Quest Alternative is a small school of 68 students, located on the third floor of Withrow Public School between Danforth Avenue and Gerrard Street. Quest Alternative has been in existence for 26 years. Quest is an alternative school offering senior level (Grade 7-8) programs. The school shares the gymnasium, school yard, and library facilities with Withrow Public School. Admission is by lottery draw, three weeks after Information Night.
Approach to Education
Quest might best be described as a school that believes in a liberal arts approach to education - which is to say that we value academics, the arts, and active living in equal measure. Throughout their two years at Quest, we expect our students to become responsible, interdependent learners and citizens, who demonstrate an appreciation of the strength of positive group membership, and a recognition of their role in the community.
Interesting Feature
Life Long Learners
We share leadership to enhance a learning culture that supports improvement for all students. Our small school size enables us to alter our timetable to deliver a challenging and experiential program that balances co-operative group learning experiences with many opportunities for individual achievement.
More Information about Quest Alternative Senior School
Equity and Health and Well-Being
At Quest we are committed to equity where achievement for every student is supported and fostered. We have an inclusive environment where we embrace and encourage diversity. At the heart of our school is a dedicated and caring staff. Students have many opportunities for leadership and to develop as Global Citizens.
Literacy
At Quest, we provide rich and engaging learning opportunities for all. We use a gradual release of responsibility approach through a whole language model. Our teachers work collaboratively to provide explicit teaching of reading and writing strategies, and meet regularly to plan units through Inquiry-Based learning.
Numeracy
We focus on the development of problem-solving skills through the three-part lesson approach. With the emphasis on hands-on activities, as well as making connections between concepts and real-life, students develop organization and expression of mathematical ideas and thinking using appropriate vocabulary, terminology, and conventions in oral, visual and written formats.
Pathways
At Quest, we recognize the challenges students face in making transitions along their pathway of learning. Our programming provides students with opportunities to explore a wide range of interests to help them meet success in many different ways; music, drama, dance, sports, arts, and technology.
Additional Features
- Great students!
- Great parents!
- Great staff!
- Great community!
Student Life - Where You Belong
Students at our school demonstrate collaboration, independent work and initiative. Life at Quest centers around three core beliefs; our commitment to our environment, our commitment to developing a sense of belonging, and our commitment to providing an opportunity for staff and students to develop a strong sense of community.
What Sets Us Apart
Quest has a long history as an alternative school that provides students with an experiential opportunity to engage in activities based on the Ontario Curriculum. We provide intensive blocks of time, so that our students can participate in enrichment activities such as Arts Week, Eco Challenge, and Time Management Week.
Parent and Community Engagement
- Parent speakers
- Various environmental organizations
- School Community Council with 10 active parent members
- Parent volunteers on field trips and numerous other school initiatives
Imagine a TDSB where all schools share a common core set of characteristics. They are community-driven and focused on teaching and learning. Students and parents have a wide variety of opportunities and there are enough students in every school to increase program choices.
Imagine there is a clear focus on achieving student success and every student is engaged, has a voice, access to a caring adult and the opportunity to develop their full potential. Here at the TDSB our focus is on student achievement, parent and community engagement and financial stability.
