York Region - Ontario’s Rising Star

Located within the Greater Toronto area (GTA), just north of the City of Toronto, York Region boasts an inspiring mix of cultural attractions that will satisfy a variety of interests and expectations.

York Region consists of nine municipalities, each with its own distinctive character and unique attractions. Each municipality has plenty to offer, including local festivals and events, entertainment and sport facilities, shopping destinations, a variety of restaurants, leisure facilities, and beautiful parks and landscapes.

York Region has a strong and diverse economic base. The Region’s positive business climate encourages new business investment. Key industries represented include business and financial services, automotive parts and transportation equipment manufacturing, information technology, biotechnology, construction and building related services, and furniture and related products.

Coming to York Region

The Toronto Pearson International Airport is the closest airport to York Region, approximately 43 km from the Region’s core. The airport offers many non-stop flights to major cities in Canada and the USA as well as international flights to Latin America, Asia and Europe.

York Region District School Board (YRDSB) is a provincial leader in education. As a school district, we are focused on fostering well-being and mental health, championing equity and inclusivity, building collaborative relationships with all stakeholders and empowering ethical leadership.

YRDSB students are enriched by the opportunity to live and learn with students from around the world.

We believe all students can learn and succeed, and work hard to create safe, inclusive and caring environment that enable all our students to thrive. Our dedicated and professional staff provide a range of learning opportunities that enable our students to develop their knowledge and skills, explore their interests and reach their full potential.

Why Choose YRDSB?

In province-wide testing, YRDSB students continue to achieve among the highest results in the province according to the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO). We believe this is due to a unique combination of students who are prepared and motivated to succeed, teachers who are skilled at helping students learn, strong educational leaders who have a common vision of excellence, and a supportive community that understands the importance of quality public education.

Some of the facilities available to students:

• technology-enabled classrooms
• science and computer labs
• gymnasiums and fitness rooms equipped with showers
• modern libraries
• communication, design and media arts labs
• theatre arts and music rooms
• cafeterias
• outdoor sports fields
• online resources

Students can join a variety of extra-curricular clubs and sport teams, such as:

• student council
• environmental clubs
• drama and theatre
• computer engineering
• chess
• mathematics
• snowboarding/skiing
• robotics
• visual arts
• photography
• music
• weight training
• peer tutoring

International Student Program

Ranked among the highest in student achievement, YRDSB is Ontario’s third largest school board. Located north of the City of Toronto, YRDSB has more than 200 schools serving elementary and high school students. International students attending YRDSB schools can attend from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12.

Elementary Education (Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8)

Elementary school includes Junior Kindergarten (4 years old) to Grade 8 (13 years old). The school year begins in September and ends in June. English as a Second Language (ESL) support classes are available in most elementary schools. Over 180 elementary schools are available from which parents can choose to send their students.

High School Education (Grade 9 to 12)

High school students from 14 to 18 years old can select one of the many designated secondary schools available to international students. A school year is divided into two semesters with a student participating in four courses (credits) each semester. ESL instruction is offered at five levels throughout the school year as credit courses and will help students strengthen their language proficiency. Advanced Placement (AP) courses are also available in certain schools.

International students who earn 18 compulsory credits and 12 optional credits, pass the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test, and complete 40 hours of community involvement are eligible to graduate and receive the Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

Short-term Programs

A variety of short-term programs are available for students 10 to 18 years old and are offered at various times throughout the year. Students may participate in:

• classroom and cultural immersion
• English language programs
• credit programs, Academic, grades 9-12
• credit programs, Indigenous Languages and International Languages

Additional information about these programs can be found on the website www.yrdsb.ca/international

Student Services

Guidance Counselling

Each secondary school has a team of guidance counsellors that provide assistance in course selection and educational choices. Students are welcome to speak with their guidance counsellor to discuss post-secondary education planning.

Student Liaison

Dedicated staff act as a liaison between students and schools by assisting in the transition to a new school and community, making regular visits to schools to meet with school staff to monitor students’ academic achievement and communicating with parents on students’ progress.

High School Orientation Program

The YRDSB Orientation Program is designed to give new international students the best possible start to their learning career in York Region. Its focus is on helping students settle in to a new community and to achieve success at school through the use of classroom activities, guest speakers, school and community centre visits, and field trips. Assessment of each student’s English language and mathematics skills is scheduled as a component of the program. This assessment will enable school staff to prepare the most appropriate course of study for each individual student.

Homestay Service

Understanding the personal well-being of our international students is crucial to their academic success while studying in York Region. YRDSB partner homestay organizations take pride in their commitment to providing caring, reliable and trust-worthy homestay families for visiting students. Accommodations are arranged in safe and secure family homes, within close proximity to school and public transportation. International studentsand hosts are matched according to their interests, background, lifestyle, personal needs and preferences.

Regular monitoring of the student and host family ensures that they are adapting well.

Custodianship Service

Parents who require this service can make arrangements through the two partner homestay organizations. The homestay organization will act as the official custodian on academic matters and will maintain contact with parents throughout the school year.

Homestay and Custodianship Services are available to students attending secondary school. Homestay Service includes:

• security-checked families
• host family profiles
• personal matching of students and families
• quality assurance and 24-hour emergencyservices
• homes which are in close proximity to schools
• warm, caring English-speaking families Homestay families offer:
• a safe and secure environment
• private, furnished bedrooms and shared bath
• three daily meals, including snacks

Our Mission

Mission

To advance student achievement and well-being through public education, which motivates learners, fosters inclusion, inspires innovation and builds community.

Vision

To be a leader in public education by empowering all students to become engaged and caring citizens of the world.

Values

Our School Board operates based on a set of values, which guides our actions:

Inclusivity

We demonstrate equity and inclusivity in all that we do. We demand an environment in which all students, staff, parents and our community feel valued and have a sense of belonging. We expect empathy, mutual respect and understanding to be demonstrated in our words and actions.

Relationships

We value positive, meaningful relationships with students, staff, parents and our community. We value diversity of opinion, sincere dialogue and community engagement.

Innovation

We continuously strive to provide the best educational programs for all students. We empower staff and students to take initiative and to be innovative leaders.

Engagement

We encourage active participation in all learning and activities by creating an environment that engages students, staff, parents and our community.

Responsibility

We are individually and collectively responsible for creating the best possible school community to support the achievement and well-being of all individuals. We are responsible for the delivery of effective and sustainable educational programs and stewardship of Board resources.

Optimism

We approach all situations with optimism. We cultivate confidence and resiliency in all students and staff.