Find your school
Most students attend their home school - the school in your neighbourhood. Every school offers high-quality education, caring staff and programs to help you build skills for the future.
Explore your options
As you begin or move through secondary school, you can explore specialized programs based on your interests, skills or career goals.
Check out the variety of programs below.
Or, do you know what interests you, but aren’t sure which program is the best fit? Explore courses and programs by your area of interest
* Please note, not all programs are available at every school.
Grade | Program | What do I need to know? | Important Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
Grades 9-12 | 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. | Information nights are held in October-November. Registration opens in November for the following school year. | |
Grades 9-12 | 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. Find your French Immersion school. | Students who participated in elementary French Immersion can attend the secondary French Immersion school to continue in the program. Secondary school open houses are held in the fall-winter. | |
Grades 9-12 | Students can apply for an internationally recognized enriched curriculum across six subject areas. The IB Programme is offered at five YRDSB schools. | Information nights are held in October. Registration opens in October for the following school year. | |
Grades 9-12 | 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. | Information nights are held in October-November. Registration opens in November for the following school year. | |
Grades 9-12 | Earn a secondary school credit while also earning lifeguarding certification and lifesaving instructor qualifications. | Registration opens at different times of the year. Please check the program webpage for locations, program requirements and registration information. | |
Grades 9-12 | An option for students who compete in sports at the provincial level or higher: this program provides timetable support to accommodate training and competitions.
| Students in Grades 9 to 12 may apply to be considered as a HPA student. Learn more about the application process. | |
Grades 9-12 *check your school for details | Earn credits in a smaller class environment with personalized timetables and alternative learning approaches to meet your individual needs.
| Personalized Alternative Education programming is unique and reflects the school community and student needs at each school. Speak to your school’s guidance counsellor or PAE department for more information. | |
Check your school for details | Regional programs that allow students to focus on developing a high skill level in a particular technology. Find an EOP near you. | Contact the EOP school near you for an application. | |
Grades 11-12 | 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. | Students who wish to participate must take co-op in Grade 11 and/or 12. Speak to your Guidance Counsellor at your school to discuss the application and course selection. | |
Grades 11-12 | Earn credits through the integration of classroom theory with practical experience in the workplace. | Students who wish to participate select co-op during course selection. | |
Grades 11-12 | In Grade 11 or 12, you can earn credits in a college environment while still in secondary school. | Students at any YRDSB secondary school can apply to register for a dual credit. Speak with your guidance counsellor for more information. | |
Grades 11-12 | In Grade 11 or 12, you can start your investigation and training in an apprenticeship trade through the cooperative education program. | Students at any YRDSB secondary school can apply to participate in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program. Talk to your Guidance Counsellor or Cooperative Education teacher. | |
Grades 11-12 | School Within a College (SWAC)
| Students can complete their high school diploma, earn college-level credits, and learn in a college setting. | Students are recruited twice a year for September and February intakes. Learn more about how to apply for SWAC. |
Grade 12 | 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. Refer to the Secondary Programs at a Glance to find the schools where AP courses are offered. |
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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.
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Learn more about STEM in YRDSB.
- Night School Credit Courses - You can earn credits in other ways.
- Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) - Students may receive credits by successfully completing a formal evaluation and accreditation process.
Students with identifications may also be interested in:
- Gifted Programming: Available in Grades 9 and 10
- School-work Transition Programs: Specialized programs that prepare students for employment or self-employment.