Schools

The Toronto Catholic District School Board has 168 elementary schools, 31 secondary schools and 2 combined (elementary and secondary) schools. Each of our schools offers a well-rounded, Christian curriculum. In addition, some schools offer comprehensive programs for students with special talents.

For those interested in pursuing the arts, Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts (Grades 7-12 offers outstanding instruction in instrumental music, vocal music, visual arts, and performing arts. The world-renowned St. Michael's Choir School (grades 3-12) also offers special instruction in vocal and instrumental music. Bishop Marrocco/Thomas Merton Catholic Secondary School introduced its new arts focus curriculum in the fall of 2004. Father John Redmond Catholic Secondary School and Regional Arts Centre introduced its new Regional Arts Program in the Fall of 2006.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is offered in two of our secondary schools, Pope John Paul II Catholic Secondary School in the east, and Michael Power/St. Joseph Catholic Secondary School in the west. This rigorous academic program prepares students to succeed in their post-secondary studies while giving students to opportunity to explore international themes through balanced and comprehensive courses of study.

While all TCDSB secondary schools can offer the opportunity to write Advanced Placement exams in the senior year, Bishop Allen Academy and Father Henry Carr Catholic Secondary School offer the 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. Brebeuf College School offers a similar Enriched Programme in English, mathematics, history, and science beginning in Grade 10. These accelerated courses will prepare students for AP exams in Grade 12.

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. 

Education with a focus on Ukrainian heritage and language can select from three elementary schools: St. Demetrius, St. Josaphat, and Cardinal Josyf Slipyj Catholic School (kindergarten-grade 8).

In September 2002 a curriculum focus on science and technology was introduced at Epiphany of Our Lord Catholic Academy and a curriculum focus on the arts was initiated at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic School (both in Scarborough).

In our spirit of innovation, we offer a program of self-directed learning at Mary Ward Catholic Secondary School (grades 9-12). In addition, a curriculum with a media focus has been initiated at Marshall McLuhan Catholic Secondary School, which first opened in September 1998.

Since the fall of 2002, Chaminade Catholic Secondary School has offered a Math Science Technology program. Students must apply into the program, study the curriculum through an interdisciplinary approach, travel as a cohort and graduate with a certificate if they meet the requirements after their four years at the school. More recently, Madonna High School (for girls) introduced a Math Science and Technology Program.

Full day programs are available for adults, while French immersion is available at more than 40 elementary and secondary schools throughout Metro.  Francis Libermann Catholic Secondary School provides a congregated gifted program for elementary school students. A listing of centres for academically gifted children is also available.

For the latest school news and special events, please visit the News section of our website.