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By his own admission, Gaby Israel was skeptical about sending his daughter Danielle, then in Grade 3, to an alternative school. Read more


List of alternative schools

 
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Toronto, Ontario — Sunnybrook School offers the IB Primary Years Program for all students in JK - Grade 6. We have a fully integrated co-ed and 1:1 iPad program for all the grades. Our inquiry approach leads to global citizens. View School Profile.

  • 70 years
  • IB PYP World School
  • JK to Gr 6, coed
  • 1:1 iPads, JK - Gr 6
  • Singapore Math
Grades:
JK to 6 (Coed)
Type:
Progressive, International Baccalaureate
Tuition:
$31,500
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
140
Avg. Class:
16 to 20
Sunnybrook School 31500 Kindergarten Elementary Day Coed
 
 

Mississauga, Ontario — Lynn-Rose's philosophy is to create an environment that is challenging and rewarding; focusing on social, intellectual and emotional aspects of the students development through the International Baccalaureate program. View School Profile.

  • French/English
  • Drama/Virtual Theatre Production/ Virtual Instrumental Music
  • Field Trips & Clubs
  • Events: Book Fairs, Winter/Spring Concerts, Music & Art Gallery, French Cafe
  • Transportation Available upon request
Grades:
PS to 12 (Coed)
Type:
Progressive, International Baccalaureate
Tuition:
$17,700 to $22,000
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
600
Avg. Class:
16 to 18
Lynn-Rose School 17700 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
 
 

Waterloo Region (Breslau), Ontario — SJK offers an enriched environment of exploration and experiential learning. Through its IB curriculum, SJK provides exciting experiences and guides students to discover their talents and passions. Go beyond at SJK. View School Profile.

  • Accredited IB World Continuum School
  • Experienced, passionate, professional teachers
  • Project-based, design-thinking experiential learning
  • Extensive co-curricular programmes in athletics, arts, leadership and community service
  • Outdoor experiential learning
Grades:
JK to 12 (Coed)
Type:
Progressive, International Baccalaureate
Tuition:
$19,720 to $73,700
Living:
Day/Boarding
Enrollment:
470
Avg. Class:
10 to 17
St. John's-Kilmarnock School 19720 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Coed
 
 

Toronto, Ontario — The York School is a JK-Grade 12 Gender Inclusive IB World School in midtown Toronto. Our mission is to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who are engaged citizens of the world. View School Profile.

  • International Baccalaureate World School (JK - Grade 12)
  • 100% university placement rate
  • Gender Inclusive learning environment
  • Progressive, contemporary approach
  • International community
Grades:
JK to 12 (Coed)
Type:
Progressive, International Baccalaureate
Tuition:
$35,000
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
742
Avg. Class:
15 to 20
The York School 35000 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
 
 

Toronto, Ontario — Located in the heart of Toronto, UCC provides transformational learning experiences with exceptional day and boarding programs. Our highly sought-after graduates are awarded International Baccalaureate and OSSD diplomas. View School Profile.

  • High-achieving, all-round students
  • Challenging but rewarding IB program
  • First rate academics, athletics and arts
  • 19 different sports and 80+ clubs
  • Boutique urban boarding program
Grades:
SK to 12 (Boys)
Type:
Liberal Arts, International Baccalaureate
Tuition:
$36,750 to $71,875
Living:
Boarding/Day
Enrollment:
1200
Avg. Class:
20 to 25
Upper Canada College 36750 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Boarding Day Boys
 
 

Toronto, Ontario — Branksome Hall is Toronto’s only all-girls, all-years International Baccalaureate (IB) World School developing the leaders of tomorrow through the nurturing of curiosity and critical thinking at every age. View School Profile.

  • 13-acre downtown campus
  • Athletics and Wellness Centre
  • IB programs: JK to Grade 12
  • Leadership opportunities
  • Boarding starting in Grade 7
Grades:
JK to 12 (Girls)
Type:
Liberal Arts, International Baccalaureate
Tuition:
$37,130 to $75,020
Living:
Day/Boarding
Enrollment:
960
Avg. Class:
16 to 22
Branksome Hall 37130 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Girls
 
 

Toronto, Ontario — The Clover School's innovative curriculum combines Montessori essentials with heart-centred learning practices designed to nurture the ​mind​, heart, health, and soul of each child. View School Profile.

