Welcome to Hayden

One Campus. Endless Opportunity.

Burlington’s most modern secondary school, where dynamic academics, Husky pride and a one-of-a-kind community campus help every student find where they belong. Proudly ranked in Ontario’s Top 90 schools.

Fraser Institute Report Card on Ontario’s Secondary Schools 2025

Dr. Frank J Hayden Secondary School

Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary School is a modern, inclusive learning community at the heart of Burlington's Alton neighbourhood where every student belongs.

Opened in 2013, Hayden is Burlington's newest secondary school and shares a vibrant campus with a City of Burlington recreation centre and the Alton Branch of the Burlington Public Library. Students learn steps away from a 12,000 square-foot library, eight university-sized gymnasiums, three turf fields, a skateboard park and a theatre, with the whole community moving through the campus seven days a week.

The school is named for Dr. Frank J. Hayden, the Burlington researcher who founded the Special Olympics movement. His legacy of inclusion and achievement shapes everything Hayden does. With a score of 8.0 out of 10 in the Fraser Institute Report Card on Ontario's Secondary Schools 2025, Hayden is ranked among the top 90 secondary schools in the province.

Academics

Hayden students learn in bright, modern facilities designed for collaboration and discovery, with program areas spanning every pathway. Strong results follow: the Halton District School Board (HDSB) consistently achieves the highest EQAO and OSSLT scores in the region and Hayden graduates go on to top universities, colleges, apprenticeships and careers across the country.

In addition to the world-class Ontario curriculum offerings, students benefit from a range of specialized programs at Hayden.

Advanced Placement (AP)

Advanced Placement (AP) — New for September 2026

Hayden is excited to begin offering Advanced Placement courses in September 2026, with a selection of Grade 12 AP courses in its launch year. Advanced Placement is the most widespread university preparation program in the world, recognized by universities in Canada, the United States and more than 60 countries.

AP courses offer university-level content to students in secondary school, allowing them to study subjects in greater depth while building strong skills in research, critical thinking and time management. Based on their AP exam results, students can earn transfer credit, advanced standing or both at institutions around the world, including Yale, Stanford and MIT.

Learn More About AP at Hayden

Technological Education & OYAP

Hands-on learners thrive at Hayden. Technological education courses build practical, real-world skills, while the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) lets students begin an apprenticeship pathway and earn credits toward a skilled trade while completing secondary school.

Learn More About Technological Education & OYAP at Hayden

Dual Credit & SWAC

Dual Credit & School Within a College (SWAC)

Through partnerships with local colleges, eligible students can earn secondary school and college credits at the same time. These programs give students a head start on post-secondary education and the confidence that comes from experiencing college-level learning early.

Learn More About Dual Credit & SWAC at Hayden

Cocurricular

At Hayden, learning beyond the classroom is just as essential to the student experience. Cocurriculars help students discover new interests, build friendships and develop the leadership skills that shape their futures. Hayden offers many ways for students to engage in new and exciting opportunities, including:

Cooperative Education (Co-op)

Cooperative Education provides secondary students with valuable experiential learning to apply, refine and extend their learning from the classroom into the community. Co-op allows students to earn secondary school credits while completing a work experience placement with employers across Halton in fields that interest them.

Co-op at Hayden

Athletics

Hayden is home of the Huskies. With eight university-sized gymnasiums, three turf fields and a skateboard park on campus, Husky athletes train and compete in exceptional facilities all year round.

Athletics at Hayden

Clubs and Co-Curriculars

Students can discover their passion, build their confidence and create unforgettable memories by getting involved. Hayden's clubs and co-curriculars offer the perfect mix of challenge, creativity and community, available all year round.

Clubs and Co-Curriculars at Hayden

Community & Support

The move from Grade 8 to Grade 9 is a major milestone that is exciting, empowering and full of possibility. Hayden welcomes incoming Grade 9 students with dedicated Grade 8 information resources, transition events and caring staff.

Hayden's guidance team supports every student with course selection, pathway planning and post-secondary preparation, while social workers, student success staff and a daily breakfast program ensure students are cared for in and out of the classroom. As the hub of the Alton neighbourhood, the school's shared community campus builds a strong sense of belonging, especially for families new to Burlington.

Guidance & Student Services

Programs & Pathways

There are five Pathways that students may choose to pursue after secondary school and they are all valued equally. They are Apprenticeship, College, Community, University and Work.

Through Pathways, students are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities provided in secondary school to know themselves, identify strengths, set educational and career goals and create a plan to achieve them. Working independently, with their guidance counsellor or with support staff, Hayden students are encouraged to leverage all areas of programming, both academic and cocurricular, to plan a future that fits their individual goals and aspirations.

Spotlight on Hayden

Valuable learning experiences taking place at Hayden

Evan Budz, Grade 10 Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary School student, working on his award-winning bionic sea turtle robot

Dr. Frank J. Hayden SS Student's Bionic Turtle Robot Wins National, International Science Awards

Olivia Muhn, Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary School graduate, in hockey uniform

Building Pathways to Success: Olivia Muhn's Story of Learning, Leadership and Resilience

Why Choose HDSB?

The Halton District School Board (HDSB) consistently performs as one of the top school boards in Ontario. Each student’s path to success looks different and at the HDSB we are committed to laying the foundation for students to pursue and be supported in their passions. We recognize that critical learning skills happen outside the classroom, which is why we strive to provide our students with a fulsome educational experience.

Whether your child is just beginning their school journey or preparing for graduation, the Halton District School Board is here to support their growth, well-being and success every step of the way.