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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 in January 2023 for the 2023-2024 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).
Please note, TDSB has not yet informed elementary alternative schools exactly how many new students they may accept for the upcoming 2026-2027 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 students at our Open House. You can contact us if you need to see the school outside of of this and we can see if it can be arranged.
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.
Is there a criteria for acceptance?
No, only that you fully submit your application through the central process and properly accept or decline a spot that is offered to you.
No, only that you fully submit your application through the central process and properly accept or decline a spot that is offered to you.
We do ask that in considering Horizon Alternative School you give very careful thought to the information you have about our school. We hope that you can attend our Open House. After, 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
We do ask that in considering Horizon Alternative School you give very careful thought to the information you have about our school. We hope that you can attend our Open House. After, 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.
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