineligible for government funding and although not required to use certificated teachers or teach the Alberta curriculum, are required to maintain a list of subjects, skills, and knowledge areas.
* Accredited private schools (non funded): registered under Section 29(2) of the Education Act; must meet the requirements of a registered private school and the additional Private Schools Regulation requirements under sections (6), (8), (9), and (10). They must use certificated teachers, but are not required to teach the Alberta curriculum.
* Accredited funded private schools: funded by the government through the Education Grants Regulation; must meet additional Private Schools Regulation requirements under sections (7), (12), (13), (14), (15), (16), (17), (18), (19), and (20). They are required to use certificated teachers, must teach the Alberta curriculum, and must have a principal who is also a certificated teacher.
* Designated special education private schools: funded by the government; given special approval and funding by the Minister of Education for the purpose of serving students identifying with mild, moderate, or severe disabilities, and must meet the additional requirements under section (11) of the Private Schools Regulation.
* Heritage language schools: offers approved language and culture courses outside of regular school hours to students who already have basic education needs met at another school authority; if funding is granted, a principal must be a certificated teacher and audited financial statements are required.
As of April 2024, there are 166 private school authorities operating 222 schools in Alberta:
| Authority | School | City | Grades Taught |
| 1620215 Alberta Ltd. | Cochrane Valley Montessori School | Cochrane | K |
| 1620215 Alberta Ltd. | Cochrane Valley Montessori School | Cochrane | 1-6 |
| 40-Mile Christian Education Society | Cherry Coulee Christian Academy | Bow Island | K-12 |
| Access International College (Calgary) Inc. | Access Academy | Calgary | 7-12 |
| Ahmadiyya Muslim Schools Society Alberta | Ahmadiyya Muslim School | Calgary | K-9 |
| Airdrie Christian Academy Society | Airdrie Christian Academy | Airdrie | K-12 |
| Al Mustafa Academy & Humanitarian Society | Al-Mustafa Academy | Edmonton | K-12 |
| Al Mustafa Academy & Humanitarian Society | Al-Mustafa North Location | Edmonton | K-9 |
| Al-Zahra Islamic Research Foundation | Al-Qaim International School | Calgary | K-9 |
| AlBaqir Academy Association | AlBaqir Academy | Edmonton | K-12 |
| Alberta Chinese Cultural Education Society | Alberta Heritage Language | Edmonton | 10-12 |
| Alberta Chung Wah School Society | Alberta Chung Wah School | Calgary | 10-12 |
| Alberta Conference of 7th Day Adventist Church | Chinook Winds Adventist Academy | Calgary | K-12 |
| Alberta Conference of 7th Day Adventist Church | College Heights Christian School | Lacombe | K-12 |
| Alberta Conference of 7th Day Adventist Church | Higher Ground Christian School | Medicine Hat | K-9 |
| Alberta Conference of 7th Day Adventist Church | Mamawi Atosketan Native School | Ponoka | K-12 |
| Alberta Conference of 7th Day Adventist Church | Peace Hills Adventist School | Wetaskiwin | K-9 |
| Alberta Conference of 7th Day Adventist Church | Prairie Adventist Christian eSchool | Lacombe | K-12 |
| Alberta Conference of 7th Day Adventist Church | South Side Christian School | Medicine Hat | K-9 |
| Alberta Conference of 7th Day Adventist Church | Sylvan Meadow Adventist School | Red Deer County | K-9 |
| Alberta Conference of 7th Day Adventist Church | Woodlands Adventist School | Ponoka | K-9 |
| Alberta Interscience Association | Russian Education Centre | Edmonton | 10-12 |
| Arise Calgary Church | Arise Christian Academy | Calgary | 1-12 |
| Asasa Learning | Asasa Academy | Calgary | K-6 |
| Asasa Learning | Little Angels | Calgary | K |
| Atlas Learning Academy Ltd. | Atlas Learning Academy Ltd. | Airdrie | K-9 |
| Aurora Learning Foundation | Aurora Learning Foundation | Sherwood Park | 1-12 |
| Aurora Learning Foundation (Calgary) | Aurora Learning Calgary | Calgary | 1-12 |
