When school stops working,
there is another way
Passages is a self-directed school in Toronto for youth aged 10–18 seeking a different way to learn.
Passages is a self-directed school in Toronto for youth aged 10–18 seeking a different way to learn.
You might be seeing your child:
bright and curious but overwhelmed by the classroom
anxious or overstimulated
misunderstood or disconnected from learning
wanting to spend their days on what genuinely interests them
missing a peer group they connect with
We trust young people to direct their own education and rebuild their confidence as learners.
“I finally have my kid back.” -Passages Parent
We know that when young people feel good, they do good and many of the youth who find Passages have not felt good in school for a long time.
Passages is a small, self-directed, democratic school where young people can direct their days.
Offerings such as classes and workshops
Guidance through 1:1 mentoring and coaching
Exploring personal interests
Participating in committees and community initiatives
Over time, our learners begin to see themselves differently. Confidence grows. Curiosity returns.
They begin to trust themselves as learners again.
And perhaps most importantly, they feel like they belong.
If this feels like it could be a fit, here’s how to get started:
Freedom is not doing whatever one wants without regard for others. Instead, it’s about understanding personal autonomy, being accountable to goals, and working on personal projects driven by the learner.
Passages is a democratic community where decisions go through our Weekly Community Meeting. Being part of the Passages Community means joining a group of young people who want a place to come every day.
If one doesn’t feel safe, one can’t learn. This is why we prioritize psychological safety.
Learner led conflict resolution processes, supported by staff help accountability and repair, within community.
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.
A personalized education
Open September to June, Monday to Friday from 9am-3pm.
"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