GRADE 8 TO 9 TRANSITION RESOURCES
https://www.tdsb.on.ca/High-School/Going-to-High-School/Beyond-8
Your Grade 8 Transition Year-at-a-Glance
Going to High School: A Guide for Students, Parents and Guardians
Beyond 8 – Going to High School Information presentation
September
Curriculum/Meet the Teacher Night at your Elementary school
Visit www.tdsb.on.ca/Beyond8 for information about the transition from grade 8 to 9
Visit www.tdsb.on.ca/CPAO for information about the application and enrollment processes for TDSB Secondary School Central Program options including:
Learn more about TDSB Secondary Alternative Schools
October
Beyond 8 - Going to High School Grade 8 to 9 Information session at your Elementary school
Visit www.tdsb.on.ca/specializedprograms to learn more about Specialized Programs, applications and admissions.
Visit www.tdsb.on.ca/OOA for information about application, timelines, and details related to accessing a Secondary School other than your designated school by address (or “home” school)
November
Attend the Secondary School Open Houses and Information Nights
Specialized Programs online application is open for three weeks starting the week of November 10, 2025.
Research Alternative Schools and Local Programs in the TDSB
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
Attend the Secondary School Open Houses and Information Nights
Applicants to some Specialized Programs will need to participate in their in-person demonstrations of knowledge and skills
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
Out-of-Area Online Application opens on January 5, 2026
Offers of placement for Specialized Programs begin on a weekly basis, starting on January 7, 2026
Grade 8 to 9 Annual Reviews for all students with an Exceptionality (e.g., regular class or special education class)
Please visit TDSB Secondary Out of Area for application, timelines, and further information
Out-of-Area Online Applications due: 4:00PM on January 23, 2026
Parent/Teacher interviews
Complete Individual Pathways Plan task(s)
February
Grade 8 Course Selection Opens February 9, 2026, for all students via myBlueprint and closes on February 26, 2026 at 4:00 pm.
For more information on Out of Area Admissions, Specialized Programs, Secondary Schools Without a Boundary and Alternative Schools please click on the link provided
Complete Individual Pathways Plan task(s)
May / June
Grade 8 Transition Meetings
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) and complete exit survey