Founded in 1968, SEED is North America's oldest public alternative secondary school. Since then it has been a haven for students with high potential who seek a small and nurturing environment that supports their individual needs. SEED is a warm dynamic space where people who are passionate about learning thrive: Small classes enable students an opportunity to provide input on course content and evaluation and, where possible, to design projects which stimulate personal interests.
Sciences
We would hope that those who study the sciences at SEED leave us with a better appreciation of how and why our activities impact our planetary ecosystem: You will be able to gain this type of knowledge not only by becoming more familiar with the better known pre-20th.C. type of scientific knowledge, but also via exposure to lesser known modern knowledge . You will also learn how science's understanding of 'reality' has moved far away from the Newtonian material realism model and, indeed, how the scientific model itself has its own limitations and caveats.
Interesting Feature
Think Beyond the Textbook
We offer a flexible classroom based semester programme of grade 11&12, mainly University level, courses such as:
- Mathematics
- Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Earth & Space Science
- English - Creative writing
- Literature
- Social Science
- Modern & Classical Painting
- Media Arts including Film &Video + Credit Recovery
More Information about SEED Alternative School
Mathematics
Whether or not you are interested in mathematics, we would expect that you will have become more interested and knowledgeable by the time you finish your course: The concepts are linked and built cumulatively so that relevant equations aren't just disconnected formulas and, for those who want to be better prepared for post-secondary studies, we'll go beyond the curriculum.
Englishes, Social Sciences and the Humanities
Students have an opportunity to explore personal interests in these courses. Topics for independent study are self-selected and explored and shared in a meaningful way according to student expertise. Self-directed learning is encouraged through self-selection of texts. Students have an opportunity to design course content and projects for evaluation.
Art
SEED's art students are given projects in which to learn the language of design & composition and the fundamentals of how to use materials, while having the freedom to create highly personal and meaningful work. Our large halogen-lit art Gallery is dedicated to year round displays of student work and is the central hub of the school.
The SEED alternative school difference
SEED is a small school with a flexible timetable where students have many opportunities to create and foster a very strong and supportive community by sharing their interests and mentoring each other, not only at the regular community meetings but also throughout the rest of the week. SEED is where teachers are able to mentor those students who need extra help.
Additional Features
- High academic standards
- Supportive School Council
- Friendly Community
- Small classes
- Food Programme
- University/college feel
- Pleasant school space
- School Art Gallery
Student Life - Where You Belong
We encourage student leadership in social activities, particularly in planning and organizing our traditional SEED Feast which brings together staff and students in the Gallery space in a pot luck dinner, followed by music/ poetry readings/ monologues/ dramatic and video presentations - all of which showcase the range of talent and ability throughout the school community. Enjoy our student lounge where you may relax, read, study, discuss issues or use the adjoining computer lab. Share in the planning, organization and maintenance of our Nutrition programme. Play ping pong at lunch or after school. Enjoy our informal sports games, perhaps baseball or soccer, as we compete with other Alternative schools in the city. Participate in the timetabled and weekly Community Lunch meeting where we discuss, plan and vote on various school activities and policies and occasionally hear guest speakers.
What Sets Us Apart
Four Core Values at SEED:
- Personal Growth and Expression - We encourage diversity, self-awareness and open expression in a climate of mutual respect and support.
- Innovation and Creativity - We foster innovative, creative and critical thinking and regard for a multitude of perspectives.
- Community and Democracy - We encourage students in decision-making and taking responsibility for those decisions, not only in class but also in the school community as a whole.
- Meaningful Standards of Achievement - We encourage students to build on their strengths through inclusive and interesting curriculum.
Parent and Community Engagement
- Ontario Institute for Studies in Education
- Practicum and Volunteer Placement for Teacher Candidates
- Monthly Meetings of our School Council
