Permanent residents
Understanding the Alberta School System: A parent’s guide

Table of Contents
- Types of schools in Alberta
- Public Schools in Alberta
- Catholic Schools in Alberta
- Private and independent Schools in Alberta
- Home education
- Early childhood education in Alberta
- Types of preschool programs in Alberta
- Local Community or Non-Profit Co-Operative Schools
- Religious Schools
- Private Schools
- Montessori Schools
- Grade structure and levels of education in Alberta
- Elementary School
- Junior High School
- Senior High School
- How to enrol your kids into the Alberta school system
- Required documents for school enrollment
- Steps to enroll Your child in School:
- School-related expenses in Alberta
- Before and after-school programs
- School supplies
- School uniforms
- Transportation
- Field trips
- School fundraisers
Key takeaways
Know the grade structure: the Alberta school system is divided into three levels: elementary (Kindergarten to Grade 6), junior high (Grades 7 to 9), and senior high (Grades 10 to 12), offering a clear path for students from early childhood to graduation
Understand enrolment requirements: To register your child for school, you’ll need to provide proof of age, residency, and immigration status. Non-citizens may need to register through local Welcome Centres.
Plan for extra costs: While public schooling is free, parents should budget for additional expenses, including before-and-after school programs, school supplies, transportation, field trips, and fundraising activities.
Relocating to a new country with your family involves several important decisions, with your children’s education being just as crucial as securing a job and choosing a place to live. Luckily, Canada is recognized worldwide for its high-quality education system, offering abundant opportunities for families. For those moving to Alberta, it’s essential to understand how the school system works and the process of enrolling your child in school. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate Alberta’s education system and ensure a smooth transition for your family.
Types of schools in Alberta
Alberta is widely recognized for having one of the most robust education systems in Canada. Education is mandatory for children between the ages of six and 16, and they must either attend school or participate in a home study program. The school structure in Alberta is divided into elementary, junior high, and high school levels. The grade levels range from Kindergarten through Grade 12. Elementary school spans Kindergarten to Grade 6, junior high covers Grades 6 to 9, and high school includes Grades 10 to 12. Below is a detailed breakdown of the different types of schools in Alberta:
Public Schools in Alberta
The public school system in Alberta serves over 492,000 students, organized into 42 public school boards and four Francophone school boards. Education at public schools is free for students who reside in Alberta.
Public English-Language Schools
Public English-language schools offer education from Kindergarten through Grade 12, with no tuition fees for students living within the designated catchment areas. The Calgary Board of Education is the largest public school board in the province, educating over 128,000 students.
Public French-Language Schools
Alberta also operates 35 public Francophone schools that deliver education primarily in French. These schools are designed for students whose first language is French. To enroll in a French-language school, one of the following criteria must be met:
- One or both parents are fluent in French or have French as their native language.
- One or both parents attended a French-language school.
- The child has previously attended a French-language school.
- A sibling has attended a French-language school in Canada.
Additionally, French Immersion programs are available, where subjects are taught in both French and English. These programs often have waiting lists, and it can take time before students are accepted.
Catholic Schools in Alberta
Alberta also provides faith-based Catholic education for elementary and secondary students. Catholic schools operate under their own school boards and are funded by the provincial government, making them free to attend. While Roman Catholic students are prioritized, students from other faiths may also be admitted.
English-language Catholic schools
English-language Catholic schools offer education from Kindergarten through Grade 12. The Calgary Catholic School Board is the largest in the province, overseeing 118 schools that educate around 56,000 students.
French-language Catholic schools
There are also French-language Catholic schools for students who are Francophone and Catholic. Some of these schools also offer French Immersion programs.
Private and independent Schools in Alberta
Though most students attend publicly funded schools, Alberta is home to over 180 private schools. Unlike public schools, private schools charge tuition fees and operate as businesses. Registered private schools are not required to follow the Alberta curriculum or employ certified teachers, although some accredited private schools receive government grants and must adhere to provincial standards, including hiring certified teachers and principals.
Tuition for private schools can vary widely, ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 CAD annually. Many private schools offer scholarships and bursaries. Parents typically choose private schools for specialized approaches to education, religious beliefs, to meet their child’s special needs, or for advanced academic programs.
Home education
Home education is another option for families who prefer not to enroll their children in either public or private schools. In Alberta, parents or guardians can choose one of two types of home education programs:
- Supervised by school authority: In this option, a public or separate school board, or an accredited private school, supervises the home education program. Parents must inform the supervising school authority, and they may qualify for funding from Alberta Education. Certified teachers are required to conduct at least two formal evaluations per year.
- Not supervised by school authority: In this case, parents are responsible for notifying the Minister of Education annually of their intention to educate their child at home. This option does not involve supervision by a school board or accredited private school, and as such, parents are not eligible for funding from Alberta Education.
This comprehensive range of educational options allows families to select the best-fit schooling experience for their children, whether through public, Catholic, private, or home-based education.

