Benefits of independent schools
The Association of Independent Schools and Colleges in Alberta (AISCA) works to provide support to independent schools in three key areas: advocating for school choice and parental rights in education, participating as a stakeholder in working with Alberta Education, and providing support services to independent schools. Independent schools provide quality and diverse educational opportunities to thousands of Albertan children.
Independent schools serve the public good. In the context of Canada’s diverse, democratic and multi-cultural society, independent schools should be seen, not as divisive, but as exemplifying the diversity that Albertans honour. Research points to the reality that independent school students and graduates understand and practice their obligations as citizens as well or better than their public school counterparts. The government’s own data reveals the reality that independent schools are safe and caring institutions that are responsive to their parents, and do a good job of preparing students for life after high school.
There are those that claim that independent schools serve only the children of the rich. The reality is that across the breadth of independent schools in the province, the makeup includes families and students from a broad range of social, economic, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds. Tuitions independent school families pay at great sacrifice serve primarily to make up the shortfall in taxpayer dollars that students in independent schools receive compared to their public school counterparts.
It must be recognized that independent schools save Alberta tax payer millions of dollars. Using even the most conservative figures, independent schools have saved government and taxpayers some $750 million over the past five years.
Research points to the reality that independent school students and graduates understand and practice their obligations as citizens as well or better than their public school counterparts.