  • Over 25 years of Montessori Innovation Providing Real-World Education Raising 21st Century Adults
  • Three Toronto Campuses (18 months - Gr. 8) in Toronto's Midtown and West End
  • Integrated Four-Pillar Curriculum, Character & Entrepreneurship Education, Inquiry Based Learning
  • French, Visual Arts, Music, Dance, Drama, Yoga, Sports, Mindfulness, STEAM, Outdoor Education
  • Year-Round Urban Farming Program in Partnership with The Edible Lab
Grades:
NS to 8 (Coed)
Type:
Montessori
Tuition:
$15,100 to $24,200
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
400
Avg. Class:
10 to 30
The Clover School 15100 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
  • Toronto, Ontario
  • NS to 6 Coed
  • $8,750 to $19,900

CMS provides a quality Montessori education for Casa and Elementary students. Set on beautiful campuses children are inspired to learn their role in protecting the global environment and fostering peace and harmony.

  • Day
  • Montessori
Central Montessori Schools 8750 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary Day Day Day Coed

TMS  

  • Richmond Hill, Ontario
    Bayview/Hwy 407
  • PS to 12 Coed
  • $19,100 to $32,700

TMS is a leading, accredited independent school that offers a unique design of Montessori and International Baccalaureate programmes. Our students thrive in academics while building a foundation of Significance for life.

  • Day
  • Montessori
  • International Baccalaureate
TMS 19100 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
  • Ottawa, Ontario
    Buena Vista Road/Springfield Road
  • PS to 12 Girls
  • $16,160 to $30,900

Elmwood School is Ottawa's pre-eminent school for girls from PreK to Gr. 12. Our high academic standards, small class sizes and safe, supportive environment ensure that each girl is inspired to reach her full potential.

  • Day
  • Progressive
  • International Baccalaureate
Elmwood School 16160 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Girls
  • Brampton, Ontario
    Sunforest Drive/Bovaird Drive E
  • PS to 8 Coed
  • $15,100 to $15,600

RMS is an award-winning progressive private school. We focus on excellence, participation, leadership, and inclusivity while developing each child’s academic strengths, both in traditional and 21st Century skills.

  • Day
  • Progressive
Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS) 15100 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
  • Vancouver, British Columbia
  • K to 12 Coed
  • $24,540 to $28,670

Stratford Hall takes learning beyond IB with its IDEA Lab, OEE and partner schools, where students strive to develop harmony between the urban and natural world through activities like camping, music, and orienteering.

  • Day
  • Liberal Arts
  • International Baccalaureate
Stratford Hall 24540 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
  • Ottawa, Ontario
    Bank Street/Marché Way
  • 7 to 12 Coed
  • $18,810 to $21,905

The Element nurtures focused, engaged and internally motivated students who strive to do their best. The Element High School provides conditions that will put youth ‘in their element,’ in school and beyond.

  • Day
  • Progressive
  • Montessori
The Element High School 18810 MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
  • Rothesay, New Brunswick
    Rothesay Rd/College Hill Rd
  • 6 to 12 Coed
  • $25,130 to $70,830

Our unique, daily Advisor Program ensures every student is surrounded by a strong network of highly qualified, dedicated faculty and staff whose mission is to provide academic, emotional, and social guidance and support.

  • Day/Boarding
  • Liberal Arts
  • International Baccalaureate
Rothesay Netherwood School 25130 MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Coed
  • Mississauga, Ontario
    Tomken Rd./Eglinton Ave. E
  • NS to 8 Coed
  • $10,500 to $16,350

Northstar Montessori offers an accredited Montessori curriculum from Toddler age to Grade 8. Our goal is to develop strong character and contributing citizens who understand that their involvement makes a difference.

