Virtual Open Houses to be held for students entering High School next year

Grade 8 families are invited to get to know their local high school, explore innovative programs and options offered in York Catholic schools

This fall, the York Catholic District School Board will host a series of virtual high school open houses for graduating elementary school students and their parents who will start secondary school next September. All Grade 8 students and their parents who reside in York Region, as well as Grade 6-8 students and their parents who reside in the Town of Georgina, are encouraged to review the list of high school open houses and “attend” the virtual open house for their local Catholic high school and its regular program, as well as any others with regional programs of interest.

The open houses will highlight important key aspects of each school including administration, programs, graduation requirements, uniforms, school structure, student opportunities and more. Information about the registration process including registration dates, deadlines and documents needed to enrol will also be discussed at the open houses. This information is also available through the Board’s Admissions Department. Admission to York Catholic high schools is open to all students residing in York Region, in accordance with the rules governing open access and a student’s right to attend.

“A spot at our York Catholic high schools is highly sought-after by many families in York Region and beyond,” says Anthony Arcadi, Superintendent of Curriculum and Assessment. “Our high schools are well-known for their innovative programming, caring staff who help guide students, leadership opportunities, engaging student life and our Board’s consistency as one of the top-performing school boards in Ontario.”

York Catholic offers seven regional programs and ten Specialist High Skills Major programs as follows:

• Advanced Placement (AP) / Program for Academic and Creative Extension (PACE) – Programs with an extended and enriched curriculum that allow students to earn credits or advanced standing at most universities.
• English as a Second Language (ESL) and English Literacy Development (ELD) – English as a Second Language and English Literacy Development programs assist English language learners from diverse linguistic and educational backgrounds in attaining English language proficiency.
• French Immersion (FI) – Students who completed the Elementary French Immersion program or equivalent, can continue with the immersion program to earn a French Immersion certificate upon graduation.
• High Performer Athlete (HPA) – An academic-based program for student-athletes who participate in competitive-level athletics. Students benefit from a flexible timetable to help balance their academic and athletic commitments, and earn high school credits for the work they put into their training.
• International Baccalaureate (IB) – A rigorous and intellectually challenging pre-university course of study that allows students to earn an IB Diploma upon graduation, which is recognized in Canada and abroad.
• Regional Arts (RAP) – Students specialize in drama, dance, visual arts, digital media arts, instrumental music or vocal music, while obtaining their high school diploma.
• STREAM Program – This interdisciplinary program uses Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics to approach inquiry and problem-based learning.
• Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) – Students can obtain a diploma with a specialist in either: Arts and Culture; Aviation and Aerospace; Business; Construction; Health and Wellness; Hospitality and Tourism; Information and Communications Technology; Justice, Community Safety and Emergency Services; Manufacturing; or the Non-Profit.

Parents and students wondering which York Catholic high school serves their local community can enter their residential address into the Board’s School Locator.  Following is a list of all virtual high school open houses.

Virtual York Catholic High School Open Houses

Please note: All virtual open houses will take place at 7 p.m. The link to watch the open house will be available on the schools’ websites prior to the start of the open house. Please click on the school’s name below to view the school’s website. The open house presentations will also be available on the schools’ websites 24 hours after it airs.

The York Catholic District School Board is one of the top-performing school boards in Ontario. It delivers educational programming to approximately 51,000 students in 101 schools throughout York Region. York Catholic is committed to creating and maintaining an equitable learning environment reflected through inclusive programs, curriculum, and practices. For more information, visit www.ycdsb.ca or follow us on Twitter at @YCDSB.