Passages is a truly alternative approach to education for young people ages 11-18. We know that when one feels good, they do good. Many of our youth haven't felt very "good" for much of their school life, and now that they're able to be in community with others whom they connect with, the healing begins.
This healing naturally leads to curiosity and a new willingness to engage in their education
At Passages, young people have autonomy and choice to join:
Classes and workshops
Receive guidance through 1:1 mentoring and coaching
Follow passions and dive deep into interests
Join a safe community that cares for one another
Work on committees and run their own classes
Work on credit-earning classes with support through ILC or VLC
Young people don’t already need to be self-directed learners to join us. Our 1:1 mentoring and community culture guides them.
Community
Being a part of the Passages Community means joining a group of young people who want a place to come every day where they are allowed to be themselves. We operate as a democratic centre, where decisions are made by the youth at our Weekly Community Meeting.
Many of our youth have ADHD, Autism (low support needs), Learning Disabilities, or are gifted/twice exceptional. Having a place where autonomy is at the forefront allows them to dive deep into special interests or relax into a pace they can control.
Safety
If you don’t feel safe, you can’t learn. This is why we hold psychological safety a top priority in the Centre. Our Community Agreements, created by the Learners at the beginning of each year and revisited every few months, guides everyone in the space.
Using our Restoration Circle, peer conflicts can be resolved with peer facilitators and staff to support them.
Many 2SLGBTQ+ youth or youth with mental health challenges find we’re the breathing room they need. We are proud to have helped young people turn down the outside world, focus on their needs, and grow safely.
Respect
Self-Directed Learning is all about respecting one’s interests and believing they will learn, what they need to learn, when they need it. This is a life-long attitude to embrace! There is no “behind" or “catching up.”
You just know what you know, but you can always learn what you need.
We respect all learner’s desire to direct their days and to create a meaningful education. One-on-one mentoring support each week helps guide learners towards their personal goals.
Testimonials
Proud Member of Liberated Learners and the Alternative Education Resource Organization (AERO)
Ministry of Education BSID #882007