Why Choose Alternate?
Condensed day schedule, smaller classes and self-paced learning are some of the reasons students may choose to attend one of our five schools. The Alternate Program is primarily an independent learning environment where students complete one credit at a time and at their own pace. Students work collaboratively with their teachers to create individualized timelines and develop their learning strategies.
Most students entering an Alternate Program will start by participating in the intensive five week "Life skills" course. This course focuses on helping students understand themselves, their relationships, and their responsibilities through a range of activities emphasizing students' social-emotional development and well-being.
The alternate program offers the same credits as a traditional program and students graduate with either an OSSD (Ontario Secondary School Diploma) or an OSSC (Ontario Secondary School Certificate). Each year graduates from the Alternate Program go on to attend college and university while others choose to pursue apprenticeships or head into the world of work.
There is on site access to cooperative education, an addiction counsellor, a social worker, a psychologist, and Ontario Works.
It should be noted that no special education services are provided at the alternate sites. Due to the fact that the curriculum is delivered using ILC (Independent Learning Courses) materials, good reading and writing skills are required.