Advocacy
Advocating for Alberta’s Public Charter Schools
We work to remove barriers, unlock growth, and ensure charter schools can deliver for students, families, and communities across Alberta.
Each year, thousands of students apply to charter schools but are unable to secure a space due to capacity constraints. With over 15,000 students on waitlists, the demand is undeniable. Our role is to turn that demand into action.
Advocacy In Action
APCS represents and advances the interests of Alberta’s public charter schools at the provincial level.
We work directly with government, policymakers, and stakeholders to:
Remove barriers to growth and expansion
Position charter schools as a critical part of Alberta’s public education system
Secure fair and equitable funding and policy treatment
Increase public understanding of charter schools
Whether you are an established charter school or exploring the model, APCS ensures your voice is heard where decisions are made.
APCS 2025-2026 Advocacy Priorities
01
Fair Access to Facilities and Growth
Ensuring charter schools can grow where families need them
Charter schools are part of Alberta’s public system but they do not yet have the same access to facilities, land, and capital funding as other public boards.
We advocate for:
Access to reserve lands in growing communities
Stable, long-term facility solutions
Modern, safe learning environments
Funding for essential equipment and programming
Why it matters:
This is one of the fastest, most practical ways to create new student spaces and reduce waitlists.
02
Stable Leadership
Supporting the leaders who deliver results
Charter school superintendents and leaders carry the same responsibility and accountability as leaders in other public systems—often in high-growth, high-demand environments.
We are working to ensure:
Competitive and equitable compensation
Long-term leadership stability
The ability to attract and retain top talent
Why it matters:
Strong leadership directly impacts student outcomes and school success.
03
Long-Term Certainty for Schools
Creating a clear path to permanency
Charter schools operate under renewable agreements, but the path to long-term certainty remains unclear.
We advocate for:
Transparent and consistent renewal processes
A defined pathway to permanency
Greater stability for long-term planning
Why it matters:
Schools should be able to focus on students—not uncertainty.
04
Supporting Innovation and Research
Investing in what makes charter schools different
Charter schools are expected to contribute to research and innovation— often without dedicated support.
We are working to:
Align research expectations with funding
Enable meaningful, system-wide learning
Scale what works across Alberta
Why it matters:
Charter schools are uniquely positioned to test and share new approaches that benefit the entire system.
The APCS Advantage
Membership in APCS means more than representation. It means alignment, influence, and impact.
Members benefit from:
A unified, credible voice with government and decision-makers
Access to advocacy tools, messaging, and support
Inclusion in province-wide strategy and policy conversations
Increased visibility and public awareness
Connection to a network of leading charter schools
Individually, schools navigate the system. Together, we shape it.
Be Part of What’s Next
Charter schools are at a critical moment of growth and opportunity in Alberta.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
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No. Charter schools do not charge tuition. Like other public schools, limited fees may apply for specific activities or materials, consistent with provincial policy.
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No. Charter schools cannot select students but often are over subscribed. Generally a lottery is used and generally siblings are given a priority.
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In its broadest sense, a charter is a formal authorization granted by a government that allows an organization to operate with a defined public purpose. In Alberta’s education system, a charter is the government-approved mandate that allows a school to operate as a public charter school.
It outlines:
The school’s specific educational focus or innovation
How it will serve students within the public system
Governance and accountability requirements
Performance expectations and reporting obligations
A charter gives a school flexibility in how it delivers its program, but not freedom from public oversight. Charter schools must follow the Alberta curriculum, meet provincial standards, and renew their charter based on demonstrated results.
In this way, a charter defines both the school’s mission and its responsibility to the public.
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Demand for many charter school programs exceeds the number of available spaces. This reflects strong family interest and limited facility capacity.
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No. Charter schools are open to all students. They serve a wide range of learners, including students with diverse learning needs. The specific Charter outlines the type of school it is.
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Yes. All public charter schools must deliver the Alberta curriculum and meet provincial learning outcomes. The key difference is their area of specialized focus.
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Yes. Like all public schools, Charter schools are subject to performance reviews, financial reporting, and ongoing oversight by Alberta Education.
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Charter schools are publicly funded and tuition-free. Private schools charge tuition and operate outside the public system.
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Public charter schools are publicly funded, open to all, and tuition-free. They are the fourth pillar of Alberta's public education system. The four pillars are: Conventional Public, Separate (Catholic), Francophone, and Charter. You can learn more about independent schools in Alberta at this link: https://www.alberta.ca/private-schools
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No. Public charter schools in Alberta must be non-religious.
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Charter schools are accountable to Alberta Education and governed by independent, non-profit boards.
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Expansion requires government approval and access to suitable facilities. Facility access remains a significant challenge for many charter schools.
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Charter schools must meet accessibility standards and provide supports consistent with public education requirements.
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Public charter schools operate under approved charters and are accountable to Alberta Education. They must meet governance, financial, and performance requirements to continue operating.
Find a School
Families across Alberta choose charter schools for programs that reflect their child’s learning needs, interests, and learning style.