- What makes Quest "alternative"?
A number of important factors contribute to Quest’s position as an alternative school including our delivery of the Ontario curricula, our large class–small school dichotomy, our physical space, and our values.
While we deliver the same Ontario curricula taught throughout the TDSB, Quest does so through the lens of experiential learning, including but not limited to large-scale projects and off-site learning. Students are asked to work independently and collaboratively with greater frequency, while being held to high academic, social and behavoiral expectation.
While our classes are respective Grade 7 and 8 classes can be large (30+ students) our entire school is relatively small which provides our community with a level of intimacy rarely found in middle schools. Staff and students build strong relationships and an inclusive, supportive educational community, which fosters commitment to group and individual responsibility.
Housed within Withrow Avenue Jr. Public School, itself an open-concept school, Quest is almost entirely modular. We have two designated classrooms, but the remainder of our school changes to align with our various activities. The ability for us to change the layout of our school provides us the freedom to deliver alternative programming.
We value holistic education and strive to cultivate students' academic, personal, and social growth.
- What are the excursions—including overnight trips—like at Quest?
Taking our learning beyond the classroom is an essential part of the Quest program. Whether it's travelling across the street to Riverdale Park, across the inner harbour to the Toronto Islands, or across the province to an Outdoor Education centreing student learning in the world at large is part of what makes Quest an unforgettable experience. All of our excursions are designed to complement our learning and seek to benefit the social, emotional, and academic well-being of our students. In terms of overnight trips, in any given year we may have as few as one and as many as three overnight trips that range from community centered camping trips in October to French and History focused Quebec trips in the Winter. While there are costs for each trip, we are dedicated to the inclusion of all students and work hard to ensure every student attends each trip. We use funds from our limited fundraising to offset costs for all students.
- Is Quest a school for students with a IEPs and / or Gifted designations?
All students, regardless of educational needs, are welcome at Quest. While we strive to explore the full depth and breadth of the Ontario curricula, we are not a replacement for the Gifted program offered at TDSB schools.
- What kind of student does well at Quest?
A great diversity of students succeed at Quest. We work with students over two years to cultivate a strong work ethic and a desire to learn in and out of the classroom, but students that enter Quest with a positive approach to their education will likely reach this goal more rapidly. A growth mindset, a willingness to take risks and a commitment to regular attendance are key assets.
Strong learning skills, including organization and time management, are also great assets to students entering the program, but we work hard to cultivate these skills regardless of a student’s abilities upon entry.
- Are there extracurricular sports?
Yes, though they are limited due to the small staff. We offer a rigorous physical education program that travels from the gymnasium through the local skating rink to overnight camps. Outdoor athletics are an important part of the program. Extracurricular activities change from year to year based on student interest. In the past Quest has competed in Cross-Country, Volleyball, Ultimate Frisbee and Track-and-Field.
- What is the French Program like at Quest?
Quest offers a Core French program that is interwoven with other subjects and the alternative programming. It is demanding for all students regardless of their previous level of study.
- What is the Music Program like at Quest?
Music is an essential component of the Quest experience. All students participate in vocal music in preparation for various camping trips and as a part of Winter and Spring Showcases. Students also participate in either the Band or the Strings program under the instruction of two TDSB itinerant music teachers. Classes are held twice-a-week and students are expected to take home their instruments to practice in between these classes. No previous musical experience is required. While Quest does have a good number of instruments, students are occasionally asked to rent an instrument for one of the two years of study.
- What is the Art Program like at Quest?
Quest values all aspects of the Art Curriculum including Visual Art, Drama and Dance. The latter two strands are taught in opposite terms. Visual Arts is taught weekly throughout the year but is also incorporated into projects across the curricula.
- How do Quest students fare at secondary school?
Our students attend a variety of high schools, from the neighbourhood collegiate to any one of a number of schools with a specialized focus on the arts, athletics, or STEM. Quest alumni report that they have been thoroughly prepared for the transition to high school. Despite the drastic change in the size of school, Quest graduates bring a background of personal organization, initiative, and academic readiness to their new setting, often assuming leadership roles in student government and other aspects of school life.