In 1980, DAS was established by parents who wanted to be actively involved in their children's education. Peaceful conflict resolution or Peacebuilding was developed at DAS and has been adopted by schools around the world. This tradition continues through the school's commitment to equity, social justice and environmental responsibility. We are located in the heart of the St. Lawrence Market community and share the site with housing above, some shops below, and the playground with St. Michael School. Since it is administratively twinned with Market Lane, DAS is able to access the swimming pool at the St. Lawrence C.C. In addition, there is on-site childcare.
Peaceful Conflict Resolution
Children thrive in our co-operative learning environment where everyone' voice is heard and everyone's ideas are considered. Children mediate disagreements through peaceful conflict resolution. Our older students model and explicitly teach a variety of problem-solving strategies to younger students. Through community-building activities with our TCDSB neighbours such as Reading Buddies and co-school activities related to art or "Carnaval" children learn positive social skills within the broader community.
Multi-Aged Learning
Through authentic multi-aged learning children are engaged in meaningful critical thinking and problem-solving activities. For example, during "DAS Math" grades 1 to 6 students work together to grapple with rich learning tasks, providing leadership for the older students and mentorship for the younger ones.
Student Life - Where You Belong
Children thrive in our safe and stimulating learning environment. Throughout the day, they learn in a variety of ways: with their whole class, individually, with an older mentor or learning buddy, with a small group learning a particular skill, a multi-aged group or with a parent volunteer. Their day is enriched by extra-curricular activities such as our Roots and Shoots Club, Silver Birch Reading Club, Drama Club, Cross-Country Running, Skipping Club and daily physical activity.
What Sets Us Apart
Downtown Alternative School believes that it is important for children to develop a positive attitude toward learning and an eagerness to learn from and interact with their environment. A strong emphasis is placed on the child-centred approach, where each child's emotional,social, intellectual, and physical development serves as a starting point. Learning activities are then designed to meet all children's needs. We believe that consistency throughout home, school, and day care settings helps to develop each child's learning potential. The school has worked hard to build an atmosphere of trust between parents, staff, and administration. We are a democratic school and practice democratic decision-making at all levels. The school focuses on creating a safe school environment and the peacemaking program. The school provides a challenging curriculum which includes diverse topics such as social justice and current events. Agendas are used to foster communication between the school and families
Parent and Community Engagement
- Public Library class visits
- Community volunteers: speakers and workshops for students
- Collaboration with community/social agencies - Saint Lawrence Community - Moss Park Arena - Starbucks - Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People
- Regular parent volunteers in the school to help with swimming, skating and classroom programs
- Extensive parent involvement through class meetings.
- Fundraising through an annual bazaar, book fair and other activities such as clothing exchanges.
- Serving on committees: Admissions, Agenda, Communications, Fundraising, Greening, Peacebuilding, Library, Safety and Social
- Assistance with special events and projects
- Community out reach and building
- After school choir
