Mission

- ALPHA (A Lot of People Hoping for an Alternative) School 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, appreciation of diversity, freedom of expression, autonomy and social justice.
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At the core of the ALPHA philosophy is the recognition that all children are unique and develop differently and at different rates.

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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.
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Multi-age grouping cultivates a cooperative learning environment where peers learn from one another and look after one another.
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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.
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With a tradition of emphasizing imagination and the arts, ALPHA offers many creative activities for children.
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Lessons are delivered, not only by TDSB 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).