Wild Rose School Division (WRSD) has decided to abandon the idea of establishing a one-day-a-week school in Nordegg—for now.

The decision came after it was determined that there was a lack of feasible space, combined with the results of a community survey, which led to the conclusion that a one-day-a-week school in the hamlet of less than 100 people isn’t feasible at the moment.

At its Nov. 26 board meeting, WRSD officials reviewed the results of the survey, which received 12 responses, representing around 22 children aged 0-13.

“There aren’t enough students to start any kind of school out there,” says WRSD Superintendent Brad Volkman.

Additionally, some respondents expressed satisfaction with the current system of homeschooling or being bussed to Rocky Mountain House for schooling.

The idea for the one-day-a-week school was first proposed in early 2024 when a community member sent a letter to WRSD, requesting the division consider reinstating an education program in Nordegg.

A ‘blended program’ was previously offered in the community from 2015-2017. This program had a teacher present part-time in the community to teach young children.

Volkman adds that the division reached out to Clearwater County about possible spaces for the school, but a response from CAO Rick Emmons indicated that there were no useable spaces at this time.

However, Volkman notes that Alberta’s plans to invest in the province’s parks system could lead to future population growth for Nordegg.

For now, though, he says the provincial government is ultimately responsible for building schools.

“At what point would the government build a school in Nordegg?” says Volkman. “It won’t be for 13 students.”

The previous blended program was held at the Nordegg Museum.