Alpha II is the only publicly funded free school in Canada (and possibly the world!) and it caters to grades 7-12. The foundational pillars of the school are self-directed learning and a community based on consensus, which combine to form our open learning environment.

SELF DIRECTION

As a self-directed free school, Mentees (students) decide what they do each day, and the responsibility for their learning rests with them. Mentors (the adults) are there to support mentees and guide them when they need it, but as a student here you are ultimately responsible for choosing: what you learn, when you learn, and how you learn. 

There are no tests or grades at Alpha II, as both go against the philosophy of learning that we practice here. Further, because we are self-directed, we technically do not follow the Ontario Curriculum. As a result, students do not earn credits or work toward an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). 

Instead, in consultation with teachers and other community members, mentees define their personal goals for education and track their learning by creating a portfolio of work. These portfolios document the goals, process, and tell the story of each student's learning and growth. Our graduates use their portfolios to pursue their choice of career or post-secondary education.