Grade 8 Parents:
A smooth transition from Grade 8 to Grade 9 contributes to a strong foundation for success in secondary school and beyond. Grade 8 is a time for students to look to the future and begin thinking about their selection of courses for Grade 9 and throughout high school. The information and links below will assist Grade 8 students and families in planning:
Please note: There is a ‘Translate’ button at the top of the TDSB website that will translate the contents of the web pages to your preferred language.
Preparing for High School Webinars
The TDSB will host two Preparing for High School Information Sessions, including:
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Grade 8 to Grade 9 Transitions: October 29, 2024 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Registration Link: https://tdsb-ca.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tzXpk9qmTrmFOTCCreWMtw
This session will focus on the Top 10 Tips and Considerations in the Transition to High School. This presentation is designed to augment the work already taking place through secondary open houses and at the Grade 8 schools. For more information, visit the TDSB Beyond 8 website.
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Student Interest Programs: October 30, 2024 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Registration Link: https://tdsb-ca.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MFibCA5VSoqLJqDF0B6QSg
The TDSB offers over 50 programs with a particular focus. These programs are for anyone who demonstrates an interest and passion in the particular program area. The Student Interest Program Webinar will provide more information about Secondary Schools without a Boundary, local programs, Out-of-Area Admissions and applying to Central Student Interest Programs (CSIP), including:
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Arts Focus Programs/Schools
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Exceptional Athlete Program
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Integrated Technology School
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International Baccalaureate Programs
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Leadership Pathway Program
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Math, Science & Technology Programs
Application for CSIP programs opens on November 4 and closes on November 22, 2024 at 4 p.m.
Requests for interpretation services can be made in the registration form and must be made no later than Friday, October 25, 2024. The recordings of these events will be available on the TDSB Guidance site.
To further support students and families with the application process, TDSB staff will host two Central Student Interest Program Application Support Sessions to answer questions that students or families may have about the application. Live, online support will be available on the following dates:
o November 12 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. (Click here to join)
o November 18 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. (Click here to join)
Staff will not be able to answer specific program and/or school-based questions.
For more information about the programs available at schools across the TDSB, attend the schools’ Open Houses and Information Sessions. To learn more about the central student interest programs, visit the Central Student Interest Programs website.
Students with Special Education Needs
Students with an exceptionality for whom a change in setting or program is being considered for grade 9 will be discussed at the Annual IPRC Review. Students with an Individual Education Plan (IEP) and no formal identification, will be discussed at the School Support Team (SST) meeting. Please note this meeting will occur with the parent(s)/guardian(s)/caregiver(s).
Grade 8 to 9 Transition Timeline
Please use the Grade 8 Transition Year - At a Glance to help navigate the Grade 8 to 9 Transition process this year.
The below website is still being updated with the new flyer and zoom link to register for parent information sessions. Please keep checking for updates.
https://www.tdsb.on.ca/High-School/Going-to-High-School/Beyond-8
Secondary Open Houses 2024
TDSB Beyond 8 website
Gr. 8 - 9 Transitions at a Glance:
November
December
- Round 1
- Deadline for parent/guardian to be informed of a Student Interest Program offer (December 5, 2024)
- Deadline for parent/guardian to accept a Student Interest Program offer (December 11, 2024)
- Round 2
- Deadline for parent/guardian to be informed of a Student Interest Program offer (December 12, 2024)
- Deadline for parent/guardian to accept a Student Interest Program offer (December 18, 2024)
- Attend the Secondary School Open Houses and Information Nights
- Research Alternative Schools and Local Programs in the TDSB
- Complete Individual Pathways Plan task(s)
January
- Attend the Secondary School Open Houses and Information Nights
- Grade 8 to 9 Annual Reviews for all students with an Exceptionality (e.g., regular class or special education class)
- Offers for grade 9 ISP programs will begin (e.g., congregated and integrated sites) (last week of January 2025)
- Students wishing to attend a school other than their designated school by address; Out-of-Area Online Applications are available (January 6, 2025)
- Out-of-Area Online Applications are due (January 24, 2025)
- Complete Individual Pathways Plan task(s)
February
- Grade 8 Course Selection Opens for all students via myBlueprint (February 10, 2025)
- Round 1
- Deadline for parents/guardians of students to be informed of the status of the Out-of-Area Application (February 12, 2025)
- Deadline for families to confirm acceptance of the Out-of-Area offer (February 18, 2025)
- Round 2
- Deadline for parents/guardians of students to be informed of the status of the Out-of-Area Application (February 19, 2025)
- Deadline for families to confirm acceptance of the Out-of-Area offer (February 25, 2025)
- Final round
- Deadline for parents/guardians of students to be informed of the status of the Out-of-Area Application (February 26, 2025)
- Deadline for families to confirm acceptance of the Out-of-Area offer (February 28, 2025)
- No offers for Central Student Interest Programs or Out-of-Area Admissions will be made after February 26, 2025.
- Students must finalize their destination for secondary school (designated school by address, Central Program, Alternative School, Out-of-Area Admission) by completing and submitting the corresponding course selection for the accepted school in myBlueprint (March 3, 2025)
- Course selection deadline (March 3, 2025)
- Parent/Teacher interviews
- Complete Individual Pathways Plan task(s)
Out of Area Admissions
You may apply to one regular school beyond your home school (determined by your residential address) through the Out-of-Area Admissions process.
Your circle of care and teachers can help you determine if your choice is in line with the educational plans that you have been working towards.
If you choose to apply for Out-of-Area Admissions you should know:
- You will be responsible for your own transportation.
- You may only apply to one school (regular programs, French Immersion programs and Extended French programs).
- Waiting lists expire at the end of the Out-of-Area Admissions
- You may not apply to a school that is not permitted to receive applications (i.e. closed schools). A list of those schools is produced in November
- A school/program that receives more applications than it has space will use the admissions priorities and run a random selection process for each admission priority to determine the successful applicants.