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Ontario schools are organized into several publicly funded systems. There are also private and homeschooling options. All Ontario high schools lead to the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) under one provincial set of rules. Confirm eligibility: TDSB (public) or TCDSB (Catholic) based on home location.
Types of schools
- Public schools: Non‑religious, open to all students, adhering to the Ontario curriculum set by the Ministry of Education.
- Catholic schools: Publicly funded but faith-based. They integrate Catholic teaching with the Ontario curriculum. They are part of separate Catholic school boards.
- French‑language schools: Offer instruction primarily in French and serve students with the right to French‑language education, both public and Catholic.
High school structure and OSSD
To earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), a student must finish 30 high school credits. They must finish at least 40 hours of community involvement. Students must meet the provincial literacy condition, typically by passing the OSSLT or the OSSLC course. Additionally, they must earn at least two online learning credits. The mix of compulsory and optional credits varies slightly for students. This applies to those who started Grade 9 in 2024 or later.
To earn an OSSD, students must:
- 30 credits (Grade 9 in 2023 or earlier: 18 compulsory + 12 optional; Grade 9 in 2024 or later: 17 compulsory + 13 optional)
- 40+ hours of community involvement
- Literacy (OSSLT test or OSSLC course)
- 2 online credits (opt-out possible)
- 2025: Pass financial literacy in Grade 10 math (70%+)
For the most current official details, see the Ontario government page on earning your Ontario high school diploma.
Compulsory Credits (total of 17)
| Credits Point | Grade(s) |
|---|---|
| 4 credits in English | 1 credit per Grade (9 – 12) |
| 3 credits in Mathematics | Grade 9, 10, and at least one in Grade 11 or 12 |
| 2 credits in Science | |
| 1 credit in the Arts (dance, drama, media, music, visual arts) | |
| 1 credit in Canadian Geography | Grade 9 |
| 1 credit in Canadian History | Grade 10 |
| 1 credit in French as a second language | |
| 1 credit in Health and Physical Education | |
| 0.5 credit in Career Studies | |
| 0.5 credit in Civics and Citizenship | |
| 1 credit in Technological Education | Grade 9 or 10 |
| 1 credit from a STEM-related course group (business studies, computer studies, cooperative education, an extra math, science, or technological education course) |
Programs and pathways
- Boards like the TDSB offer a wide range of pathways: regular programs, specialized programs (e.g., arts, STEM, technology, Afrocentric), co‑op, OYAP apprenticeships, night school, and summer and e-learning options.
- Many Ontario high schools offer enrichment options like IB, AP, and local specialty programs. Nonetheless, these programs all still lead to the same OSSD framework.
Toronto District School Board’s (TDSB) specialized secondary programs
Here is a consolidated table of TDSB’s specialized secondary programs. This table is based on the most recent available information from official TDSB sources. It also includes guidance documents.
| Program Name | Description | Sample Courses/Focus | Sample Best School(s) | Admission Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Baccalaureate (IB) | Sector-focused program (Arts, Business, Health, ICT, Trades, etc.), includes certifications and co-op. | IB English, IB Math, IB Biology | Sir Wilfrid Laurier CI, Parkdale CI, Victoria Park CI, Weston CI, Monarch Park CI | Rigorous two-year pre-university program with standardized exams and a global curriculum |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | Sector-focused program (Arts, Business, Health, ICT, Trades, etc.), includes certifications and co-op | Sector-specific bundle, Co-op | Central Technical, Danforth CTI, Western Tech, Georges Vanier SS, Marc Garneau CI, SATEC @ WA Porter CI | Application, interest in the sector, need an interview |
| MaCS (Math & Computer Science) | Enriched math, science, computer tech, and English for high-achieving students | Enriched Math, Science, Comp Sci, English | William Lyon Mackenzie CI | Entrance exam, application, and academic record |
| TOPS (Talented Offerings in the Sciences) | Advanced science and math program with an enriched curriculum | Advanced Math, Science, English | Marc Garneau CI, Bloor CI | Entrance exam, application, and academic record |
| SATEC @ WA Porter CI | Scarborough Academy for Technological, Environmental & Computer Education | Technology, Math, Science, ICT | SATEC @ WA Porter CI | Entrance exam (Math/Science), application |
| STEM+ | Math and science with a global/social justice perspective | Math, Science, Social Justice | George Vanier CI | Entrance exam (Math/Science), application |
| Enriched Programs (various) | In-depth focus on math, science, or technology for advanced learners | Enriched Math, Science | CW Jefferys CI, Danforth CTI, John Polanyi CI, Northview Heights SS, Runnymede CI, West Humber CI | Application, entrance exam (varies), academic record |
