We offer six unique project-based package programs to pique interest and foster meaningful learning. We also offer a variety of compulsory and elective credits for students in Grades 10, 11, and 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 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.
Interesting Feature
What Project-Based Packages Do We Offer?
Are you interested in Fashion? Writing and publishing? Film production? Audio production? History? The pursuit of happiness? Enroll in one of our six exciting, senior level, multi-credit package programs. Each program is designed to offer multiple credits while allowing time to create an end product. These products continue a life outside of our school community as well. We have sold products at pop-up shops, displayed at art-shows, produced music videos for local artists, and run charity drives to support the community.
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.
Healthy 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
- Pop up shops & art shows
- Full time youth counsellor
- Homework night
- Unique field trips
- Lunchtime & after school sports
- Queer Straight Alliance
- Movie nights
Student Life - Where You Belong
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 four 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. Students who participate in one of our multi-credit packages will enjoy project-based learning with rich culminating tasks whose products will have a life beyond our classrooms.
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.
