Engaging students through tuition-free, tailored learning and preparing them for employment were the focus as Alberta Minister for Advanced Education Myles McDougall officially opened new Alberta charter school The BUSY School Calgary last week.
Minister McDougall joined Calgary City Councillor Myke Atkinson, students, families, staff and community representatives to officially open the school.
Minister McDougall said: "For nearly 50 years, BUSY, short for Backing Unemployed Southport/Surfers Youth, has helped young people move from education into further study, apprenticeships and meaningful careers. The BUSY School Calgary brings that experience to Alberta, giving students a more personalized, practical learning environment where they can build trust and confidence, explore their options and take the next step beyond high school. I'm pleased to welcome this new choice for Calgary students and families."
Calgary is home to the first Canadian campus of The BUSY School, a not-for-profit charter high school with campuses across Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
More than 100 Calgary youth enrolled in the Fall to work towards their Alberta High School Diploma while building pathways to employment and further education.
Founding Principal Ali Samater said students and their families had embraced The BUSY School model.
"Our BUSY School community tells us our alternative, tailored approach to learning, employment outcomes and a genuine interest in their wellbeing has been a life-changing experience," Mr. Samater said.
"Our convenient downtown location and tuition-free model, with meals and laptops provided, are designed to make the school as accessible as possible to Calgary youth."
The BUSY School Chair and Co-Founder Paul Miles said it was encouraging to see how students and families had embraced the opportunity to try a different way to complete high school.
"We are thankful for the support from the Calgary community and our partners and stakeholders in all levels of government," Mr. Miles said.
"Data across our 13 campuses in Australia, the United Kingdom and New Zealand tells us our model works. Students who have struggled with school attendance in traditional settings are achieving attendance rates of more than 83 per cent at The BUSY School."
The new charter school, located on 7th Avenue SW in downtown Calgary, is enrolling students in Grades 10, 11 and 12 who are looking for an alternative to the traditional high school model, with a focus on belonging, individualized learning and pathways to future employment.
Students receive individualized learning plans and wrap-around supports to re-engage with education and build positive futures.
The BUSY School Calgary is accepting enrolments now.
Families interested in learning more can book a tour of the downtown campus or apply to enrol.
