About Us

The Association of Alberta Public Charter Schools

About APCS

The Association of Alberta Public Charter Schools (TAAPCS) is now referred to as Alberta Public Charter Schools (APCS). APCS is the provincial association representing Alberta’s public charter schools. We work collaboratively to support strong governance, informed public understanding, and a fair policy environment that allows charter schools to serve students effectively.

APCS Provides:

  • Shared resources and coordination for member schools

  • Public-facing information for families and stakeholders

  • A respected voice for public charter schools across the province, advocating on behalf of students and families to advance our members’ shared objectives and educational excellence

  • Research-grounded work, firmly within Alberta’s education framework, to inform policy and support member schools

Our focus is ensuring charter schools are understood as public, inclusive, and accountable and supported accordingly.

Governance Overview

Alberta Public Charter Schools (APCS) is a member-driven association.

The Board of APCS is composed of its member schools, represented by designated leaders from each school. Through this structure, member schools collectively provide oversight, direction, and stewardship of the association’s mandate.

From within the membership, an Executive is elected to manage the ongoing operations and strategic implementation of APCS’ work on behalf of the Board.

Large group of students seated in an indoor auditorium or conference room, facing forward, attending an event or presentation.

Executive

  • A woman with short curly blonde hair, wearing a white hoodie and blue jacket, smiling outdoors with trees and a park bench in the background.

    Dee-Ann Evans

    PRESIDENT

    Dee-Ann Evans is President of the Association of Alberta Public Charter Schools and Board Chair of STEM Innovation Academy, where she champions access, choice, and innovation in public education. With a background in medical physics and healthcare project leadership, she brings a practical, solutions-focused approach to governance and advocacy.

  • Digital illustration of a faceless young man with dark, styled hair, wearing a dark teal buttoned shirt over a white t-shirt, with a pastel geometric background.

    Adam Koziak

    VICE CHAIR

  • A woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a teal blazer, a simple gold necklace, and pearl earrings. The background is abstract with pastel-colored shapes and lines.

    Terry-Ann Robertson

    SECRETARY

    Terry-Ann Robertson is Superintendent of Footprints for Learning Charter Academy and a leader within the Association of Alberta Public Charter Schools, where she serves as a Board Member, Secretary, and conference committee representative. With 40 years in education, she brings extensive experience in leadership, curriculum, assessment, and governance.

  • Digital illustration of a faceless man with dark, styled hair wearing a teal shirt and white t-shirt, set against a pastel-colored abstract background.

    Sadiq Valliani

    TREASURER

  • Portrait of a smiling woman with short gray hair, glasses, wearing a white turtleneck, blue blazer, and necklace, leaning against a beige wall in a modern building with large windows.

    Joanne Higgins

    SUPERINTENDENT REPRESENTATIVE

    Joanne is Founding Superintendent of STEM Innovation Academy, where she has led the school’s growth since its opening in 2021. With experience as both a teacher and administrator across multiple grade levels, she brings strong expertise in educational leadership, program development, and continuous improvement.

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    Kelley Charlebois

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Kelley Charlebois is part-time Executive Director of APCS and supports the Board, Executive, and President while serving as a key point of contact for the sector. His background includes senior government experience, including work in Premier Ralph Klein’s office and eight years as Executive Assistant to the Honourable Gary G. Mar K.C.

Governance Documents

APCS operates in accordance with formal governance documents, including:
Bylaws & Policies & Procedures. These documents outline the association’s structure, responsibilities, and decision-making processes.

Alberta Public Charter Schools (APCS) is a non-profit organization incorporated under Alberta’s Societies Act. The association operates in accordance with its bylaws, policies, and the governance responsibilities established under provincial legislation.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No. Alberta public charter schools are part of Alberta’s public education system. They are publicly funded and tuition-free for Alberta resident students. Private schools typically charge tuition and operate outside the public system.

  • “Charter” refers to a school’s approved mandate. That mandate sets out a specific educational approach or focus that shapes how the school delivers learning within the public system.

  • Yes. Alberta public charter schools operate within Alberta’s education framework and follow Alberta’s curriculum requirements, while delivering learning through their approved mandate or program focus.

  • Charter schools are open to all Alberta students. Each school may have its own application process and timelines, and demand can be high. The best next step is to visit the school’s official website for admissions information and deadlines.

  • Charter schools can be built around different approaches depending on their approved mandate. Examples include music-enriched programming, language learning, STEM-focused learning, arts immersion, gifted education, and other specialized learning environments.

Find a School

Families across Alberta choose charter schools for programs that reflect their child’s learning needs, interests, and learning style.

Explore the Schools Directory
Explore the Schools Directory