Could your kid’s school be on the chopping block? In Toronto, the debate about under-enrolled schools is heating up. While the Ontario Government’s current ban on closing schools remains in place, underused schools in boards under provincial supervision could face closure, a situation that has students, parents, and educators concerned. One such school currently under scrutiny is L’Amoreaux Collegiate Institute in Scarborough.
The Value of Small Schools
When Faris Arham was deciding on his high school options, he wasn’t drawn to the large, bustling schools that some of his peers preferred. Arham, once a shy and socially awkward child in elementary school, sought a learning environment where he could grow both academically and socially. Following the advice of his guidance counselor, Arham chose L’Amoreaux Collegiate Institute, a school recognized for its small size and big heart.
Despite a longer commute, Arham appreciated the intimate atmosphere L’Amoreaux offered. The school’s smaller class sizes allowed him to build stronger relationships with his teachers and peers. Now in Grade 12 and a member of the student council, Arham can’t imagine himself anywhere else.
The Threat of Closure
However, the future of L’Amoreaux is uncertain. The school is currently identified as a candidate for a pupil accommodation review in the board’s Long-Term Program and Accommodation Strategy. This review is a formal study aimed at reducing surplus space and strengthening programming, which could lead to boundary changes, program shifts, or even school closures.
According to Education Minister Paul Calandra, underused schools in boards under provincial supervision, including those in Toronto and Ottawa, could face closure. However, Calandra ruled out lifting the moratorium in rural areas, citing concerns about longer bus rides for students.
A Community in Jeopardy
L’Amoreaux’s small size is what makes it ideal for many of its students. It has been a nurturing environment where students have been able to develop leadership skills and build strong relationships with teachers. However, with the school operating at half-capacity, it has been flagged by the TDSB due to its low enrolment.
Tamzida Parveen, a parent with two sons attending L’Amoreaux, shares the students’ sentiment. She describes the school as a community where trust is built. Parveen believes that closing the school simply because of low enrolment would be unthinkable and urges the TDSB to reconsider how it defines an ideal school size.
Seeking Solutions
Local trustee Manna Wong suggests introducing a specialized arts program or French Immersion to boost enrolment. She also emphasizes the importance of meaningful community consultation in decision-making processes. Without it, she argues, it would be a disservice to the community.
As the debate continues, students, parents, and educators hope that the unique value of smaller schools like L’Amoreaux is taken into consideration. For many, these schools offer a sense of community and belonging that larger institutions simply cannot replicate.
