Alberta charter schools are booming

TL;DR

Alberta charter schools differ from other public schools by operating under autonomous boards with distinctive educational mandates while remaining tuition-free and subject to regular statutory and regulatory requirements. Kayn Ford explains how Alberta Classical Academy uses classic texts, calm learning environments, parental involvement and an ethical framework for human sexuality, offering a clear look at what families can expect from this public-school alternative.

Transcript

Rachel Emmanuel brings the news each day all Alber around she has hey everyone welcome back to the Alberta Roundup I'm your host Rachel Emanuel today I am joined by a new guest and a very impressive woman if I do say so myself I'm joined by kayn Ford she is the founder of three Alberta classic Academy Schools two locations are in Calgary and one of... Read More

Key Insights

• "Alberta is the only province in Canada that allows charter schools" (1:13)
• "our schools are tuition free for all the children to attend" (1:53)
• "we try to leave the outside world on the outside" (2:25)
• "we believe that parents are the primary educators of their children" (3:41)
• "so we teach accurate age appropriate information about biological um human anatomy" (4:54)

Questions & Answers

Q: How do Alberta charter schools differ from other public schools?

Alberta charter schools have autonomous boards of directors instead of being governed by large district or Metro boards. Each charter school also has a distinctive philosophy, pedagogical approach or student focus while following the statutory and regulatory requirements that apply to other public schools.

Q: Are Alberta charter schools tuition-free?

Yes, the Alberta Classical Academy Schools are tuition-free for all children who attend. They are public charter schools, not tuition-charging private schools.

Q: Where are the Alberta Classical Academy Schools located?

Kayn Ford founded three Alberta Classical Academy Schools. Two locations are in Calgary and one is in Edmonton.

Q: Is Alberta the only Canadian province that allows charter schools?

According to Kayn Ford, Alberta is the only province in Canada that allows charter schools. She describes them as similar to other public schools but governed by their own autonomous boards.

Q: What do students study at Alberta Classical Academy Schools?

Students study classic texts and works that have endured through centuries or millennia. The schools aim to expose students to things they regard as eternally good, true and beautiful.

Q: How does Alberta Classical Academy approach political and social issues?

The schools try to leave outside ideological and political disputes outside the classroom. Ford says divisive international conflicts and social issues can produce needless anxiety in children, so the schools cultivate an orderly and calm environment.

Q: How does Alberta Classical Academy approach Pride materials and parental rights?

Ford says the schools will not use Pride materials to take over parents' role in deciding how and when their children learn about human sexuality. The academy regards parents as the primary educators of their children and emphasizes transparency about classroom content and student questions.

Q: What does Alberta Classical Academy teach in sex education?

The academy teaches accurate, age-appropriate information about human anatomy, physiology and reproductive systems through Alberta's programs of study. It also applies an Aristotelian virtue ethics lens intended to give students an ethical framework for making decisions, while Alberta parents may opt their children out of classes dealing primarily with human sexuality.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Kayn Ford, founder of Alberta Classical Academy Schools, explains how charter schools differ from public schools by having autonomous boards and specific educational philosophies.

• The conversation addresses the recent rise of politically charged materials, such as Pride flags, in public classrooms and their impact on students' wellbeing and development.

• Classical Academy schools prioritize classic educational content and parent-led discussions about sexuality, focusing on character development rather than contemporary political themes.