Walk Zone Map:
View Walk Zone Map Email:
alternative@cbe.ab.ca
Phone: (403)
777-7730
Fax: (403)
777-7739
School Hours: AM:
8:55
~
PM:
~
3:05
School Location
5003 - 20 Street S.W .
Calgary
,
AB
T2T 5A5
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Alternative High School is located in what
was originally the Clinton Ford
School in the southwest community of
Altadore. Its central location is important as it
draws students from all areas of
Calgary.
About the School
The Alternative High School was started in
September 1974 by a group of parents who
were looking for "another way" for their sons
and daughters to acquire a high school
diploma. It was part of a movement towards
alternative education which swept North
America in the late sixties and early
seventies. Coming under the jurisdiction of
the Calgary Board of Education in 1975, the
school is now open to all students who meet
the entrance requirements.
The school philosophy has evolved from the
original A.S. Neill Summerhill approach to a
more structured one of providing a highly
personalized, informal and democratic
learning situation for academically capable
students who have not met with success in a regular high school learning environment.
The Alternative High School is presently housed in the Clinton Ford Center, previously the Clinton Ford
Elementary School (named in honor of the former Chief Justice of Alberta 1957-1961). The school has 8
classrooms, an art room, a small gymnasium, and an all purpose breakfast/meeting/classroom. Classrooms,
hallways, and lockers are decorated artistically by students as part of the Art program.
There is an off-campus classroom at the Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre that is associated with AHS. Two teachers and approximately thirty students are in the classroom. The purpose is to transition graduates back into their schools.
About School Name
Alternative High was named after the concept of providing alternative educational programs to high school students.
School Mission
Our school will create a caring community providing academic and personal support by living within the aspects of the Circle of Courage. In an envronment where democratic living, learning and respect are paramount, individuals will be motivated to actively explore their passions and their connections to the greater community.
The Circle of Courage provides the framework for our vision.
Alternative High School has adopted the "Circle of Courage"
philosophy which unites the four corners -
Belonging, Mastery, Generosity, and
Independence - into a cohesive theme that
provides guidance for the ideals, values,
customs, and traditions of Alternative High
School.
Belonging - Each person is a "relative to all" in the community, to be surrounded with affection and
acceptance.
Respect for Space
Mentoring
Equality
Student Mentors
Breakfast Meetings
Campout
Field Trips
First name basis
Consistent Communication
Mastery - Each person is nurtured in success and is taught to celebrate and encourage the success
of others.
Independence - Each person is encouraged to make responsible decisions through guidance and
without coercion.
Democratic General Meeting
Chair/secretary of meeting
Work Experience
Learning beyond the classroom
Ownership for learning
Student initiated activities
Differentiated instruction
Generosity - Each person learns that the highest virtue and mark of courage is to give himself or herself
to others.
Artistry
Creativity
Citizenship
Fundraisers
Volunteering
Recycling
School Motto
"Freedom to be who you are"
Unique Points
Teachers and students are equals and are on a first-name basis.
Alternative High School is a democratic community. Once
a week students and teachers hold a democratic meeting to determine the non-academic workings
of the school. This meeting provides a forum for the school community to solve problems, air
concerns, determine the nature of the agreements and negotiate use of funds.
Students have the freedom to influence course content and the method in which it is learned. Instruction
is conducted in small groups or individual tutorials. Independent learning and personal projects are
encouraged.
Students go on a school-wide camp-out in September as well as field trips and Outdoor Education
activities throughout the year.
Alternative High School has a continuous intake of students, however, enrollment at the Alternative High School requires that
prospective students fill in an application form and be interviewed. Once accepted, students must
pass a five-month (one semester) apprenticeship to obtain full student status.
Alternative High School has a mentor system in which each teacher is responsible for monitoring the progress and
well-being of 11 to 12 students.
Student Enrolment
(September
2009
) Total Enrolment:
133
Grade 8
Grade 10
Grade 11
Grade 12
1
11
40
82
Principal:
K. Reinhardt
School Board Trustee:
Karen Kryczka
CBE Ward:
Ward 11
Chief Superintendent:
Naomi Johnson
Area:
Area
IV
Director (Area):
Jim Langley
Notes for Substitute:
Late Arrival: Friday 9:30 Early Dismissal: Friday 12:00;
