Alternative schools are safe, highly engaged, smaller school environments. They use non-traditional hands-on approaches to learning the required Ontario Ministry of Education Curriculum. Each school has a distinct identity and focus, such as democratic education, holistic learning, physical art, mindful living, entrepreneurship, social justice, community outreach and more. These schools are ideal for students seeking an alternative to mainstream education and who want to take an active role in their own learning.

TDSB alternative schools are open and free to any resident of Toronto. Space in alternative schools is limited and students can apply to attend on optional attendance. The application process is different for each alternative school. To learn more about specific programs and schools, please see the list of elementary and secondary alternative schools below.