- The Alberta government plans 14 new school projects, including six high schools.
- Public and Catholic schools in Edmonton face overcrowding by 2027 and 2029, respectively.
- The province is prioritizing planning and design funding before approving construction.
The Alberta government has unveiled plans to address school overcrowding in the Edmonton area by funding 14 new school projects. This includes six high schools, an expansion for Dr. Anne Anderson High School, and multiple elementary and K-9 schools.
To streamline the process, the government is changing its funding approach, approving projects for construction as soon as they’re ready rather than waiting for the next budget cycle.
Edmonton Schools to Receive Expansion Amid Rising Enrollment
The Edmonton area is experiencing an unprecedented rise in student enrollment, leading to overcrowding concerns across school divisions. Edmonton Catholic high schools have already reached capacity, while projections indicate that Edmonton public schools will exceed their available space by next year. The government’s commitment to planning and design funding for new schools reflects an urgent need to expand infrastructure before the situation worsens.
Among the proposed projects, Edmonton Public Schools could receive a new 2,400-student high school in Castle Downs and a 1,500-student high school in The Grange, while Edmonton Catholic Schools plan to build large high schools in Lewis Farms and The Meadows. These institutions are designed to accommodate growing demand, with expandable capacity up to 2,400 students.
A significant portion of the investment is focused on high school expansion, but elementary and K-9 schools are also included. New projects in Hawks Ridge, Silver Berry, and Haddow/Henderson aim to create space for younger students, ensuring a balanced approach to education growth. Additionally, modernizations and replacement schools for existing institutions will help maintain quality learning environments.
Despite these efforts, the government’s phased funding strategy raises concerns about the timeline for project completion. High school construction typically takes about three years, meaning Edmonton students may still face overcrowded conditions in the near future. While the province’s new approach accelerates approvals, parents and educators will be watching closely to see if implementation keeps pace with student growth.
The Alberta government’s school expansion plan is a necessary step to address Edmonton’s rapidly growing student population. However, with many projects still in the early stages, the real challenge lies in timely execution to ensure students get the space they need before overcrowding becomes unmanageable.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela.
