Admissions

We strongly encourage prospective new families to inform themselves about free schooling and democratic education. A good place to start is the “About” page of this website, where you will also find links to other sources of information.

The application process:

  1. Attend the open house
    Learn about ALPHA by attending the open house. At the open house, teachers, parents, and students share some context for our type of alternative education and answer questions. This year’s open house will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2025 from 6pm to 8pm. The open house will be at ALPHA, located at 20 Brant St, Toronto.
  2. Attend a tour of the school
    Take a tour of the school during the ALPHA open house, or by calling to schedule a tour, (416) 393-1880.
  3. Apply online
    The online application form is open from January 6 to 4pm on January 31, 2025.

Lottery and wait list

Every year many more families apply than we have space for. Following board policy, we lottery the families who have completed the application process to fill available spots. Families who do not get a spot through the lottery can request to be placed on the wait list, which is carried over to subsequent years.

Options

We encourage you to also apply elsewhere as space at ALPHA is limited and demand is high.  Although there are no other democratic schools in Toronto, certain aspects of our programming can be found in other schools. Below are some links to assist you in your research.

Virtual Open House February 9, 6pm

Meet with staff, parents and kids for a friendly introduction to all things ALPHA. Explore “a day at ALPHA”, learn about the Parent Group and the various Committees that help

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ALPHA’s turning 50!!!

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What Does “Alternative” Even Mean?!

Last month on RewirED, we asked the question “What the heck does “ALTERNATIVE” education even mean?” What makes it different than a quote unquote “traditional” style of schooling? Listen in

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ALPHA is: Addressing Anti-Asian Racism

Our very own Emily Chan was involved in this thoroughly insightful and educational document! Thank you, Emily, for your consistent persistence in promoting social responsibility and social justice! ADDRESSING ANTI-ASIAN

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Virtual Open House and Admissions

ALPHA (A Lot of People Hoping for an Alternative) School is Toronto’s original democratic school (the oldest elementary alternative public school in Toronto, operating since 1972), and is part of

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