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Grade 8 to 9 Transition

Grade 9 at the HDSB

Where Your Future Begins

The move from Grade 8 to Grade 9 is a major milestone that is exciting, empowering and full of possibility. At the HDSB, we understand that starting high school is more than just a change in schedule; it's the beginning of a journey that will shape who you become, both in and beyond the classroom. We’re here to support students every step of the way with caring educators, dynamic programs and a community that’s invested in every student’s success. From building confidence to discovering passions, this is where futures begin and we can’t wait to help you take that first step.

From experiential learning opportunities to co-operative education placements, we offer a wide range of programs tailored to the diverse needs, interests and goals of our learners.

2026 High School Information Nights

HDSB secondary schools host information nights for Grade 8 students and families to learn more about programs, courses, school supports and opportunities. Select your area below to view 2026 information night dates.

East Area – Oakville

East Area - Oakville

School	Address	Specialized Programs	Date & Time
Abbey Park High School (905) 827-4101 www.hdsb.ca/aph	1455 Glen Abbey Gate Oakville	Advanced Placement Secondary Gifted Cluster	Grade 8 Information Night: Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026 6-7:30 p.m.
Garth Webb Secondary School (905) 847-6875 www.hdsb.ca/gws	2820 Westoak Trails Blvd Oakville	Advanced Placement Prep ESL Centre French Immersion Secondary Gifted Cluster	Grade 8 Information Night: Thursday, Nov. 19, 2026 6:30-8 p.m.
Iroquois Ridge High School (905) 845-0012 www.hdsb.ca/irs	1123 Glenashton Drive Oakville	Advanced Placement (exams & select course options) ESL Centre French Immersion Secondary Gifted Cluster	Grade 8 Information Night: Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2026 6-8 p.m.
Oakville Trafalgar High School (905) 845-2875 www.hdsb.ca/oth	1460 Devon Road Oakville	Advanced Placement (dozens of exams and nine course options over Grades 10 - 12 with more expected in 2027/28) French Immersion Secondary Gifted Cluster	Grade 8 Information Night: Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026 5:30-7:30 p.m.
T.A. Blakelock High School (905) 827-1158 www.hdsb.ca/tab	1160 Rebecca Street Oakville	Advanced Placement Prep Grade 11 and 12 AP courses (based on student interest) Community Pathways ESL Centre French Immersion I-STEM Secondary Gifted Cluster	Grade 8 Information Night: Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026 6:30-8 p.m. I-STEM School Night: Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026 6:30 p.m. start
New Oakville Secondary School	4020 Sixth Line Oakville	Advanced Placement - Prep The Academy of Athletic Performance and Excellence (APEX) Community Pathways Program	APEX Virtual Information Night: October 26, 2026 6-7 p.m. Livestream Link Grade 8 and 9 Virtual Open House Information Night: November 4, 2026 6-7 p.m. Livestream Link
White Oaks Secondary School (905) 845-5200 www.hdsb.ca/wos	1330 Montclair Drive Oakville	Community Pathways ESL Centre French Immersion International Baccalaureate Locally Developed Secondary Gifted Cluster (September 2026)	Grade 8 Information Night: Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026 6-8 p.m. IB Information Night: Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. start

North Area - Halton Hills, Georgetown, Milton

School	Address	Specialized Programs	Date & Time
Acton District School (519) 853-2920 www.hdsb.ca/act	21 Cedar Road Acton	Advanced Placement Prep French Immersion	AP Information Night: Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026 6-7 p.m. Grade 8 Information Night: Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026 7-8:30 p.m.
Craig Kielburger Secondary School (905) 878-0575 www.hdsb.ca/cks	1151 Ferguson Drive Milton	Community Pathways ESL Centre French Immersion International Baccalaureate Locally Developed	Grade 8 Information Night and IB Information Night: Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026 6-8 p.m.
Elsie MacGill Secondary School (289) 878-4881 www.hdsb.ca/ems	1410 Bronte St. South Milton	Community Pathways I-STEM	Grade 8 Information Night and I-STEM School Night: Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Georgetown District High School (905) 877-6966 www.hdsb.ca/geo	70 Guelph Street Georgetown	Community Pathways French Immersion International Baccalaureate Locally Developed Secondary Gifted Cluster	IB Information Evening Thursday Oct. 15th 6:30-8 p.m. Grade 8 Information Night Thursday Nov. 19th 6:30-8 p.m.
Milton District High School (905) 878-2839 www.hdsb.ca/mil	396 Williams Avenue Milton	Advanced Placement Prep French Immersion Secondary Gifted Cluster	Grade 8 Information Night and AP Information Night: Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026 6:30-8:30 p.m.

