Grade 8 to 9 Transition

As you navigate the following web pages you will find answers to a number of questions you may have about Grade 9 in the TDSB, including course types, and earning a secondary school diploma. We have also provided links to some of our other helpful websites for additional information you may be curious about. As well, you will be introduced to myBlueprint (a web-based planning tool), designed to assist in the educational planning that is required to make informed decisions about your Grade 9 course selections.

Together with your parents/guardians/caregivers and teachers, review the following digital magazines to help you make important career and life decisions.

• Choices: Planning for Grade 9
  
  
• Choices: Secondary Program Guide

Within our site, there are embedded video clips presented by some of our TDSB students that will further help to describe the information you need to prepare for Secondary School.

Your Grade 8 Transition Year-at-a-Glance

October

• Grade 8 to 9 Transition Information Session for Grade 8 Families
  Tuesday, October 29, 2024 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Register for October 29, 2024
• Student Interest Program Information Session for Grade 8 Families
  Wednesday, October 30, 2024 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Register for October 30, 2024

November

• Central Student Interest Program Online Application is available (November 4, 2024)
• Central Student Interest Program Application Support 
• Deadline to submit the Central Student Interest Program Online Application (4:00 p.m. on November 22, 2024)
• Attend your Elementary School Transition Event (if applicable)
• Attend the Secondary School Open Houses and Information Nights
• Research Secondary Central Student Interest Programs, 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

• Round 1
  • Deadline for parent/guardian to be informed of a Student Interest Program offer (December 5, 2024)
  • Deadline for parent/guardian to accept a Student Interest Program offer (December 11, 2024)
• Round 2
  • Deadline for parent/guardian to be informed of a Student Interest Program offer (December 12, 2024)
  • Deadline for parent/guardian to accept a Student Interest Program offer (December 18, 2024)
• Attend the Secondary School Open Houses and Information Nights
• 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
• Grade 8 to 9 Annual Reviews for all students with an Exceptionality (e.g., regular class or special education class)
  • Secondary Student Transition Planning
• Offers for grade 9 ISP programs will begin (e.g., congregated and integrated sites) (last week of January 2025)
• Students wishing to attend a school other than their designated school by address; Out-of-Area Online Applications are available (January 6, 2025)
• Out-of-Area Online Applications are due (January 24, 2025)
• Complete Individual Pathways Plan task(s)

February

• Grade 8 Course Selection Opens for all students via myBlueprint (February 10, 2025)
• Round 1
  • Deadline for parents/guardians of students to be informed of the status of the Out-of-Area Application (February 12, 2025)
  • Deadline for families to confirm acceptance of the Out-of-Area offer (February 18, 2025)
• Round 2
  • Deadline for parents/guardians of students to be informed of the status of the Out-of-Area Application (February 19, 2025)
  • Deadline for families to confirm acceptance of the Out-of-Area offer (February 25, 2025)
• Final round
  • Deadline for parents/guardians of students to be informed of the status of the Out-of-Area Application (February 26, 2025)
  • Deadline for families to confirm acceptance of the Out-of-Area offer (February 28, 2025)
• No offers for Central Student Interest Programs or Out-of-Area Admissions will be made after February 26, 2025.
• Students must finalize their destination for secondary school (designated school by address, Central Program, Alternative School, Out-of-Area Admission) by completing and submitting the corresponding course selection for the accepted school in myBlueprint (March 3, 2025)
• Course selection deadline (March 3, 2025)
• Parent/Teacher interviews
• Complete Individual Pathways Plan task(s)

May / June

• Grade 8 Transition Events at TDSB High Schools
• 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)