What Happens After?

So your time at ALPHA II is coming to an end, and you might be wondering: "What does my future look like without a high school diploma?!?! " Not to worry, many of our mentees go on to college, university, or directly into the workforce, and many have already started that journey before they've even left us! The key to figuring out what you're doing after Alpha II is to:

BE PROACTIVE WHILE YOU'RE AT Alpha II!

HOW TO BE PROACTIVE

Start the Conversation Early

What & Why: Begin exploring options early. One of the things that makes Alpha II so special is that it gives you time to try out the different things that you're interested in, even if those aren't subjects studied in mainstream school. At Alpha II, you're given time, space, and resources to explore all kinds of learning in all kinds of ways, and to plan your future.
Mentee‑led Learning: Engage in open discussions with your family, mentors, and professionals you meet about your strengths, goals, and what matters to you. Alpha II is about mentee choice and agency, so you're in charge!
Skill Building: Use these years to build foundational habits—organization, independent study, record‑keeping—without last-minute pressure or artificial busy work projects.

Understand Aspirations: If university is the goal, plan for academically rigorous learning. If college, trades, or entrepreneurship paths feel more fitting, select academic, hands-on, or experiential learning accordingly.

Be Strategic About Post‑Secondary Requirements

Research Requirements: Begin investigating what colleges or universities (or apprenticeship/trade programs) expect. Look at course prerequisites, portfolio guidelines, and any standardized assessments.
Reach Out: Connect with admissions counselors early to ask about requirements for students from Homeschool or Free Schools like Alpha II. Post secondary schools typically value portfolios and project-based learning—know how to package yours effectively.
Build Relationships: Visits or orientation chats help admissions staff understand students beyond transcripts. At Alpha II, our mentor‑student coaching helps mentees find an authentic story to tell.

Track Your Applications and Requirements

Stay Organized: After submitting applications, double-check that all portfolio items, outside of school projects, and recommendations have been received.
Follow Up Regularly: Institutions don’t always notify applicants that items are missing—proactivity ensures nothing slips through the cracks.

Why “Proactive” Matters

Being proactive (anticipating future needs and taking early action) smooths the path to post-secondary success. At Alpha II, we align with this by empowering students to lead, plan, and prepare, supported by mentors and the school community.

There is no 'right' way to go through school, but there are some stages to focus on

Grades 7–8

Explore your options & build independent work habits

Grade 9

Grow your portfolio and start documenting your growth; Explore learning opportunities

Grade 10

Look into learning outside of the building, including post-secondary; start organizing your portfolio

Grade 11

Expand your interests, skillset, and portfolio. Begin reaching out to programs; Start to refine your learning focus towards possible options after high school.

Grade 12

Refine and curate your portfolio to highlight your abilities based on your post secondary choices. Finalize application materials; confirm everything is submitted.

ALPHA II PATHWAYS

It is important to note that every person's pathway will look different. The following steps are generalized and do not consider each person's unique educational history.

Transfer to another high school

Step 1 - Do your research: what school are you hoping to transfer to? Consolidate a list of high schools you are hoping to attend & why you want to transfer schools.

Step 2 -Contact the Guidance Department: Find out if/when they are accepting new students. Tell them about ALPHA II, projects you worked on, and share your portfolio of learning.

Step 3 Book an Appointment: Contact TDSB Secondary Assessment Centres (TSAC) & arrange an assessment appointment, if needed. Here you will be assessed in English and math and assigned a grade level. This will help guidance counselors place you in appropriate course levels.

The mentors are here to help you too!

Go to College

Step 1: Wait until you can apply as a mature student (usually 19 or older), without a diploma: You can still apply to most, if not all, schools.

Step 2: Do your research. Visit OCAS. Look into different college programs and check out program specific admission criteria.

Many college programs have specific application processes for non-diploma / homeschooled students. Connect with student services at your college of choice for further information. In many cases, you may be sent to an assessment center as a part of your application.

Step 3: If needed, request a letter of confirmation from ALPHA II ALTERNATIVE. This letter will confirm your attendance at our school from your official start date. The letter will include a description of the school, freeschooling, and mention of specific projects that you worked on during their time at ALPHA II. You must have a consolidated portfolio with specific work for it to be mentioned in the letter.

*This letter does not grant an OSSD, nor does it provide grades or credit equivalency*

Go to university

OPTION 1: If you are 16 years old or older, you can apply to one of the 'Open Universities' (University of Guelph, Athabasca University or Thompson Rivers University, for instance) without a high school diploma or 6 grade 12 credits (so long as you meet the English requirement).

OPTION 2: Wait until you can apply as a mature student, without a diploma: you can still apply to most, if not all, schools. Get your application ready!

Mature Student A: Take six grade 12 courses as one off classes, without getting a diploma. Some universities accept students without an OSSD as long as students provide six completed university level grade 12 courses. Each university program will outline minimum grades in each of these courses.

Mature Student B: Apply to university after taking college courses/credits. Many colleges now offer classes accepted by universities. There are different opportunities to transition to university programs from college, depending on the college and university.

Mature Student C: Complete an academic 'Bridging Program' at a university (University of Toronto has a great one). These are individual classes or semesters of classes that will demonstrate your academic abilities to the university. These are offered by the universities themselves.