The Student School

'THESTUDENTSCHOOL' is an alternative high school in the Toronto District School Board, founded in 1979 for people who had dropped out of high school to find work before graduating, mostly from general-level academic programmes. Finding that not having their high school diploma restricted their job opportunities, however, they now wished to return to earn it. In 1983 TSS changed its focus on drop-outs to also accepting transfers from other high schools.

The school started with 4 teachers and 64 students and was housed in the Eastdale Collegiate building. It then was moved to the Western Technical-Commercial School building, sharing the space with Western and Ursula Franklin Academy. It now has approximately 160 students and 9 teachers and generally offers 11th and 12th grade academic courses.

The school is based loosely on the principles of participatory democracy. It allows students to vote on significant school policies and actions taken on by the school community in bi-weekly general assemblies. Notably, students and teachers alike receive one vote. Furthermore, students are encouraged to take an active role in community and global politics through various committees and organizations present at school.

It is well known for its support of social justice causes and boycotts. For example, it has a yearly auction that works as a fundraiser for women living in shelters over the holiday season. Also it is home to a community-run garden, a kitchen collective that provides subsidized lunches and free breakfasts to students, and a number of student-run associations.

The school has a number of unique course offerings that correspond to various standard course codes recognized by the Toronto District School Board, for example, "a history of imperialism and protest," "women and gender studies," or "alternative economic models."

Much like several other alternative schools, teachers are on a first name basis with students.