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The Alberta Kindergarten to Grade 12 (K to 12) school system includes programs for students ranging from pre-school age to senior high school age. After senior high, students may choose to continue their studies at a post-secondary institution.
| Grade | Age (Approx.) | Division/Level | Programming/Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten (K) | 5 years old | Early Childhood (ECS) | ECS prepares children for entry into Grade 1. |
| Grades 1 to 6 | 6–12 years old | Elementary | Required: Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Art, Music, Health, Phys. Ed. Optional courses vary. |
| Grades 7 to 9 | 12–15 years old | Junior High School | Required: Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Physical Ed., Health, Personal Life Skills. ICT infused. |
| Grades 10 to 12 | 15–18 years old | Senior High School | Academic, knowledge/employability, and occupational programs. Courses and programs vary by school/authority. |
There are modern schools across rural and urban Alberta. Students and teachers have access to technology to enhance the teaching and learning experience. Students and teachers may use videoconferencing, interactive whiteboards, computers, and various other educational tools.
The school year is traditionally from September to June. In senior high school, the school year is divided into two semesters, with exams at the end of each semester.
Playschool is an informal nursery group that is usually meant for children between the ages of two and four. It is a type of preschool that focuses on play-based education. Most of the time, a playschool is also used as a synonym for preschool. Playschools and preschools form a part of elementary learning systems.
They prepare the children for kindergarten and serve a role of an educational institution for children too young to start studying in an elementary school. They operate for only a few hours a day during the regular school term. They help a child for an easier transition to kindergarten.
Many cities in Alberta have Ukrainian playschools (commonly known as Sadochok). They follow the same principles as a typical playschool but have an additional language and cultural component. They focus on providing children opportunities to learn about their environment by doing crafts, listening to stories, engaging in physical activity, singing songs, and playing games.
Ridna Shkola and Kursy provide students with a higher level of study of the Ukrainian language, history, culture and other subjects. The classes are typically held on Saturdays and follow the school year calendar. Ridna Shkola is for elementary school children from Kindergarten to Grade 5 aged from 5 to 12 years of age, most of the time and Kursy serves learners in grades 7-10, generally aged between 12 and 17 years of age. Students typically join Kursy after completing Ridna Shkola or the Grade 6 Ukrainian Bilingual program in the regular elementary school system.
A credited school (such as Ivan Franko School of Ukrainian Studies) offers a unique opportunity to gain three years of high school credits to their graduates. The 15 credits in Ukrainian Language and Culture 10, 20, and 30 are added to each student’s high school transcript and diploma, representing completion of Language and Culture credits for grades 10, 11 and 12.