FAQ

From the TDSB, "Alternative schools are highly engaged, smaller school environments. These schools are characterized by community collaboration, choice, inclusivity, and flexibility. Alternative schools use flexible methods of teaching in distinct learning environments to meet the needs of learners. They use diverse hands-on approaches to learning the required Ontario Ministry of Education Curriculum."

Yes, Beaches Alternative School is part of the Toronto District School board (TDSB).

Admission is by lottery. Learn more about how to apply here. There is no admission criteria except being in an "M" postal code.

Junior kindergarten: up to 10 spaces each year (by lottery).

SK–grade 5: openings vary year to year based on returning students.

Anyone with a postal code starting with “M” may apply. M postal codes are in and around the Toronto, Ontario, Canada area.

Yes. All our grades from kindergarten to grade 6 follow the Ontario curriculumn. We are a TDSB public school. Our kindergarten program is play-based as per the Ontario kindergarten program.

Junior kindergarten to grade 6 are taught at BAS.

Most learning happens with the homeroom teacher. Students also have specialist teachers for music, library, gym and French. Music, library and gym are shared with Kimberley Public School (we share a building).

No, we are a public school. There is no tuition required to attend.

No more than any other Toronto public school.

There is a small annual activity fee to help cover field trips. It was $180 for the 2025/2026 school year. For higher-cost activities (like Grade 5/6 ski days), families sometimes organize fundraisers to reduce costs or request items for donation.

Optional camping trips are offered twice a year and have additional fees. See our About page for details.

Teachers may occasionally request additional supplies during the year. If cost is a concern, please reach out—support may be available.

Kindergarten: Students go outside daily for play in the Kindergarten yard and again at lunch. About once a month, Kindergarten participates in a half-day nature morning, learning outdoors.

Grades 1–6: Students have morning and afternoon recess plus lunch recess, alongside Kimberley Public School (we share the school site). About once a month, classes also take part in a nature morning at a local ravine for learning in nature.

Note: Beaches is not an “outdoor school.” Outdoor time is part of the day, but our program is not primarily focused on outdoor learning.

Experiential learning is a key part of the Beaches experience. Classes average about one field trip per month, connected to the curriculum. In Kindergarten, we spend the first part of the year building routines before heading out on local trips. 

Most field trips are via transit (TTC and GO Train), and some require parent volunteers to drive.

Yes. After outdoor time and lunch, kindergarten students start the afternoon with a 30-minute quiet rest time on individual mats with calming music or stories. This helps students reset after a busy morning.

Yes. We have significant experience supporting students with anxiety—especially during the Kindergarten transition. We work closely with families to help children feel safe, build trust, and adjust to full-day learning at their own pace.

Kindergarten: we don't use classroom tech.

Grades 1-6: Chromebooks and tablets are introduced in grade 1/2 and used as tools to support learning through the grades.

We are not a French immersion school. Core French begins in grade 4, as it does in English-stream TDSB elementary schools.

Families can pay to have hot lunch delivered to their children in our school through The Lunch Mom program, twice a week.

No. Beaches and Kimberley do not have a daycare. Many families opt in to the Centre 55 before and aftercare program that runs out of our school site as well as Centre 55’s space across the street from the school. Application for that program is through Centre 55 and placement is not guaranteed. LeRoux Froebel is located nearby (72 Main st) and provides before and after care, with drop-offs in the morning and pick-ups after school.

No. TDSB Elementary Alternative schools do not have bussing. While families from anywhere in Toronto can apply to our admissions lottery through the TDSB’s centralized application process, it is up to each family to arrange transportation for their child to attend our school.

Caregiver volunteers create a weekly newsletter, which you can request to receive.

Most classes also have a caregiver WhatsApp group for that grade. You can opt in at the start of the school year or ask a fellow parent to get the admin to add you mid-year.

Attend our annual information night, held in fall of each year. This night is designed to help you get to know more about our school for families considering applying.