An Indigenous charter school could be coming to Rocky Mountain House.
Proponents Tegan Fandrick and Charlene Bearhead presented their vision for the Roots of Resilience Charter School during the Aug. 4 meeting of Rocky Mountain House town council. The organization already operates a school in Drayton Valley.
It’s an education model that’s much-needed in town, said Fandrick, who is originally from Rocky Mountain House but returned home specifically to pursue the initiative.
Bearhead said the school would not operate like a U.S.-style private school. Instead, it would be a publicly funded charter school, similar to many others operating across Alberta.
She noted Alberta is the only province that publicly funds charter schools, although obtaining approval for a new charter school can be challenging.
If approved, students would study the same Alberta curriculum as those in the public school system, but lessons would be delivered through land-based learning and Indigenous perspectives.
“It’s not culture camp — it’s school,” said Bearhead, who adds that they’ve recently been focusing on math curriculum in particular.
Fandrick said her experience as both a student and educator in Alberta’s public school system has given her a unique perspective on the need for the program. She added that Elders from Bighorn First Nation and O’Chiese First Nation have expressed interest in supporting the project.
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The existing Roots of Resilience school in Drayton Valley offers programming from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Bearhead said it enrolled 72 students last year, but more than 140 students have already registered for the upcoming school year.
She said organizers were encouraged — and slightly surprised — by the strong interest from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous families.
The group plans to submit an application to Alberta Education by Sept. 15, with the goal of opening a Rocky Mountain House campus for the 2026-27 school year. Organizers are also exploring potential locations in the community.
Bearhead said neighbouring Wolf Creek School Division is partnering with them on an Indigenous Math Framework, while similar discussions are underway in Stony Plain and Lethbridge.
“In the end, we’re here for these kids — we’re not in competition with other school divisions,” she said.
Council unanimously approved sending a letter to the Alberta government in support of the proposal.
Aug. 19 open house in Rocky
The school is hosting an open house in Rocky Mountain House on Aug. 19 for any families who would consider an Indigenous charter school for their children.
Bearhead says the open house will not only provide information on the school, but will help determine the potential level of interest in the community.
If all goes well, enough families show interest, and Alberta Education gives approval, Bearhead says planning for next year and hiring of staff for the school could begin as soon as December.
The open house takes place Wednesday Aug. 19 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Canalta Hotel meeting room in Rocky.
Those who have questions can email info@rootsed.ca.
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