Quick Links for Grade 8 Students and Families
What happens in Grade 8?
Have a child in Grade 8? This is the year when planning for secondary school begins.
There are some important steps ahead, but students and families are supported throughout the process with clear information, guidance and opportunities to ask questions.
Your child’s elementary and secondary school plays a central role in this transition. Dedicated transition teachers in elementary school help students learn about the opportunities available to them in secondary school and promote student well-being. Secondary school staff work with the elementary school to ensure students feel welcomed, supported and prepared for the move to secondary school.
In Grade 8, students will:
- Learn more about secondary school.
- Explore programs and opportunities.
- Choose courses for Grade 9
- Learn more about the supports available in secondary school.
- Prepare for a smooth and confident transition.
1. Learn more about secondary school (Fall).
Find your secondary school
Every student has a home secondary school based on where they live. Most students attend this school, which offers a welcoming environment, caring staff and a range of opportunities to support student success. You can use the school locator to confirm your school and explore what it offers.
You can also explore specialized programs based on your interests and goals. Some of these may be offered at different schools.
Attend an open house
In the fall, secondary schools hold open houses for students and families. These events are an important opportunity to:
- Tour the school and learning spaces.
- Meet educators, guidance, administrators and other school staff.
- Learn about courses, programs and graduation requirements.
- Ask questions before making decisions.
Missed the open house? Most of the information shared in the presentation is available on this page, and on your school's website.
What can I do now?
☐ Use the school locator to find your home school, the school in your neighbourhood.
☐ Check the open house calendar to find your school's open house date.
☐ Explore transportation options (walking, biking, school transportation or public transit).
☐ Consider following your local school on social media and exploring their website.
2. Explore programs and opportunities (Fall).
Grade 8 is the time to begin exploring programs and understanding what options may be available. Secondary schools offer a wide range of:
- courses
- clubs, teams and activities
- programs that support different interests and goals
Apply to specialty programs, if applicable
Some programs begin in Grade 9 and may require an application in the fall of Grade 8. Other opportunities can be explored later in high school.
If your child is interested in a specialized program that requires an application, it’s important to:
- Learn about program options.
- Review application requirements and timelines.
- Consider how the program connects to their interests.
What can I do now?
☐ Learn more about the different programs available in secondary school.
☐ Check application requirements and dates, where applicable.
☐ Not sure what program is right for you?
- Use My Pathway Planner to explore interests.
- Explore courses, programs and opportunities by areas of interest.
- Try this short quiz and explore some opportunities.
These programs require an application in Grade 8 to start the program in Grade 9. You can use the links to learn more about the programs, how to apply and where they are offered:
Specialized Secondary Arts Program
A specialized Arts program is a four-year arts program for YRDSB students who are committed to exploring and deepening their understanding, skills, and experiences in the arts. The program is offered at four secondary schools.
Bill Crothers Secondary School (BCSS)
Bill Crothers Secondary School (BCSS) is an inclusive, character-focused learning environment that links excellence in education and athletics with a commitment to healthy, active living for all students.
High Performance Athlete
An option for students who compete in sports at the provincial level or higher: this program provides timetable support to accommodate training and competitions.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme
Students can apply for an internationally recognized enriched curriculum across six subject areas. The IB Programme is offered at several YRDSB schools.
Learn more about all of the different programs available in secondary school.
These programs do not require an application in Grade 8. Some programs may require an application in later grades. You can use the links to learn more about the programs, how to apply and where they are offered.
French Immersion
In French Immersion, students receive instruction in French in a variety of subjects from a teacher who speaks French fluently. Students who take 10 credits in French Immersion receive a certificate.
Aquatic Leadership Program
Earn a secondary school credit while also earning lifeguarding certification and lifesaving instructor qualifications.
Personalized Alternative Education
Earn credits in a smaller class environment with personalized timetables and alternative learning approaches to meet your individual needs.
Exploring Opportunities Program (EOP)
Regional programs that allow students to focus on developing a high skill level in a particular technology.
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
Earn credits through the integration of classroom theory with practical experience in the workplace.
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. All YRDSB secondary schools offer SHSM. Find out which ones are offered at your school.
School Within a College (SWAC)
Students can complete their high school diploma, earn college-level credits, and learn in a college setting
Advanced Placement (AP)
AP courses occur at the grade 12 level and are designed to provide students with background and knowledge equivalent to a first-year university course.
Learn more about all of the different programs available in secondary school.
Choose Grade 9 Courses (February)
Students choose their Grade 9 courses using My Pathway Planner, with support from school staff.
When selecting courses, students should consider:
- graduation requirements
- their interests and strengths
- course prerequisites
- requirements for specific programs (if applicable)
- possible future pathways (e.g., apprenticeship, college, university, workplace)
You do not have to make decisions alone. School staff are here to help, and pathways are flexible as students interests and goals evolve.
Learn more about course selection.
What can I do now?
☐ Review graduation requirements.
☐ Explore course options by school.
☐ Use My Pathway Planner to plan and select courses.
To earn the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (O.S.S.D.), students must complete a combination of required classes, elective classes, and key learning experiences:
17 Compulsory Credits
Required classes that every student must take. One course must also come from a STEM-related group. These ensure that students build a strong foundation in a range of areas.
13 Optional Credits
Elective classes picked based on student interests.
40 Hours of Community Involvement:
Volunteer hours completed outside of class time. Students can start earning these hours during the summer right after completing Grade 8. If you go above and beyond in your volunteer work during high school, you can earn a Minister’s Certificate of Recognition for Community Involvement when you graduate.
Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT):
A required test based on reading and writing expectations up to Grade 9. It is taken in the fall of Grade 10. If a student does not pass on the first try, schools provide support, and the test can be retaken (or students can take the Grade 12 Literacy Course). Accommodations are available for students who need them.
Ontario Secondary School Financial Literacy Module:
Successfully completing the provincial financial literacy learning module.
2 Online Learning Credits
At least two credits must be taken through online learning.
Learn more about graduation requirements.
Course Types
There are different types of courses:
De-Streamed
Academic
Locally Developed
Open
Typically in Grade 9, students select eight courses.
Compulsory Courses
| Course | Course Codes/Types |
|---|---|
| English |
|
| Mathematics |
|
| Science |
|
| Canadian Geography |
|
| Technological Education | Students need one credit in Technological Education in Grade 9 or 10 to graduate.
These are sample course codes. There are a variety of technological education subjects available that meet the graduation requirement for technological education, that could include:
|
| Arts | Students need one credit in the Arts to graduate. This can be taken in Grade 9.
|
| Health and Physical Education | Students need one credit in Health and Physical Education to graduate. This can be taken in Grade 9.
The possible areas of focus for a Healthy Active Living course instead taking it Grade 9:
|
| French | French is one of Canada’s official languages and a compulsory subject from Grade 4-9
|
Optional Courses for Grade 9 Students
| Course | Course Codes/Types |
|---|---|
| Family Studies |
|
| Business Studies |
|
High school courses are identified by a six-character code. These codes tell you:
what subject the course belongs to
what grade it’s for
what type of course it is
For example: ENL1W1
| ENL | 1 | W | 1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| The first letter identifies the subject (e.g. E for English, M for Math). The second and third characters relate to the course. | The fourth number shows the grade:
| The fifth letter shows the course type:
| The sixth character tells us about the delivery:
|
Secondary schools prepare students for a variety of different post-secondary pathways. Staff are here to help students explore and prepare for the pathway that aligns with their interests and goals.
Apprenticeship Pathway
An apprenticeship is a paid job that provides a hands-on training program for people who want to work in a skilled trade, such as automotive service technician, electrician, baker, tool and die maker.As an apprentice, you learn by doing and earn while learning. You will receive 90 per cent of your training on the job, and spend 10 per cent of your time in the classroom learning theoretical applications.
Did you know that students have the opportunity to become registered apprentices and work towards becoming certified in a skilled trade while completing their secondary school diploma? You can apply to an apprenticeship after graduation, or you can get a head start on apprenticeship while in secondary school through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program.
College Pathway
College programs combine academic learning with technical training and prepare students for specific careers. There are over 1,000 programs across Ontario colleges, including diplomas, certificates, and applied degrees. Many colleges have articulation agreements with universities, meaning credits can transfer toward a degree if students choose to continue.
Did you know that students can earn college credits while still in high school? Learn more about the College-Delivered Dual Credit Program.
University Pathway
University programs provide theoretical and research-based learning. Ontario universities offer undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, collaborative programs, co-op programs and professional programs. Your first degree is called an undergraduate degree.
Did you know that you can transfer to a university from a college program as well as transfer to a college program from a university program? There are many opportunities to move between colleges and universities. Check out the Ontario Post-Secondary Transfer Guide.
Workplace Pathway
Some students may choose to transition directly to the workplace after high school. These students work closely with guidance counsellors and support teams to identify opportunities that align with their skills and interests, whether it’s employment, entrepreneurship or specialized training.
4. Learn more about supports
Secondary schools provide a range of supports during the transition to Grade 9 and throughout your high school years to support student success and well-being. This includes:
- Guidance staff who support course selection and planning.
- Teachers and Student Success teams who support learning and well-being.
- School staff who help students feel safe, included and connected.
- Dedicated supports for English language learners and students with Individual Education Plans.
Explore the Transitions Hub and learn about transitions to secondary school. The Hub is a space created to support all students and their families during times of change, with specific information and strategies to support students with special education needs.
What can I do now?
☐ For students with Individual Education Plans, connect with your elementary school SERT or high school Student Services Department about transition support.
☐ Reassure your child that there will be lots of support available to help students transition to high school.
5. Prepare for a smooth and confident transition to Grade 9
It's common to have questions about starting high school.
There are many opportunities for students to learn about high school during Grade 8, both at their elementary school and through visits to secondary schools.
You can also explore this website to learn more about what to expect in secondary school.
What you can expect on the first day
Secondary schools have plans to help students feel comfortable, confident and ready for Grade 9.
Before school starts, you'll receive your timetable. It tells you which course you have each period, which room to go to and who your teacher is. You’ll usually have a different teacher for every course
The first day of secondary school is for Grade 9 students only. This gives students time to find their locker and their classes, learn their way around the school and participate in transition activities.
What can I do now?
☐ Learn more about what to expect in secondary school.
☐ Students can start earning Community Involvement hours after Grade 8. Learn more about what qualifies and how they can track these hours.