Alternative and Special-Focus Elementary Schools

What is it?	Publicly-funded elementary schools in Toronto offering instruction and learning environments that are enriched or unique.
Area of focus	Elementary school
Agency/ Provider	Toronto District School Board Toronto Catholic District School Board
Description	Publicly-funded school boards in Toronto offer diverse programs and learning environments for students in both elementary and secondary school. While most students attend their local community school, other families elect to send their children to specialized schools or programs that reflect their children’s interests, skills and learning needs. Toronto Catholic District School Board Ukranian Heritage & Language Schools St. Michael’s Boys Choir School (grades 3-12) TCDSB Ukranian Heritage & Language Schools: Three schools offer traditional classroom instruction with a focus on Ukrainian heritage and language. Find out more here. TCDSB St. Michael’s Choir School: In addition to the traditional curriculum, students receive intensive instruction in vocal music. Each student participates in one of the school’s choirs, and all students are required to study piano and music theory. You can learn more here. Toronto District School Board Arts-Based Schools Elementary Academies Alternative Schools Optional Attendance TDSB Arts-Based Schools: There are two TDSB arts schools open to elementary students. These schools focus on drama, dance, music, visual arts and digital arts. Students must apply and audition for entry to these schools. You can read more here. TDSB Elementary Academies are schools for students with a strong interest in music, sports, leadership or active living. All students have equal access to the Academies and there are no specific admission requirements, just interest and passion. To apply and register for the Elementary Academies, families must contact the individual school. You can find more information here. TDSB Alternative Schools are different from traditional schools in that they each offer a distinct approach to curriculum delivery. Alternative schools usually have small student populations, offer innovative programs, and allow for significant family and community involvement. Alternative schools offer courses approved by the provincial Ministry of Education, but they are delivered in learning environments that are flexible and meet the needs of individual students. You can find more information here. TDSB Optional Attendance: Most students attend the community school that is closest to their residential address. However, students in the TDSB also have the opportunity to access other schools by applying through the Optional Attendance policy. Acceptance at schools other than the student’s designated community school is subject to space availability and program suitability. Each year in December, schools are classified as limited or closed to optional attendance based on the space they have available for the upcoming school year. Read more about Optional Attendance here.
Communities Served	Specialized programs are open to all students within their respective school board. Some schools and programs require an application process and/or audition, and admission is not guaranteed.
Languages Served	English
Website	TDSB: www.tdsb.on.ca/ElementarySchool/SchoolChoices.aspx TCDSB: www.tcdsb.org/school/Pages/default.aspx
Contact Information
Client Outreach and Support Tips	Alternative and specialized schools host open houses, usually in the fall and winter. Encourage parents and children to attend these events if they want to learn more about their options.