In light of the strikes going in the Public School system, there have been some updates from the Government of Alberta.
They have extended the funding date so that parents who want to homeschool during the strike can. They have also lifted the 10 credit cap for non resident distance learning courses.
If a family chooses to register their child in a home education program during labour action, both the family and the supervising independent school will be eligible for up to 50 per cent of the home education grant funding for the first term. This would amount to:
$225.25 for children enrolled in kindergarten.
$450.50 for children enrolled in grades 1-12.
If parents choose to continue to be registered in a home education program after January 31, they will be eligible to receive the full grant amount. This change applies to K-12 students.
Letter from the Government Below:
Subject: Funding Manual for School Authorities 2025/26 School Year – Fall Update
Dear colleagues:
The Funding Manual for School Authorities 2025/26 School Year has been updated with some key changes and is now available online.
Federal French Funding, Section F, has been updated to reflect the available funding rates for 2025/26. Funding under Section F3 applies exclusively to francophone minority education programs.
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Grant (H6) now permit up to 20 per cent of the funds to be used for individualized supports and services including specialized counselling and clinical services. Reporting requirements will be sent out during the 2025/26 school year.
In response to the impending October 6, 2025, labour action by the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA), the Funding Manual for School Authorities 2025/26 School Year has been updated.
Specifically, Section K9: Withdrawal of Teacher Services or Lockout has been updated to indicate that school boards need to apply and seek approval from Alberta Education and Childcare for additional funds required to make-up instructional days.
Temporary changes in effect during labour disruption have also been made to the Home Education Grant and to Distance Education Non-Primary registration requirements.
With respect to the Home Education Grant, parents or guardians who choose to move their child(ren) into a home education program supervised by an independent school are eligible for half the Home Education Grant. This change also applies to the Home Education Kindergarten Grant.
With respect to Distance Education Non-Primary registration requirements, during labour disruption, both the September count date for enrolment and the 10-credit cap are lifted.
I encourage you to take some time to review the updated funding manual. Changes from the 2024/25 funding manual are clearly identified using a bar on the right side of the page with an orange line for “revised” and a red line for “new,” summer updates are marked with a blue line, and new revisions are marked with a green bar. If you require further clarification or additional information on the funding manual, please contact our School Finance staff at 780-427-2055 (toll-free by first dialling 310-0000).
I look forward to our continued collaboration through the 2025/26 school year in building a stronger education system.
Sincerely, Lora Pillipow
Deputy Minister
cc: Secretary-Treasurers of Public, Separate, Francophone and Charter School Authorities
Communications Contacts at School Divisions