Early childhood education in Alberta
In Alberta, children typically begin formal schooling at the age of five or six, but early childhood education (ECE) is available to younger children. ECE focuses on age-appropriate, play-based learning for children between the ages of three years and eight months to five years old. Notably, Alberta is the only province in Canada that provides funding for education support in early childhood education. Families interested in accessing these programs should contact their local school board for further details.
Pre-Kindergarten Programs
Pre-Kindergarten is designed for children who require extra support to prepare them for Kindergarten and Grade 1. These programs are available for children who are:
- Learning English as a second language
- Needing Francophone programming
- Gifted or talented
- Diagnosed with a learning disability or language delay (in some cases, children as young as two years and eight months may begin Pre-K).
Additionally, there are private preschools offering morning and afternoon sessions for children aged three to five. Since these programs operate as businesses, parents can expect to pay between $215 and $675 CAD per month for a licensed preschool program.
Types of preschool programs in Alberta
When selecting a preschool, it’s important to ensure that the program employs Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECEs) and offers opportunities for parents to visit. There are several types of preschool programs available in Alberta:
Local Community or Non-Profit Co-Operative Schools
These schools tend to be the most affordable as they involve parent participation. Parents volunteer as teacher aides alongside professional educators, helping to keep costs low.
Religious Schools
Often associated with religious institutions, these schools may offer religious education. Children do not need to follow the same faith as the school to attend.
Private Schools
Private preschools can vary significantly in terms of size and cost. Some are small, home-run setups, while others are large, custom-built institutions. These programs tend to be the most expensive.
Montessori Schools
Montessori education is based on a philosophy of learning that focuses on child-led activities and fostering independence. The Montessori method is more than just a teaching approach; it’s a way of life that emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning.
These diverse early childhood education options provide parents in Alberta with the flexibility to choose a program that best meets their child’s needs and their family’s values.
Grade structure and levels of education in Alberta
In Alberta, the public education system is organized into three distinct levels: elementary school, junior high school, and senior high school.
Elementary School
Elementary schools in Alberta cover grades from Kindergarten to Grade 6. Children can begin full-day Kindergarten in the year they turn five, although it is not mandatory. Typically, students complete elementary school at the age of 11 or 12.
Junior High School
Junior high school, also known as middle school, includes Grades 7 to 9. Students generally begin junior high between the ages of 12 and 13, finishing by the ages of 14 or 15. In Calgary, there are 29 junior high schools, 10 in Edmonton, and an additional 10 across the rest of the province.
Senior High School
Senior high school spans Grades 10 to 12. Students start senior high around the age of 15 or 16 and graduate between 17 and 18. To graduate, students must meet specific provincial requirements. After completing high school, students can pursue further education at college, university, vocational training (such as trade programs), or enter the workforce.

How to enrol your kids into the Alberta school system
In Alberta, children can begin Kindergarten in the year they turn five, but attendance is not compulsory until they are six years old. For children entering Grades 1 through 12, they must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or temporary residents. If your child is a Canadian citizen, you can register directly at the local school. For non-citizens, depending on your location in Alberta, you may need to contact the Welcome Centre at your local school board for registration.
Required documents for school enrollment
- Proof of age: Birth certificate or passport.
- Proof of resident status: Permanent Resident Card, Confirmation of Permanent Residence, or Record of Landing.
- Proof of home address: Utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or driver’s license.
Steps to enroll Your child in School:
- Visit the local school board that corresponds to your designated catchment school and follow the instructions to register online.
- For students in Calgary who are not Canadian citizens, registration must be done at a Welcome Centre.
- Complete the application form, which will ask for details such as your child’s information, home address, parent contact information, school history, citizenship status, emergency contacts, and any health-related concerns.
- Submit proof of your child’s ID, proof of residency, and proof of home address with your application.
- For high school students, schedule a meeting with a guidance counselor to review their previous schooling and career goals, and to select appropriate courses.
School-related expenses in Alberta
Although public education in Alberta is free, there are still some school-related costs that parents should plan for. These include:
Before and after-school programs
Before and after-school programs are available for children in Kindergarten through Grade 6. These programs are typically operated by third-party organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCA, or private providers. The cost of these programs generally ranges from $29 to $50 CAD per day. However, it’s important to note that many of these programs have waiting lists.
School supplies
At the start of each new grade or school year, students are generally required to bring basic school supplies. Schools typically provide a list of necessary items, which may include pencils, colored pencils, rulers, calculators, glue sticks, and more. Additionally, parents may need to purchase items such as a lunchbox, water bottle, backpack, and gym shoes. Textbooks are provided by the school at no cost and must be returned at the end of the semester or school year.
School uniforms
Most public schools in Alberta do not require uniforms; however, some have adopted school uniforms in recent years. Private and Catholic schools, on the other hand, typically require uniforms, and the costs for these can vary.
Transportation
Many areas in Alberta offer school bus transportation; however, this service is generally available only to students who live more than 2.4 kilometers from their school. School boards may charge an annual fee for students to ride the bus, which can range up to $515 CAD per school year, depending on the specific school board.
Field trips
Schools often organize field trips for students to visit educational sites, such as museums, cultural institutions, or outdoor locations. Participation in these trips usually involves additional costs. Older students may also have the opportunity to attend overnight trips or camps, which will incur costs for transportation and accommodation. In some cases, the school may offer financial assistance to families who need it.
School fundraisers
Fundraising activities are common in Alberta schools. Events such as pizza lunches, book fairs, bake sales, and holiday gift sales help raise money for school projects, such as field trips, new technology, or additional learning resources. On average, parents can expect to spend between $25 to $50 CAD on fundraising activities throughout the school year.
By familiarizing yourself with the educational system in Alberta before settling in the province, you can better prepare for your child’s schooling, ensure you have the necessary documents, and help your child succeed in their academic journey.
Conclusion
Navigating the school system in Alberta is a manageable and rewarding process, with a wide range of options available to meet the needs of every student. Whether you’re enrolling your child in public, private, or faith-based schools, understanding the structure, necessary documentation, and potential costs involved will ensure a smooth transition. By planning ahead and taking advantage of Alberta’s educational opportunities, you’ll be setting your child up for success in their academic journey and beyond.