Academic Program for Gifted Athletes (APGA)

Academic Program for Gifted Athletes (APGA)

Click to view > APGA Promo 2019

Strong Foundation

Since 1988, Northview Heights Secondary School has provided a learning venue for the Academic Program for Gifted Athletes (APGA) – serving students from the Greater Toronto Area and around the world. There are almost 90 athletes of provincial, national and even international caliber currently registered in this program. These talented and accomplished athletes participate in a wide variety of sports.

Semestered Program
Semestering benefits athletes as they can focus their attention on fewer subjects over a shorter period of time to maximize academic success.

High Academic Expectations
The Academic Program for Gifted Athletes enables student athletes to pursue academic excellence while maintaining the rigorous demands of training and competition. Northview Heights offers an extensive course program at both academic and applied levels as well as for ESL, enriched math and science and  gifted athletes.

Regular Schedules
Regular classes mean regular routines. Athletes can set their training schedules without fear of having to constantly juggle a timetable, since classes are held at the same time every day.

Custom Learning Opportunities
APGA provides blended-learning credits and instruction in sport-related courses (Kinesiology, Health and Physical Education) as part of the curriculum pathway. 

Central Location
The central location of Northview Heights within Toronto permits access to top-notch training facilities. These include the University of Toronto Sports Complex, Downsview Park Sports Complex, BMO Training Grounds, York University, Herbert Carnegie Centennial Arena, the Granite Club, Thornhill Community Arena, Seneca Sports Centre, the Cricket Club, and the Pan Am Centres, among many other sport facilities.


Academic Advocate

The APGA staff provide a communication network linking the school, home and sport. The APGA Director counsels athletes and serves as their academic advocate. Athletes acquire a variety of strategies to handle school-related stress and receive SAT support for NCAA eligibility. The Academic Program for Gifted Athletes is an academic program for school-aged gifted athletes. In addition to taking a full academic program, they also participate in sports-related courses designed to assist them in acquiring the knowledge and psychological skills required for training and competition.

A gifted athlete is defined as a student who is competing in any given sport, at a provincial or higher level. Athletes typically train 10-30 hours outside of school each week. 

Features of this program include, a flexible timetable, academic monitoring and assistance, blended learning and special consideration for school missed as a result of competing or training camps.

For more information please contact Julian Fiorio (APGA Director) at 416-395-3290 ext 20139 or by email at Julian.Fiorio@tdsb.on.ca


DEADLINES: Application window is now open and will close on Jan 31, 2024. Please follow the link below for more info!

Link to TDSB Central High Performing Athletes Program Application Process

ADMISSION CRITERIA:

  • Submission of a complete application with support materials (see below).
  • Applicant is actively participating in an approved sport / activity at the regional, provincial, national or international level of competition. Most athletes are training/competing for their sport around 15+ hours per week.

SUPPORT MATERIALS: In addition to completing the electronic google form application, applicants are also required to include:

  1. Reference Letter from a qualified Coach, or Instructor, or Trainer, or Organization (your reference should outline and highlight the following: how long they have worked with you, your current performance level, future potential, attitude, personal characteristics, coachability and leadership qualities.)
  2. Evidence of Training Commitment (weekly or monthly schedule of training, competitions, etc.) outlining days and times of participation in sport/activity.
  3. * Obtain any other appropriate information and/or recommendations (articles, ranking sheets,recent competition results, etc.)
    * Optional