There are a number of high schools in Toronto’s west end, each offering different programs and catering to a variety of interests & proficiencies. I have helped both my daughters navigate through this maze of grade 9 options, they each attended different high schools, but I am happy to report that they both made the right choice and ended up at the school that was the best fit for them.
To add to the confusion, the TDSB has changed their application process for specialized programs, so they are offering a virtual ‘Student Interest Programs Information Session’ on November 3rd, from 7-8:30pm. To further support students and families with the application process, central TDSB staff will be hosting three Centralized Program Admissions Support Sessions to answer any questions that students or families may have when completing the Centralized Program Application. Live, online support will be available on the following dates: November 8 – 4-5:30pm (LINK), November 15 – 7- 8:30pm (LINK), November 24 – 4-5:30pm (LINK).
We have had an overwhelming response to this blog, which we originally posted in 2017 when I was going through this process the first time, so this year we have expanded it to include a few more west end schools. We hope that you will find it to be a helpful guide to the varied (and sometimes overwhelming) choices available for secondary school education in Toronto's west end!
Specialty Programs & Key Dates
Bishop Allen Academy (Catholic)
Advanced Placement Program - an internationally recognized program that fosters success in higher education by encouraging students to develop critical thinking skills at the highest level
the school also offers French Immersion & French Extended, a Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program in Justice, Community Safety and Emergency Services and a Gifted Program called SAGE (service, awareness, giftedness, experience)
applications are available as of September 26th and are due November 1st. Notification of acceptance to specialty programs is on December 2nd (wave 1) & December 9th (wave 2).
Bloor Collegiate
Virtual open house November 10th, 6:30-8:30pm
Talented Offerings in the Programs of Sciences (TOPS) on Bloor program
the TDSB has changed their application process for specialized programs, students wishing to apply to Math, Science and Technology at Bloor Collegiate must now do so by applying to these Centralized Student Interest Programs through an online application that will be available from November 7-25.
Etobicoke Collegiate
Virtual open house December 1st, 7-9pm
they offer two Specialist High Skills Majors (SHSM) programs in Engineering Technologies and Digital Design and a Leadership (local) Program
students must live within the school's catchment to attend the regular program or apply for Out-of-Area Admissions. Applications must be submitted to the TDSB between January 9-27, 2023 and families will be informed of the status of their application on February 8th (round 1) or February 15th (round 2).
Etobicoke School of the Arts
In-person open house November 8th, 6-8pm
arts focus in dance, drama, music & film
the TDSB has changed their application process for specialized programs, students wishing to apply to the arts program at ESA must now do so by applying to these Centralized Student Interest Programs through an online application that will be available from November 7-25.
Father John Redmond (Catholic)
In-person open house October 13th, 6:30pm
Congregated Advanced Placement Program which enables willing and academically prepared students to pursue university-level courses while attending secondary school
Regional Arts Program in dance, drama, music & visual arts
applications are available as of September 26th and are due November 1st. Notification of acceptance to specialty programs is on December 2nd (wave 1) & December 9th (wave 2).
the school also offers a Gifted Program
Humberside Collegiate
Virtual open house December 15th, 6:30-8:30pm
extended french & french immersion programs for students coming from feeder schools
students in the English program must live within the school's catchment to attend
Humberside Collegiate
Martingrove Collegiate
Virtual open house December 6th, 6:30-8:30pm
they offer Advanced Placement (AP) and a Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) in Health and Wellness
students must live within the school's catchment to attend the regular program
Michael Power - St. Joseph High School (Catholic)
the school also offers two Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programs in Health & Wellness and Sports
applications are available as of September 26th and are due November 1st. Notification of acceptance to specialty programs is on December 2nd (wave 1) & December 9th (wave 2).
Parkdale Collegiate
Virtual open house November 22nd, 6:30-8:30pm
they also offer a SHSM program in Green Industries
the TDSB has changed their application process for specialized programs, students wishing to apply to the IB program at Parkdale must now do so by applying to these Centralized Student Interest Programs through an online application that will be available from November 7-25.
Richview Collegiate
Virtual open house December 8th, 6:30-8:30pm
extended french & french immersion programs for students coming from feeder schools
students in the English program must live within the school's catchment to attend
Runnymede Collegiate
Virtual open house November 23rd, 6:30-8:30pm
Masters of Math, Science & Technology Program is an enriched program designed for students who excel in the areas of Mathematics, Science and Computer Studies
they also offer four SHSM programs in Digital Urban Arts, Computer Technology, Engineering, and Software Design, Social Justice & Law and Health and Public Services
the TDSB has changed their application process for specialized programs, students wishing to apply to Math, Science and Technology at Runnymede Collegiate must now do so by applying to these Centralized Student Interest Programs through an online application that will be available from November 7-25.
Silverthorn Collegiate
Virtual open house November 10th, 7-9pm
High Performer Program which is is an academic program for students who are elite athletes involved in regional, provincial, national or international competitions. It offers students with intense training schedules, and the opportunity for a more flexible timetable in order to balance their out-of-school commitments so that they can strive for both academic and athletic excellence.
they also offer a SHSM program in Arts & Culture (visual arts, performing arts, music and/or dance)
the TDSB has changed their application process for specialized programs, students wishing to apply to the Elite/Exceptional Athlete program at Silverthorn must now do so by applying to these Centralized Student Interest Programs through an online application that will be available from November 7-25.
Ursula Franklin Academy
In-person open house November 15th, 6-9pm
UFA is a small specialized school which has a focus or specialization in the following areas: Wednesday Enrichment Program, Math and Science Programming, Social Justice & Integrated Technology
the TDSB has changed their application process for specialized programs, students wishing to apply to the Integrated Technology program at UFA must now do so by applying to these Centralized Student Interest Programs through an online application that will be available from November 7-25.
UFA has a two-step admission process, in addition to completing the Secondary Centralized Programs Online Application, all students must then select one date on which they will attend an in-person admissions session. In-person sessions will take place on November 18th from 10am-12pm or on November 26th from 10am-12pm
if the number of students who are eligible to attend UFA exceeds the number of spaces available in any given year, all eligible students will be placed in a pool for a random draw (lottery)
Western Technical-Commercial School and Ursula Franklin Academy
Western Technical-Commercial School
Virtual open house November 17th, 6:30-8:30pm
they offer four Specialized High Skills Major (SHSM) programs in culinary arts, design studio (a CyberARTS program), engineering robotics & leadership
they also offer a Gifted Program and courses in eight strands of Technology
the TDSB has changed their application process for specialized programs, students wishing to apply to CyberARTS program at Western Tech must now do so by applying to these Centralized Student Interest Programs through an online application that will be available from November 7-25.
Please click here, for a list of open houses at all TDSB schools. Happy open housing and the best of luck to all of you.....high school is a whole other post ;).