REVIEW OF Passages Centre for Self-Directed Learning BY parent, Jessika Eldridge

(4.5) Student Experience

My son finds the autonomy at the school to be very appealing. The ability to focus his time on his interests has allowed him to try out so many different learning avenues. Being able to focus on the projects he enjoys the most has been a game-changer in helping him hone new skills and abilities. His social life has started to flourish, which has always been a struggle in conventional schooling. He has been learning conflict management through the school’s teachings, which he has also implemented successfully at home. Overall, he is a much happier, social and creative student. This is a far cry from his frustration and disappointment with the public school system. He has found a community that accepts him and teaches him how to be an inclusive and accepting member.

(5) School Leadership

Passages' leadership and administration's focus on the inclusivity, respect, fairness, compassion and communication of the community and each of its individual learners, which is what makes this place so inviting and special. When there is a problem it’s discussed with the mentors and learners and then brought to a restoration circle. The affected learners take the time to focus on the issues at hand together and come up with a fair resolution for all that are involved. Issues are communicated with parents as soon as they arise and there are often meetings with the mentors to discuss and communicate all the details surrounding.

(4.5) Teaching

Passages is a self-directed school that allows the learners to essentially choose the direction of their learning. Mentors provide help and direction when the learners hit roadblocks or need assistance with their ventures. All of the projects the learners work on and complete are documented in their school portfolio to provide an overview of the learning that has taken place during their time at Passages. Portfolios can be used when a learner chooses to apply to post-secondary programming. Passages' mentors are always supportive of learners and the avenues they choose to focus their time. They provide feedback to the learners and help motivate them if they feel frustrated or defeated along the way. The level of individual care and support is so lovely to see.

(4) Academics

The academic direction at Passages is chosen by the individual learner and supported by the mentors and parents. Learners can collectively request academic curricula based on their individual and group interests. Passages will provide knowledgeable mentors to teach the requested curriculum and it is available to any learner who has an interest in participating. Passages is very supportive of outside learning of individual academic interest to be focused on during the learner's daily in person time. Passages is not an academic driven school but academics are a daily part of many learners self directed learning pathways. The choice of what learners want to focus on is what makes Passages stand out and is supportive to learners that need this kind of autonomy and flexibility to flourish successfully.

(4.5) Extracurriculars

Passages has wonderful extracurricular events. They are not conventional in the way of competition and are more focused on fun, and celebration in the individual as a part of the whole. The events are based on fun building community and supporting its members. Parents, family and friends are often involved in the events, which makes it feel very inviting and inclusive.

(5) Students

The learners at Passages are wonderful and represent a dynamic, inclusive and accepting community. The majority of students are neurodiverse and understanding of people from all walks of life. They clearly care for one another and are often each other's teachers in what is respectful and acceptable in the Passages environment. The learners work together to come up with community rules that are voted on by all its members and are adhered to very closely during the learning year. Learners often have friendships with one another outside of the school, which has been great for the learners who have struggled with finding their people in conventional schools. Since Passages is a small school it allows for deep friendships to blossom, which is very special to see.

(5) School Life

My son loves Passages and can’t wait to go back after the weekend and the summer break. He wishes he could go year-round. It has provided my son with so much happiness, social interaction and social learning. He has been a different person since attending. Kristina, the director is so lovely, genuinely caring, supportive and makes you feel welcomed and part of the community right away. If your child has struggled in a conventional school environment, and needs more consideration, care, community and autonomy then Passages could be a perfect fit. Your child can be the individual they were meant to be, in an environment that supports and celebrates their individuality and diversity. They can learn to love learning again. They can choose their direction and have care and support while they pursue their dreams and goals.

(5) Community

Parents are always included and encouraged to be present in their child’s learning path. I have felt so welcomed and happy to be involved with a great group of like-minded parents. It’s so refreshing and inspiring to be part of the Passages community. The community of parents is very open and welcoming. Passages organizes monthly parent meetings to discuss interesting and challenging subjects surrounding the learners' journeys. Passages organizes community events which are for the learners and their families to participate in together. I have had many enjoyable times with the community and look forward to the events this upcoming year. Parents are also encouraged to be involved in the planning and set up of events which makes us feel included and involved.

(5) School Location

The Danforth is home to Passages' Centre for Self-Directed Learning. It provides the students with a safe area to venture out for park visits, lunch or other explorative adventures. The Danforth community has been active in Passage's latest fundraising raffle, which has provided a lot of wonderful opportunities to get to know the area if you’re not familiar. The school is just a hop, skip and a jump from Chester Station on the Bloor-Danforth line of the TTC. The location is very convenient!

(4.5) Admissions

The application process is quite straightforward and gives the prospective learner the option of coming for a discovery week to try it out to see if it’s a good fit. Our discovery week was great and we felt very welcomed by the mentors and learners right away. My son knew within two hours that he wanted to come back right away! There is a standard application process for tuition, which can be geared towards income and is very fair.