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Horizon accepts approximately 30 new Grade 7 students each year through the TDSB's central online application process. The TDSB uses a central online application form for all elementary alternative schools. Admission is determined by random selection using third-party Board-approved software — not by grades or interviews.
What matters is that your child is ready to commit to the program and be part of our community.
The central application process is available at:
OPEN HOUSE
OPEN HOUSE
Our Open House will take place on Wednesday, October 28th, from 6-8pm in the Auditorium of Central Toronto Academy.
B E F O R E Y O U A P P L Y
Is Horizon the Right Fit?
Is Horizon the Right Fit?
Sit down with your child and explore this site. Attend our Open House. Ask yourself: Is my child self-motivated? Do they want more challenge, more connection, more depth? If yes — we'd love to see them here.
Horizon is free to attend and open to all Toronto residents. The TDSB does not provide transportation to alternative schools, so families arrange their own.
Learn About the Elementary Alternative Schools:
Learn About the Elementary Alternative Schools:
Before applying, take time to learn about each Elementary Alternative School. Explore what makes them different from regular schools. This will help you choose the best school for your child.
Milestones
Milestones
October 28th , 2026
October 28th , 2026
Open House — 6–8pm at Central Toronto Academy
January 4, 2027
January 4, 2027
Online applications open - the link to apply: https://www.tdsb.on.ca/alternativeschools/ElementarySchools/Application-and-Admissions-Process
January 22, 2027
January 22, 2027
Applications close at 4:00 pm
February - March
February - March
Placement Offers will be processed; these dates have not been set centrally yet.
Common questions
Common questions
How does admissions work?
How does admissions work?
The TDSB uses a central online application form for all elementary alternative schools. Admission is determined by random selection using third-party Board-approved software — not by grades or interviews.
What if my child isn't accepted?
What if my child isn't accepted?
Families on the waitlist are notified of their position by TDSB. When necessary, the waitlist may be accessed to place applicants in available spaces.
Waitlists will expire after the final round in mid-June. No further offers will be made; there are no exceptions or appeals.
What about siblings?
What about siblings?
An Elementary Alternative School Admissions application must be submitted for each child in your family wishing to attend an Elementary Alternative School.
In the case of twins, triplets or multiples (siblings with the same date of birth) applying to the same school and grade, families will have an opportunity to include all the children must be included in on the same application. Space permitting, twins, triplets, or multiples will be seated together. If there are not enough space, they will be placed on the waitlist together.
Sibling Priority: Applicants, who reside in the City of Toronto, will be prioritized when the applicant has a sibling who will remain at the selected Elementary Alternative School for the upcoming school year. A sibling graduating at the end of the 2026-27 school year cannot be included. To be eligible for this priority, the selected Elementary Alternative School must be selected as the FIRST school choice.
Is there a cost to attend?
Is there a cost to attend?
Horizon is free. As a TDSB school, there are no tuition fees. Some optional program costs (trips, events) exist, but we have fundraising and bursary support to ensure no student is excluded due to finances.
Does my child need special criteria to apply?
Does my child need special criteria to apply?
No academic criteria or test scores are required. We do encourage families to understand our mission statement and expectations for the program. Finally, we would love to hear from you when you apply - email us with a note from the student about why they want to attend — this is optional, but we love hearing from them directly.
How many spots are available?
How many spots are available?
Horizon typically accepts approximately 30 Grade 7 students per year. The TDSB confirms exact numbers annually. We no longer accept new Grade 8 students.
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