Rainbow District School Board's school within a college is celebrating a milestone this year - 1,000 graduates since its inception in the fall of 2011.
During the regular meeting of the Board held on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, Trustees received an overview of the school's history and its impact on hundreds of young people through the years. Following the presentation, there was a standing ovation as the Board acknowledged the graduates and the staff who supported them. Tears accompanied the cheers.
"Barrydowne College has proven to be a phenomenal success story," said Director of Education Bruce Bourget. "Many young people in our community have gone back to school and realized their dream of obtaining a secondary school diploma."
Barrydowne College is a re-engagement school for students ages 18 to 21 located at Cambrian College. Secondary school credit courses are taught by teachers from Rainbow Schools. Students can also access dual credit courses taught by professors at Cambrian College. This combination, along with the alternative learning environment in a college setting, supports students in their goal of graduating.
"We began Barrydowne College with a common vision," said Superintendent Maureen McNamara, who was the founding Principal of the school. "We believed that young people who had left school before graduating had tremendous potential and could flourish in a unique learning environment."
"Time has proven this belief to be true," she said. "Within a few years, the Rainbow District School Board experienced a five per cent increase in its five year graduation rate. This success continued as, year after year, Barrydowne College re-engaged students and supported them in obtaining their secondary school diploma."
"We are so proud of the partnership we share with the Rainbow District School Board. Barrydowne College is a shining example of what can happen when we build strong bridges between secondary and postsecondary education - when we work together to meet students where they are, and walk alongside them as they chart a new path forward," said Renée Scott, Director of Marketing, Recruitment and Student Success at Cambrian College.
She added: "And what a journey it has been. Over 1,000 students have graduated from Barrydowne College, right on our Cambrian campus. We have had more than 1,200 enrolments in our Dual Credit programs, with an outstanding 81 percent success rate. These are more than just numbers. These are lives changed, futures redirected, and communities strengthened."
"Our 1,000 graduates have proven that obtaining a secondary school diploma is within reach. They have paved the way for those who will follow in their footsteps, realizing their own dream of achieving success," said Director Bourget. "This was all made possible by our partnership with Cambrian College and their dual credit offerings which opened the door to opportunities for our students. We look forward to re-engaging many more young people in the years to come."
About Barrydowne College
Barrydowne College is a re-engagement school for students ages 18 to 21 located at Cambrian College.
Barrydowne College has continuous intake which means that a student can register and start their courses at any time during the school year. All learning is individualized so students work at their own pace. With individualized learning, students can finish credits before the end of a semester and begin another.
Students are not limited in the courses they can take. The educators at Barrydowne College have diverse teaching qualifications to meet the needs and pathways of students. Barrydowne College also offers a Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) in Arts and Culture.
Through dual credits, students experience what it's like to be a college student. They are also exposed to different career options. Students are motivated to complete their diploma once they see the opportunities that exist in the college. Students with exceptionalities receive special education services through the Glenn Crombie Centre.
Barrydowne College's Indigenous Support Worker has forged a strong partnership with Wabnode, Cambrian's Centre for Indigenous Services. Students can smudge daily and have access to the elders at the centre.
Barrydowne College is a safe space for all students. Students are supportive of each other. Everyone feels accepted and welcomed. Students enjoy the family atmosphere and the opportunity for connection and celebration.
Students participate in all kinds of experiential learning activities on and off campus. Strong community support keeps the school's Value Vault pantry stocked. Students have access to nutritious food which further supports them in achieving their goals.
