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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:

 Flexible Timetables
  • Options of later start times and earlier dismissal times available to meet the needs of individual students
  • Virtual, in-person, asynchronous and synchronous
 Nine Week Sessions
  • DASS has 4 Nine Week sessions per year
  • Lots of opportunities to earn as many credits as you need to graduate
 Pathway Planning
  • Talk to our Guidance and Co-op departments about planning your pathway post-secondary: Workplace, Apprenticeship, College or University
 Strong Community Connections

We have many connections available to support student learning and growth.  Students can access any whenever needed. They include;

  • Housing Support Workers for Durham Youth Services
  • Boys and Girls Club Durham Youth Outreach Workers (OW/housing/food banks/employment)
  • Addictions Counsellor and Mental Health and Pinewood Centre/Community Treatment Youth Outreach Worker
  • Social Worker
  • Psychologist
 Cooperative Education and Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Programs (OYAP)
The Cooperative Education program enables students to earn high school credits while gaining work experience, preparing them for future careers or education.
  • Continuous intake for both paid and unpaid placements
  • Talk to our Co-op Lead about apprenticeships and the OYAP program
 Student Success Programs
  • Our Student Success programs are continuous intake and work using the Credit Recovery and Navigating the Workplace course codes.
  • Smaller class sizes
  • Quiet, calm environments to learn and complete work
 Dual Credit Programs 

Dual credit programs, approved by the Ministry of Education, enable high school students to take college or apprenticeship courses that count toward both their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and a postsecondary certificate or degree.

We have many dual credit courses, in partnership with Durham and Fleming Colleges, running throughout the entire year. Courses include;

  • Carpentry
  • Manicure and Nail Tech
  • Green Industries
  • Fitness
 Workplace Certification Program Opportunities

Opportunities to receive;

  • Safe Food Handling
  • Smart Serve
  • First Aid
  • CPR
  • WHMIS
  • and more!
 Centres for Success Program at Durham College

A Centres for Success (CFS) program is an innovative dual credit initiative designed for Grade 12 students with 24 or more credits at DASS. In collaboration with Durham College, this program provides an opportunity for students to complete their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) while also earning a college dual credit, giving our students a head start in their post-secondary education.

Students have the opportunity to access;

  • fully equipped fitness centre
  • campus library
  • student centre
  • academic support
  • college classrooms and resources

We run 2 classes of 14 students each semester. Talk to our Guidance staff about this great opportunity!
 Specialist High Skills Major Programs

Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program helps students focus on their interests and develop skills for future careers while earning credits toward their Red Seal Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) only given to SHSM Graduates. We have 3 in the following areas;

  • Hospitality and Tourism
  • Construction
  • Arts and Culture