About Hardisty Chartered School
A tuition-free public charter school opening in Hardisty, Alberta in September 2026.
Hardisty Community Charter School received approval from Alberta Education. Delivering the Alberta Programs of Study through an Entrepreneurial Learning Framework, emphasizing applied learning, leadership, problem-solving, and real-world relevance.
The vision of the Hardisty Community Charter School is to develop resilient, capable students who view every subject, idea, and challenge as an entrepreneurial venture. Students will not only achieve the academic standards of the Alberta Programs of Study but will also graduate with the ability to recognize opportunities, create value, and lead within their communities.
By embedding entrepreneurship as a pedagogical framework, the school aims to cultivate students who are:
The purpose of the school is to deliver the Alberta Programs of Study through an instructional approach that emphasizes applied learning, value creation, leadership, problem-solving, and real-world relevance, known as Entrepreneurial Learning Framework (ELF).
Hardisty Community Charter School will deliver learning through an Entrepreneurial Learning Framework, where students learn by creating value for themselves and others.
Rather than learning concepts in isolation, students will apply literacy, numeracy, science, and social studies skills through real-world projects, leadership challenges, and applied learning experiences aligned with the Alberta Programs of Study.
The Entrepreneurial Learning Framework will emphasize applied learning, reflection, and student engagement while meeting all provincial curriculum requirements. This approach is designed to support academic achievement and the development of skills that are transferable across learning contexts.
Mathematics, language arts, science, and social studies will all be framed in terms of value creation and problem-solving.
Learning is deepest when students see their work as meaningful and impactful to themselves and others.
Ventures may succeed or fail, but every attempt builds resilience, adaptability, and critical reflection.
Students are expected to take initiative and contribute positively to their classroom, community, and beyond.
Parents, local businesses, municipalities, and organizations will play an active role in shaping projects and mentoring students.
Multi-age classrooms and a close-knit community enable personalized learning and authentic engagement, demonstrating that small schools can be incubators of innovation.
Since Allan Johnstone School closed in 2020, Hardisty families have bused their children to Sedgewick or Irma for school. Hardisty Community Charter School will bring Kindergarten to Grade 6 education back to the community.
As a charter school, we receive the same provincial funding as any public school. There is no tuition for Alberta residents. Students follow the Alberta curriculum and write all Provincial Achievement Tests.
Students learn by creating value through meaningful projects and community-connected learning experiences. Rather than learning concepts in isolation, students apply literacy, numeracy, science, and social studies skills to real-world projects.
Through this approach, students build strong academic foundations alongside skills such as:
Studies from the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) found students in entrepreneurial learning programs show a 62% increase in business and financial knowledge, along with stronger belief that achieving goals is within their control.
Charter schools in Alberta are public schools approved by the Minister of Education. They are tuition-free, open to all students, and follow Alberta's curriculum and student outcomes.
Charter schools are governed by an independent, non-profit board and are given flexibility in how education is delivered, while remaining fully accountable to Alberta Education. Alberta is the only Canadian province with charter schools, currently serving about 15,400 students across 38 schools.
ACADEMICS
SKILLS
COMMUNITY
