Budget 2026, if passed, invests $90 million to help ease enrolment pressures by creating 6,000 new student spaces at independent schools.
Alberta's student population has grown by 80,000 students in just three years, creating increased demand for school space across the education system. Independent schools serve families across the province and are no exception to rising enrolment pressures, with student numbers expected to grow 11.4 per cent in the 2026-27 school year.
To help create more space for students, Alberta's government is launching the Independent School Capital program. This program will provide up to $10 million in matching grants to eligible independent school boards to create new student spaces.
"Independent schools serve many students with complex learning needs, including those with significant disabilities. Supporting school choice ensures families can select the learning environment that best meets their child's unique needs and gives students the support they need to succeed."
Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education and Childcare
Alberta's government has approved the first grant under this program and awarded $10 million to Renfrew Educational Services. The funding will support the completion of Three Sisters Centre, a new school in the Rocky View County community of Bearspaw, just outside of Calgary. With a 250-student capacity, the school will serve children with disabilities from preschool to Grade 12 and is expected to open in September 2027.
"Renfrew Educational Services is deeply grateful to the Government of Alberta for awarding us the first grant through the Independent School Capital program. This $10-million investment in the Three Sisters Centre will help create new opportunities for children with disabilities from preschool to Grade 12."
Janice McTighe, founder, Renfrew Educational Services
The Independent School Capital program builds on the province's significant investments in public education, including $8.6-billion to build more than 100 new public schools across Alberta. These investments are further strengthened by the historic $10.8-billion commitment to education in Budget 2026.
"The $90-million investment over three years will accelerate the development of independent school capital projects. This will help alleviate student space pressures system-wide and expand choices for families."
Abraham Abougouche, president, Association of Independent School and Colleges in Alberta
Budget 2026 focuses on what matters, makes disciplined choices and takes decisive action.
Quick facts
- Grants through the Independent School Capital program are available to accredited, funded independent school authorities through an application process.
- Budget 2026 commits $90 million in funding over three years to the program.
- Grant funding is provided on a cost-matching basis:
- 2:1 (applicant: government) for existing independent schools with more than three years of consecutive operations.
- 4:1 (applicant: government) for new independent schools with less than three years of consecutive operations.
- Eligible projects can include new schools, expansions, ready-made or modular classrooms, building purchases and leasehold improvements.
- Some independent schools in Alberta - known as Designated Special Education Private Schools (DSEPS) - serve students with severe, complex needs or specific disabilities.
- As of September 2025, there are 15 independent school authorities operating 21 DSEPS, serving 2,396 students with specialized needs.
- Independent schools serve more than seven per cent of Alberta's students while receiving less than five per cent of education funding.
- On average, it costs the province $5,798 less per student in the independent system than the public system.
- With a $10-million investment to support an independent school creating 250 student spaces, the province is expected to recoup its investment in about 6.6 years.
Related information
Related news
- Budget 2026: Investing in what matters (Feb. 26, 2026)
