Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions!

How does the Admissions Process Work and when will I know if my child got a spot?

A new universal online application form and admissions process for all TDSB elementary alternative schools was launched last January 2023 for the 2023-2024 school year.  TDSB is currently refining that process for the upcoming 2024-2025 school admissions. The board will release the updated process details, including important dates for admissions, by January 2024. Please be patient as everyone is learning the new refined admissions system together. 

TDSB Equity Priority Admissions:

At this time, TDSB staff have not shared if the 2024-2025 equity priority admissions groups are being adjusted or not. Below is the 2023-2024 equity priority admissions groups for reference only.


*TDSB’s Sibling Policy only gives priority admissions. It does not guarantee placement. This means a sibling of an existing enrolled student will be given a spot only if one is available in their specific grade. If no spot is available, the sibling may not attend the school. The sibling will need to reapply the following school year.

Applicants may apply to a limited number of elementary alternative schools using the same universal online application form located on the TDSB website. Admission selection is random and done using a third-party Board approved software (i.e. a computer, NOT a person).

After March enrolment at TDSB elementary alternative schools ends. This is now standard practice across the Board for all schools which are not designated local home schools, including special interest programs, academies, etc. Unfortunately, student movement not only impacts those students choosing to switch schools, but also those who do not move.

For example, if a student turns down a spot after March, that decision currently impacts only two schools – the elementary alternative school and the local designated home school the student is choosing to attend instead. If an elementary alternative school accepted another student after March from another school it would add a third school into the mix. Thus, further increasing student movement across the Board and increasing the ripple effect on staffing allocations, class breakdowns, etc. for all the schools involved in those student switches. A shift of just one student may be enough to tip a school to gain or loose a teacher and/or cause new class breakdowns when TDSB conducts its annual board-wide reorganization each fall. That annual fall review and board-wide reorganization process ensures TDSB’s finite resources (as specified and financed by the Ontario Ministry of Education) goes to where students actually show-up each September vs. where the Board predicted the previous Spring. For example, in a board this size, if less than 1% of students switch schools after allocations are completed in the Spring that is approx. 2,350 students.

Please note, TDSB has not yet informed elementary alternative schools exactly how many new students they may accept for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year per each grade. The number of students accepted varies year to year and is determined by TDSB head office. Generally, Horizon accepts approximately 28 Grade 7 students per year and will not be accepting any Grade 8s moving forward.


The TDSB will inform your family of your child’s placement on the waitlist. If your child is in the top 10 on the waitlist they have a reasonable chance of getting in for that upcoming school year. Those students near the end of the waitlist are highly unlikely to get into Horizon for the upcoming school year.

How many spots are available?

In the past few years, we have admitted 28 Grade 7s every year.  The number of spots available may vary this year as determined by the TDSB. Please check this site again for updated information.

How do I see the school?

Horizon holds tours for prospective families.  Tours take place on the Open House night in January and are not offered at any other time.

My child wasn’t accepted through the random selection process so now what?

Any child who wasn’t offered a spot through the random selection process will be placed on a waitlist. Families will be notified by TDSB where on the waitlist their child has been placed.

The TDSB will inform your family of your child’s placement on the waitlist. If your child is in the top 10 on the waitlist they have a reasonable chance of getting in for that upcoming school year. Those students near the end of the waitlist are highly unlikely to get into Horizon for the upcoming school year.

One of my children got a spot at Horizon, but what about my other child?

Please review the sibling policy for admissions on the website.  The TDSB’s Sibling Policy only gives priority admissions. It does not guarantee placement. This means a sibling of an existing enrolled student will be given a spot only if one is available in their specific grade. If no spot is available, the sibling may not attend the school. 

How much does it cost to attend Horizon?

As a Toronto District School Board (TDSB) alternative elementary school, Horizon is free to attend and open to all Toronto residents – TDSB service area map.  Please keep in mind that TDSB does not provide transportation to/from alternative schools as they are “out-of-area” status schools (formally known as “optional attendance”).

As we offer specialized opportunities, events, and trips, there are some costs associated with our program.  However, we work closely with our parent community to achieve fundraising goals which allow us to offer support and bursaries to any and all aspects of our program that may cause financial hardship.



Thank you for considering Horizon Alternative School. Sit down with your child and check out our website to get a glimpse of what we offer. It’s very important that you consider if our school is a good fit for your child as a learner and a part of  a community. Of course if you have any other questions, you are always more than welcome to email us at horizon_alt@hotmail.com

Interested in applying? We would love to hear from you!

While the central process allows for applications to be processed, we would love to receive an email about why you (the student) wishes to attend Horizon. This is optional; however, it provides us with insight into why students are looking at the Horizon program.