| Banbury Crossroads School | Banbury Crossroads School | Calgary | K-12 |
| Bearspaw Christian School Society | BCS@Home | Calgary | K-12 |
| Bow Island Congregation, Church of God in Christ, Mennonite | Sun Country Christian School | Calgary | n/a |
| Buffalo Head Mennonite School Society | Neuanlage School | Buffalo Head Prairie | n/a |
| Buffalo Head Mennonite School Society | Ostland School | Buffalo Head Prairie | n/a |
| Buffalo Head Mennonite School Society | Rosenfeld School | Buffalo Head Prairie | n/a |
| Buffalo Head Mennonite School Society | Vastland School | Buffalo Head Prairie | n/a |
| Calgary Academy Society | Calgary Academy Collegiate | Calgary | K-12 |
| Calgary Changemakers in Education Society | Calgary Changemakers School | Calgary | K-9 |
| Calgary Chinese Alliance School Society | Calgary Chinese Alliance School | Calgary | 10-12 |
| Calgary French & International School Society | Calgary French & International School | Calgary | K-12 |
| Calgary German Language School Society | Calgary German Language School Society | Calgary | 7-12 |
| Calgary International Academy Ltd. | Calgary International Academy | Calgary | 1-6 |
| Calgary International Academy Ltd. | Calgary International Academy ECS | Calgary | K |
| Calgary Mandarin School Association | Calgary Mandarin School | Calgary | 10-12 |
| Calgary Quest Children's Society | Calgary Quest School | Calgary | 1-12 |
| Calgary Waldorf School Society | Calgary Waldorf School | Calgary | K-9 |
| Calvin Christian School Society of the Netherlands Reformed Congregations | Calvin Christian School | Coalhurst | K-12 |
| Canadian Collegiate Institute | Canadian Collegiate Institute | Edmonton | n/a |
| Canadian Polish Language and Culture Parent Association | Polish Sienkiewicz School | Edmonton | 10-12 |
| Canadian Reformed School Society of Edmonton | Parkland Immanuel Christian School | Edmonton | K-12 |
| Canadian Reformed School Society of Neerlandia | Covenant Canadian Reformed School | County of Barrhead No. 11 | K-12 |
| Capstone Engineering Academy | Capstone Engineering Academy | Calgary | 1-12 |
| Central Alberta Christian High School Society | Central Alberta Christian High School | Lacombe | 10-12 |
| Centro Linguistico E Culturale Italiano Calgary | Italian School of Calgary | Calgary | 7-12 |
| Chinese Cultural Promotion Society (CCPS) | The Chinese Cultural Promotion Society | Edmonton | 10-12 |
| Chiniki Community College | Chiniki Community College | Mînî Thnî | 10-12 |
| Church of God in Christ Mennonite | Hilltop Christian School | Fort Vermilion | 1-9 |
| Church of God in Christ Mennonite Pembina Valley Congregation | Pembina Valley Christian School | Westlock | 1-9 |
| Church of God in Christ Mennonite Rosedale Congregation | Rosedale Christian School | Crooked Creek | n/a |
| Clear Water Academy Foundation | Clear Water Academy | Calgary | K-12 |
| Cleardale Mennonite School Society | Cleardale Mennonite School | Cleardale | 1-9 |
| Cleardale Mennonite School Society | Worsely Mennonite School | Cleardale | 1-6 |
| Coaldale Canadian Reformed School Society | Coaldale Christian School | Coaldale | K-12 |
| Columbia College Calgary | Columbia College | Calgary | 10-12 |
| Congregation House of Jacob-Mikveh Israel | Akiva Academy | Calgary | K-9 |
| Countryside Christian School | Countryside Christian School | Edberg | K-9 |
| Creekside Creative Academy | Creekside Creative Academy | Red Deer | K-9 |
| Delta West Academy Society | Delta West Academy | Calgary | K-12 |
| Destiny Christian School Society | Destiny Christian School Society | Red Deer County | K-9 |
| Devon Christian School Society | Devon Christian School | Devon | K-9 |
| Duchess Bethel Mennonite School | Duchess Bethel Mennonite School | Duchess | n/a |
| E2 Society for Twice-Exceptional Learners | E2 Academy | Edmonton | K-12 |
| Eastside City Church and Missionary Society | Eastside Christian Academy | Calgary | K-12 |
| Echo Valley Church of God in Christ Mennonite | Echo Valley Christian School | Bluffton | n/a |
| Edison School Society | Edison School | Foothills | K-12 |
