Admissions to CWSA — September 2027

Applications open November 9, 2026, and close November 27, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.

Students currently in Grade 3 may apply for Grade 4 entry in September 2027. Applications for Grades 5–8 may also be considered where spaces are available.

All applications and admissions are administered centrally by the Toronto District School Board through its Central Program Admissions Office.

 

How to Apply

1. Review the application requirements. Families should consult the TDSB Specialized Programs Application Guide and the Elementary Arts assessment criteria before beginning their application.

2. Create or access a PowerSchool Enrollment account. A parent, guardian or caregiver must create an account or sign in to an existing account through the TDSB Specialized Programs application portal.

3. Complete the online application. Parents and students complete the required application information and select their preferred specialized arts program.

4. Submit the required artistic demonstration. Elementary applicants must submit either a Visual Arts portfolio or a Performing Arts audition video, together with the required reflection. These materials are submitted electronically as part of the application process.

5. Submit the completed application by November 27, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.

 

Important: Elementary Arts applicants do not attend the December in-person assessments scheduled for secondary Specialized Programs.

 

Application Resources

• TDSB Specialized Programs — Application and Admissions

• TDSB Application Guide

• Elementary Arts Application Requirements and Success Criteria

• Additional Resources — Recording, Portfolio and Reflection Guidance

 

Important Dates

Event	Date
Applications open	November 9, 2026
Applications close	November 27, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.
Placement notifications	February 10, 2027
Deadline to accept initial offers	February 16, 2027, at 4:00 p.m.

 

Residency and Applicant Eligibility

Claude Watson School for the Arts is a TDSB specialized arts school. Residency and admission eligibility are governed by applicable Toronto District School Board policies and procedures, including PR545 — Out of Area Admissions and PR518 — Admission Eligibility Requirements, together with the requirements established for specialized programs.

Families must provide accurate residential information and notify the school of any change in residence. Students who move outside the City of Toronto are subject to the Board's requirements concerning continued enrolment.

Applicants and families should consult the current TDSB policies and Central Program Admissions Office requirements to determine eligibility.

 

Important Notice

Information on the CWSA website is provided for general information purposes. All Specialized Program applications, eligibility requirements, assessment procedures, admission decisions and deadlines are established and administered by the Toronto District School Board through its Central Program Admissions Office.

In the event of any discrepancy between information published on the CWSA website and the TDSB Central Program Admissions Office website, the information published by the TDSB Central Program Admissions Office shall take precedence. Families are encouraged to consult the official TDSB Application and Admissions website for the most current information.

 PLEASE NOTE: LATE APPLICATIONS ARE NOT ACCEPTED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.