The Academy of Athletic Performance & Excellence (APEX)
The Academy of Athletic Performance & Excellence (APEX) bridges academic growth with high-performance athletics to develop disciplined, resilient student-athletes. APEX offers a pathway that connects athletic passion directly to classroom relevance and post-secondary opportunities. Through flexible academic scheduling, integrated conditioning, and comprehensive sports wellness education, the program equips student-athletes with the competitive mindset, physical literacy, and career-ready skills required to thrive in collegiate athletics and the rapidly expanding global sports economy.
Select a topic below to learn more about APEX, learning experiences, and how students can apply.
Elevating Performance. Expanding Horizons.
APEX is anchored by four foundational pillars designed to nurture the complete student-athlete while removing regional and socioeconomic barriers to elite sport.
Academic Flexibility
Strategic timetabling, eLearning opportunities, and dedicated study halls ensure students maintain academic excellence while managing intensive training, travel, and competition schedules.
Athletic Growth
Targeted strength, conditioning, agility, and recovery are woven into daily classroom and team athletic training environments. Facilities include a year-round weather-protected turf dome, triple gymnasiums, and a dedicated fitness centre.
Mindset & Health
Specialized APEX courses integrate sport psychology, athletic nutrition, functional movement screening, and preventative injury management to foster lifelong active living and well-being.
Post-Secondary Preparation
Focused academic guidance and specialized pathways prepare students for opportunities in collegiate athletics, kinesiology, sports management, fitness technology, and data analytics.
APEX: Grades 9 & 10
The grade 9 and 10 years focus on foundational coursework, athletic development, and establishing the habits needed for long-term success.
Foundational Coursework
Students complete their APEX-clustered Health and Physical Education credit.
Students enroll in two APEX-clustered Health and Physical Education credits alongside a dedicated sports-focused Careers course.
Dual-Enrolment & School Athletics
APEX students are eligible to concurrently enroll in Advanced Placement (AP) Prep courses, ensuring academic enrichment is never compromised.
Students remain eligible to represent New Oakville Secondary School across seasonal sports teams in alignment with OFSAA transfer and eligibility regulations.
World-Class Daily Training Facilities
Students train on campus using extensive athletic infrastructure, including:
- A full-size, year-round, weather-protected artificial turf dome
- Three full gymnasiums
- A dance studio
- A multi-tier fitness suite with free weights, weight machines, and specialized cardio equipment
Cultivating the Athletic Mindset
Grades 9 and 10 focus on establishing daily habits of athletic resilience, sports nutrition, recovery protocols, and time management.
By clustering driven athletes in an intentional community, APEX supports student-athletes, especially female student-athletes, and encourages lifelong healthy, active lifestyles.
APEX: Grade 11 & 12
Senior student-athletes customize their academic pathways to align with post-secondary ambitions, athletic goals, and career interests.
Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) in Sport
APEX seniors have the opportunity to pursue the Sport Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM), pending Ministry approval.
This pathway is designed to connect students with experiential learning, sector-recognized certifications, and community reach-ahead opportunities with post-secondary institutions.
Pending Ministry approval.
Students select from specialized senior offerings such as Kinesiology, Psychology, Leadership, and Sports Marketing.
Students also complete industry certifications and hands-on workshops in areas such as functional movement, athletic taping, and performance data analytics.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
Provincially and nationally ranked student-athletes have the option to challenge up to two PLAR secondary credits in lieu of completing the SHSM.
This recognizes competencies developed through external competition and training while supporting progress toward the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
Application Process
The Academy of Athletic Performance & Excellence is open to driven student-athletes entering Grade 9 or Grade 10 who demonstrate a commitment to both academics and active lifestyles.
Whether competing at the regional level, on provincial or national teams, or driven by a dedicated athletic mindset, all interested students are encouraged to apply.
Complete Your Student Profile
Complete the online student profile and provide information about your athletic background and competition experience.
Submit Your Reflections
Answer two reflection questions outlining your goals and commitment to the program.
Parent/Caregiver Verification
Once submitted, a parent or caregiver must approve the application using the verification email link.
Apply to the APEX Program
Select the application portal that applies to you.
Internal Applicants
For students currently attending an HDSB school.
Students must be logged into their HDSB student account to access the application.
Apply as an Internal ApplicantExternal Applicants
For students who are not currently attending an HDSB school.
Apply as an External Applicant
