Alternative & Special-Focus Secondary Schools
| What is it? | Publicly-funded secondary schools in Toronto offering instruction and learning environments that are enriched or unique. |
| Area of focus | Secondary 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 secondary school. Many students choose to enroll in specialized schools or programs that reflect their interests, skills, goals and learning needs. It is important to note that some schools and programs require an application and/or audition – acceptance is not guaranteed.
Toronto Catholic District School Board
TCDSB Single Gender Schools: The Catholic school board has 10 single-gender schools in Toronto for students in grades 9-12: four for boys and six for girls. You can find more information here. TCDCB Specialist High Skills Major Programs: Specialist High Skills Major offers students the chance to complete the Ontario Secondary School Diploma while focusing on a specific economic sector and preparing for the transition to college, apprenticeship, university or the workplace. More than 60 Specialist High Skills Major Programs are offered in TCDSB secondary schools. More information is available here. TCDSB Arts-Based Schools and Programs: The TCDSB offers a number of specialized programs for high school students with a strong aptitude for the arts. Additional instruction is offered in music, visual arts, drama, dance and vocal music. TCDSB International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB): This is a rigorous academic program that offers students the opportunity to explore international themes through balanced and comprehensive courses of study. The IB program is offered in three TCDSB high schools. TCDSB Congregated Advanced Placement: Advanced Placement (AP) gives highly motivated secondary students the opportunity to enrich their studies with first-year university material. Under the direction of the College Board and their AP Coordinators, students can choose from thirty-five courses and exams. The exams in each course are written by the students under the supervision of the AP Coordinator and assessed by the College Board. Students’ examination scores can lead to exemption from a first year university course. While all TCDSB secondary schools can offer the opportunity to write Advanced Placement exams in the senior year, some TCDSB high schools offer a Congregated Advanced Placement Program beginning in grade 9, offering enriched courses that offer both the Ontario Curriculum and prepare students to write exams in Advanced Placement in their grade 11 or grade 12 year. TCDSB Math, Science & Technology Program: This option is available at two TCDSB secondary schools. Students must apply for the program. You can learn more about these specialized programs here.
Toronto District School Board
You can find a complete online listing of the alternative and specialized programs offered by the TDSB here and here. TDSB Alternative Secondary Schools: The TDSB offers 22 alternative schools at the secondary level. Each one has a unique focus and learning environment. Read more 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 | |
| Contact Information | |
| Client Outreach and Support Tips |
Alternative and specialized schools host open houses, usually in the fall and winter. Encourage parents and students to attend these events if they want to learn more about their options. |