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Part of Education options

Outreach programs

Learn about student eligibility and program requirements for Kindergarten to Grade 12 outreach programs.

On this page:

Overview

An outreach program provides an educational alternative for junior and senior high school students who find that traditional school settings do not meet their needs.

Instruction is provided through a variety of methods, including:

  • small group instruction
  • one-on-one instruction
  • online instruction

Outreach Programs Handbook

The Outreach Programs Handbook includes information to help school authorities (administrators, teachers and trustees), parents and community members understand the expectations and practices related to outreach programs.

Government is revising the Outreach Programs Handbook and will post the updated handbook online when available.

Student eligibility

School boards determine eligibility requirements for outreach programs. These eligibility requirements must be consistent with provincial requirements.

Students in Alberta schools are eligible for funding as long as they have not reached the age of 20 years on September 1 of the school year in which they have registered.

Program requirements

Principals and superintendents must ensure that instruction provided by teachers in an outreach program is consistent with Alberta programs of study (curriculum) and any education programs/courses prescribed, approved and/or authorized by us.

Each outreach program must provide services and training that support the success of students taking the program.

Provincial conditions for funding outreach programs also require that students have access to services such as:

  • personal and career counselling
  • training in conflict resolution
  • life skills
  • anger management
  • study skills
  • other services which may be important to meet the needs of the students

The Guide to Education provides details and processes required to use locally-developed courses. If a program is developed and receives approval from the local school board, it must then be referred to us for recognition as an authorized local offering.

Contact

Connect with us-to learn more about alternative education programs:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-427-6272
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)