Curriculum Guide · Kindergarten to Grade 12

What Is the Canadian Alberta Curriculum?

How Alberta's K-12 programme is organized, how the Alberta High School Diploma works, how international schools are accredited, and what to ask if your child is joining one in Guangzhou.

Read time: 9 min

The Short Answer

Alberta is a Canadian province, and in Canada each province sets its own curriculum. The Alberta curriculum is taught in Alberta's schools and, through an accreditation programme, in some international schools abroad.
It runs from Kindergarten to Grade 12 in three stages: elementary (K-6), middle or junior high (7-9) and high school (10-12).
Graduates earn the Alberta High School Diploma, which Alberta Education describes as internationally recognized and which students use to apply to universities worldwide.
High school is flexible. Students choose courses at different levels and can follow academic, career and technology, arts or language pathways.
Accreditation matters. Alberta Education lists a Guangzhou school, the Canadian International School of Guangzhou, among its accredited international schools, so ask any school to explain exactly what it is accredited for.

What Is the Alberta Curriculum?

Canada has no single national curriculum. Each province and territory is responsible for its own education system, and Alberta, in western Canada, has its own programmes of study for every subject and grade. These set out what students should know and be able to do. A school then plans its teaching around them. Families sometimes hear it described simply as the Canadian curriculum, but when a school says Alberta, it means this provincial programme and its diploma.

How Alberta Curriculum Reaches Guangzhou

Alberta Education runs a programme called Alberta Accreditation of International Schools. According to the Alberta government, the programme recognizes schools that meet Alberta's educational standards so that they can offer the Alberta curriculum and award the Alberta high school diploma to their graduates. Schools move through four tiers, and teachers must meet Alberta's teacher certification requirements. Alberta Education lists one accredited school in Guangzhou, the Canadian International School of Guangzhou, at Tier 3. The school itself describes offering the Alberta curriculum from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and an Alberta High School Diploma. Check the Alberta government page and the school for the current position before you decide.

The Three Stages

Grades K-12 at a glance

Grade names and age ranges may be slightly different from school to school.

Elementary (Kindergarten to Grade 6): Children build literacy and numeracy and meet science and social studies. The aim is strong reading and mathematics skills along with curiosity about the world.
Middle or junior high (Grades 7 to 9): Students continue the core subjects in more depth, and begin to research, think critically and see links between subjects. Schools usually add options such as arts, technology and languages.
High school (Grades 10 to 12): Students choose courses by level and interest, working toward the credits needed for the Alberta High School Diploma, with provincial exams in some 30-level courses.

Core Subjects

What students study

English Language Arts: Reading, writing, speaking and listening, with a focus on analyzing texts and communicating clearly.
Mathematics: Problem-solving and understanding of concepts, from arithmetic in the early grades to the more advanced courses in high school.
Science: Inquiry-based learning in biology, chemistry, physics and earth science, with investigation and experiments.
Social Studies: History, geography and society, with Canadian and global perspectives.
Arts, technology and physical education: Options such as art, music, drama, computing and sports build a well-rounded education.
Languages: Alberta schools may offer second languages, and international schools in Guangzhou often include Chinese.

The Alberta High School Diploma

In high school, students earn credits by passing courses, and the diploma is awarded when they meet the requirements. A school district in Alberta summarizes the main requirements as follows. Check the current rules on the Alberta government website or with the school, since requirements can change.

Main diploma requirements

Source: summary published by an Alberta school (Centre High, Edmonton Public Schools).

Credits: At least 100 credits, from required courses plus other courses of the student's choice.
English and social studies: English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2, and Social Studies 30-1 or 30-2.
Mathematics and science: A Mathematics 20-level course (20-1, 20-2 or 20-3) and a Science course, such as Science 20, Biology 20, Chemistry 20 or Physics 20.
Physical education and life skills: Physical Education 10 and Career and Life Management (CALM).
Options: At least 10 credits from a mix of career and technology studies, fine arts, second languages, higher-level physical education or similar options.
30-level courses: At least 10 credits in other 30-level courses, beyond the required English and Social Studies.

The course numbers show the level and the pathway. The first digit is the grade level. In English, social studies and mathematics, the endings -1, -2 and -3 mark different course sequences, with the -1 sequence generally aimed at students heading to university programmes that need more advanced mathematics or English. Ask the school how it advises students on these choices, because they affect which universities and programmes are open later.

Provincial Exams

Alberta uses provincial exams to check student achievement, and diploma exams are held in some 30-level courses. International schools that offer the Alberta curriculum describe provincial standardized exams as part of the programme. The details, such as which exams students sit and how they count toward final marks, are set by Alberta Education and can change, so ask the school for the current arrangements.

