Edmonton Public Schools
53°33′17″N 113°29′45″W / 53.55472°N 113.49583°W
| Edmonton Public Schools | |
|---|---|
 | |
 | |
| District information | |
| Superintendent | Edgar Schmidt |
| Budget | 939.5M (Proposed) [1] |
Edmonton Public Schools is the largest public school district in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and the sixth largest school district in Canada. The district offers a variety of alternative and special needs programs, and many are offered in multiple locations to improve accessibility for students. As a public system, Edmonton Public Schools accepts all students who meet age and residency requirements.
Size
Edmonton Public Schools operates 199 schools.[2] The proposed operating budget is $939.5 million for the 2011-2012 fiscal year.[1] There is a total of 124 elementary schools, 26 elementary/junior high schools, 6 elementary/junior/senior high schools, 27 junior high schools, 3 junior/senior highs, 13 senior high schools, and 18 other educational programs are offered.[3]
Over 83,000 students attend Edmonton Public Schools and there are over 7,000 full time staff equivalencies.[4]
History
Edmonton's first schoolhouse was built in 1881. The wooden frame building is situated on the same grounds as historic McKay Avenue School. Now known as the 1881 Schoolhouse, it was the first free public school in Alberta. While in use, until 1904, it sometimes served as a courthouse and meeting hall. Also a Provincial Historic Resource, the little school was restored as an Edmonton Public Schools' centennial project in 1982 and moved up from its river valley home of many years to within a few hundred meters of its original location.[5]
Programs
Regular program
Even though most of Edmonton Public Schools offer a regular program, no two are quite the same. While the curriculum at all schools is mandated by Alberta Education, a school’s instructional focus, optional courses and activities will vary depending on how the school is organized to meet student needs.
Alternative program
There are more than 30 alternative programs available at select schools throughout the District. Students enrolled in an alternative program will also receive instruction mandated by Alberta Education, with a focus on a specific type of arts, athletics, language, faith, culture or teaching philosophy.
Special education program
Special education programs are available at select district schools. Students enrolled in a special education program will also receive instruction mandated by Alberta Education, along with specialized supports based on their needs and abilities.
Early Years
Early Education
This program supports children with mild/moderate and severe disabilities, aged 2½ to 4½ years. Programming focuses on cognitive, self-help and social skills, speech and language, and motor development. Parents and staff work together to support each child.
Early Learning
This program supports children 3½ to 4½ years of age who are English Language Learners or in need of specialized supports and services. Programming focuses on developing communication and co-operative learning skills, and is available to children attending their designated school.
Kindergarten
Children who are four years of age on or before March 1, 2013, may register in Kindergarten for the 2013–14 school year. Children may attend their designated school or apply to a school or program of choice. Kindergarten is offered half-day in the mornings or afternoons at most elementary schools, and full-day at some elementary schools for children living in the designated attendance area.
For more information about Early Years programming options, contact your designated school or call 780-429-8030.[6]
Governance
A group of nine elected trustees sit on the Board of Trustees for Edmonton Public Schools. Each trustee represents one ward in the city. They are elected every three years, in the regular municipal election. In the election, Edmonton voters can only vote for a trustee to one (not both) of the two main school boards. The last election was held in October 2010. The public and Catholic systems operate independently of each other, and are both under the direct authority of the provincial government of Alberta.
See also
References
- ^ a b c "Budget Services". Edmonton Public Schools. Retrieved 22 January 2010.
- ^ a b Three-Year Capital Plan 2010-2013
- ^ "District Overview". Edmonton Public Schools. Retrieved 2009-08-30.
- ^ http://epsb.ca/datafiles/3_Yr_EduPlan_AERR_30nov2012.pdf
- ^ http://archives.epsb.net/history.htm
- ^ http://epsb.ca/datafiles/QuickGuideEPS.pdf
External links
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