ALCA Calgary

Almadina Language Charter Academy operates as a charter school with a unique emphasis on English language acquisition. This charter was granted in 1996 by the Alberta Minister of Education and is mandated to deliver the Alberta Program of Studies (Early Childhood Services (ECS) – Grade 9) with English language acquisition as a major outcome. The uniqueness in this school comes through the programs we offer that focus on English language learning acquisition for students whose second or third language at home is English. Therefore, we serve not only newcomers to Canada, but also Canadian born individuals who have a need to increase their English language proficiency level. All Almadina teachers hold Alberta teaching certificates, have English as an Additional Language (EAL) training, and are associated members of the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA). Almadina is a member of the Association of Alberta Public Charter Schools (www.taapcs.ca). Each of these public schools has a unique charter mandate, a student enrollment ceiling and is governed by a volunteer school board. The Almadina School Board has seven parents elected by the members of the Almadina School Society. The Almadina Language Charter Academy (ALCA) emphasis is on English language acquisition. Other international languages, depending on interest, may be offered to help those students make a connection between their prior knowledge in another language to increase their conceptual understandings in the English language. Currently, our students are offered French, Urdu, English Language Learner Enhancement or Arabic Language and Culture as an International Language option. Almadina has two school campuses in East Calgary: Mountain View Elementary Campus with ECS to Grade 4, and Ogden Middle School Campus with Grades 5 – 9. These two campus settings share one school standard while at the same time respecting unique approaches in individual school delivery of programs.