ALPHA Alternative Junior School's Mission Statement
Democracy is a fundamental value at ALPHA.
The school democracy is complex and far from absolute. Its founders took on the challenge to create an accessible public school that would represent democratic responsibility as well as liberty.
As Summerhill's A.S. Neill would say:
Freedom, not license.
This is an ongoing conversation, and maybe the most vital and distinguishing aspect of ALPHA's program. It takes a lot of time and mental and emotional energy but the students value personal autonomy, social responsibility and the power to shape the community within which they live.
Toronto's First Alternative Elementary School
Since 1972, The ALPHA Community has explored a wide variety of unique approaches to supporting our children's development as they "acquire the knowledge, skill, and values they need to become responsible members of a democratic society."