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:
- Attend an information session
Parents must first attend an information session. At this session, teachers, parents, and students share some context for our type of alternative education and answer questions. This year’s information session will be held on Thursday, February 2, 2017 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm. The session will be at ALPHA, located at 20 Brant St, Toronto. - Fill out an application package
The application packages are distributed at the information session. Once we receive the completed packages, your child is placed on a list of interested families. - Attend a tour of the school
Families applying for JK must sign up for one of the group tours at the information session. Tours for SK-6 applicants are arranged with families who are contacted when there is a possibility of a spot opening for them.
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.
- Neighbourhood school search (TDSB)
- Public alternative schools (TDSB)