Alberta’s Independent School Funding: Facts vs. Misconceptions

Recent commentary by Don Braid has sparked debate over the funding of independent schools in Alberta. Braid asserts that the provincial government is disproportionately favoring private institutions at the expense of public education. However, a closer examination reveals a different reality regarding how these schools are funded in Alberta.

Understanding Alberta’s Independent School Funding

In Alberta, independent schools are defined as not-for-profit institutions that receive public funding under specific legislative requirements. This funding model mandates that any independent school receiving public money must employ Alberta-certified teachers and adhere to the Alberta curriculum. Consequently, these schools provide audited financial statements to the government, ensuring transparency.

Contrary to Braid’s claims, the assertion that independent schools are receiving larger funding increases than public schools is misleading. According to the Alberta Education Funding Manual, available online, independent school grants are tethered to public funding rates at a consistent 70 percent of the public per-student amount. When public funding increased by six percent for the 2023-24 school year, independent schools also received an identical six percent increase, maintaining the established funding ratio.

Enrolment Growth and Public Savings

The notion of a “spike” in total independent school funding can be attributed primarily to increased enrolment rather than disproportionate funding increases. As more families opt for independent education, funding naturally adjusts to accommodate the growing student population. Notably, educating a student in an independent school costs the province approximately 30 percent less than the equivalent cost in the public system. This translates into significant savings for Alberta taxpayers while alleviating enrolment pressures on public schools.

In recent years, the only new funding grant added for independent schools has been for transportation. Previously, these schools received no funding for busing, but this issue has been addressed while still adhering to the same 70 percent funding ratio. Interestingly, when a public school board transports a student to an independent school, it receives full funding for that transportation, showcasing that independent schools do not receive special treatment in this regard.

The phrase “transfer of funds from public to private schools” is often cited but is fundamentally incorrect. Alberta’s funding system supports students rather than the institutions themselves. When a family chooses an independent school, funding follows the student, reflecting the school’s assumption of the educational responsibility and associated costs. This shift allows the public system to redirect resources to other students, thereby enhancing overall educational efficiency.

In summary, while concerns regarding independent school funding are valid, they must be grounded in accurate information. The funding structure in Alberta is designed to support educational choice while ensuring fiscal responsibility. As more families make informed decisions about their children’s education, the province benefits from both enhanced educational options and substantial savings.