The Personalized Alternative Education department encompasses many different programs and specialized timetables to meet students' individualized needs. The PAE program is designed to provide intentional and targeted supports to address students' social, emotional, behavioural and academic challenges. Westmount PAE is an off site program at the Promenade Mall with an alternative classroom setting. Entry to the program is on a continual basis.
The PAE programs might appeal to students who identify with any or all of the following:
- Are academically at risk.
- Have been out of the regular classroom for an extended period.
- Would benefit from smaller class sizes and fewer daily teacher or classroom transitions.
- Are interested in combining classroom learning with hands-on workplace experience.
- Are motivated to pursue a career in the trades or to obtain an apprenticeship.
Alternative programming includes
- Alternative Learning Experiential Program (ALEP): semester-long program that combines work experience with classroom learning. Program consists of an in-class component where students earn a core credit such as English. In addition, they can earn ALEP (Community Based Work Experience) credits for working in a paid/unpaid job placement.
- Quadmester Program: nine-week, two-period courses that run four times per year. Courses run on a reduced class size (1:16 teacher student ratio).
- Supervised Alternative Learning Program (SAL): this program supports students between 14-17 years of age.
Staff:
Sandra Gerson (department head)
Christina Morelli
Ann Nguyen
Stephanie Tran (child and youth worker)