For more than 110 years, the Talmud Torah Society (TTS) has been at the heart of Jewish education in Edmonton. Since partnering with Edmonton Public Schools (EPSB) in 1975, we’ve offered children the best of both worlds; Alberta’s strong academic foundation, enriched with Hebrew language, Judaic studies, and the timeless values that unite our community.
This distinctive educational experience exists thanks to a shared partnership between families and the Society. Our school receives its funding through EPSB, which is provided by the Government of Alberta, for the regular K–6 curriculum. However, everything that makes Talmud Torah uniquely ours; Judaic instruction, cultural celebrations, the Grade 6 Shabbaton, smaller class interventions, and milestone gifts like the Grade 1 Siddur and Grade 2 Chumash rely on Society fees, donations, and grants.
How Funds Work Together
TTS funding comes from multiple sources working in harmony to support every aspect of our students’ experience:
- Society fees from families in K–6, the Early Learning Centre (ELC), and Out-of-School Care (OSC) programs.
- Government and EPSB funding, which cover the core curriculum and some childcare subsidies.
- Grants and charitable contributions, including the Jewish Federation of Edmonton’s United Jewish Appeal (UJA), casino gaming funds (through AGLC), and targeted grants and donations for security, and enrichment.
- Volunteers and community donors, whose time and generosity provide additional resources (the success of our casinos and resulting proceeds, come directly from the volunteers who work these casinos).
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Transparent and Responsible Stewardship
Every dollar families contribute is managed with care, transparency, and a deep sense of responsibility. For the 2025–26 school year, K–6 Society fees were primarily allocated as follows:
- 37% — Judaic Studies and Hebrew language program (textbooks, resources, holiday materials, and extended instruction).
- 28% — Small-class intervention to enhance student learning.
- 13% — Salaries and benefits for Society staff.
- 6% — Administrative essentials such as insurance, legal fees, and facilities costs.
- Remainder (16%) — Bursaries for families in need, coordination of Judaic programming, and offsetting unpaid fees.
In addition, the Society covers approximately 65% of total on-site security costs, underscoring our commitment to keeping students and staff safe every day.
Investing in Our Future: Capital Improvements
Over the past five years, TTS has made substantial investments in maintaining and enhancing our shared spaces:
- Early Learning Centre A/C Installation (May 2022): As summer temperatures rose, classrooms became uncomfortably hot—sometimes forcing families to keep children home. Six rooftop air-conditioning units were installed to ensure consistently cool, safe, and comfortable learning environments where children and educators can thrive.
- New Lunchroom (August 2022): Thanks to a generous donation from Myrna and Don Silverberg and a grant from the Jewish Federation of Edmonton for ancillary equipment, the new lunchroom solved a longstanding issue of students eating in separate classrooms. The bright, multipurpose space now brings students together to eat, pray, and build community.
- New Roof (June–October 2025): With support from EPSB, the Society replaced the school’s aging, leaky roof—protecting our facility from further damage and ensuring a safe, dry, and comfortable environment for learning.
- Gym Projector and Screen Upgrade (September 2025): A state-of-the-art projection system, featuring a 189” ceiling-mounted screen and 7000-lumen projector, was installed in the gym, replacing the old “cart-and-sheet” setup. Funded by the Society and a $5,000 grant from the Edmonton Jewish Community Charitable Foundation, this upgrade has transformed assemblies and events into dynamic, engaging experiences.
- Lunchroom Soundproofing (December 2025): New soundproofing ceiling panels were installed in the Don z’l & Myrna Silverberg lunchroom. These acoustic panels reduce echo and ambient noise by an estimated 70–80% when occupied, creating a quieter, comfortable environment that enhances the experience for everyone who uses the space.
Stay tuned for updates on upcoming facility enhancements, including additional A/C installations.
A Shared Commitment
For over a century, Talmud Torah has flourished thanks to families and supporters working hand-in-hand to provide a Jewish education rooted in excellence, community, and connection. When you pay Society fees, you’re not just covering expenses, you’re investing in your child’s growth and in the future of Jewish learning in Edmonton.
Together, we’ll continue to nurture bright minds, kind hearts, and proud Jewish identities—ensuring the Talmud Torah legacy remains strong for generations to come.