Why Alternative?
Considering Alternative? You may have tried your community school and it hasn't worked, or you may thrive in a smaller, more informal and highly personalized setting such as the one offered at Alternative High School. Alternative High School has offered its unique program for almost 50 years.
Alternative High School (AHS or Alti) is a school for academically capable students with internalizing behaviors who struggle to succeed in the anonymity of larger high schools. They will benefit from the mentorship and relationship building that we offer. Students are expected to join into the diverse community at Alternative High and work with teachers and their peers to help reduce the barriers to academic achievement.
Academic Expectations
At Alti, our academic expectations are similar to traditional high schools; it is our approach that is unique. We offer individualized programming where students complete their high school diploma in a supportive environment. We offer regular core academics along with other courses, options and interests through connection with nearby high schools, Central Memorial and the Career and Technology Centre.
How to Join the Alternative High School Community
Interested students are invited to participate in a group information session with one of our staff members. Please visit our How to Register page to sign up for a session. If you think Alti would be a good fit for you, you’ll be asked to complete a brief expression of interest questionnaire, provide references and a report card from your current school (more information can be found on our registration page). We welcome your questions and thank you for your interest
Our Vision
Alternative High School is a caring community that provides academic and personal support in respect of Circle of Courage philosophy. In an environment that supports student agency, learning and respect are paramount, individuals will be encouraged to explore their passions and have meaningful connections to their community.
Our Mission
The Circle of Courage provides the framework for our vision.
The Circle of Courage Philosophy
Alternative High School has adopted the “Circle of Courage” Philosophy. At Alternative High School our relationships and conduct should always reflect and respect an understanding of the four spirits.
- Belonging – Each person is a “relative to all” in the community, to be surrounded with affection and acceptance.
- Mastery – Each person is supported in achieving their highest level of 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.
- Generosity - Each person learns that the highest virtue and mark of courage is to give of themselves.
Our Beliefs
We believe:
- that learners learn best in a safe, dynamic, collaborative learning community characterized by choice, supported risk taking, and positive interpersonal relationships.
- our teaching practices demonstrate strong beliefs in purposeful and meaningful involvement, and construction of knowledge.
- in establishing and nurturing strong interpersonal relationships within our learning community.
- students take responsibility for their own learning and behavior with guidance when they are provided with clear expectations, personal support and relevant feedback.
- diversity is addressed through a variety of teaching and learning strategies that recognize different learning styles, multiple intelligences, and the need for differentiated instruction. Respect and personal excellence are the by-products of quality learning.
- that all people have the right to feel safe at school and the responsibility to protect others that are vulnerable.
- that we are custodians of our natural environment and have an obligation to ensure its health into the future.
History
Alternative High School (AHS) began operation in early September 1974 through the efforts of the Alternative High School Society. This group of parents paid the cost of a teacher and provided programming for 12 students in the old YWCA building on 12 Avenue SW Calgary. The Society approached the Calgary Board of Education Trustees in the early months of 1975 resulting in Alternative High School opening as a Calgary Board of Education program in September of that year.
The administration of AHS was the responsibility of the Department of Continuing Education which arranged the move of the school to a wing of Parkdale Elementary and Junior High School (1978-79) and the addition of a junior high upgrading program (initially known as U19, later AIM) in 1980-81. In September 1984, both AIM and AHS were transferred to Area 1 of the regular Division of Instruction, then Area High Schools in 1988.
In September 1985, the school moved from Parkdale to the former Melville Scott Junior High at 1723 - 33 Street SW where it was cohoused with the PICSS Program. In September 1990, the school finally was relocated at our present site in Clinton Ford School, 5003 - 20 Street SW.
AHS has grown to a current capacity of approximately 133 students and 11 staff.
Our School's Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation
We are committed to acknowledging and supporting the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission 94 Calls to Action specific to education. Our school, along with all CBE schools, made a Truth and Reconciliation Commitment to Action, on June 21, we renewed our commitment.
View Our Truth and Reconciliation Commitment | 2025-2026
School Development Plan
Each year, our school prepares a development plan with input from teachers, school staff, students and parents. We review many sources of data, including report cards, provincial achievement test results and school surveys. Based on this information, we create our plan identifying targeted areas for growth. Our school development plan is not meant to represent all of the work that takes place in our school, but rather it focuses on specific areas for improvement.
View Our School Development Plan | 2024-2025
School Improvement Results Report
Our school also prepares a results plan, which looks at our previous school year. It shows our students’ achievement and progress in meeting the goals and outcomes as set out by the CBE and Alberta Education, outlines some of the highlights of our school development plan and gives an overview of our school. You can look on the CBE website for system-wide results.