Alternate Program — Helping Secondary Students Overcome Challenges
The OCDSB Secondary Alternate Program is offered at five locations across the city. This program is an excellent alternative for students who are seeking a different experience from the traditional high school setting. Flexible scheduling, workplace opportunities, 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. This means students and teachers work collaboratively in this unique educational setting in order to ensure student success. In addition, the program offers students the opportunity to have more input into their mode of learning through a combination of differentiated academic programs as well as Cooperative Education. Most students entering an Alternate Program start by participating in an intensive five week orientation credit course focused on helping students understand themselves, their relationships and their responsibilities through a range of activities emphasizing students' social-emotional development and well-being. At the senior level, a range of courses is provided at the open, college and Grade 12 university preparation pathways ensuring access to College and University programs. Upon graduation, students will achieve their OSSD (Ontario Secondary School Diploma) and most will go on to college, university, apprenticeship or to the world of work. Some students choose to leave the program after receiving their OSSC (Ontario Secondary School Certificate) or move on to Adult High School to continue their learning.
How to Apply: Students may apply either through a recommendation from their home school or they may seek out this unique learning environment on their own. Each student participates in a formal interview in order to learn more about the program and give input into how this alternate approach may benefit them. With a continuous intake system, students are able to enter the program at different times of the year and those who have been out of school are welcome to use the program as an entry point to renew their engagement in learning. Students typically range in age from 16 to 20.
For further information, contact the Guidance Counsellor or Vice-Principal of your designated school and visit the school websites listed below.
The OCDSB Alterntate Education Sites are: Elizabeth Wyn Wood, Frederick Banting, Norman Johnston, Richard Pfaff and Urban Aboriginal.