Youville Centre’s education partner is called M.F. McHugh Education Centre. M.F. McHugh places teachers in government-approved care and treatment centres across the Ottawa-Carleton region. Since Youville Centre is a Child and Youth Mental Health Agency, we are able to offer an accredited, secondary school education for our young moms. Learning at Youville Centre is creative, innovative, and hands-on. M.F. McHugh Education staff and Youville Centre staff use a multi-disciplinary and highly collaborative approach to program delivery. Staff work together to help our young moms achieve their academic goals by differentiating curriculum materials and teaching strategies that reflect the diverse learning needs of our students. Students entering Youville Centre meet with M.F. McHugh Education teachers to complete an Individual Pathways Plan (IPP) and to collaboratively discuss and develop their academic goals for the year.
A full range of courses from the Ontario curriculum are offered, including:
- The Arts
- Business
- Canadian and World Studies
- Information Technology
- Dual Credit
- English
- Guidance and Career Education
- History and Geography
- Mathematics
- Native Studies
- Health and Physical Education
- Science
- Social Sciences and the Humanities (including Sociology, Anthropology and Psychology)
- Cooperative Education
- Technology
An Individual Education Plan (IEP) is designed for each of our students which takes into account the credits they have earned from previous schools and their academic ability. Goals are set with Youville Centre staff to help our young mothers to achieve their Ontario Secondary School diplomas, and to gather knowledge to help them to be successful in the next phase of their lives. Co-operative education is also available for students who wish to earn credits outside of the centre and participate in work exploration programs offered through Algonquin College.
Students entering Youville Centre may complete a Prior Learning and Recognition (PLAR) assessment. They can earn up to 16 credits through this process. In addition, junior and senior level courses are offered that allow students the options necessary to prepare for their next step, whether it be post-secondary education or entering the workforce.
Youville Centre provides the supportive high school environment a young parent and their child needs. If you are a pregnant or parenting adolescent in the Ottawa area, you are welcome to call and arrange a visit to learn about our services. You can also use our online enrollment form.