Application Process

Attention Grade 8 Applicants:

STEP 1: 

The application process for the 2025-2026 school year will open from November 4th until November 22nd 4pm. Please check the Math, Science and Technology Program Website for updates, deadlines, and how to apply. The link includes information about all TDSB STEM programs and locations as the application process is now centralized at the school board level. 

Please download and print the following document about the MaCS Program. 

MaCS General Information

On the TDSB website (https://www.tdsb.on.ca/High-School/Going-to-High-School/Secondary-Central-Student-Interest-Programs/Math-Science-Technology)  the Percentage of Primary Applicants offered Entry Grade seats for September 2024 was:

Purple: 20% – 40% MaCS

Orange: 40% – 60%

Yellow: 60% – 80%

Green: 80% – 100%

STEP 2: 

If you have any questions about the MaCS Program, please contact the MaCS coordinator and attend our MaCS Information Night.

If you have any questions about the new TDSB policy on the application process for specialized programs please visit the TDSB website. or click on the links below provided by the TDSB.

Information from the TDSB website below:

To support our Grade 8 students and families, the TDSB will be hosting a series of Preparing for High School Information Sessions.  The series includes:

Grade 8 to Grade 9 Transitions: Taking place on Tuesday October 29th, 2024 7-8pm, 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.

Student Interest Programs: 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. On Wednesday October 30th, 2024 7pm – 8:30pm, the Student Interest Program Webinar will provide more information about local programs, out-of-area admissions and applying to central student interest programs, including:

      • Arts Focus Programs/Schools
      • Exceptional Athlete Program
      • Integrated Technology School
      • International Baccalaureate Programs
      • Leadership Pathway Program
      • Math, Science & Technology Programs
      • Other programs such as High Performing Athlete Programs

 To further support students and families with the application process, TDSB staff will be hosting two (2) 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:

  • November 12th from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Links in the google calendar on the TDSB CSIP website
  • November 18th from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Links in the google calendar on the TDSB CSIP website

Note: 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, families are encouraged to attend the schools’ Open Houses and Information Sessions. To learn more about the central student interest programs, visit the Central Student Interest Programs website.

Webinar Details:The Preparing for High Schools Series webinar details, including the link to register and request an interpreter, can be found below.  Requests for interpretation services can be made in the registration form and must be made no later than Friday, October TBD, 2024. The recordings of these events will be available on the TDSB Guidance site and on the PCEO YouTube Channel.

Preparing for High School Session

Date

Link to Register

Grade 8 to Grade 9 Transition

October 29th7:00pm – 8:00pm

Student Interest Programs 

October 30th7:00pm – 8:00pm

Virtual Secondary Alternative Schools Fair

January TBD 7:00pm – 8:30pm

Link to register will be shared at a later date.
  • The elementary central student interest programs and secondary central student interest programs websites have been refreshed and will continue to be updated over the coming weeks. On the sites, parents/guardians/caregivers and students can learn about each of the programs, review program and application requirements, get dates for upcoming open houses and webinars and all application timelines.
  • A specific Choices magazine – Choices: Secondary Program Guide – outlining the programs, application requirements and timelines of central student interest programs, will be shared with all Grade 8 students by the start of November. The digital magazine will also be available for all students online.
  • Students can apply to one primary Central Student Interest Program. Applicants may also include an alternate choice. Alternate choices will only be considered after all primary applications from the city of Toronto have been considered. If an applicant is accepted to their primary application, they will not be considered for their alternate choice. If an applicant is offered a spot in their alternate choice, they will remain on the waitlist for their primary choice until the waitlists close.
  • Please note that transportation is the responsibility of the applicant.
  • All applicants must submit an “Expression of Interest”. Student applicants may choose the format of their submission and the submission should briefly outline or explain their interest in their selected program. Accepted file formats include: DOC, DOCX, PDF, TXT, RTF, XLS, XLSX, BMP, GIF, JPEG, PNG or a link to an accessible, shared document/video/file. Do not send to the schools directly. It must be completed on the TDSB application. Click here to learn more about the Expression of Interest for Secondary Central Student Interest Programs.
  • If a student leaves a program after grade 9 then they must return to their home school based on their home address.

Grade 8 to 9 Transition TimelinePlease use the Grade 8 Transition Year – At a Glance to help navigate the Grade 8 to 9 Transition process this year.

Resources: