Public education is one of the most important economic and social foundations of any community. It shapes our workforce and our long-term competitiveness. In Alberta – where the Choice in Education Act affirms families’ ability to pursue the public learning environments that best support their children – it’s natural that people care deeply about how those options work. Within Alberta’s diverse education landscape, myths can sometimes overshadow facts.
One common concern is that public charter schools “exclude” students. The reality, however, is different: charter schools are open to all students and operate within the same tuition-free framework as every other public school in Alberta. What sets them apart is their focus on a specific learning model that families choose because it aligns with their children’s interests, learning styles or aspirations.
Edmonton’s STEM Collegiate, where I proudly serve as the founding board chair, demonstrates this in practice. As Alberta’s first STEM high school collegiate, it is open to all students and built around a shared mission: preparing young people for emerging careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Students come because they are curious and eager to understand how learning connects to the industries shaping Alberta’s future. That is not exclusion. That is intentional inclusion rooted in purpose.
If traditional school systems are large enterprises, charter schools are public education startups – agile and able to adapt quickly. Their smaller governance structures and unified pedagogy allow them to pilot new programs, respond faster to student needs and build deep partnerships with industry. As technology shifts rapidly and employers seek graduates with digital fluency and adaptability, we cannot rely solely on large systems that move slowly. Charter schools help fill that gap and their agility should be welcomed, not resisted.
Importantly, charter schools are fully part of Alberta’s public education system. They receive the same per-student funding as other public schools and are held to rigorous accountability standards. Performance contracts require them to demonstrate results, report transparently and continually justify their renewal. This accountability enhances public education.
At STEM Collegiate, the power of shared purpose is visible every day – in robotics labs buzzing with collaboration, coding challenges that ignite creativity and mentorship from Edmonton’s growing technology sector. Students see the relevance of their learning and feel a sense of belonging grounded in ambition.
Public charter schools are not a threat to public education; they are a vital part of it. The question is not whether they belong, but whether we will support models that help more young people discover their strengths and pursue meaningful futures.
When students win, Alberta wins and that is a future worth building together.
BIO
Cheryll Watson is the president & CEO of Junior Achievement Northern Alberta and a recognized thought leader in economic development. She previously served as vice president of Innovate Edmonton and ran for mayor of Edmonton with a platform focused on economic growth, downtown revitalization and stronger partnerships between business and government. Cheryll also serves as chair of the Downtown Revitalization Coalition and board chair of STEM Collegiate. She believes in empowering the next generation of leaders and is known for championing free enterprise. Cheryll is passionate about building a city that supports both business and community.
