Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply to CyberArts at Charles H Best JMS?

Students interested in attending one of the elementary CyberARTS programs are not required to submit any supplemental application or information. A completed Central Student Interest Program Application is all that is required. If the number of applicants exceeds the number of spaces available, all applicants will be eligible for the random selection process.


Cenral Application Link: Click here to fill out your application

How is the CyberARTS program different from the regular school program?

CyberARTS students will complete the same Ontario Curriculum Expectations as students in a regular full day school program. The core difference is, compared to a regular elementary school program, CyberARTS students will receive a more enriched curriculum experience in all subjects. They will also receive advanced visual arts instruction and have regular access to our CyberARTS Lab and a wider-range of visual and digital arts equipment. Also, they will more often express what they have learned in other subjects, through visual arts.

Do CyberArts students learn the Ontario Curriculum?

Yes. We follow the Ontario Curriculum content and standards.

Is CyberARTS a special class, club or subject?

CyberARTS is an enriched full day class for all class subjects that integrates visual and digital art study and exploration.

CyberARTS students, like all elementary students, study in a self-contained class. They learn alongside the same group of students all year long.

Their CyberARTS teacher will be their homeroom teacher who often teaches their core subjects (e.g. Language, Mathematics, Science, Visual/Digital Arts, History, Geography, Drama, Dance, etc.). They will also have rotary teachers who teach most of their non-core subjects (e.g. French, Health and Physical Education).

For example, while in a typical Language class, a Language teacher may have students express what they know about how to find the main idea in a text by writing out what the main idea of a text is along with evidence to support their claim, in a CyberARTS class, a student might convey this information in a graphic novel form.

Teachers in all classrooms in Ontario are creative professionals who craft a program that builds off of their strengths and their students’ interests. Undoubtedly, many teachers use the graphic novel form or some other form of Visual Arts media to engage their students.

The larger point is thus not that CyberARTS teachers are the only ones to integrate the Visual Arts with other subjects, but, that they will tend to do this much more often than in a ‘regular classroom’ and can provide CyberARTS students with access to visual and digital media resources not often found in other classrooms.

Do CyberARTS students learn visual and digital arts techniques?

CyberARTS at the elementary level (Grade 7-8) provides students with introductory to intermediate lessons and exploration opportunities in digital and visual art techniques.

Is the full school day the same for CyberARTS students as non-CyberARTS students?

Yes.

What are you looking for in an applicant?

Successful applicants demonstrate that they are open-minded, and willing to learn new things. Students should want to give their best in all subject areas. Students should also create artistic works often; work to improve their knowledge and skills related to digital and/or visual artistic expression over time, and demonstrate the ability and desire to work at challenging tasks over sustained periods of time. The ideal applicant is not necessarily a student who excels in all subject areas but a student who enjoys learning and expressing themselves.

How many students do you accept each year?

For Grade 7 we have around 25 spots and for Grade 8, we occasionally have spots should students move out of area.

When will I hear if I am accepted to the CyberARTS program?

Applicants are notified by TDSBs Central Application Process