| Edmonton Academy Society for Learning Disabled | Edmonton Academy | Edmonton | 1-12 |
| Edmonton Bible Heritage Christian School & College Society | Edmonton Bible Heritage Christian School | Edmonton | n/a |
| Edmonton Islamic School Society | Edmonton Islamic Academy | Edmonton | K-12 |
| Edmonton Khalsa School Educational Association | Edmonton Khalsa School | Edmonton | K-6 |
| Education Unlimited Network | Education Unlimited Academy | Kingman | K-12 |
| Elves Special Needs Society | Elves Adult & Youth Centre | Edmonton | K-12 |
| Elves Special Needs Society | Elves Child Development Centre | Edmonton | K |
| First Steps Elementary Academy | First Steps Elementary Academy | Red Deer | K-6 |
| Foothills Academy Society | Foothills Academy | Calgary | 1-12 |
| Footprints for Learning Society | Footprints for Learning Society | Airdrie | K-12 |
| Footprints for Learning Society | Footprints for Learning Academy (West Side Campus) | Airdrie | n/a |
| Fort McMurray Montessori Foundation | Hillcrest Montessori Academy | Fort McMurray | K-6 |
| GCA Education Society | Glenmore Christian Academy Junior High | Calgary | 1-9 |
| Genesis Protestant Reformed School Society of Lacombe | Genesis Protestant Reformed School | Clive | n/a |
| German Language School Society of Edmonton | German Language School Society of Edmonton | Devon | n/a |
| Gil Vicente Edmonton Portuguese School Society | Gil Vicente School | Edmonton | n/a |
| Gobind Marg Charitable Trust Association | Gobind Sarvar School | Edmonton | K-6 |
| Gobind Marg Charitable Trust Foundation | Gobind Sarvar School Guru Nanak Gate Campus | Calgary | 1-12 |
| Gobind Marg Charitable Trust Foundation | Gobind Sarvar School | Calgary | K-6 |
| Greek Orthodox Community of Edmonton and District Society | St. George's Hellenic Language School | Edmonton | n/a |
| Headway School Society of Alberta | Headway School Society of Alberta | Edmonton | K-12 |
| Hellenic Academia Institute | Hellenic Academia Institute | Edmonton | n/a |
| Hellenic Society of Calgary and District | Greek Community School | Calgary | 10-12 |
| Hellenic-Canadian Community of Edmonton and Region | Hellenic-Canadian Community of Edmonton and Region | Edmonton | n/a |
| High Level Christian Education Society | High Level Christian Academy | High Level | K-9 |
| Hillcrest Christian School Society | Hillcrest Christian School | Grande Prairie | K-12 |
| Horizon Academy Institute | Horizon Heritage Arabic School | Calgary | 10-12 |
| Ignite Alberta Institute for Learning | Ignite Centre for eLearning | Edmonton | K-12 |
| Independent Baptist Christian Education Society | Harvest Baptist Academy | Spruce Grove | K-12 |
| Independent School Authority Ltd. | Summit West Independent School | Okotoks | K-12 |
| Inner City Youth Development Association | Inner City High School | Edmonton | 10-12 |
| Janus Academy Society | Janus Academy | Calgary | 1-9 |
| Janus Academy Society | Janus Academy Junior/Senior High School | Calgary | 1-12 |
| Khalsa School Calgary Educational Foundation | Khalsa School Calgary Educational Foundation | Conrich | K-9 |
| Kneehill Christian School | Kneehill Christian School | Linden | 1-9 |
| Koinonia Christian School - Red Deer Society | Emmaus Learning Community - DSEPS | Red Deer | 1-12 |
| Koinonia Christian School - Red Deer Society | Koinonia Christian School (Red Deer) | Red Deer | K-12 |
| Koinonia Christian School - Red Deer Society | Koinonia @ Home | Red Deer | K-12 |
| Lady Fatima Academy | Lady Fatima Academy | Calgary | K-6 |
| Lakeland Christian School Society | Lakeland Christian Academy | Cold Lake | K-12 |
| Lakeland Christian School Society | Peace Christian Academy | Grimshaw | K-12 |
| Lakeland Church of God in Christ (Mennonite) of Dewberry | Lakeland Country School | Dewberry | n/a |
| Lakeview Christian School | Lakeview Christian School | Stettler | 1-9 |
| Legacies Academy Foundation | Legacies Academy | High River | K-6 |
| Lighthouse Christian School Society | Lighthouse Christian School | Sylvan Lake | K-12 |
| Living Springs Mennonite Church of Hythe | Living Springs Christian School | Hythe | n/a |
