We are parents/guardians/students of the Toronto District School Board’s Alternative High Schools.

TDSB Alternative High Schools are small, engaging schools suited for students with individual learning styles/preferences and/or needs.  Many students have individual education plans and/or learning disabilities while some identify as LGTBQ2S+ or are vulnerable. The inclusive, nurturing, creative environment in alternative high schools provides an education for these children who would otherwise be left behind. If not for alternative schools a lot of students would not complete their high school education.

We are VERY concerned to learn that the TDSB’s Alternative High Schools have lost funding for the coming school year and as a result at least 4 Alternative high schools, Inglenook, City School, SEED and Subway Academy II will be losing valuable teachers, thus putting students at risk.

PLEASE SIGN THIS PETITION TO PROTECT OUR CHILDREN’S EDUCATION

Each alternative school currently has 4 teachers (in fact 3.5 as 1 is part time guidance) leaving each with only 2.5 teachers. These teachers maintain a safe, rich surrounding in which to learn. The TDSB cuts will jeopardize our student’s education. The welfare of these community schools is being threatened. Once the pandemic is over these schools will be needed even more.

The TDSB claims that it is committed to developing and promoting alternative schools as a viable pathway and program choices.  However, the TDSB does not support alternative schools when it is continually underfunding them by cutting teachers and programs.  In our opinion, this is death by a thousand cuts by the TDSB.

Alternative TDSB high schools are a sanctuary for students who don’t fit the mold in large high schools. Kids come from all over the GTA just to attend. The teachers are compassionate, supportive and empathetic. Alternative high schools provide a safe haven for neurodiverse youth or youth who simply learn differently.  After attending an alternative school, many students go on to pursue post secondary education. Under other circumstances they might not have done so. As parents and guardians, we can tell you from experience that our children were lost until they found an alternative school. 

These schools fill a valuable niche and it would be a tragedy to have to turn students away. 

PLEASE SIGN THIS PETITION TO PROTECT OUR CHILDREN.

PLEASE share on social media  #SaveOurAltSchools #TDSBAlternativeSchools #ProtectOurStudents #SaveOurTeachers  @TDSB