About Us

Phoenix Alternative High School can be found nestled in the tranquil residential neighborhood of Duvernay, Laval. Our program services students who are not thriving or having success in a traditional high school setting. Our program offers a pathway to obtain high school credentials. If you are in search of a different teaching and learning environment, then the Phoenix Alternative program may be the change you are looking for.

HISTORY

In 1981, Phoenix was created. Inspired by the vision of the Teacher’s Union and the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board, the tenet of the Phoenix experience is the understanding that our students need compassion and understanding. In honoring the legacy, our commitment is to support our students and believe in them, especially when they have not yet found the courage to believe in themselves.

THE LEGEND & THE PHOENIX IN US ALL

Another profound and universal symbol of transformation comes to us in the ancient legend of the phoenix. That legend can be found, in one version or another, in many countries, including Egypt, Persia, Greece, China, and Ireland. It tells of an amazing bird who, at a ripe old age, builds a nest for itself, ignites it, and is consumed by the fire. From the ashes of its own ending, a new phoenix emerges.

All these traditions and many more are meant to remind us that we, too, are engaged in a continual dance of transformation as our outworn understandings, possessions, habits, relationships, and ways of being give way to new ones. When an ending comes knocking, you need not fear. Honor it and know that you, too, have the phoenix inside of you.

Excerpted from chapter 10 of Honor Yourself: The Inner Art of Giving and Receiving by Patricia Spadaro

PHILOSOPHY

The philosophy of Phoenix is to provide an opportunity for every student to have a fresh start. Expectations and goals for academic, personal and social growth are clearly outlined. The school emphasizes student accountability to reach those goals. The school is committed to working with students to find the means and strategies for achieving these goals.

HOW ARE WE ALTERNATIVE?

We offer:

    • smaller school size
    • family-type school environment
    • lower student-teacher ratio
    • caring and supportive environment with dedicated school team
    • flexible and innovative learning and teaching
      • individualized schedules
      • student-centered curriculum
      • differentiation
      • accommodations for learning
    • program with emphasis on character education
    • supervised environment
  • commitment to building a strong sense of community
    • opportunities to engage in extra-curricular activities and field trips.