Learn your way

Many families come to Passages after traditional school has stopped working for their child.

Their child may be bright and curious but overwhelmed by pressure, struggling with anxiety, feeling misunderstood, or disconnected from learning. At Passages, young people are part of a community where they direct their own learning and rebuild their confidence as learners.

Passages is a truly alternative approach to education for youth aged 10-18.

“I finally have my kid back.” -Passages Parent

We know that when young people feel good, they do good. Many of the youth who come to Passages have not felt good about school for a long time. When they are part of a community where they feel safe, respected, and connected, learning and healing can begin.

From there, curiosity naturally returns, and young people become more willing to engage in their education. And education looks very different at Passages.

Passages is a small, self-directed, democratic school in Toronto where young people have the autonomy and choice.

What learning can look like at Passages:

Join offerings such as classes and workshops
Receive guidance through 1:1 mentoring and coaching
Follow passions and dive deep into personal interests
Be part of a safe(er) community that cares for one another
Participate in committees and community initiatives
Work on credit-earning courses through ILC or VLC starting in Grade 9 with support from mentors

Over time, many young people begin to see themselves differently.

Confidence grows.

Curiosity returns.

They begin to trust themselves as learners again.

And perhaps most importantly, they begin to feel like they belong.

Steps to joining us

Young people do not need to arrive already knowing how to direct their own learning. Through 1:1 mentoring and a supportive community culture, they are guided as they discover what learning can look like for them.

A stylized line drawing of a bird flying out of a cage

Freedom

Means personal autonomy and independence from coercion to drive one’s development and learning. It means understanding that for all to have freedom in the space, we need to understand that one’s freedom ends where another’s begins. Freedom is not doing whatever one wants without regard for others.

Community

Being 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 democratically, where all decisions are discussed and agreed upon by the youth and staff at our Weekly Community Meeting.

Safety

If one doesn’t feel safe, one can’t learn. This is why we hold psychological safety a top priority at Passages. Our Community Agreements, created by the Learners at the beginning of each year and revisited every few months, guide everyone in the space.

Using our Community Circle or 1:1 discussions, peer conflicts are resolved with the support of the community and staff.

A stylized line drawing of a paper airplane

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.”

We respect all learners’ ability to direct their days and to create a meaningful education. Weekly one-on-one mentoring support helps guide learners towards their personal goals.

Wondering if Passages might be a fit for your child?

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Neurodiversity

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Open September to June, **Monday to Friday from 9am-3pm**.
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Testimonials

"My young person and I have found Passages to be a most wonderful place for all that it has to offer! The young peoples’ needs are priority, and the emphasis on collective problem solving, decision making, respect, flexibility, embracing individuality, steeped in so much warmth, and a comfy space! The ever-evolving offerings, and continued discussion with the young people on what they desire, and how best to support their needs, is everything! Check out Passages, it may be exactly what the young people in your life need. It really is a very unique offering"

— Julie (parent)

"I feel like I belong at Passages - the kids work with me to better myself and to collaborate. I think I’ve grown since coming to the centre because it isn’t so strict.

I’m really proud of how I was able to connect and get along with new people at Passages."

— K (age 12)

"Passages is a wonderful space. My child is thriving in the supportive environment. Very grateful for this space."

— Amy (parent)

"Our recent search for homeschooling options started and ended with Passages Centre. The opportunity for self-directed learning has turned out to be a wonderful fit for our bright, creative tween daughter. It's exciting to see them thrive in a healthy space that encourages freedom of expression, self-discovery and community-building. I can't say enough about the incredible learning environment and support that Passages offers."

— Debbie (parent)

"Being in a regular classroom wasn't inspiring. Everyone was bored, I pretty much slept the whole time, and the teachers didn't seem to care if we engaged or not. I feel like my brain is back since joining Passages – I actually want to learn again!"

— C (age 15)

"A sense of community for youth, an inclusive and affirming environment, and the open-minded approach to the world are just a few of the things my family treasures about Passages. My child attends and he has had some remarkable breakthroughs in terms of identity and sense of belonging that he doesn't feel elsewhere, frankly, even in our home sometimes. If you are a parent hesitant about letting go of the reins in terms of traditional schooling, give Passages a try."

— Helen (parent)

"Being at Passages has helped my mental health greatly and helped me climb out of the emotional wreck I was in. And I believe that talking to people that you can relate to on an emotional level is amazing and Passages helped me find my people"

— B (age 14)

"What an amazing place! My 12yr old has never been so excited about going to school until now! Passages allows my child to grow, learn and direct her own development in a safe, responsible environment. The director, Kristina, emails parents every week with an update on the centre! My child has blossomed since starting in November 2021 and I only wish this concept was around sooner! It's probably not for every kid but if your child is a bit precocious, thoughtful, artistic, or just too curious for most teachers to handle, Passages may be the right place! Thank you Kristina for your dedication!"

— Anthony (parent)

“As Brené Brown says: "Every child/youth needs a place to belong, where their hearts can exhale, where they can breathe and be curious and explore the world and be who they are without suffocation, shaming, blaming, cynicism, perfectionism.” Passages is this place for my young person.”

— Branca (parent)

We are a Proud member of the Alternative Education Resource Organization (AERO)

Ministry of Education BSID #882007