Strengths and Trade-offs

Benefits and things to check

Flexible high school: Students choose courses by interest and level, and can mix academic subjects with career, technology and arts courses.
A recognized diploma: Alberta Education describes the diploma as internationally recognized. Check the entry requirements of each university you are considering.
Clear credit system: Credits and course levels show students exactly what they need to graduate.
Fewer schools offer it: Few schools in Guangzhou offer the Alberta curriculum, so options are limited and planning ahead matters.
Teacher and accreditation rules: Schools must meet Alberta's standards. Ask what tier the school is at, and what that means for the diploma.

Alberta, IB, American or British?

How the main options compare

Pick the pathway that fits where your child is most likely to study next.

Alberta (Canadian): Provincial K-12 programme, with a credit-based high school diploma and provincial exams in some 30-level courses.
IB: Worldwide IB programmes, with the IB Diploma in the final two years. See the IB overview.
American: State-based standards, with a US-style high school diploma, and optional AP courses and the SAT. See the American curriculum guide.
British: National Curriculum in the early years, then IGCSE and A-Levels. See the British curriculum guide.

Alberta for Families Moving to Guangzhou

Check the accreditation. Ask the school which tier it is at, whether Alberta Education lists it, and what that means for the diploma. The Alberta government page shows current listings.
Ask about grade placement. Alberta grade levels follow age cut-offs set by the province, which may differ from your home country, so ask which grade your child would join.
Bring your records. Reports, course lists and any support plans from your previous school help the school place your child, especially in high school where credits matter.
Plan high school early. Course choices in Grades 10 and 11 affect which universities and programmes are open later, so talk to the school's counselors as soon as your child arrives.
Check university entry for your target countries. Recognition of the diploma depends on each university, so confirm the entry requirements.
Ask about Chinese and English support. Check how Chinese is taught and what help is available for students who are new to English.

Questions to Ask a School

Is the school accredited by Alberta Education, at which tier, and what does that allow it to do?
Which grades follow the Alberta curriculum, and are teachers certified by Alberta?
Which provincial exams do students take, and how are results reported?
How does the school advise students on high school course choices?
Where do graduates go to university, and which countries?
How are Chinese and English as an additional language taught?
How does the school help new students who arrive during the year?

Is the Alberta Curriculum Right for Your Child?

The Alberta curriculum suits students who like choice in high school, want a clear credit system and may continue to university in Canada or elsewhere. It can also suit families who already live a Canadian lifestyle or plan to move to Canada. It may suit you less if you expect your child to move often between countries, where a worldwide programme such as the IB may be easier to continue. For help comparing schools, read Choosing an International School in Guangzhou: Parent Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Alberta Curriculum

What is the Alberta curriculum?: It is the provincial programme of studies for Alberta, Canada, covering Kindergarten to Grade 12, taught in Alberta schools and in some accredited international schools abroad.
Is there a Canadian national curriculum?: No. Each province and territory sets its own curriculum, so when a school says Canadian, ask which province it follows. Alberta is one of them.
What grades does the Alberta curriculum cover?: Kindergarten to Grade 12: elementary (K-6), middle or junior high (7-9) and high school (10-12).
What is the Alberta High School Diploma?: It is the credential students earn by completing the required courses and credits in high school. A school district summary lists at least 100 credits, with required English, social studies, mathematics, science, physical education and CALM courses.
Is the Alberta diploma recognized by universities?: Alberta Education describes it as internationally recognized, and international schools say graduates apply to universities worldwide. Each university sets its own entry rules, so check the requirements of your target universities.
Which Guangzhou school offers the Alberta curriculum?: The Alberta government lists the Canadian International School of Guangzhou as an accredited international school in Guangzhou, at Tier 3. Check with the school and Alberta Education for the current position.
What does Alberta accreditation of an international school mean?: The Alberta government says the programme recognizes schools that meet Alberta's educational standards so they can offer the curriculum and award the Alberta diploma, with schools progressing through four tiers.
Are there provincial exams?: Alberta uses provincial exams, including diploma exams in some 30-level courses. Ask the school which exams its students take and how they count.
What do the numbers like 30-1 and 30-2 mean?: The first digit is the grade level, and the ending shows the course sequence. For example, English 30-1 and 30-2 are two different Grade 12 English courses. Ask the school which course suits your child's plans.
Can my child switch to the Alberta curriculum from another system?: Yes, but high school is the hardest time because credits matter. Ask the school to review your child's records and explain how credits and grade placement would work.
Is the Alberta curriculum better than the IB or the American curriculum?: None is better for every child. Alberta offers a flexible, credit-based high school, the IB offers a worldwide programme and the Diploma, and the American curriculum offers flexibility with optional AP courses. Choose the one that suits your child's next step.
How do I choose between schools in Guangzhou?: Compare curriculum, accreditation, class size, support and costs, and visit your shortlist. See our guide to choosing an international school in Guangzhou for a step-by-step approach.