The Arts

The development of an appreciation for, and understanding of, the arts is an essential component of education in TCDSB schools.

In the elementary grades, vocal music is taught by itinerant music specialists. Instrumental music, either band or strings, is offered in all schools in grades 7 and 8. Our yearly Music Festival provides a non-competitive showcase for school choirs, bands and ensembles.

The visual arts program offers opportunities for teachers and students to visit galleries, special exhibits and to work with professional artists through the Artist in the School program. The department works with community arts organizations throughout Toronto to ensure a varied, balanced and cost-effective visual arts program for student that may involve design, drawing, painting, sculpting, mixed media, print-making and photography.

Professional musicians, actors and dancers perform in the schools through programs like Prologue to the Performing Arts and the Inner City Angels. Students also visit concert halls and theatres for live performances.

Secondary schools provide a range of arts programs from grade 9 to grade 12 including vocal and instrumental music, visual arts, dance, drama and media arts.

Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts, which opened in 1990, provides talented students from grade 7 through grade 12 with special training in the performing and visual arts.