THE STUDENT SCHOOL's Mission Statement
Grades: 11-12
Approx. Enrolment: 75
Small semestered alternative school located in the High Park area. The Student School offers predominantly academic courses for students in grades 11 and 12. Classes are held daily with a timetable that students help to create. The Student School is for students whose needs are not met in mainstream secondary schools.
The great majority of our graduates continue their education in university or college. Some of our graduates have said that if not for THESTUDENTSCHOOL they would never have received their high school diploma and reached post-secondary education.
What makes us Unique
* Smaller class sizes
* Flexible timetable
* Variety of senior level courses
* Blended learning model
TSS is more than a school, it's a community.
"I believe without the help of this school I would never have graduated. It was an awful time for me in terms of my mental and physical health. My teachers at TSS cared about me, I've never felt more supported and encouraged anywhere in my life than I did at TSS. "
Ginger Cihra (class of 2021)
Check our website, thestudentschool.org or call and ask about next semester's course offerings.
More Information About THE STUDENT SCHOOL
The Art Program
Our dynamic Art Program offers focus courses in Drawing, Painting, Crafts, Ceramics, Fashion, Printmaking and Sculpture, in addition to Visual Art.
Testimonials
TSS is so important to me, it has honestly changed my life for the better. I never knew alternative schooling existed and I really wish I'd found out about it sooner.
Nicole Mohov
A positive, friendly environment where one can apply experiences and real opinions to class discussions. Where creativity and thinking outside of the box is encouraged rather then hindered.
Kali Carter
We were impressed by the way TSS prepares its students for a variety of post secondary options. By the time our daughter had completed grade 12 she was well prepared for the rigours of university. She entered her first choice program with the university's top scholarship.
Jennifer David and Hans Engell - parents
School Life - Students make things happen
Our students have been active over the years in important protests and fundraising activities for various worthy social justice causes. Some of our efforts have gone towards fundraising to building a school in Attawapiskat and the Period Purse initiative and writing protest letters to governments on issues our students care about.
Educate, Agitate and Organise
TSS students were active in the campaign to have a proper elementary school built in Attawapiskat, a first nations community in northern Ontario. In 2008 & 2009, TSS students prepared a 30 minute presentation and brought the letter writing campaign Students Helping Students to neighbourhood grade seven classes, local high schools and other alternative schools. Over the two years of the campaign, TSS students presented in classes at over 35 schools.
Good News, our efforts contributed to a successful campaign! In December of 2009, the Government of Canada finally committed to building a proper school in Attawapiskat.
A Warm and Friendly Place
Students come to TSS from across the city. Many have experienced challenges at their former schools and find a home here. Each student has a staff mentor whom they can approach at any time. Our doors are always open.
You have regular individual meetings with your personal staff advisor, to help you with course selection, planning your future and personal issues.
Enrolling at THESTUDENTSCHOOL
We welcome registrations from May to September for the Fall Semester, and December to February for the Winter Semester.
We accept students from across the city. We are located less than a 10 minute walk from the Runnymede Subway station. Call us about our courses for the upcoming semester. We can arrange a personal tour and answer all of your questions.
Please visit, www.thestudentschool.org and go to the 'Join Us - Register' tab or call (416) 393 - 9639
Additional Features
- Personal Staff Mentor
- Special Monday Program
- School wide activities and trips
- Free Snack Program & Kitchen
- Outdoor Classroom
- Student Learning Hub
- Fitness Room
- Fully Equipped Science Lab
Student Life - Where You Belong
GO TEAM
“At STUDENTSCHOOL the teachers genuinely care and try to do all they can to help you succeed. The atmosphere is one of quiet acceptance; it’s an unspoken pact that all are welcome and no one should feel otherwise. TSS is a family; we take care of each other, both teachers and students. I’ve been to three high schools and this is by far the BEST!”
Kamini Murthy-Karteweg, Graduate 2010
“TSS is so different from most other schools; you hardly feel like you’re in high school. The academics are still there, but the atmosphere is so relaxed and friendly …. I would never have completed high school if I hadn’t come here.”
Lauryn Burford, Graduate 2010
"At TSS I didn’t feel the need to conform, look and do the same as everyone else. I was able to be myself without feeling worried about being left out or being made fun of."
Cecelia Calladine, Student
“My first two years of high school felt like five, but my year and a half at STUDENT has felt like six months! Time flies when you’re having fun and gaining knowledge and skills you will actually use in the future.”
Sophie Feltes, Student
WHAT SETS US APART
THE STUDENT SCHOOL fosters an appreciation for learning as a lifelong experience. Equally important is that our students develop a healthy awareness of self-worth as well as respect for the environment and humanity in all its diversity of gender, culture, religion, colour, age, appearance, ableness, and sexual orientation.
"A note of sincere thanks is extended to all at The Student School (TSS). The school environment was a terrific experience, where students were always treated with respect and supported at all times to achieve their fullest academic potential and learn to appreciate the efforts of others to open their eyes to our ever changing world. The girls have now both graduated, and will always carry wonderful memories of the loving and caring environment. So to anyone that has an opportunity to read this testimonial...there is no finer group of caring individuals that I have ever had the chance to know...on behalf of my children and my wife and I...a heartfelt thanks to everyone at TSS."
Sincerely,
Mike Bonamico
Parent of two TSS Graduates
PARENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The Shelter Committee
For over 20 years, we have supported shelters for women and children fleeing violence and for homeless teens. Students approach parents, friends and local merchants for donations and host a live auction each December. This year alone we raised $15,000 to purchase clothing, scarves, hats, toiletries and chocolates. We assembled and distributed 225 gift packages at Christmas time to seven shelters in Toronto. Our shelter committee's efforts have been reported in the Toronto Star and the local community newspaper.
"It was a thrill to have learnt more about you from an article in the local newspaper! We have been receiving gifts from you for years yet were enlightened to learn just how much effort goes into your massive efforts. Once again, we were overwhelmed with your generosity and impressed with your organization."
Wendy Turner, Director of Evangeline Shelter