Going to High School: A Guide for Students, Parents and Guardians

Beyond 8 – Going to High School Information presentation

September

• Curriculum/Meet the Teacher Night at your Elementary school
• Visit www.tdsb.on.ca/Beyond8 for information about the transition from grade 8 to 9
• Visit www.tdsb.on.ca/CPAO for information about the application and enrollment processes for TDSB Secondary School Central Program options including:
  • Specialized Programs
  • Secondary Out-of-Area Admissions
  • Secondary Schools without a Boundary
  • Accommodating Secondary High Performing Athletes and 
  • Other Secondary Options
• Learn more about TDSB Secondary Alternative Schools

October

• Beyond 8 - Going to High School Grade 8 to 9 Information session at your Elementary school
• Visit www.tdsb.on.ca/specializedprograms to learn more about Specialized Programs, applications and admissions.
• Visit www.tdsb.on.ca/OOA for information about application, timelines, and details related to accessing a Secondary School other than your designated school by address (or “home” school)

November

• Attend the Secondary School Open Houses and Information Nights
• Specialized Programs online application is open for three weeks starting the week of November 10, 2025.
• Research   Alternative Schools and Local Programs in the TDSB
• Review the Beyond 8 - Grade 8 to 9 Transitions Resources
• Students with special education needs for whom a change in setting or program is being considered for grade 9 should be discussed at the School Support Team (SST) meeting (this meeting will occur with the parent(s)/guardian(s) and the SST)
• Parent/Teacher interviews
• Complete Individual Pathways Plan task(s)

December

• Attend the Secondary School Open Houses and Information Nights
• Applicants to some Specialized Programs will need to participate in their in-person demonstrations of knowledge and skills
• 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
• Out-of-Area Online Application opens on January 5, 2026
• Offers of placement for Specialized Programs begin on a weekly basis, starting on January 7, 2026
• Grade 8 to 9 Annual Reviews for all students with an Exceptionality (e.g., regular class or special education class)
• Please visit TDSB Secondary Out of Area for application, timelines, and further information
• Out-of-Area Online Applications due: 4:00PM on January 23, 2026
• Parent/Teacher interviews
• Complete Individual Pathways Plan task(s)

February

• Grade 8 Course Selection Opens February 9, 2026, for all students via myBlueprint and closes on February 26, 2026 at 4:00 pm.
• For more information on Out of Area Admissions, Specialized Programs, Secondary Schools Without a Boundary and Alternative Schools please click on the link provided
• Complete Individual Pathways Plan task(s)

May / June

• Grade 8 Transition Meetings
• Grade 8 Graduation
• Register for the Grade 8 Reach Ahead Course (optional)
• Inquire if your secondary school is hosting a Grade 9 Head Start to High School event
• Complete Individual Pathways Plan task(s) and complete exit survey