PagineAlberta Curriculum Guide & Practice Tests (K–12)
Alberta has implemented new Kindergarten to Grade 6 curricula in English language arts and literature, mathematics, science and physical education and wellness. New social studies began in K–3 in 2025–26, with Grades 4–6 following in 2026–27. Draft Grades 7–9 curricula are being piloted, with mandatory implementation planned for 2027 onward, so Grades 7–12 still follow the earlier programs of study.
- 13 grades
- 340 practice tests
- 3 provincial assessments
Choose a grade
Provincial assessments
| Assessment | Grades | Subjects | When | Counts? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs) — Grade 6 | Grade 6 | English language arts, French language arts, mathematics, science, social studies | June | Some schools count PATs toward marks; check with your school. |
| Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs) — Grade 9 | Grade 9 | English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies (and French language arts) | January and June (January 2026 sittings were cancelled) | Some schools count PATs toward marks; check with your school. |
| Diploma Examinations (Grade 12) | Grade 12 | ELA 30-1/30-2, Mathematics 30-1/30-2, Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Physics 30, Science 30, Social Studies 30-1/30-2, French language arts | November, January, April, June and August sessions (January 2026 was cancelled) | 30% of the final course mark (the school-awarded mark is 70%). |
Nationally, a sample of Grade 8 students also writes the Pan-Canadian Assessment Program (PCAP).
How school is organized
Kindergarten, Grades 1–6 (elementary), 7–9 (junior high) and 10–12 (senior high). High-school courses use "-1/-2" streams, e.g. Mathematics 30-1 (pre-calculus) and 30-2.
Graduation: The Alberta High School Diploma requires 100 credits, including English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2, Social Studies 30-1 or 30-2, Mathematics 20-level, Science 20-level, and diploma exams in the required 30-level courses.
Curriculum strands we practise
🔢 Mathematics: Number · Patterns & Relations · Shape & Space (Measurement, Geometry) · Statistics & Probability
📖 English Language Arts: Reading and viewing · Writing and representing · Speaking and listening · Language conventions
🔬 Science: Life science · Physical science · Earth and space science · Science inquiry and STSE
🌎 Social Studies: Citizenship and identity · Time, continuity and change · The land: places and people · Power, authority and decision making · Economics and resources · Global connections
Official curriculum: Alberta curriculum (new K–6 programs). Pagine describes the curriculum in its own words; official documents are provincial copyright.
Other provinces and territories
Frequently asked questions
What curriculum does Alberta use?
Alberta has implemented new Kindergarten to Grade 6 curricula in English language arts and literature, mathematics, science and physical education and wellness. New social studies began in K–3 in 2025–26, with Grades 4–6 following in 2026–27. Draft Grades 7–9 curricula are being piloted, with mandatory implementation planned for 2027 onward, so Grades 7–12 still follow the earlier programs of study.
How are grades organized in Alberta?
Kindergarten, Grades 1–6 (elementary), 7–9 (junior high) and 10–12 (senior high). High-school courses use "-1/-2" streams, e.g. Mathematics 30-1 (pre-calculus) and 30-2.
What are the graduation requirements?
The Alberta High School Diploma requires 100 credits, including English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2, Social Studies 30-1 or 30-2, Mathematics 20-level, Science 20-level, and diploma exams in the required 30-level courses.
Which provincial tests do students write in Alberta?
Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs) — Grade 6 (Grade 6); Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs) — Grade 9 (Grade 9); Diploma Examinations (Grade 12) (Grade 12).