grade 8 to 9 transition resources

Information for Grade 8 families about Grade 8-9 Transitions

Dear Grade 8 students and families,

We are writing to provide you with information on the Grade 8 to 9 transition process. We want to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information, resources and timelines needed to make informed decisions for the transition to secondary school. We are also including information on secondary school program opportunities offered through the Halton District School Board.

Please note that the majority of these secondary programs will be showcased at Grade 8 to 9 high school information evenings held in November. Dates and times for high school information evenings are scheduled by each secondary school and this information is shared with Grade 8 students and families through your school’s Elementary Student Success teacher. Regional programs*, such as the Community Pathways Program (CPP), International Baccalaureate (IB) and I-STEM will host separate information sessions (details can be found below).

Explore the following HDSB Secondary Education Programs in more detail.

Advanced Placement (AP)
Community Pathways Program (CPP)*
Dual Credit Programs
French Immersion (FI)
International Baccalaureate (IB)*
I-STEM*
Locally Developed
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)
Secondary Gifted Cluster (SGC)
Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)
Supporting Multilingual Language Learners

The transition to secondary school is an exciting time for students and our HDSB schools and educators are here to support a smooth transition for all. More information about the transition process will be shared by each secondary school to the students in nearby elementary schools and through their school website.

Questions about secondary schools, their course offerings and programs should be directed to the secondary school. Questions about regional programs should be directed to the host secondary school. If you have any questions about the transition process, please reach out to the secondary school Guidance Department or the Student Success teacher at your elementary school.

Find Your School
Use the “Find My Local School" tool at hdsb.ca to find your home school based on your address. This page is intended to provide families with a detailed look at our schools including school boundaries. For information about where regional programs are offered in HDSB, please refer to the HDSB Guide to Secondary School.

Transition Timeline: October - November

Grade 9 transition information shared with students and families through your elementary school.
Information sessions/evenings hosted by secondary schools.
- Dates will be posted on secondary school websites, the HDSB website (hdsb.ca) on the Transitioning to High School/Grade 9 page and shared through your elementary school.

*Applications for both the IB and I-STEM programs for the 2025-2026 school year opened Friday, October 25th and close on Monday, December 2nd at 11:59 p.m.

- Community Pathways Program (CPP) Information Evening - Virtual information sessions will be offered on the following dates and times:
  - Tuesday, November 19, 7:00 p.m.: Livestream link
  - Thursday, November 21, 7:00 p.m.: Livestream link

December - January