Scarborough Centre for Alternative Studies

Hidden within the former Midland Avenue Collegiate Institute, the Scarborough Centre for Alternative Studies (SCAS) pulses with a unique energy. It’s a place where second chances aren’t just offered, they’re actively cultivated. The Scarborough Centre for Alternative Studies opened its doors in 1986, not here on Midland Avenue, but a few blocks away at 959 Midland, in the building formerly known as Tabor Park Vocational School. Imagine a school specifically designed for adults and young adults seeking a non-traditional path back to education. The Scarborough Centre for Alternative Studies is just that, offering flexible programs to help students earn their high school diplomas, prepare for college or university, or enter apprenticeships. Originally, the school was a haven for those who had dropped out or felt disenfranchised by traditional learning environments. It consolidated various re-entry programs, bringing them together under one roof. These programs, which initially started at Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute in 1977, had grown significantly by the mid-1980s. The Scarborough Centre for Alternative Studies offers more than just academics. It houses a pre-apprenticeship hairstyling program where EdVance students can take cosmetology courses. Once they turn 21, they can even join the adult hairstyling program. There’s also the “Fix-It Shop,” an 18-week carpentry pre-apprenticeship program, a pathway to joining the carpenters’ union. The school also boasts vibrant co-op programs, connecting students with employers for mentorship and real-world experience. The Scarborough Centre for Alternative Studies moved around quite a bit before settling here. In 1989, due to a transfer of the Tabor Park property, classes were temporarily shuffled between Highbrook Senior Public School and Thomson Collegiate. Later, a partnership with Centennial College led to a new SCAS campus on Progress Avenue. Finally, in 2010, SCAS found its current home within the spacious walls of the former Midland Avenue Collegiate Institute, sharing the space with other alternative programs. The Scarborough Centre for Alternative Studies’ motto, “Fast forward your future, Accomplish as you may,” encapsulates the spirit of this institution. It isn’t just about catching up; it’s about empowerment and moving forward with confidence. The Scarborough Centre for Alternative Studies stands as a testament to the power of alternative education, providing a second chance for those who seek it.