Africentric school
Africentric Alternative School, Toronto. Kindergarten to JK-Grade 5
Promotes high "academic achievement, high self-pride and a high motivation to succeed"
Skateboard School
Oasis Skateboard Factory, Toronto, Grades 9-11
Offers all subjects, with a skateboard and street-art focus. Helps students earn Grade 9, 10 and 11 high-school credits
Olympics school
The National Sport School in Calgary. Grades 9-12
This fall, it's relocating from Ernest Manning High School to Canada Olympic Park. Students must be recommended and receive sanction from an eligible Canadian Olympic Sport governing body.
Muslim School
Sakinah Circle School, Edmonton. Kindergarten to Grade 6
Follows the Alberta curriculum, but from "a Qur'anic worldview."
All-boys
All-boys Alternative Program, Sir James Lougheed School, Calgary. Kindergarten to Grade 5
Incorporates the latest thinking about boys' education, such as active learning.
Hockey school
The Britannia Hockey Academy, Britannia Secondary School, Vancouver. Grades 8-12
The school blends regular secondary-school courses with a licensed Hockey Canada Skills Academy. Students must have two years of minor hockey experience.
Gifted students
These operate at many sites for kids who consistently achieve B averages or higher and who are very motivated. Focus topics include arts, science and mathematics.