West Area - Burlington

School	Address	Specialized Programs	Date & Time
Aldershot School (905) 637-2383 www.hdsb.ca/ald	50 Fairwood Place West Burlington	Advanced Placement Prep I-STEM	Grade 8 Information Night and I-STEM School Night: Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Burlington Central High School (905) 634-7768 www.hdsb.ca/bch	1433 Baldwin Street Burlington	ESL Centre French Immersion International Baccalaureate	Grade 8 Information Night and IB Information Night: Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary School (905) 332-5235 www.hdsb.ca/dfh	3040 Tim Dobbie Drive Burlington	Advanced Placement Prep Secondary Gifted Cluster	Grade 8 Information Night and AP Prep Information Session: Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026 6:30-8:30 p.m.
M.M. Robinson High School (905) 335-5588 www.hdsb.ca/mmr	2425 Upper Middle Road Burlington	Advanced Placement Community Pathways French Immersion Locally Developed Secondary Gifted Cluster	Grade 8 Information Night: Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2026 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Nelson High School (905) 637-3825 www.hdsb.ca/nel	4181 New Street Burlington	Advanced Placement Prep Community Pathways French Immersion Locally Developed Secondary Gifted Cluster High Performance Program	Grade 8 Information Night: Thursday, Nov. 19, 2026 6 p.m.

Upcoming Livestreams

New Oakville Secondary School Livestream

Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026

Learn about HDSB's newest secondary school, opening in September 2027, including the building, program pathways, school culture and specialized programs.

Watch Livestream

IB/ISTEM/AP Livestream

Monday, Oct. 5, 2026

Learn about HDSB's International Baccalaureate (IB), Integrated STEM (ISTEM) and Advanced Placement (AP) programs, including program structure and eligibility.

Watch Livestream

Secondary French Programming Livestream

Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026

Learn about HDSB's secondary Core French and French Immersion programs, as well as opportunities for students to pursue DELF certification.

Watch Livestream

APEX Livestream

Monday, Oct. 26, 2026

Learn about APEX, HDSB's new regional program for competitive student-athletes launching at New Oakville Secondary School in September 2027.

Watch Livestream

SHSM, OYAP, Dual Credit, SWAC Livestream

Monday, Nov. 2, 2026

Explore HDSB secondary pathway opportunities, including Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM), OYAP, Dual Credit and School Within a College (SWAC).

Watch Livestream

New Oakville Secondary School - Grade 8 Virtual Open House Livestream

Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026

Incoming Grade 8 families can learn more about New Oakville Secondary School's programs, pathways and school culture ahead of its September 2027 opening.

Watch Livestream

Upcoming Specialized Program Info Nights (In-Person)

IBDP Information Night

Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.

Burlington Central School, Craig Kielburger Secondary School, Georgetown District High School and White Oaks Secondary School

I-STEM Information Night

Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.

Aldershot School, T.A. Blakelock High School and Elsie MacGill Secondary School

Guide to Secondary School

The Halton District School Board's Guide to Secondary School is intended for all secondary students at the HDSB. The guide outlines course information, graduation requirements, Pathways Opportunities and additional learning through initiatives such as eLearning and co-operative education, athletic involvement and co-curricular activities and more.

HDSB Guide to Secondary School

When Grade 8 students graduate to high school, support is provided for the student as well as their parents from their elementary and secondary schools to make the transition is as easy as possible.

Students Can Expect

guidance visits to all elementary feeder schools
Grade 8 information evening (parent and student)
Grade 8 visits/tours
orientation to secondary school with student mentors
Grade 9 activities and events throughout the year

Parents Should

know your teenagers timetable
access school website and newsletters to get information
encourage your child to participate in school events, clubs and activities
connect with teachers at the school
encourage your child to find solutions by talking to their teacher, guidance counsellor, student success teacher, special education teacher or Principal when they need help
talk to your child about their day

What are Student Mentors?

Every secondary school has student mentors that act as role models for incoming Grade 9 students.

These mentors play a major part in planning activities for Grade 9 as they start secondary school. Students are grouped with the mentors to help them become familiar with life at high school. Events such as tours, dances, and BBQs help develop a strong sense of community for the student. Student mentors stay connected to Grade 9 students throughout the year to support academic success and community building.

Every student is encouraged to take full advantage of a wide range of activities, sports and clubs so they can experience all that high school has to offer.

Getting Ready for High School

The move from elementary or middle school up to high school is one of the biggest transitions in a student’s education. To help families feel prepared, visit the Getting ready for high school webpage on Ontario.ca to learn what to expect and how to support your child through this important step.

Here’s how this webpage can help:

Understand the changes: Learn how high school is organized, from semesters and timetables to different types of courses.
Know the requirements: Get clear information on credits, graduation requirements and pathways after high school.
See what supports exist: Find out about student success teams and other supports in place to help every student succeed.
Reduce uncertainty: Get answers to common questions so you and your child feel confident and ready for this new chapter.