Choosing a high school in Toronto
Draft: this guide is waiting for a final check before it is listed in search engines.
Students can go to the high school that serves their address, or apply to other schools and specialized programs, usually in the fall of Grade 8. To graduate in Ontario, students need 30 credits, 40 hours of community involvement and the literacy requirement.
Start in the fall of Grade 8
Boards hold high school information nights in the fall, and applications for specialized programs and schools outside your area usually close in the late fall or winter.
What to compare
- Programs: arts, French Immersion, International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement and Specialist High Skills Major career programs.
- Results: the Grade 10 literacy test and Grade 9 math, shown on each school page.
- Size, travel time and the feel of the school when you visit.
Graduating
The Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) needs 30 credits, 40 hours of community involvement and the literacy requirement, usually met by passing the Grade 10 literacy test.
Different settings
Alternative schools offer smaller classes and different ways of learning for students who need them.
Written with help from AI and checked by a person. Last reviewed 2026-11-14. Rules and dates change: check with your school board before you act.