Calgary’s Charter Schools

What Is a Charter School?

A charter school in Calgary, Alberta is a publicly funded school that operates independently from local school boards, offering a specialized learning focus while still following Alberta’s provincial curriculum standards.

Charter schools are tuition-free, but they often have a specific educational philosophy or program that sets them apart from traditional public schools. Although there are other fees to be mindful of such as uniform, activity fees, required learning resources, transportation fees, processing fees and more depending on the institution. 

How Charter Schools Work in Alberta

Charter schools are approved by the Alberta government and funded in the same way as other public schools. However, unlike schools within the Calgary Board of Education or the Calgary Catholic School District, charter schools:

• Operate independently of school boards

• Have more flexibility in how they deliver education

• Are built around a defined mandate or specialty

• Accept students from across Calgary, not just one neighbourhood

Because of this city-wide catchment, living near a charter school does not guarantee enrollment.

Common Types of Charter Schools in Calgary

Charter schools often focus on a specific approach to learning, such as:

• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math)

• Language immersion

• Project-based or experiential learning

• Arts-focused or academically accelerated programs

Each charter school has a clearly defined mission and teaching model.

Admissions & Enrolment

This is a key point for home buyers.

Charter schools typically:

• Have limited space

• Require an application

• Often use lotteries or waitlists

• Do not follow neighbourhood attendance boundaries

For families moving to Calgary or purchasing a home with schooling in mind, it’s important to plan well in advance if a charter school is a priority.

Charter Schools vs Public Schools in Calgary

What This Means for Calgary Home Buyers

• School designation matters, but charter schools don’t increase access based on proximity alone

• Families interested in charter schools should separate housing decisions from enrollment assumptions
  

Calgary Charter Schools 

• Calgary Girls Charter School (Lakeview) 
• Connect Charter School – previously known as the Calgary Science School (Lakeview)
• Foundations for the Future Charter Academy (locations throughout the city) 
• STEM Innovation Academy (Haysboro) 
• Almadina Language Charter Academy (Ogden/Southview) 
• Westmount Charter School (Parkdale)

If schools are a major part of your home-buying decision in Calgary, it’s worth building a clear plan early, especially in competitive charter programs. I always recommend buyers confirm school options directly with the school.