The Oke is a small secondary school dedicated to meeting the individual needs of students with a Mild Intellectual Disability. Our mandate is to provide a four-year transition program for students aged 12 to 16 years. Our main goal is to foster a positive personal self-image through well- structured academic and life skills programs so that all our students will become effective, responsible and successful members of society. After completing our program, most students proceed to a school which offers a modified program of applied and workplace destination courses. If you want to learn in a caring,smaller environment, we have the experienced teachers and quality programs to provide you with an exemplary education.
Our students are strong learners who have unique, specialized needs. Early intervention in Grade 7 provides a strong foundation for the integration of students in their senior secondary school years. An emphasis is placed on personalized learning, practical literacy and numeracy skills, and entry-level employability skills.
Adolescents and Learning
At Frank Oke, we have developed a program to address the difficulties faced by students in their adolescent years when the growing gaps in achievement and social inclusion become more pronounced. Students participate in activities which help them to explore their strengths and interests, as well as gain increased confidence academically, socially and personally.
More Information about Frank Oke Secondary School
Academic Program
We focus on fundamental literacy (reading, writing, speaking), numeracy (math operations, money knowledge, everyday math skills), independent living skills (self-advocacy, social skills) and employability skills. Courses are based on the Ontario Ministry of Education overall expectations and essential skills for the work place.
Arts and Technology
Students' experiences include the following: Visual Arts, Music (English Bells, Orff Instruments, African Drumming, choir), Drama, Woodshop, Computers/Assistive Technology, and Hospitality and Culinary services. Our co-curricular activities include the Annual Showcase, special trips to professional theatres, symphonies, dance performances, museums and art galleries.
Healthy Living
Regardless of a student's abilities or needs, a wide range of activities are provided for all: basketball, floor hockey and volleyball. Our program has achieved the Diamond Level Canadian Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance and has been recognized by former Prime Minister Jean Chretien and Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
Strategies for Success
Every student is provided with the knowledge, skills and support to achieve success regardless of their individual strengths and needs. Through a variety of in-class and out-of-class supports - modified curriculum, ongoing assessment, small class sizes - students are encouraged to improve themselves and grow towards the young adults they will be when they leave us.
Additional Features
● Experiential Learning
● Transportation for most students
● Safe Arrival/Departure Program
● Breakfast Program
● Intramural Sports Program
● Arts, Drama, Annual Showcase Night
Student Life - Where You Belong
"I spent four fantastic years at Frank Oke. I never felt more at home. I felt safe, cared for and happy. I was scared before going to Frank Oke. Once there, every student and teacher became my family. Frank Oke prepared me/us for good things. I was in special education classes. I was taught things that really helped me to the point that I achieved high marks and moved out of special education into regular workplace courses." --- Graduate
Some of our biggest supporters are our students. This is what they have to say...
" Frank Oke is a fun school. It is easy to make friends."
"At Frank Oke, the teachers are the best in the west."
"The best thing about Frank Oke is our activities. You even win trophies."
"At Frank Oke, the teachers are very nice. I like the way the teachers teach. It is not difficult to understand."
What Sets Us Apart
We empower our students to develop leadership skills and to engage in community participation through classroom lessons and co-curricular programs such as the Student Ambassadors, E.S.P (Empowered Student Partnerships) in collaboration with Toronto Police Services, Student Council, Boys to Men, Girl Power, and the Annual Community Seniors' Christmas Luncheon. Our students learn and develop through our partnership with Arts for Children and Youth of Toronto where guest artists work with our staff to provide expertise in performance and instruction. Opportunities to attend Toronto Symphony Orchestra, National Ballet, Young People's Theatre and visits to art galleries are provided to enrich our students' experiences.
"My child entered Frank Oke as a sweet, but cautious socially-isolated and shy child. The support and programs at Frank Oke gave her the confidence to try, the joy of success, friends to embrace, an opportunity to be productive and a future. And Frank Oke gave us, her parents, hope. Thank you, Frank Oke!" --- A past chair of School Council
Parent and Community Engagement
To ensure the success of each student, Frank Oke reaches out to its parents, guardians and community members. Communication with parent/guardians include: phone calls, e-mail, Ministry Reports, Student Progress Reports between Ministry reporting periods, Parent Generated Progress Reports, Parent-Teacher Interview Nights and Annual IPRC Review meetings. School Council meetings are held to share concerns and to support school initiatives. Parents attend special events including: Community 'Meet & Greet', Annual Arts Night and Graduation. Parents are encouraged to communicate with community agencies as required such as Surrey Place Centre, Griffin Centre, The Association for Community Living and George Hull Centre for Children-Families. Frank Oke has a partnership with Police (Division 12 community officers) hosts an Annual Seniors' Christmas Luncheon, Food Drives, and the Terry Fox Run.
