There are many opportunities beyond the regular classroom to explore your education and career choices.
* Please note, not all programs are available at every school.
Search by Sector
Specialized Programs
Advanced Placement (AP) - you can pursue university-level studies while in high school. Based on your performance on a standardized exam, you can earn a credit, advanced placement or both for university.
Arts - You can pursue an intensive arts-focused program in dance, visual arts, music (vocal or instrumental) or drama.
Aquatic Leadership Program - A program offered by the York Region District School Board and City of Markham allows secondary students to earn a secondary school credit while also earning lifeguarding certification and lifesaving instructor qualifications.
French as a Second Language - Learn more about French immersion at the secondary level and other French as a Second language programs.
Gifted Program - Gifted Programming is accessed only in Grades 9 and 10 with identification through the IPRC process. For more information about the requirements, please visit the gifted screening procedure.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme - You can apply for an internationally recognized enriched curriculum across six subject areas.
Personalized Alternative Education - You can earn credits in a smaller class environment with personalized timetables and alternative learning approaches to meet your individual needs.
Other Learning Opportunities
Athletics - Learn about athletics opportunities in secondary school.
Mathematics - Learn more about what students learn in secondary school mathematics and find resources to support math learning.
Night School Credit Courses - You can earn credits in other ways.
(PLAR) Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition - Students attending regular day school may receive credits through the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Challenge by successfully completing a formal evaluation and accreditation process.
School-Work Transition Programs - School-work Transition Programs are specialized programs that prepare students for employment or self-employment.
Pathways Programs
College Delivered Dual Credit Courses - In Grade 11 or 12, you can earn credits in a college environment while still in secondary school.
Cooperative Education - In Grade 11 and 12, you can earn credits through the integration of classroom theory with practical experience in the workplace.
Exploring Opportunities Program - A specialized opportunity if you are interested in the trades and technology and want to explore workplace or apprenticeship pathways.
High-Performance Athlete Program - You can apply to a regional school that focuses on healthy, active living and sport and supports both your academic and athletic goals.
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program - In Grade 11 or 12, you can start your investigation and training in an apprenticeship trade through the cooperative education program.
Specialist High Skills Major - You can specialize in an economic sector of interest while in secondary school by choosing courses related to that sector and participating in a number of planned experiential opportunities, such as co-op, field trips and post-secondary tours.
School Within a College (SWAC) Program - Students can complete their high school diploma, earn college-level credits, and learn in an adult learning environment in a college setting.
York Region Skills Challenge - Compete against fellow students in skills-based challenges