| Afrocentric Secondary Program | Curriculum delivered through an Afrocentric lens, reflecting diverse histories and perspectives | Afrocentric History, English, Social Sci | Downsview Secondary School | Application, interest in the Afrocentric curriculum |
| Arts Focused Schools/Programs | Intensive arts curriculum in music, visual arts, drama, dance, and media | Visual Arts, Music, Drama, Dance | Etobicoke School of the Arts, Rosedale Heights School of the Arts, Wexford Collegiate School for the Arts | Audition/portfolio, application, interview |
| Entrepreneurship | Program developing business innovation, flexibility, and self-reliance | Business, Marketing, Entrepreneurship | Various schools | Application, interest in business |
| Center of Innovation for Skills & Tech (CIST) | STEM-focused learning hubs with engineering design and real-world applications | STEM, Engineering, Design | Various schools | Application, interest in STEM |
| Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) | Start apprenticeship training in skilled trades while earning high school credits. | Co-op, Construction, Automotive | Central Technical, Danforth CTI, Western Tech | Application, interest in trades, may need an interview |
| Dual Credit Programs | Earn both high school and college credits through partnerships | College-level courses | Various schools in collaboration with colleges | Application, teacher recommendation, and academic standing |
| Alternative Schools | Schools with unique teaching philosophies and flexible environments | Varies by school | City School, Oasis Alternative, Subway Academy I & II | Registration is suitable for self-motivated learners |
| Remote Learning/e-Learning | Online courses and virtual learning for digital skills and flexibility | Online English, Math, Science | All TDSB secondary schools | Application, suitable for students seeking a different path |
| School Within a College | Finish high school credits in a college setting, easing transition to post-secondary education. | College transition courses | In partnership with local colleges | Application, suitable for students seeking an different path |
| Continuing Education | Night school, summer school, adult education, international languages, and general interest | Night school Math, Adult ESL | Various TDSB sites | Registration: some programs may require proof of residency |
| French Programs (Extended/Immersion) | French Immersion or Extended French for advanced French language skills. | French Language, Social Studies | Various schools | Application, prior French study (varies by entry point) |
| Special Education and Inclusion Programs | Intensive support and inclusion for students with special needs | Individualized curriculum | Various schools | Identification and placement process |
Notes:
- This list covers the major TDSB specialized programs but does not include every niche or school-specific offering. Some programs are only available at select schools.
- Admission requirements vary by program and school and include applications, entrance exams, interviews, auditions, or portfolios.
- For the most current and comprehensive details, visit the [TDSB Specialized Programs page] or individual school websites.
TDSB’s IB Program Fee Update for 2025: What Families Need to Know
This is important for families considering the International Baccalaureate (IB) program at Toronto District School Board (TDSB) schools. The IB program fee is changing. It applies to Grade 9 students entering in September 2025.
What’s New?
- Total IB Program Fee: ~$3,300 total (Grades 9- 12); financial aid applies
How the Fee Is Paid:- Grade 9: $550 (non-refundable, due when you accept your spot)
- Grade 10: $550 (due before February 1, 2025, to confirm you’re returning)
- Grade 11: $1,100 (due at course choice in February 2025)
- Grade 12: $1,100 (due at course choice in February 2026)
- Who Does This Affect?
- This new structure applies to all students starting Grade 9 IB in September 2025.
- Current Grade 9 and 10 IB students will pay a part of the new fee as they progress.
- What’s Changed?
- The earlier IB fee was $3,000, payable only in Grades 11 and 12.
- There was earlier no fee for Pre-IB (Grades 9 and 10); fees now start in Grade 9.
Why Is There a Fee?
The IB program has unique costs, including international accreditation, teacher training, annual dues, and exam fees. These are required by the International Baccalaureate Organization and are not covered by regular school funding.
Worried About Affordability?
Financial assistance is available. If the fee is a barrier, contact your school principal to discuss support options.
Quick Recap
- New IB fee: $3,300 (spread over Grades 9–12)
- Starts: September 2025 (for incoming Grade 9s)
- Financial help: Yes, available for those who need it
For more details or to apply for assistance, contact your TDSB IB school’s office.