  • Day
  • Montessori
Northstar Montessori Private School 10500 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
  • Mississauga, Ontario
    Erin Mills Parkway/Argentia Rd
  • JK to 12 Coed
  • $10,095 to $14,395

We are different! As a leading IB World School and university preparatory school with a focus on student life, SJA students are inspired to confidently make their mark in the world.

  • Day
  • Progressive
  • International Baccalaureate
St. Jude's Academy 10095 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
  • Oakville, Ontario
    Trafalgar Road/Dundas
  • PS to 3 Coed
  • $14,995 to $16,595

TRMS uniquely provides enriched French as a second language (FSL) instruction for all levels from Preschool to Elementary. We give students a head start in their educational journey by insuring they "Love to Learn"!

  • Day
  • Montessori
Trafalgar Ridge Montessori School 14995 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary Day Coed
  • Victoria, British Columbia
  • JK to 12 Coed
  • $20,840 to $73,145

GNS is an independent JK-12 International Baccalaureate boarding and day school in Victoria, BC, that challenges and supports each of our students to do their best through truth and courage in learning and in life.

  • Boarding/Day/Homestay
  • Progressive
  • International Baccalaureate
Glenlyon Norfolk School 20840 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Boarding Day Homestay Coed
  • Oakville, Ontario
    Winston Churchill/Lakeshore Road East
  • NS to 8 Coed
  • $10,000 to $20,000

Clanmore is one of the few schools offering authentic Montessori programming from Toddler - Middle School. Our culture is warm and inviting and our philosophy empowers us to support each child as a unique individual.

  • Day
  • Montessori
Clanmore Montessori School 10000 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
  • Toronto, Ontario
    Spadina Ave/College Street
  • NS to 8 Coed
  • $20,700 to $23,300

Authentic, CCMA accredited Montessori Schools located in downtown Toronto, offering programs for Toddlers, Casa, Elementary and Adolescent children in beautiful settings with large and expansive natural playgrounds.

  • Day
  • Montessori
Westside Montessori School 20700 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
  • Richmond Hill, Ontario
    Yonge Street/Silverwood Ave.
  • PS to 12 Coed
  • $17,700 to $27,500

Century Private School in Richmond Hill runs from preschool to grade twelve, with small class ratio to ensure best learning for our students.

  • Day
  • Montessori
  • International Baccalaureate
Century Private School 17700 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
  • Ottawa, Ontario
    Highway 417/Greenbank
  • JK to 12 Coed
  • $21,890 to $24,158

Acadecap International School (Académie de la Capitale), an IB World School, offers bilingual and/or English programmes from JK to Grade 12. Students thrive in a growth mindset environment and a culture of excellence.

  • Day
  • Progressive
  • International Baccalaureate
Académie de la Capitale 21890 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
  • Scarborough, Ontario
    Kennedy Road/Progress Avenue
  • NS to 6 Coed
  • $16,775 to $17,200

Enquiring Minds Montessori is a one-of-a-kind Montessori Art School. We have created a unique learning experience that fosters academic and artistic excellence in a nurturing environment while challenging young minds.

  • Day
  • Montessori
Enquiring Minds Montessori 16775 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary Day Coed
  • Ottawa, Ontario
    Alta Vista Drive/Industrial Road
  • NS to 6 Coed
  • $16,045 to $27,202

OMS Montessori is a non for profit, independent school offering separate French and English programs within a world class Montessori environment.

  • Day
  • Montessori
OMS Montessori 16045 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary Day Coed
  • Richmond Hill, Ontario
  • JK to 8 Coed
  • $22,000

Richland Academy is a progressive, innovative Reggio-inspired and International Baccalaureate (IB) PYP Authorized and MYP Candidate School for children from JK to Grade 8.

  • Day
  • Progressive
  • International Baccalaureate
Richland Academy 22000 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
  • Newmarket, Ontario
    Bayview Ave/Newpark Blvd
  • JK to 12 Coed
  • $8,100 to $25,900

Situated on seven acres of rolling parkland and gardens, Country Garden Montessori Academy in Newmarket is a co-ed private day school for students in grades PS-12. The school provides a family atmosphere and is committed the intellectual growth and emotional well-being of students.

