West End Alternative School's Mission Statement
Grades: 10-12
Approx. Enrolment: 74
West End Alternative School offers programming to pique interest and foster meaningful learning. There are a variety of compulsory and elective credits for students in Grades 10 to 12. Prospective students must have completed Grade 9 English, Science, Mathematics, and Geography at either the Applied or Academic level and be between the ages of 16 and 20. Students participate in the decision-making processes shaping their school community; this participation is vital to the effectiveness of West End. Our school is a warm, welcoming, supportive and small community committed to nurturing students' development beyond the classroom.
West End Alternative School offers programming to pique interest and foster meaningful learning. There are a variety of compulsory and elective credits for students in Grades 10 to 12. Prospective students must have completed Grade 9 English, Science, Mathematics, and Geography at either the Applied or Academic level and be between the ages of 16 and 20. Students participate in the decision-making processes shaping their school community; this participation is vital to the effectiveness of West End. Our school is a warm, welcoming, supportive and small community committed to nurturing students' development beyond the classroom.
A pro-active approach by our guidance counsellors, teacher advisors and youth counsellor helps students to set both short- and long-term goals. We support students in dealing with the challenges of re-entering school, changing schools, and continuing learning in ways that are meaningful to them.
Please call the school at (416) 393-0660 to obtain more information and to register for an appointment.
West End Features
A small school environment and whole school community events.
Full timetables available for grade 10, 11 & 12 college or university bound students.
Staff meet bi-weekly to discuss each student's attendance and academic progress.
A nutrition program available to all students.
A full-time Youth Counsellor who offers social-emotional, and personal counselling.
A full-time Youth Counsellor who offers social-emotional, and personal counselling.
More Information About West End Alternative School
Speakers and Events
Throughout the year, we invite various community organizations to the school to discuss issues with students. Students help organize the events during whole school meetings and student council meetings. Examples of past speakers include MADD, Bereaved Families of Ontario, Narcotics Anonymous, Toronto Public Health, and Youth Employment Services.
Heathly Eating, Healthy Living
We want students to build healthy eating habits for life. We offer students breakfast as well as a healthy mid-morning snack and lunches. West End students have access to our nutrition program at no cost thanks to funds provided by the Toronto Foundation for Student Success.
Monitor for Success
Every other week we meet to discuss students' progress. If students are struggling we brainstorm to find a solution. We have a guidance counsellor and a full-time youth counsellor to help support students. We also offer credit recovery and credit rescue opportunities throughout the year.
TTC Program
Approved students have access to TTC tickets to help them travel to and from school. These subsidies allow students to attend school on a regular basis, thereby increasing their chances of success.
Additional Features
- 9:30 am start time
- Unique field trips
- Art Show
- Lunchtime & after school sports
- Full time youth counsellor
- Slam Poetry
- 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament
- Fundraising activities
Student Life - Where You Belong
GO TEAM
After your first period class, which begins at 9:30, you can enjoy a healthy snack and a chat with your peers before continuing on to your next period. We offer a fresh lunch two days a week. Lunchtime also provides you with an opportunity to play ping-pong or go with friends and enjoy one of the many restaurants in the Bloor/Christie neighbourhood.
You may find, like many of our students, that West End is a place that challenges your normal boundaries. You will call teachers by their first names and develop friendships with students who you might never have spoken to in your home school. Our staff and students are fiercely committed to West End and want you to become a part of our community.
WHAT SETS US APART
West End Alternative staff and students work together to create and enjoy a strong community. Our whole-school events offer students opportunities to engage outside of the classroom. Together we enjoy activities throughout the year, a holiday feast, whole school meetings and guest speakers. Student art work is showcased at the annual Alternative Tentacle School Art Show at Xpace Gallery.
PARENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
We are involved with:
Toronto Public Health Department
Toronto Foundation for Student Success
St. Stephen's Employment Center
Youth Employment Services
Christie Ossington Neighbourhood Centre
14th Division School Watch Toronto Police Services
Our school frequently hosts a variety of community speakers.
We offer Field trips to: the AGO, ROM, and galleries in the neighbourhood; Kensington Market; and a variety of other places and events.
We nurture positive parent/teacher partnerships with open communication between school and home.