TDSB Schools with specialized programs
Find out which high school is right for you. Refer to TDSB High School
| School | Specialized Programs |
|---|---|
| A Y Jackson Secondary School | Advanced Placement (AP) |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| Agincourt Collegiate Institute | Extended French (ExF) |
| Advanced Placement (AP) | |
| French Immersion (FI) | |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| Albert Campbell Collegiate Institute | Advanced Placement (AP) |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| ALPHA Alternative Junior School | Alternative (ALT) |
| ALPHA II Alternative School | Alternative (ALT) |
| Alternative Scarborough Education 1 | Alternative (ALT) |
| Avondale Elementary Alternative School | Alternative (ALT) |
| Avondale Secondary Alternative School | Alternative (ALT) |
| Beaches Alternative Junior School | Alternative (ALT) |
| Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute | Exceptional Athlete Program (XA) |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| Bloor Collegiate Institute | Advanced Placement (AP) |
| Math and Science Focus (MST) | |
| Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) | |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| C W Jefferys Collegiate Institute | Arts Focus (AF) |
| Math and Science Focus (MST) | |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| Cedarbrae Collegiate Institute | Extended French (ExF) |
| LEAP (LP) | |
| French Immersion (FI) | |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| Central Technical School | Arts Focus (AF) |
| LEAP (LP) | |
| Cisco/Nortel Systems (C/N Sys) | |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| Central Toronto Academy | Advanced Placement (AP) |
| Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) | |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| City School | Alternative (ALT) |
| City View Alternative Senior School | Alternative (ALT) |
| Claude Watson School for the Arts | Arts Focus (AF) |
| Contact Alternative School | Alternative (ALT) |
| da Vinci School | Alternative (ALT) |
| Danforth Collegiate and Technical Institute | Math and Science Focus (MST) |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| Math and Science Focus (MST) | |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| David and Mary Thomson Collegiate Institute | Advanced Placement (AP) |
| Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) | |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| Delphi Secondary Alternative School | Alternative (ALT) |
| Delta Alternative Senior School | Alternative (ALT) |
| Don Mills Collegiate Institute | Cyber Arts (CA) |
| Don Mills Middle School | Cyber Arts (CA) |
| Downsview Secondary School | Arts Focus (AF) |
| LEAP (LP) | |
| Downtown Alternative School | Alternative (ALT) |
| Dr Norman Bethune Collegiate Institute | Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) |
| Earl Haig Secondary School | Arts Focus (AF) |
| East Alternative School of Toronto | Alternative (ALT) |
| East York Alternative Secondary School | Alternative (ALT) |
| East York Collegiate Institute | French Immersion (FI) |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| Emery Collegiate Institute | LEAP (LP) |
| Cyber Studies (CS) | |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| Equinox Holistic Alternative School | Alternative (ALT) |
| Etobicoke Collegiate Institute | Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) |
| Etobicoke School of the Arts | Arts Focus (AF) |
| Arts Focus (AF) | |
| George Harvey Collegiate Institute | Leadership Pathway (P) |
| LEAP (LP) | |
| Math and Science Focus (MST) | |
| Cyber Studies (CS) | |
| Cisco/Nortel Systems (C/N Sys) | |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| George S Henry Academy | Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) |
| Georges Vanier Secondary School | Advanced Placement (AP) |
| Math and Science Focus (MST) | |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| Greenwood Secondary School | LEAP (LP) |
| Harbord Collegiate Institute | Extended French (ExF) |
| French Immersion (FI) | |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| Hawthorne II Bilingual Alternative Junior School | Alternative (ALT) |
| High Park Alternative Junior School | Alternative (ALT) |
| Horizon Alternative Senior School | Alternative (ALT) |
| Humberside Collegiate Institute | Extended French (ExF) |
| French Immersion (FI) | |
| Inglenook Community School | Alternative (ALT) |
| Jarvis Collegiate Institute | Advanced Placement (AP) |
| Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) | |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| John Polanyi Collegiate Institute | Advanced Placement (AP) |
| Math and Science Focus (MST) | |
| Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) | |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| Kapapamahchakwew – Wandering Spirit School | Alternative (ALT) |
| Kipling Collegiate Institute | Leadership Pathway (P) |
| LEAP (LP) | |
| Math and Science Focus (MST) | |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| L’Amoreaux Collegiate Institute | Extended French (ExF) |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| Lakeshore Collegiate Institute | Advanced Placement (AP) |
| Cyber Arts (CA) | |
| Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) | |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute | Extended French (ExF) |
| French Immersion (FI) | |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| Leaside High School | Extended French (ExF) |
| French Immersion (FI) | |
| Lester B Pearson Collegiate Institute | Advanced Placement (AP) |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| Malvern Collegiate Institute | Extended French (ExF) |
| French Immersion (FI) | |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute | Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) |
| LEAP (LP) | |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| Martingrove Collegiate Institute | Advanced Placement (AP) |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| Monarch Park Collegiate Institute | International Baccalaureate (IB) |
| Mountview Alternative School | Alternative (ALT) |
| Alternative (ALT) | |
| Newtonbrook Secondary School | Extended French (ExF) |
| French Immersion (FI) | |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| North Albion Collegiate Institute | LEAP (LP) |
| Advanced Placement (AP) | |
| Northern Secondary School | Advanced Placement (AP) |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| Northview Heights Secondary School | Math and Science Focus (MST) |
| Cyber Arts (CA) | |
| Cisco/Nortel Systems (C/N Sys) | |
| Elite Athletes/Arts (EA) | |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| Math and Science Focus (MST) | |
| Cyber Arts (CA) | |
| Cisco/Nortel Systems (C/N Sys) | |
| Elite Athletes/Arts (EA) | |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| Oakwood Collegiate Institute | Extended French (ExF) |
| French Immersion (FI) | |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| Oasis Alternative Secondary School | Alternative (ALT) |
| Parkdale Collegiate Institute | International Baccalaureate (IB) |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| Quest Alternative Senior School | Alternative (ALT) |
| R H King Academy | Leadership Pathway (P) |
| Cisco/Nortel Systems (C/N Sys) | |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| Leadership Pathway (P) | |
| Cisco/Nortel Systems (C/N Sys) | |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| Extended French (ExF) | |
| French Immersion (FI) | |
| Riverdale Collegiate Institute | Extended French (ExF) |
| Rosedale Heights School of the Arts | Arts Focus (AF) |
| Arts Focus (AF) | |
| Runnymede Collegiate Institute | Math and Science Focus (MST) |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| SATEC @ W A Porter Collegiate Institute | Math and Science Focus (MST) |
| Cyber Studies (CS) | |
| Cisco/Nortel Systems (C/N Sys) | |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| School of Life Experience | Alternative (ALT) |
| SEED Alternative School | Alternative (ALT) |
| Silverthorn Collegiate Institute | Elite Athletes/Arts (EA) |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| Sir Wilfrid Laurier Collegiate Institute | International Baccalaureate (IB) |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| Sir William Osler High School | Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) |
| Spectrum Alternative Senior School | Alternative (ALT) |
| Stephen Leacock Collegiate Institute | LEAP (LP) |
| Advanced Placement (AP) | |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| Subway Academy I | Alternative (ALT) |
| Subway Academy II | Alternative (ALT) |
| The Grove Community School | Alternative (ALT) |
| The Student School | Alternative (ALT) |
| Thistletown Collegiate Institute | Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) |
| Ursula Franklin Academy | Integrated Technology (IT) |
| Integrated Technology (IT) | |
| Victoria Park Collegiate Institute | International Baccalaureate (IB) |
| West End Alternative School | Alternative (ALT) |
| Alternative (ALT) | |
| West Hill Collegiate Institute | LEAP (LP) |
| Advanced Placement (AP) | |
| Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) | |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| West Humber Collegiate Institute | Advanced Placement (AP) |
| Math and Science Focus (MST) | |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| Western Technical-Commercial School | LEAP (LP) |
| Cyber Arts (CA) | |
| Cisco/Nortel Systems (C/N Sys) | |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| Weston Collegiate Institute | LEAP (LP) |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) | |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| Pre-International Baccalaureate (Pre-IB) | |
| Westview Centennial Secondary School | LEAP (LP) |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| Wexford Collegiate School for the Arts | Arts Focus (AF) |
| Arts Focus (AF) | |
| William Lyon Mackenzie Collegiate Institute | Advanced Placement (AP) |
| Math and Science Focus (MST) | |
| Winston Churchill Collegiate Institute | Advanced Placement (AP) |
| Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) | |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| York Memorial Collegiate Institute | Advanced Placement (AP) |
| Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) | |
| Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) | |
| York Mills Collegiate Institute | French Immersion (FI) |
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