  • Day/Homestay
  • Montessori
Country Garden Montessori Academy 8100 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Homestay Coed
  • Brantford, Ontario
    Charlotte St/Chatham St
  • NS to SK Coed
  • $12,000 to $13,000

Located in Brantford, Ontario, Montessori House of Children (MHC) provides excellent programs for grades Nursery to 3 and helps young children reach their learning potential with both independent and self-directed learning. MHC also offers support for students with learning differences.

  • Day
  • Montessori
Montessori House of Children 12000 Preschool Kindergarten Day Coed
  • Markham, Ontario
    14th Ave/Kennedy
  • NS to 12 Coed
  • $11,500 to $37,500

Trillium School is a private school that offers programs from pre-school to grade twelve in Markham with Montessori-based kindergarten.

  • Day/Boarding
  • Traditional
  • Montessori
Trillium School 11500 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Day Boarding Coed
  • Toronto, Ontario
    Davenport Rd/Spadina Rd
  • PS to 8 Coed
  • $14,325 to $22,650

Small class sizes and our unique curriculum - infused with Arts, Movement, Outdoor Education - create deeper connections across subjects, at all child development stages. Parents describe us as “schooling with heart".

  • Day
  • Waldorf
Waldorf Academy 14325 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
  • Toronto, Ontario
    Bathurst St./Eglinton Ave. West
  • PS to 6 Coed
  • $15,500 to $17,500

NOW WITH LICENSED DAYCARE! Bring your child for a free trial to let him or her experience the difference. Don't be surprised if he or she doesn't want to go home at the end of the day! SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS AVAILABLE!

  • Day
  • Montessori
  • Waldorf
Alive Montessori & Private School 15500 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary Day Coed
  • Burlington, Ontario
    Appleby Line/Upper Middle Road
  • PS to 12 Coed
  • $10,500 to $17,600

Halton Waldorf School offers an education that fosters confidence, independence and intelligence. Located on five forested acres, the school has been uniquely designed to support the goals of Waldorf education. Est 1984

  • Day
  • Waldorf
Halton Waldorf School 10500 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
  • Aurora, Ontario
    St. John Sideroad/Yonge St.
  • NS to 8 Coed
  • $19,400 to $22,150

Aurora Montessori offers an enriched Montessori program for students, Toddler to Grade 8, with an option of an OSSD credit in Grade 9 Math. A unique Mindfulness and Technology program develops key 21st-century skills!

  • Day
  • Montessori
Aurora Montessori School 19400 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
  • Mississauga, Ontario
  • NS to 5 Coed
  • $5,140 to $10,850

ABC Montessori is one of Mississauga's premier private schools. We offers both Montessori and traditional school programs from preschool to Grade 5 with an emphasis on developing literacy, numeracy, sciences, and arts.

  • Day
  • Traditional
  • Montessori
ABC Montessori 5140 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary Day Day Coed
  • Oakville, Ontario
  • K to 8 Coed
  • $15,700 to $26,000

Rotherglen School - OAKVILLE offers programs for students age 4 to grade eight. The average class size is 18 students.

  • Day
  • Progressive
  • Montessori
Rotherglen School - Oakville 15700 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
  • Pickering, Ontario
  • NS to 8 Coed
  • $9,000 to $13,000

Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering is a non denominational, inclusive school that offers programs from Pre-school to Grade eight. We acknowledge and celebrate religious and cultural events as part of our cultural program.

  • Day
  • Montessori
Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering 9000 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
  • Mississauga, Ontario
  • JK to 8 Coed
  • $14,000 to $19,000

Rotherglen School - MISSISSAUGA is a montessori school that offers programs from JK to grade eight. The average class size is 18 students.

  • Day
  • Progressive
  • Montessori
Rotherglen School - Mississauga 14000 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
  • Oakville, Ontario
    QEW/Ford Drive / Ninth Line
  • NS to 6 Coed
  • $8,100 to $15,608

La Villa Montessori is an AMI recognized School that adheres to Dr. Montessori's principles. We provide a nurturing environment that fulfills the child's emotional, social, physical and intellectual needs.

