CHARTER FLIGHT
Calgary’s publicly funded schools are taking off
Charter schools have been part of Calgary’s educational scene since they were approved as a public education choice in 1994, yet there are still misconceptions about what they are.
Charter schools are publicly funded schools that do not charge tuition, and are operated by nonprofit organizations, employ certified teachers and use Alberta-approved curriculum.
But they operate autonomously on a mandate, or charter, and report directly to the province rather than a school board. They deliver their educational programs based on unique philosophies or with a special focus — such as offering scientific, inquiry-based learning or catering to gifted students.
“Underpinning the movement is providing parents with choice. It’s trying to be responsive to the aspirations of parents and talents and abilities of children, still within the concept of public education,” says Dianne McBeth, co-president of The Association of Alberta Public Charter Schools.
There are six charter schools in Calgary. Here is a look at what makes each of them unique.
ALMADINA LANGUAGE CHARTER ACADEMY
English language acquisition is the focus of Almadina Language Charter Academy. Students come from families whose second or third language at home is English.
Other languages are also offered at the school, which has capacity for 600 pupils, to help students connect their native language to the same concepts in English. Students are offered international language options including French, Urdu, English enhancement and Arabic language and culture.
“Our goals at Almadina Language Charter Academy are to meet the learning needs of all students, to ensure every child meets his/her potential with a focus on preparing students to be lifelong learners and moral citizens who can navigate and thrive in a global community,” superintendent Yvonne DePeel says in a message on the school’s website. Visit esl-almadina.com
CALGARY ARTS ACADEMY
The hallways of Calgary Arts Academy’s two campuses — one elementary and one middle school — teem with colour and sound. The academy’s 500 students are taught core subjects through arts immersion — literature, visual arts, dance, drama and music.
“A uniqueness parents have identified in our community is the culture of the school, and that is based on our four pillars, which are the circle of courage, democratic discipline, learning contracts and developmental assets,” superintendent Dale Erickson says.
The school employs full-time artists, and earmarks funds for visiting and short-term contract artists as well. A new middle school for grades 4-9 is under construction on the Calgary Stampede Youth Campus. Visit caaschool.com
CALGARY GIRLS’ SCHOOL
Gender-separated learning challenges girls to learn at appropriate developmental rates. Calgary Girls’ School offers its 590 students a collaborative environment — one that studies have shown works best for girls.
“Our charter at Calgary Girls’ School is serving girls grades 4 to 9, which research says is a really important time to form selfconfidence and ‘girl power,’” says Dianne McBeth, superintendent of the school.
One program offered called Go Girls focuses on developing leadership, independence, confidence and a thorough understanding of one’s self. It evolves in response to current events and new research. Visit calgarygirlsschool.com
CONNECT CHARTER SCHOOL
Connectencouragesinquiry-based learning, and enhances learning through technology with each of the 613 students using a tablet or laptop. Programming focuses on experiential education.
“Students will be off-site very frequently, in the community using a concept called place-based education, to connect students with their local and global communities, so there are a lot of service learning opportunities within the program,” principal Phil Butterfield says. Visit connectcharter.ca
FOUNDATIONS FOR THE FUTURE CHARTER ACADEMY
Foundations for the Future Charter Academy offers a structured, back-to-basics learning environment for its 3,445 students. For example, the school uses the phonics method to teach early literacy, and direct instruction, emphasizing carefully planned, sequential lessons.
“We pride ourselves on our Parental Partnership framework where we work as a community to develop the leaders of tomorrow,” says Amish Patel, chairman of Foundations’ board of directors.