Junior High Outreach

The outreach programs are not for grade 7 students.

Is outreach right for me?

Outreach provides:

• Opportunity for students who need an alternative to traditional junior high school to reconnect with their education in a meaningful, personal, and supportive manner.
• Assistance for grades 8 and 9 students who are at risk of not entering high school mainly due to factors that have affected regular school attendance.
• Small, caring schools where students who are ready to reconnect with school can learn in a safe and welcoming atmosphere. The outreach staff is committed to nurturing student potential in a small learning community in which students are accepted, encouraged, and treated with dignity and respect. School counselors are available to assist students on an individual basis.
• The relaxed atmosphere encourages the student to build positive relationships with the staff in a secure, non-threatening environment.
• A less formal, less structured environment than regular schools. There are no classes, teachers do not give formal lessons, and there are no bells. Courses are delivered using a self-paced format (modules). The individualized, self-paced program at outreach allows students to being where they left off, and progress at their own rate.

What is a self-paced program?

Self-paced learning means that the subject is learned by working through a series of learning packages called modules. Students should be able to work independently for the most part, with the teachers assisting on a one-to-one or small group basis.

Students should be READY, WILLING, and ABLE to attend and work in a self-paced learning environment:

READY = You really want to be back in school. You are anxious to get your education back on track.

WILLING = You are committed to the required attendance, regular completion of school work and good behavior. You are willing to be reliable, responsible and respectful.

ABLE = You have the necessary reading skills, work habits and maturity to help you be successful with self-paced learning. Outreach is not intended for students who need a specialized program to support their learning or behavioral needs. Students must be able to work comfortably and respectfully with other students in an open setting, and help to create a positive atmosphere for everyone.

Hours

The schools are open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. daily, with no school for the students every Friday afternoon. (Note – School hours are subject to change.)

Success at school requires good attendance. Junior high outreach students are expected to maintain regular daily attendance.

Courses

Junior high core academic subjects at grades 8 and 9 are available (English, Social, Sciences, Math).

Some grade 9 students who finish their regular grade 9 subject early in the year may go on to take a grade 10 course.

Communication and Reporting

Communication between students, teachers and parents is a key factor to success at school. You and your teacher-advisor should be in regular contact. The teacher-advisors will maintain regular contact with parents.

There are formal report cards issued during the school year, with time set aside for parent-teacher-student conferences.

Parents are encouraged to call or make appointments as needed.

Additional Features of Outreach Junior High School:

• Counseling on site, available from the advisors or school counselors
• Close links with Edmonton Catholic Schools' Aboriginal Learning Services to offer Aboriginal cultural activities and counseling
• Our Lady of Grace - a support program for pregnant and parenting students (female and male) featuring weekly group sessions at each outreach school plus individual assistance
• Reasonable school fees

Junior High Outreach Programs are available at 3 locations. Click on Locations to find the site nearest you. Call the site to make an in-take appointment.