  • Day
  • Montessori
La Villa Montessori School 8100 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary Day Coed
  • Mississauga, Ontario
    Hurontario/Queensway
  • NS to SK Coed
  • $7,800 to $12,000

Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School in Mississauga offers Casa Montessori programs for children a ged 2.5 to 6. Before- and after-school care and summer camps also available.

  • Day
  • Montessori
Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School 7800 Preschool Kindergarten Day Coed
  • Toronto, Ontario
    Prince Edward Dr N/Bloor Street West
  • NS to SK Coed
  • $7,325 to $14,934

Prince Edward Montessori School offers programs for various grades in Toronto. Its average class size is ten to 16 students.

  • Day
  • Montessori
Prince Edward Montessori School 7325 Preschool Kindergarten Day Coed
  • Thornhill, Ontario
    Bathurst St/Rutherford Rd
  • NS to 12 Coed
  • $18,000 to $21,000

Toronto Waldorf School offers a curriculum that integrates academics, arts and movement while addressing the intellectual, physical, emotional and social aspects of child development from preschool to gr. 12.

  • Day
  • Waldorf
Toronto Waldorf School 18000 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
  • Thornhill, Ontario
    Weston Road/Rutherford Road
  • NS to 12 Coed
  • $18,598 to $24,998

King Heights Academy provides a unique educational experience for toddlers to grade 12 which includes the IB Program. Preschool, Pre- Kindergarten, Kindergarten, Elementary, Intermediate & Secondary Programs offered.

  • Day
  • Traditional
  • International Baccalaureate
King Heights Academy 18598 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
  • Toronto, Ontario
    Queen Street East/Glen Manor Drive
  • PS to 8 Coed
  • $7,200 to $22,275

Our objective is to guide children with respect and understanding, developing in them a love of learning. Our aim is to create a nurturing environment full of intellectual, social and moral learning and development.

  • Day
  • Montessori
Avalon Children's Montessori School 7200 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
  • Toronto, Ontario
  • PS to 8 Coed
  • $12,500 to $19,900

Humberside Montessori School is internationally recognized and accredited by Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). Our AMI certified teachers provide an authentic Montessori experience for our students.

  • Day
  • Montessori
Humberside Montessori School 12500 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
  • Ottawa, Ontario
    Baseline Rd./Woodroffe Ave.
  • NS to 8 Coed
  • $6,183 to $17,840

Bishop Hamilton Montessori School, a not-for-profit independent school in Ottawa, provides an authentic Christian Montessori approach for children 3 months to 14 years.

  • Day
  • Montessori
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School 6183 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
  • Oakville, Ontario
    Lakeshore Road East/Bel Air Drive
  • NS to 8 Coed
  • $9,900 to $23,900

Offering Montessori programs from Toddler to Grade 8, Dearcroft is accredited by CCMA and staffed by dedicated teachers.

  • Day
  • Montessori
Dearcroft Montessori School 9900 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
  • Whitby, Ontario
    Brock Street South/Dundas Streer West
  • NS to 8 Coed
  • $11,250

The Hatch House Montessori School is a very child centered school where each student is respected for their uniqueness and is guided through learning accordingly. Ask about our unique, fully bilingual elementary program.

  • Day
  • Montessori
Hatch House Montessori School 11250 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
  • Peterborough, Ontario
    Highway 7/Burnham Line
  • PS to 8 Coed
  • $13,920 to $17,785

Kawartha Montessori School is the only CCMA-accredited school in the region. We offer an education that inspires academic excellence and develops socially responsible, independent, and confident individuals.

  • Day
  • Montessori
Kawartha Montessori School 13920 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
  • Mississauga, Ontario
    Glen Erin/Dundas
  • NS to 6 Coed
  • $15,750 to $16,250

Kaban Montessori School is a CCMA accredited school in the west of Mississauga area . We ensure that our environments foster each child's interests and abilities while supporting them to achieve their full potential.