| Living Truth Christian School Society | Living Truth Christian School | Mirror | K-12 |
| Living Waters Christian Academy | Living Waters Christian Academy | Spruce Grove | K-12 |
| Lycee Louis Pasteur Society | Lycee Louis Pasteur | Calgary | K-12 |
| Maria Montessori Education Centre of Calgary, Ltd. | Maria Montessori School | Calgary | K-9 |
| Maria Montessori Education Centre of Calgary, Ltd. | Maria Montessori School - cSPACE King Edward Location | Calgary | K |
| Maskwachees Cultural College Foundation | Maskwachees Cultural School | Maskwacis | 10-12 |
| Meadows Christian Education Society | Meadows Christian Academy | Edmonton | K-9 |
| Montessori School of Calgary | Montessori School of Calgary | Calgary | K-6 |
| Mountain View Academy Society | Mountain View Academy | Calgary | K-12 |
| Muslim Association of Canada | MAC Islamic School | Edmonton | K-12 |
| Muslim Association of Canada | MAC Islamic School - Calgary Chapter | Calgary | K-9 |
| Muslim Association of Canada | MAC Islamic School Southside Campus | n/a | n/a |
| Nebula Foundation | Nebula Academy | Edmonton | K-9 |
| Neriah Christian School Society of the Netherlands Reformed Congregation | Neriah Christian School | Calgary | 1-9 |
| New Heights School and Learning Services Society | New Heights School and Learning Services | Calgary | K-12 |
| Newell Christian School Society | Newell Christian School | Brooks | K-9 |
| North Point School for Boys | North Point School | Calgary | 1-12 |
| North Point School for Boys | North Point School for Boys | Calgary | K-9 |
| North Point School for Boys | North Point School - DSEPS | Calgary | 1-12 |
| Northern Lights School Education Foundation | Northern Lights School | Spirit River | 1-9 |
| Olds Mountain View Christian School Association | Olds Mountain View Christian School | Olds | K-12 |
| Parkland Community Living and Supports Society | Parkland School Special Education | Red Deer | 1-12 |
| Peace Mennonite School | Peace Mennonite School | La Crete | n/a |
| Philippine Cultural Center Foundation (Calgary) | Filipino Language and Cultural School of Calgary | Calgary | n/a |
| Phoenix Education Foundation | Phoenix Education Foundation | Calgary | K-12 |
| Pincher Creek Meadow Valley Ministry | Meadow Valley Christian Academy | Pincher Creek | n/a |
| Ponoka Christian School Society | Ponoka Christian School | Ponoka | K-9 |
| Progressive Academy Education Society | Progressive Academy | Edmonton | K-12 |
| Providence Christian School Society | Providence Christian School | Monarch | K-12 |
| Red Crow Community College | Red Crow Community College | Cardston | 10-12 |
| Renfrew Educational Services Society | Renfrew Educational Services - Bowness Centre | Calgary | K |
| Renfrew Educational Services Society | Renfrew Educational Services - Child Development Centre | Calgary | K |
| Renfrew Educational Services Society | Renfrew Educational Services - Janice McTighe Centre | Calgary | K-9 |
| Renfrew Educational Services Society | Renfrew Educational Services - Park Place Centre | Calgary | n/a |
| Renfrew Educational Services Society | Renfrew Thomas W. Buchanan Centre | Calgary | K-9 |
| River Valley School Society | River Valley School ECS | Calgary | K |
| Rocky View Mennonite Church | Rockyview Christian School | Pincher Creek | n/a |
| RTD Math Academy Ltd. | RTD Math Academy | Red Deer | 7-12 |
| Rundle College Society | Rundle Studio | Calgary | 7-12 |
| Saddle Lake Indian Full Gospel School Mission | Sawenegezhik Academy | Saddle Lake | n/a |
| SCcyber E-Learning Community | SCcyber E-Learning Community | Calgary | 10-12 |
| SCcyber E-Learning Community | SCcyber E-Learning Institute | Calgary | 10-12 |
| School of East Indian Languages and Performing Arts of Calgary | School of East Indian Languages and Performing Arts | Calgary | n/a |
| Slave Lake Koinonia Christian School Society | Slave Lake Christian Academy | Slave Lake | K-9 |
| Solomon College | Solomon College | Edmonton | 10-12 |
| Sreekumar Education Foundation | Canadian International Private School | Edmonton | n/a |
