A family checklist for Grade 8 to support the transition to high school
In Grade 8, students prepare for high school, including choosing Grade 9 courses and, in some cases, applying to programs. Use this checklist to help you plan.
You may also find this information helpful:
Learn more about secondary school (Fall).
☐ 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.
Explore programs and opportunities (Fall).
☐ 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.
Choose Grade 9 courses (February).
☐ Review graduation requirements.
☐ Explore course options by school.
☐ Use My Pathway Planner to plan and select courses.
Learn more about supports
☐ For students with Individual Education Plans, 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.
Prepare for a smooth and confident transition to Grade 9 (Spring-Summer)
☐ 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.
Five question to ask your child:
- What courses are you most interested in?
- Are there any programs or opportunities you want to explore more or apply to?
- What are you looking forward to or feeling unsure about?
- What kind of support would help you be successful?
- What questions do you still have about high school?