Independent schools make up an important part of Alberta’s rich educational fabric!
If you find yourself in conversation with friends, family, or acquaintances about educational choice, consider using some of these talking points from the Association of Independent Schools & Colleges of Alberta (AISCA):
1. True Diversity at Risk
The funding supports schools for children with special needs, cultural minorities, faith-based, and specialized learning. This choice is vital.
2. Accessibility for All
Over 80% of AISCA families have an income at or below the provincial average. Government funding is what keeps these essential choices accessible to a wide range of families.
3. The Influx Crisis
Defunding would impact 56,000 students, pushing the majority of these children into the public system, massively worsening existing class size, space, and complexity problems.
4. ECS and Home Ed are Affected
The petition is written so broadly it would also eliminate funding for crucial, accredited Early Childhood Services (ECS) and support for home education students.
5. The Real Fiscal Question
Students in independent schools receive around $6500. These same children will cost taxpayers $13,000/year, as well as increasing capital costs.
Take a few minutes to watch the video for a helpful breakdown of how independent schools are funded, how they operate, and how they benefit the families who choose them and Alberta taxpayers as a whole.
This information is pertinent to WISDOM families because of WISDOM’s relationship to The Gilbertine Institute: a registered charity and non-profit organization which operates an associate private school, The Gilbertine Academy. The Gilbertine Academy supervises and supports home education programs through the WISDOM Home Schooling department.
