'Changed my life,' How this Sudbury program is helping students return to school

The Rainbow District School Board in the Sudbury region is encouraging more people who have left school to return and finish high school at Barrydowne College.

The school helps young people aged 18 to 21 earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma through smaller class sizes, individualized instruction, and flexible timetables. It offers high school courses, including electives such as art, food and nutrition, Indigenous education, and a specialist high-skills major in arts and culture.

Located at Cambrian College, Barrydowne College also provides dual credits that count toward both a high school diploma and post-secondary education. Students can earn paid co-op credits as well.

Lara Thompson, who left traditional high school in October 2022 due to anxiety and mental health challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, credits Barrydowne College with changing her life.

"I don't think I would have been able to graduate without Barrydowne. I don't think I'd be able to be as confident as I am without Barrydowne," said Thompson.

"The teachers have taught me so much besides just academics. They've taught me confidence and kindness. They taught me enthusiasm."

Thompson says she thanks the program for helping her graduate from high school. She is now pursuing post-secondary education at Laurentian University, and is one of many success stories since the school's founding in 2011.

Principal Laurie-Ann Lielkalns said the school supports students who have fallen behind, faced challenging life circumstances, or thought they could never finish their courses.

"Every student has their own story, their own life and our program caters to that individual approach," said Lielkalns.

She says the school typically has around 200 students each year.

"We have students who have families, they have young children as well. So every situation is unique. We have some students who also, you know, struggled after coming out of COVID and are still struggling to get back into a routine even a few years later," said Lielkalns.

Thompson added, "It was my dream to get a degree since I was really young, but I never thought I'd actually be able to accomplish it since I dropped out. I'm just really grateful that I'm able to go to Laurentian and Barrydowne really brought that for me."