[2] The public and Catholic systems operate independently of each other, and are both under the direct authority of the provincial government of Alberta.

The wooden-frame building was the first free public school in Alberta, and sometimes served as a courthouse and meeting hall.

It was on the third floor of Assembly Hall that the important decision was made to make Edmonton the capital of Alberta.

The venerable brick building had played an important role in the educational, social and political development of Edmonton and Alberta, but when in 1983 the enrolment fell to a low of 59 students the school was closed.

[4] Edmonton Public Schools pioneered the concept of site-based decision making (decentralization) in Canada.

[24] There are more than 30 Alternative programs available with a focus on a specific type of arts, athletics, language, faith, culture or teaching philosophy.

This includes: Aboriginal education, Cogito, American Sign Language, Hockey Training, Waldorf and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program.

Programming focuses on developing communication and co-operative learning skills, and is available to children attending their designated school.

These students enjoy being challenged, grasp new ideas easily, and perform far beyond their current grade level.

This program assists students with mild cognitive disabilities who experience significant academic and social challenges.

Programming focuses on assisting students to gain the independent life skills necessary for supervised living and employment.

This program assists students with severe to profound cognitive delays, including physical, sensory or behaviour disabilities.

Programming focuses on helping students to learn behaviour control and the pro-social, literacy and numeracy skills necessary for independence in the community.

Programming focuses on assisting students to gain socially appropriate communication and behaviour patterns in the classroom and community.

Programming focuses on helping students gain communication skills and strategies necessary to complete school and access secondary education or employment.