CAPE Charter School project receives provincial planning funding

In addition to the CAPE project, are Connect Charter School in Calgary, New Generations Calgary School and the STEM Collegiate Canada Society’s Heritage Valley school in Edmonton.

The Alberta government says they have committed about $84 million to advance the four projects as part of the $8.6-billion Schools Now capital program.

“Alberta families value educational programs that reflect the unique needs, interests and goals of their children,” Education and Childcare Minister Demetrios Nicolaides said in a statement.

“By advancing these four public charter school projects, we are supporting parental choice and helping more students access high-quality learning environments for years to come.”

Public charter schools are publicly funded and tuition-free, but offer specialized educational programs with more flexibility in how education is delivered.

The province says facility availability and capital costs can be significant challenges for charter schools looking to expand or establish new facilities.

The four projects bring the number of public charter school projects approved through Schools Now to 12.

Together, those projects are expected to deliver more than 10,500 new and renovated student spaces across Alberta, including almost 8,300 new spaces and more than 2,200 renovated spaces.

Public charter schools can apply for capital funding through Alberta’s annual capital planning process, and submit in-year proposals through the Schools Now Charter School Construction Pilot Program.

Project proposals are assessed using the province’s Charter School Evaluation Framework, which considers factors including need, feasibility and alignment with government priorities.

The CAPE project will now move into the planning phase as the Medicine Hat charter school works to expand and improve its learning facilities.

The province says the investments are intended to increase school capacity, while providing Alberta families with additional educational choices.

by Jesse Gill

CAPE Charter School project receives provincial planning funding

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