With the 2023-2024 school year in full swing, the Discovering Choices program continues its commitment to providing a safe, accommodating, and inclusive learning environment for struggling teens and young adults, ages 15-20.
“I wish this school existed when I was younger.” one parent said.
Discovering Choices prides itself in refusing to give up on young people so easily, going above and beyond to help students get their high school education.
In a 2014 TED talk in Calgary, former Discovering Choices principal, Bruce Sawdon said “High school diplomas are nice, but they’re not the end all and be all.” he then added, “What I think is important is that somewhere along in a young person’s high school career, there was one adult, who cared enough to make a difference in their lives…”
Last year, 1,103 students were enrolled at Discovering Choices and the program benefits from being split into four sites across Calgary. The majority of Calgarians likely live within a 15-minute drive of a Discovering Choices site.
Colin Sticksl, who is the science teacher at the Bowness site said, “These (students) could’ve all been dropouts.” another teacher added, “We’re so proud of all of our grads.”
Many former students of the program are making their way in the world and continue to achieve.
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