  • Day
  • Montessori
Kaban Montessori School 15750 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary Day Coed
  • Toronto, Ontario
  • NS to 6 Coed
  • $17,975 to $27,300

Bannockburn School leads in Montessori education by offering an exceptional, enriched Montessori curriculum in a nurturing environment carefully prepared to meet the needs of children in the formative years of childhood.

  • Day
  • Montessori
Bannockburn 17975 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary Day Coed
  • Maple Ridge, British Columbia
    240th Street/Dewdney Trunk Road
  • JK to 12 Coed
  • $28,400 to $38,400

Our practices in teaching and learning are exemplified by our outstanding academic results and are achieved through the active engagement of the head, heart, and hands.

  • Day
  • Progressive
  • International Baccalaureate
Meadowridge School 28400 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
  • Whitchurch-stouffville, Ontario
    Ninth Line/Main Street
  • PS to 8 Coed
  • $7,620 to $16,350

Toronto French Montessori offers French and English programs from pre-school to grade 8 in York Region. Its average class size is 15 students.

  • Day
  • Montessori
Toronto French Montessori 7620 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Day Coed
  • St. Catharines, Ontario
    Edinburgh Dr/Scott Street
  • NS to 8 Coed
  • $7,075 to $14,775

We provide students with opportunities to explore real-world concepts and issues, broadening their sense of responsibility, develop their critical thinking skills, and empower them to take action in a global community.

  • Day
  • Montessori
  • International Baccalaureate
Wheatley School 7075 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed

"It wasn't like, 'OK, they can convince me in a week or so,'" he recalls. "I was trying to challenge it over, and over, and over again."

Gaby Israel had to be convinced that when he enrolled his daughter in Toronto Waldorf School, an alternative school that focuses on social and emotional development in addition to academics, Danielle would be able to thrive.

By the end of his first parent-teacher meeting, he had his answer.

"We saw the teachers, and that actually was the turning point for me," he says. "You feel as if they're on some kind of a mission. They're very much like mentors, not like teachers."

Though dedicated teachers can be found in schools of all varieties, Queen's University professor of education Rena Upitis says the didactic nature of alternative education lends itself to more zealous educators.

"There is more of an 'evangelical' tone to the rhetoric that some teachers in alternative schools adopt—and in those cases, being 'on a mission' seems an accurate observation," she says. "My experience is that this is more likely to occur in the alternative schools where a particular philosophical, pedagogical, and world-view is embedded in the schooling."

Toronto Waldorf is just one example of an alternative school, which can differ from traditional schools in focus, style of teaching, pedagogy and subject matter. For example, rather than focusing strictly on academics, Toronto Waldorf takes what it calls a "deeper perspective" on education, striving to develop children intellectually, socially and emotionally.

Danielle recently graduated from Toronto Waldorf, having spent nine years at the school and transitioning from its "lower school" elementary program to its "upper school" or high school. Having thrived during her time at a Waldorf school, she attributes her success at the school as much to her peers as to pedagogy.

"Because our class is so small, we're a family," she says of her classmates "So it's nice going from one family to the next (each morning)."

While Waldorf's "deeper perspective" has helped Danielle thrive, Upitis notes that choosing an alternative school is a subjective process. Each one takes a unique approach, which may suit some students while failing others. It's a matter of finding the right philosophy and the right school for your child.

"Waldorf is not for every child," she offers as an example.

In addition, Danielle benefited from remaining at Toronto Waldorf through elementary and high school, rather than making the transition to a new school that many students make after Grade 8.

"There can be difficulties transitioning to other schooling systems from Waldorf schools," Upitis says, "and the 'evangelical' tone can also be off-putting for some."

But having recently been accepted to Jersualem's Hebrew Universityher first choiceDanielle has proven herself an accomplished student. According to her father, she owes at least part of her success to the fact that she found the right fit within a particular form of alternative education.

"It took me a while to really understand that," Gaby Israel says.

Dave Bowden
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