MIND High School Celebrates 50 Years of Alternative Education

MIND High School (originally Moving in New Directions), located in the historical Bancroft Building on the Plateau, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The school’s educational mandate focuses on fostering critical thinking skills and enriching education through alternative teaching methods. MIND is the ideal space for the curious, motivated student who wishes to participate actively in their own education and exceed expectations rather than follow rules.                

The school offers a challenging academic program that emphasizes learning beyond the curriculum. It cultivates a safe and caring environment for a diverse student body. Students come from private schools, homeschooling programs, public schools and even from abroad. At MIND, they learn that academic success is not an end in itself, but rather a means to effect change and thrive. They develop independence, confidence and the ability to voice well-informed opinions; they learn to better understand themselves, others and the world. MIND’s alternative approach provides the time and space for young people to think, question and innovate. No topic is taught in a vacuum; instead, students are presented with the complexities and issues of the real world in addition to the required curriculum. Regardless of their career choices, MIND graduates carry their successes and experiences beyond the walls of high school and into their future lives. 

As MIND celebrates its golden anniversary, it remains the only alternative school of its kind in the EMSB. Several events took place at the school during the week of May 11, culminating in a festive soirée on Friday, May 15. MIND alumni, former staff and their families attended. There was also be a talk between students and some alumni on   May 13. Noted former students on hand included Academy Award winning producer Frederic Bohbot and CBC TV’s Matt D’Amours. For more details, visit mindhighschool.com.

About the English Montreal School Board

With a youth and adult sector population of more than 33,000 students, the English Montreal School Board (EMSB) is the largest English public school board in Quebec. Established on July 1, 1998, when the province created new boards along linguistic lines, the EMSB network consists of 73 schools and centres. For more details, visit the EMSB website at www.emsb.qc.ca.