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Durham Alternative Secondary School (DASS) supports students between ages 17 and 21 and has two campuses located in Oshawa and Pickering.

DASS provides students with flexible and innovative programming options in an alternative setting, reconnecting students to an educational pathway to earn their OSSD.

What DASS Offers:

  • A flexible timetable with options of later start times and earlier dismissal times available to meet the needs of individual students
  • Nine week sessions
  • Unique Course offerings based on Student Voice, Student Needs, and Student Learning Styles
  • Courses that focus on Social Justice – Indigenous Studies, Black studies, Gender Studies, Women’s Studies, Queer Studies
  • A focus on Pathways planning for University, College, and The Workplace
  • An opportunity to make strong Community Connections for students to support their learning and personal growth (Durham Mental Health Workers, Child and Youth Workers, John Howards Society, Eastview Boys and Girls Club)
  • Gap Closing Academic Programs for Literacy and Numeracy
  • Credit Recovery options
  • Cooperative Education (Continuous intake for both paid and unpaid placements)
  • Student Success Program (Continuous intake) with Credit Recovery and Navigating the Workplace
  • Technology Innovation Program
  • Dual Credit Programs
  • Workplace Certification Program opportunities – Safe Food Handling, SmartServe, First Aid, WHMIS
  • Centre for Success Programs at Durham College
  • Specialist High Skills Major Programs; Hospitality and Tourism, Arts and Culture and Construction
  • Community Based Learning Program (Oshawa and Pickering)