| St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church of Stony Plain, Alberta | St. Matthew Lutheran Christian Academy | Stony Plain | K-9 |
| Stirling Mennonite Church Day School | Stirling Mennonite Day School | Raymond | n/a |
| Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School | Strathcona-Tweedsmuir Online | Okotoks | 7-12 |
| Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School | Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School | Okotoks | K-12 |
| Swedish Society of Calgary | Swedish Language School | Calgary | 7-9 |
| Tanbridge Academy | Tanbridge Academy | Calgary | K-9 |
| Tempo School | Tempo School | Edmonton | K-12 |
| The Alberta Ballet Company | Alberta Ballet School | Calgary | 7-12 |
| The Calgary Chinese Public School Society | Calgary Chinese Private School | Calgary | 10-12 |
| The Calgary Jewish Academy | Calgary Jewish Academy | Calgary | K-9 |
| The Canadian Montessori School Ltd. | Canadian Montessori School | Calgary | K-6 |
| The Canadian Montessori School Ltd. | Canadian Montessori School North | Calgary | K |
| The Canadian Montessori School Ltd. | Canadian Montessori School West | Calgary | K |
| The Canadian Reformed School Society of Calgary | Tyndale Christian School | Calgary | K-12 |
| The Chinese Academy Foundation | The Chinese Academy | Calgary | 10-12 |
| The Cornerstone Christian Academy of Camrose | Cornerstone Christian Academy | Kingman | K-12 |
| The Dante Alighieri Society | Dante Alighieri Italian School | Edmonton | n/a |
| The Edge School for Athletes Society | Edge School | Calgary | 1-12 |
| The Father's House Christian Fellowship - Sturgeon County | The Father's House Christian School | Morinville | K-12 |
| The Filipino Canadian Saranay Association of Alberta | Filipino Language & Cultural School | Edmonton | K-12 |
| The Gilbertine Institute of Catholic Studies | Holy House of Our Lady and St. Benedict | Edmonton | 1-9 |
| The Gilbertine Institute of Catholic Studies | The Gilbertine Academy | Calgary | K-12 |
| The Gilbertine Institute of Catholic Studies | Villa Spiritus | Derwent | 10-12 |
| The Heart Valley Church of God in Christ Mennonite | Heart Valley Christian School | Wanham | n/a |
| The Lacombe Christian School Society | Lacombe Christian School | Lacombe | K-9 |
| The Old Sun Society | Old Sun Community College | Siksika 146 | 10-12 |
| The Renert School Foundation | Renert School | Calgary | K-12 |
| The Rimbey Christian School Society | Rimbey Christian School | Rimbey | K-9 |
| The Society of Ukrainian Studies of Alberta | Ivan Franko Ukrainian School | Edmonton | 7-12 |
| Third Academy International Ltd. | LYNX East | Bragg Creek | K-9 |
| Third Academy International Ltd. | LYNX West | Calgary | K-9 |
| Third Academy International Ltd. | The Third Academy | Rocky View County | 1-6 |
| Third Academy International Ltd. | Third Academy Calgary South | Rocky View County | 7-12 |
| Third Academy International Ltd. | URSA | Calgary | K-12 |
| Tween Valley Fellowship/Tween Valley Christian School | Tween Valley Christian School | Taber | K-12 |
| Unlimited Potential Community Services Society | Bright Bank Academy | Edmonton | 1-9 |
| Unlimited Potential Community Services Society | Columbus Academy | Edmonton | 1-12 |
| Unlimited Potential Community Services Society | Phoenix Academy | Edmonton | 7-12 |
| Unlimited Potential Community Services Society | Thomas More Academy | Edmonton | 1-12 |
| Waldorf Education Society of Edmonton | Waldorf Independent School of Edmonton | Edmonton | K-9 |
| Webber Academy Foundation | Webber Academy | Calgary | K-12 |
| West Island College Society of Alberta | West Island College | Calgary | 7-12 |
| Wilson Prairie Mennonite School Society | Blumenort Mennonite School | La Crete | n/a |
| Wilson Prairie Mennonite School Society | Tompkins Mennonite School | La Crete | n/a |
| Wilson Prairie Mennonite School Society | Wilson Prairie Mennonite School | La Crete | n/a |
| Yellowhead Koinonia Christian School Society | Yellowhead Koinonia Christian School | Edson | K-12 |
| Yufeng Chinese School Centre | Yufeng Chinese School | Calgary | 1-12 |