Personalized Alternative Education (PAE) programming is unique and reflective of the school community and student needs at each school. PAE uses alternative classroom settings and specialized timetables in order to service the individual needs of students.
Most PAE programmes take a holistic approach to student progress in that we create student programmes with the entire student in mind (social, emotional, mental, academic).
Students/Parent/Guardians interested in PAE programming, should connect with Guidance, Student Success or school administration.
There is a focus on developing the skill set required for 21st century learning.
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
- Collaboration across Networks and Leading by Influence
- Agility and Adaptability
- Initiative and Entrepreneurialism
- Effective Oral and Written Communication
- Accessing and Analyzing Information
- Curiosity and Imagination
Programmes include:
*program availability will vary from school to school.
Alternative Learning Experiential Program (ALEP)
These semester-long programmes combine work experience with classroom learning. Programmes may consist of an in-class component where students earn a core credit such as English or Math. In addition, they can earn ALEP (Community Based Work Experience) credits for working in a paid/unpaid job placement.
Dual Credit Program
These courses are conducted with the co-operation and partnership of one of Ontario's colleges. Students will earn both college and high school credit for these courses. Dual credits courses are generally for mature students who are in their final year of high school.
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)
OYAP allows students to explore and work in apprenticeship trades starting in grade 11 or grade 12. Students have an opportunity to become registered apprentices and work towards becoming certified journeyperson in a skilled trade while completing their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). In addition, students may apply to the Grade 12 Accelerated OYAP program which can lead to completing their Level 1 training certification while in their last semester of high school.
PAE Semestered Program
These programmes are unique and vary from location to location. They operate on a reduced class size (1:16 teacher-student ratio) and combine teacher-directed courses with independent learning and credit recovery. They generally follow the regular school semester.
Project-Based Experience Program (TEAM, EOP)
These programmes generally utilize community partnerships to provide real-world projects. They usually include both classroom learning and experiential, fieldwork and/or work experience opportunities. Programme duration varies: some are full-year others are semestered. All fieldwork is directly supervised by the teacher.
Quadmester Program
These are nine-week, two-period courses that run four times per year. Courses vary by school and region. Some schools offer multi-level, multi-grade courses which run on a reduced class size (1:16 teacher student ratio).
Supervised Alternative Learning Program (SAL)
This program supports students between 14-17 years of age to remain engaged and stay connected to their school community through a variety of programs and activities to meet their goals and address barriers to their learning. Students must be referred to SAL by the school administration. The intake must be finalized by the central board SAL committee. Once admitted to SAL, students will have time tables created on an individual basis which may include work experience, Credit Recovery, counselling, community involvement and/or teacher-directed instruction.