Keith Lynn Alternative Secondary School

September 1, 2009

Keith Lynn Alternative Secondary School: General Information and Q&A

Introduction to Keith Lynn Alternative Secondary School
Keith Lynn Alternate Secondary (KLASS) supports students, aged 13 – 19, who struggle socially, emotionally and academically to succeed in mainstream school settings. The program’s emphasis on small-group learning, individualized instruction, one-to-one support, and outdoor education all combined to help its students find success and restore them on a path towards graduation.

Purpose of KLASS
Keith Lynn strives to provide opportunities to strengthen students academically, emotionally, and socially by creating a diverse learning environment where people are supported, respected, and challenged towards success.

Features and benefits of the program
• Individual education plans for each student
• Small class sizes (to a maximum of 12 in a class)
• Outdoor education and recreation opportunities
• Art and music therapy
• Information technology instruction
• Field study trips to Tofino, Oregon and Savary Island
• Subsidized hot breakfast/lunch program
• Access to community support agencies

KLASS eligibility criteria/referral procedures
Referrals to KLASS happen through a number of routes and for a variety of different reasons. Students who struggle to succeed in the mainstream setting are referred by counsellors and school-based teams to the District secondary counsellor at 604.903.3278. Once a student’s suitability for the program is confirmed, an interview with the KLASS principal will follow.

Contact information
Please contact the KLASS principal at 604.903.3800 for more information or the District secondary counsellor at 604.903.3278.

Q&A

How do I know this program is right for my child?
A student who is not meeting with success in a mainstream school setting may need the one-to-one support, creative encouragement and individualized design for learning provided at Keith Lynn. If students are falling behind, Keith Lynn can help them find their footing again on a path to pursuing an education.

Some students will need help to improve their school attendance, and motivation and involvement in their own learning. Students with mental health issues can benefit from the community of support and creative environment of Keith Lynn.

Is there a wait list for KLASS? Can a student enter at any time of year?
Students can enter the program at any point throughout the school year. The length of the wait list varies during the school year.

What happens after Grade 10?
Keith Lynn encourages students to pursue graduation either by returning to a mainstream school to complete their education or by attending an alternative program like the Training and Secondary School Completion program (TASSC)or the Youth Learning Centre (YLC).

Where is the program located?
Keith Lynn Alternate Secondary School is located in its own school building at 1290 Shavington Street. This location is easily accessed by public transportation and is situated close to the Second Narrows Bridge.

Does KLASS follow standard school hours?
Yes. School starts at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m.

Do most students who have enrolled in KLASS go on to complete secondary school?
It depends upon the individual student. Some students choose to remain on site and will graduate with a Dogwood Diploma from the TASSC Program. Others may pursue graduation from a mainstream school or YLC. For some students entering the workforce is a more viable option.

What kind of experience or special qualifications do KLASS teachers have?
KLASS teachers have extensive training and experience in
• Collaborative problem solving
• Individualized education planning
• Crisis intervention
• Supporting students with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues
• Relationship building with youth
• Facilitating inter-agency support

Are any other organizations or professionals associated with KLASS?
Yes, we gratefully acknowledge the involvement of the following agencies with Keith Lynn:

• Vancouver Coastal Health
• Westcoast Alternatives
• North Shore Neighbourhood House
• Youth Unlimited
• Ministry of Children and Family Development
• North Shore Probation
• North Shore Fine Arts Council

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