First picture is a group photo of five Notre Dame students posing together in school uniform. Second photo is the front doors of the Notre Dame school building. Third photo shows three Notre Dame students posing at an art installation in school uniform.

Academics and Co-Curriculars

Special Programs

Advanced Placement (AP)

Advanced Placement (AP) is a thriving program at Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School. 

Students can take Advanced Placement (AP) courses in Mathematics, Biology, English, French, and History. Senior AP exams allow students to experience the challenge of university content while completing courses at the high school level.

Those who participate in AP develop deep critical thinking skills that can be transferred to other subject areas and programs. Advanced Placement programs at Notre Dame provide students with enrichment opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom!

Students who write AP exams in Grade 11 and 12 are advised to register for AP courses in Intermediate Grades.

Pre-AP Courses (Offered in Grade 10)

  • Align with the Ontario Curriculum.

  • Offer enriched experiences in a supportive environment.

  • Provide opportunities for students to engage with their passions and interests.

  • Allow students to learn alongside others who share their interests in the discipline.

  • Build on skills and habits of mind needed for post-secondary success.

  • Build academic portfolios that help with post-secondary admissions.

  • Prepare students to write AP Exams that can lead to a university credit.

AP enriched learning opportunities in Science, Math, and English within Grade 9 Destreamed - Classes. AP Club offers supports and enriched experiences throughout the year for Grade 9 students.

Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)

We offer Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programs in Heath and Wellness as well as Information and Communications Technology (ICT).​ These programs provide students the opportunity to tailor their education at the senior level to their area of interest in a post-secondary pathway. ​They are provided with unique experiential learning, sector-specific certifications and training and reach-ahead opportunities. ​Students register for these programs in Grade 10 and begin in Grade 11.

SHSM students receive specialized hands-on training, participate in workshops, attend College and University activities and gain real-world experience through Co-op placements. SHSM graduates receive a red seal designation on their diploma, as well as an impressive resume filled with relevant, sector-related experience and training.

Women in Technology

The Women In Technology (ICT) SHSM program allows students to focus on a career path that matches their technological skills and interests. Women are currently under-represented in the ICT sector, making up less than 25% of ICT professionals and the need for ICT professionals in the next decade will be growing faster than new ICT professionals entering the field. Women in technology will be in high-demand in the workforce.

Interested students can apply either using the Google Form linked below, or by printing out the Application Form linked below, and sending the completed version to their Guidance Counselor.

ICT Brochure
Google Form
Application Form

Health and Wellness

The Health and Wellness SHSM program offers grade 11 and 12 students the opportunity to deepen their learning in this sector. Students take a bundle of health and wellness and cooperative education courses, participate in career exploration activities, and complete sector-specific certifications.

Health & Wellness Program Chart

Resources