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Grade 8 to Grade 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.

HDSB Family Livestreams

High School Information Nights

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		 Secondary Gifted Cluster Thursday, Nov 13
6 – 9:30 p.m.
Garth Webb Secondary School
(905) 847-6875
www.hdsb.ca/gws		 2820 Westoak Trails Blvd
Oakville		 French Immersion
Secondary Gifted Cluster
Advanced Placement Prep
ESL Centre		 Thursday, Nov 20
6:30 – 8 p.m.
Iroquois Ridge High School
(905) 845-0012
www.hdsb.ca/irs		 1123 Glenashton Drive
Oakville		 French Immersion
Secondary Gifted Cluster
Advanced Placement (exams and some Grade 12 course options)
ESL Centre		 Thursday, Nov 13
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Oakville Trafalgar High School
(905) 845-2875
www.hdsb.ca/oth		 1460 Devon Road
Oakville		 French Immersion
Secondary Gifted Cluster
Advanced Placement (dozens of exams and six course options over Grades 11 and 12)		 Thursday, Nov 13
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
T.A. Blakelock High School
(905) 827-1158
www.hdsb.ca/tab		 1160 Rebecca Street
Oakville		 Community Pathways
ESL Centre
French Immersion
I-STEM
Advanced Placement Prep
Grade 11 and 12 AP courses (based on student interest)
Secondary Gifted Cluster		 Thursday, Nov 20
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
I-STEM: Thursday, Oct 23, 6:30 p.m.
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)		 Thursday, Nov 6
6 – 8 p.m.
IBDP Prep: Thursday, Oct 16, 6 p.m. & 7 p.m.

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		 French Immersion
Advanced Placement Prep

Thursday Oct 16 

6:00-6:30 p.m.

AP Presentation

7:00- 8:30 p.m.

Info night includes an AP prep presentation
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		 Thursday, Oct 30
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Elsie MacGill Secondary School
(289) 878-4881
www.hdsb.ca/ems		 1410 Bronte St. South
Milton		 Community Pathways
I-STEM		 Thursday, Nov 6
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
I-STEM: Thursday, Oct 23, 6:30 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		 Thursday, Nov 20
6:30 – 8 p.m.
IBDP Prep: Thursday, Oct 16, 6:30 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		 Thursday, Oct 30
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		 I-STEM
Advanced Placement Prep		 Thursday, Oct 23
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
I-STEM: Thursday, Oct 23, 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		 Thursday, Nov 20
6:30 – 8 p.m.
IBDP Prep: Thursday, Oct 16, 6:30 p.m.
Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary School
(905) 332-5235
www.hdsb.ca/dfh		 3040 Tim Dobbie Drive
Burlington		 Secondary Gifted Cluster
Advanced Placement		 Thursday, Nov 13
6:30 – 8 p.m.
M.M. Robinson High School
(905) 335-5588
www.hdsb.ca/mmr		 2425 Upper Middle Road
Burlington		 Community Pathways
Extended French
French Immersion
Locally Developed
Secondary Gifted Cluster		 Thursday, Nov 20
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
In person
Nelson High School
(905) 637-3825
www.hdsb.ca/nel		 4181 New Street
Burlington		 Community Pathways
French Immersion
Locally Developed
Secondary Gifted Cluster
Advanced Placement
High Performance Program		 Thursday, Nov 13
5:30 p.m.

Regional Information Sessions​

​Families are invited to attend any of the information sessions for Regional Programs. 

*International Baccalaureate (IB / IBDP Prep) - October 16 (see start times below)
  • Burlington Central High School (6:30 pm)
  • Craig Kielburger Secondary School (6:30 pm)
  • Georgetown District High School (6:30 pm)
  • White Oaks Secondary School (6:00 pm and 7:00 pm); Two 30 minute sessions each
*I-STEM - October 23 (6:30 pm start for all sites)
  • Aldershot School
  • Elsie MacGill Secondary School
  • TA Blakelock High School
Note:  IB and I-STEM applications for the 26/27 school year open October 24, 2025 and close December 2 at 11:59 pm.  

2025-26 Virtual Information Sessions:
  • Advanced Placement Program (AP) - October 14 (7:00 pm start):  Livestream Link
  • SHSM, OYAP, Dual Credit Programs - October 22 (7:00 pm start):  Livestream Link
  • Locally Developed Program (LDCC) - October 29 (7:00 pm start):  Livestream Link
  • Community Pathways Program (CPP) - November 17 (7:00 pm start):  Google Meet link

Guide to Secondary School

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Halton District School Board's Guide to S​econdary School is intended for all secondary students at the HDSB.  The guide outlines course information, graduation requirements, P​​​athways 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. 

Secondary Programs, Pathways & Tools

Explore Your Own Path

The Halton District School Board is committed to providing ways to support students and their learning.  Our high schools provide programs and pathways to meet the needs, interests and strengths of students to engage them in learning and better prepare them for graduation and beyond. ​​

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