HDSB Celebrates Recipients of the 2026 Governor General’s Academic Medal

By Halton District School Board - Oct 30, 2026

Oct. 30, 2026 - The Halton District School Board (HDSB) is now accepting applications to the Advanced Placement (AP), Academy for Athletic Performance and Excellence (APEX), International Baccalaureate (IB) and I-STEM programs. The programs are open to all students across Ontario. All students can apply on the AP, APEX, IB and I-STEM webpages of the HDSB website (hdsb.ca). Online applications close at 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 30, 2026.

Advanced Placement at the HDSB

Advanced Placement (AP) is the most widespread university preparation program in the world, recognized by universities in Canada, the United States and in over 60 countries around the world. The HDSB offers the longest-standing and widely accessible AP program in Halton Region.

Students entering Grade 9 and 10 can apply to the AP-Prep program in preparation for AP courses and exams. AP courses are offered at the Grade 11 and/or Grade 12 levels and include Ontario course curriculum and first year university level course content.

The Academy for Athletic Performance and Excellence (APEX)

The HDSB is excited to announce a brand-new regional sports program launching in September 2027, the Academy for Athletic Performance and Excellence (APEX). The program will be housed at the HDSB's new Oakville Secondary School, located at 4020 Sixth Line in Oakville. APEX is open to all eligible secondary students across Ontario.

APEX is designed to provide an integrated academic and athletic pathway for competitive student-athletes, particularly those competing at provincial or national levels. The program prepares students for post-secondary opportunities and careers in the $30-billion Canadian sports industry by embedding sport science, performance technology and data analytics directly into course work. Students will have access to premier athletic facilities at the new campus, featuring three gymnasiums, a fitness/weight room, a practice field and a domed turf field.

International Baccalaureate at the HDSB

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a globally recognized two-year program offered in Grades 11 and 12 that challenges students to excel both academically and personally.

For 20 years, HDSB students enrolled in the IB Diploma Programme have consistently achieved top results, with some earning the rare distinction of perfect scores across all six subject areas, along with an 'A' in both the Theory of Knowledge course and the Extended Essay—an accomplishment attained by only 1–2% of IB Diploma recipients worldwide.

To ensure students are well-prepared, all HDSB IB schools offer an IBDP Prep Program in Grades 9 and 10, offered at no cost to students/families. This preparatory pathway builds strong academic foundations and inquiry skills, helping students thrive in the challenges and opportunities of the Diploma Programme.

I-STEM at the HDSB

I-STEM is a four-year program that supports students to develop innovation skills related to engineering design and design thinking, entrepreneurial thinking skills and global competencies. Students learn to be prepared for technological change and disruption, globalization and shifting demographics. The I-STEM program offers students opportunities to engage in hands-on learning and gain practical experiences that prepare them for lifelong learning and future success.

Key Dates and Timelines

Oct. 30, 2026: Applications open

Nov. 30, 2026: Online application closes at 11:59 p.m.

Dec. 4, 2026: Date by which schools will inform candidates as to the status of their application

Dec. 11, 2026: Acceptance Deadline: Last date for students to accept a spot in the program

HDSB 2024-2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan

The 2024-2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan sets direction and prioritizes the collective actions of all students, staff, families and community members. This plan ensures our efforts as an organization are aligned and coordinated to support more than 64,000 students, 11,000 staff and the broader HDSB community. The six commitments identified in this four-year plan intersect and overlap to ensure that we take a cohesive approach to fulfilling its objectives.

Background resources

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For additional information, contact: Naz Kittani, Senior Marketing Officer

communications@hdsb.ca | 905-335-3663 | Toll free: 1-877-618-3456

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