School Boundaries
School attendance areas or boundaries are necessary to create school communities that are appropriately sized for the capacity of each school facility and to accommodate sustainable student enrolment. York Region schools offer a variety of school programs and school boundaries are selected to accommodate a school’s long-term projected enrolment. Portable accommodation is used during a community’s peak enrolment period or to accommodate students awaiting new schools or additions.
Recent Public Meetings
School Boundary and Community Presentations
| School Community | Presentation Type | Meeting Date(s) | Board Approved |
| Nellie McClung PS - School Council Presentation (PDF) | Primary Dual Track French Immersion Program | November 2, 2023 | n/a |
| Viola Desmond PS - School Council Presentation (PDF) | Primary Dual Track French Immersion Program | November 8, 2023 | n/a |
| Lorna Jackson PS, Pierre Berton PS, Elder's Mills PS - School Council Presentation (PDF) | Primary Dual Track French Immersion Program | November 29, 2023 | n/a |
| Huron Heights SS, Newmarket HS, Mazo de la Roche PS, Poplar Bank PS - School Council Presentation (PDF) | Proposed French Immersion Program - Boundary Change | February 12, 2024, February 15, 2024 | n/a |
| Huron Heights SS, Newmarket HS, Mazo de la Roche PS, Poplar Bank PS - Newmarket High School and Huron Heights Secondary School - Proposed French Immersion Boundary Change Public Meeting Presentation (PDF), Frequently Asked Questions - provided at April 17, 2024 Public Meeting (PDF) | Proposed French Immersion Program - Boundary Change | April 17, 2024, | June 19, 2024 |
| Aurora HS, Dr. G.W. Williams SS - School Council Presentation (PDF) | Proposed Boundary Change | February 21, 2024 | n/a |
| Aurora HS, Dr. G.W. Williams SS - Public Meeting Presentation (PDF) | Proposed Boundary Change | March 21, 2024 | June 19, 2024 |
| Buttonville PS - School Council Presentation (PDF) | Proposed New School Boundary - Boundary Change | February 22, 2024 | n/a |
| Buttonville PS - English Public Meeting Presentation (PDF), Chinese Translation - Public Meeting Presentation (PDF) | Proposed New School Boundary - Boundary Change | April 3, 2024 | June 19, 2024 |
Archived School Boundary Information and Community Presentations are available.
Why do boundaries change?
Changes to school boundaries may be required for reasons that include:
- opening of new schools
- enrolment growth/decline
- closure of schools
- demographic shifts in the community
- additions to existing schools
- program changes
Board Policy 108, Student Accommodation - Attendance Areas and Student Transfers details the circumstances and the process under which boundaries may be changed. The Board’s Boundary Review Process ensures that attendance areas are reviewed annually.
How and when are boundaries changed?
- September: The Boundary Review Process begins each year with the identification of areas that require review by the Superintendents of Schools. Trustees, Principals, Planning and Transportation staff then determine the extent of the changes that are required and review options.
- October to November: A recommended option is presented at the Property Management Committee of the Board for information and comment.
- October to February: Public Consultation period - Attend School Council Meeting(s)and hold a Public Meeting.
- January to March: The proposed boundary change is presented to Property Management Committee.
- March to April: The proposed boundary change is presented at a Board Standing meeting for trustee approval.
- April to May: The boundary change goes to Board for final approval.
- Elementary School boundary changes can be implemented one year after the Boundary Review Process begins.
- Secondary School boundary changes typically take more than a school year as students need to choose courses well in advance of the implementation year.
How is the community involved?
The Board recognizes the importance of a thorough Public Consultation process. This is accomplished through committees, presentations, or open houses at local schools. School Councils are an important link in the process and are consulted prior to final boundary change decisions. Community members can participate in a variety of ways including attending meetings, reading newsletters, completing feedback forms and speaking with Board staff.
Public Information Sessions are advertised through local newspapers, school newsletters, School Councils and the Board website. Delegations may also be made to the Board of Trustees regarding proposed boundary changes by contacting the Director’s office prior to the scheduled Board Standing meeting for trustee approval.