The Board deems Specialized Schools and Programs. The criteria are as follows:

•A written, clearly articulated specific program focus (e.g., the arts, athletics, information technology) is required. To be designated a Specialized School; this focus must apply to the whole school.
•In secondary schools, students must take a minimum of seven courses directly related to the school's particular program focus. In the case of professional performing arts students or gifted athletes, students are not required to take the minimum number of courses related to their areas of focus. However, timetable accommodation must be made by the school to allow these students to pursue their area of focus.
•Each school has developed specific admission criteria.
Specialized Programs - Skills Enhanced

The Board also deems Specialized Programs – Skills Enhanced for secondary schools based on embedded criteria for specialized school/program status listed above. Additional criteria are as follows:

•All four destinations, workplace, university, apprenticeship and college, must be addressed in programming and marketing.
•There is an established or potential partnership with local community colleges, universities or other post-secondary training institutions and related sector councils.
•Cooperative education and other experiential based programming are integral parts of the program.
•Courses in English, Mathematics and Science are available on-site with learning activities/units related to the skills-enhanced program.
•Components of industry recognition and external accreditation opportunities are available to students.
•Students are admitted to Specialized Programs - Skills Enhanced to a maximum number as space allows, once local school community needs are met.
•Students must apply to programs. Selection criteria are clearly established to help ensure appropriate student placement for success. Each school has developed specific admission criteria.
Other Secondary Programs

Other programs are not deemed "specialized" under the Board's criteria. These programs offer enhanced learning opportunities for students and are not broadly available in every secondary school.