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Education in Alberta

Guide your way to a seamless school transition when you relocate your CAF family to Alberta. Start your school search as soon as you receive your posting notice. Prepare to register for school once your House Hunting Trip is complete.

Schools at a glance

 Government-funded schools for children

  • English public schools (with French immersion option)
  • Francophone public schools 
  • Separate religious schools (Catholic, primarily)
  • Online schools
  • Charter or Collegiate schools, offering specialized programs
  • Home education 

Private schools are also an option.


Age groups

Alberta's schools are divided into four distinct age groups:

  • Kindergarten – Early Childhood Services  
  • Grade 1 to 6 – Elementary School 
  • Grade 7 to 9 – Junior High School 
  • Grade 10 to 12 – High School 


Francophone public schools

Choose from 44 Francophone public schools in Alberta. If your child has rights to first-language French education, select a Francophone school in your area.


Special education support in schools

Alberta offers an inclusive education environment. Special education resources are provided at the board level. Ease your transition from another province or school board by having the right documentation on hand.

  • Have professional assessments/diagnoses documentation ready
  • Include information on how the diagnosis directly affects your child’s learning
  • Provide your child’s existing Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Individual Program Plan (IPP)
  • Share past report cards and samples of school work


High school graduation requirements

Secondary school in Alberta includes grade 10, 11 and 12, made up of credit courses, which include career education courses and provincial exams. Read about the high school graduation requirements in Alberta, depending on your stream.


Online education support

Alberta has an elearning hub to support kids with homework, including tools and tips for parents, homeschool help, downloadable curriculum documents and information on specialty topics like Indigenous and French-language education. 

FAQs about schools in Alberta