Calgary Parents Weigh in on School Choices: Public vs. Private

Calgary's education system is buzzing with debate as parents and educators weigh the merits of public versus private schooling, particularly regarding funding equity and student choice. This conversation directly impacts local families navigating diverse learning needs and rising school enrollments.

Alberta's private schools currently educate nearly seven per cent of students, utilizing approximately five per cent of the province's education budget. An educator with experience in both systems highlights the unique advantages private institutions offer, often providing specialized environments. Indeed, Calgary has a variety of private schools catering to specific needs, such as Foothills Academy for learning disabilities or Janus Academy for autism, which offer individualized learning plans and access to specialists. Tuition for these specialized private schools in Calgary typically ranges from $15,000 to $50,000 annually.

The debate intensifies with calls for more flexible funding, especially for parents seeking choices for special needs or advanced learners. Advocacy groups like "Parents for Choice in Education" (PCE) champion parental authority in educational decisions, advocating for a system with diverse options including public, private, charter, and home-schooling.

However, the question of fair public funding across all religious schools and a broader dialogue on overall school funding equity remains central. A Calgary teacher, Alicia Taylor, has even initiated a petition, approved by Elections Alberta on October 7, 2025, to hold a referendum on ending public funding for accredited independent schools. The provincial education minister, Demetrios Nicolaides, cautioned that cutting this funding, which currently sees independent schools receive 70 per cent of the per-student funding of public schools, could strain the public system by displacing tens of thousands of students.

With Calgary's public schools facing record enrollments—142,402 students as of September 2024, a 5.4% increase from the previous year—the discussion about how best to allocate resources is more critical than ever. Some suggest a system akin to Australia's, using tax credits to support school choice, could benefit Calgary. Ultimately, parents and advocates alike are pushing for a diverse educational ecosystem where both public and private schools can thrive to meet the city's evolving needs.