When enrolled in the SWAC program, students attend Sheridan College’s Trafalgar Campus full-time for the entire semester. Note: Depending on student graduation requirements, they may be required to attend their home school 1 day a week.
School Within a College (SWAC)
School Within A College (SWAC) is a program for students transitioning out of secondary school to post-secondary, apprenticeship or the workplace, after completing the program. Hosted at Sheridan College’s Oakville campus, students enrolled in the program will have full-time access to Sheridan College’s exceptional facilities, including academic support services, a campus library, gym facilities and other student-focused services for the entire term they are enrolled. This program provides students with an opportunity to complete their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) while also earning a college credit, giving them a head start in their post-secondary education.
This program is offered during Semester 1 and Semester 2.
Highlights of School Within A College
The program allows students to:
- Attend Sheridan college (Oakville campus) full time for one semester.
- Earn four or more credits in a semester.
- Earn a college credit offered by Sheridan College (transferable to all Ontario colleges).
- Experience a college environment by accessing Sheridan’s state-of-the-art facilities.
- Have an individualized timetable.
- Benefit from a small class with a specialized Student Success teacher.
- Prepare for a successful transition to post-secondary, apprenticeship or workplace.
- Build confidence and develop advocacy skills.
The program offers a small, personalized classroom experience with customized schedules designed to support each student’s unique learning needs. Selection for the program is based on the following specific criteria.
Candidates for the Program
- Grade 12 students or those who have re-engaged with their education and are motivated to complete high school but may face challenges in a regular day school.
- Students looking to complete college-level studies for their pathway.
- Students who are within a semester of graduating, with at least 24 credits.
- Students who have completed or attempted NBE3C1, NBE3U1 or ENG3C1, ENG3U1.
- Students who have independent learning skills, with the potential to succeed in an adult learning environment
The HDSB is now registering students for School Within a College for the 2025-2026 school year
Students who are interested in applying for the School Within A College program can complete the School Within A College application form. Spaces are limited, so it is important that interested students who meet the criteria apply early.
Note: Completion of the online application form does NOT guarantee enrollment in School Within A College. Students will receive confirmation of their enrollment status once their application form has been reviewed.
Questions? Please contact the guidance team at your school.
FAQs
Program Structure
Do students attend their home school while in the program?
Students attend the college four days per week. One day is dedicated to a dual credit college course, while the other three days focus on high school (SWAC) courses.
What high school courses will students take?
Most students are enrolled in ENG4U/C and GLN4O. Additional courses are tailored to meet each student’s graduation requirements.
Is the coursework delivered in a self-paced format?
The program follows a hybrid model. Core subjects are taught as a whole class but depending on a student’s timetable and course requirements, some components may be delivered through a self-paced format.
What college course will students take?
All students are registered in one dual credit course: Media and Current Events.
Graduation and Extracurriculars
Students are invited to attend a special End-of-Year SWAC celebration. They may also choose to participate in their home school’s graduation ceremony.
Can students participate in extracurricular activities at their home school?
Yes. Students may continue to take part in extracurricular activities at their home school if they wish.
Transportation
Students are responsible for using public transit to travel to Sheridan College. Presto passes will be made available. Parking passes may be provided if parking is less expensive than the form of transit offered.
Accessibility
I have an Individual Education Plan (IEP). Will it be recognized at the college?
Yes. Sheridan College offers Accessible Learning Services to support students with disabilities and ensure barrier-free access to education. Students are encouraged to connect with the Accessible Learning team to determine available accommodations.
College Credits and Transfers
Are college credits transferable?
Yes. The college course taken through SWAC is transferable to most Ontario colleges and some universities. However, transfer credit eligibility is determined by the receiving institution. Students should contact the admissions or program office of their post-secondary choices for details.
Can college courses be applied to all post-secondary programs (college and university)?
Possibly. Credit transfer policies vary by institution and program. Students should connect with the Program Coordinator at the institution they’re applying to in order to determine credit eligibility.
Campus Services and Supports
What services are available to students at the college?
SWAC students have full access to many of Sheridan’s student services, including:
- Social services and wellness supports
- Accessible Learning Services
- Indigenous Centre
- Learning Commons
- Extracurricular clubs and activities
- Gym facilities
