ALPHA is Toronto’s original democratic school (oldest elementary alternative public school in Toronto, operating since 1972), and is part of a growing number of similar schools worldwide.
- The ALPHA school environment is designed to maximize the development of core values: competence, initiative, self-respect, cooperation & social responsibility, diversity, freedom of expression, autonomy and social justice.
- At the core of the ALPHA philosophy is the recognition that all children are unique and develop differently and at different rates.
- Multi-age grouping cultivates a cooperative learning environment where peers learn from one another and look after one another.
- ALPHA encourages active engagement with real and meaningful pursuits, and even the youngest children are encouraged to develop a personal sense of responsibility for their own learning. Children choose what, how, and when they learn to the greatest extent possible.
- With a tradition of emphasizing imagination and the arts, ALPHA offers many creative activities for children.
- ALPHA also emphasizes the development of communication and conflict resolution skills. An understanding of social justice is acquired through social interaction and the development of critical thinking skills.
- Teaching is done not only by certified teachers, but also by the children, their parents, and other people coming into the school on a regular basis.
ALPHA is a fully public school within the Toronto District School Board (TDSB).
To learn more about the school and democratic education, please browse through the pages on our site: