Quick Links for Grade 6 Families
What can Grade 6 families do to prepare for secondary school?
Secondary school may still feel far away, and that’s okay. Students do not need to make any decisions now.
Our goal is to share information early so students and families feel confident, supported and prepared.
Over the next few years in elementary school, students will:
- Learn more about their interests and strengths.
- Build independence and confidence as learners.
- Become more familiar with what secondary school is like.
- Get to know what supports are available to help them succeed.
This page shares information and tips about what you can do now to help your child feel ready.
Use the Grade 6-7 checklist to help you get started and feel prepared for the transition. The actions are also outlined below.
1. Start the conversation
Talking about high school now can help your child feel more comfortable and confident over time.
You don’t need to have all the answers. Simple, everyday conversations can help your child reflect on their interests, how they learn best, and what they’re curious about.
What can I do now?
Talk with your child about:
☐ Subjects and activities they like or are curious about.
☐ What helps them learn best.
☐ What they hope their high school experience will be like.
☐ Questions they may have about high school.
2. Explore high school
Most students attend their home school - the school in your neighbourhood. You can use the school locator to find your school and learn more about it.
As your child gets closer to starting high school, there may be other program options to explore. It's important to know:
- No matter which school or program you attend, your child will receive a high quality education in a safe, inclusive and supportive environment.
- Your child does not need to choose a school or program right now.
High schools have open houses in the fall. They also sometimes host events that elementary families can attend. These are good opportunities to get to know the school.
What can I do now?
☐ Use the School Locator on the board website to find your home school (the school in your neighbourhood).
☐ Visit the high school open house and explore the school.
☐ Attend events at the high school that are open to elementary families (e.g. plays).
3. Learn more about opportunities
Secondary schools offer many opportunities for students to explore their interests and try new things. Students can:
- Take a variety of courses, including required and optional subjects.
- Get involved in clubs, teams and activities.
- Explore different pathways as they begin to think about future goals.
Students will also begin using My Pathway Planner (myBlueprint) in Grade 7. This tool helps them explore interests, set goals and build plans.
What can I do now?
☐ Explore the school board and school websites to learn more about what to expect in high school, and course and program options.
☐ If your child is interested in a specialized program, check program requirements.
☐ Learn about My Pathway Planner (myBlueprint), which students use from Grades 7-12 to explore interests and plan.
4. Learn about supports
Secondary schools are welcoming, supportive places. YRDSB is committed to ensuring all students feel safe, valued, respected and supported.
There are many people and resources available to support students, including:
- Caring staff who get to know students over time.
- Academic and well-being supports.
- Guidance to help students explore options and make decisions when the time is right.
- Dedicated supports for multilingual learners and students with Individual Education Plans.
As your child moves closer to high school, they will learn more about what to expect and who to turn to for support.
What can I do now?
☐ Reassure your child that there will be lots of support to help students transition to high school and be successful
Explore at your own pace
You can explore information about secondary school on this site at your own pace to learn more about what to expect, what opportunities are available and how students are supported.
You may find this checklist for families in Grades 6 and 7 helpful.
Ready to learn a little more? Continue to Exploring Interests, Building Confidence.