Regional Programs

Advanced Placement (AP) Program / Program for Academic and Creative Extension (PACE)

The Advanced Placement (AP) Program is an internationally recognized enrichment program which offers college/university level curricula to high school students. Students have the opportunity to take part in examinations that may grant them advanced standing in courses at various universities. This program is suited for highly motivated learners with strong learning skills.

At the secondary level, the AP courses (grade 12) and the Preparation for Advanced Placement (AP-Prep) courses (grades 9–11) are the PACE program’s curriculum extensions in the areas of Mathematics, Science, Social Science, and English.

The AP program is offered at the following schools:

English as a Second Language (ESL) / English Literacy Development (ELD)

English as a Second Language (ESL) and English Literacy Development (ELD) programs assist English language learners from diverse linguistic and educational backgrounds in attaining English language proficiency.

ESL/ELD programs are provided for newcomers from other countries as well as Canadian born students whose first language is a language other than English, or is a variety of English that is significantly different from the variety used for instruction in Ontario schools.

French Immersion

In keeping with the Mission, Vision, Core Values and Strategic Commitments of the York Catholic District School Board, the Board is pleased to offer French Immersion as a regional program of choice, based on grade appropriate Ontario Curriculum expectations.

French Immersion programs are designed to provide non-francophone children with a high degree of proficiency in the French language.

While any exposure to a second language is beneficial, French Immersion broadens and deepens that exposure. In Immersion programs, French is not only a subject, but a language of instruction and a means of communication.

High Performer Athlete (HPA) Program

The High Performer Athlete (HPA) Program is an academic-based program for elite student-athletes who already participate in regional, provincial, national, or international competition, and who have aspirations to obtain their high school diploma and continue on to study at a post-secondary institution either in Canada or the United States.

The program is offered at the following schools:

International Baccalaureate Diploma Program

This program offers a rigorous and intellectually challenging pre-university course of study (leading to examinations) to highly motivated students in the final two years of secondary school. Credits earned in this program are recognized internationally.

The program is offered at the following schools:

Regional Arts Program

The Regional Arts Programs include drama, dance, visual arts, vocal music, instrumental music, digital media arts, and communications technology. These exciting programs allow aspiring artists and performers to flourish in many branches of the arts and to integrate technology. The programs that are offered are unique, providing for an opportunity to either specialize in one area of the arts or to integrate one’s own artistic strengths with those of other students across the curriculum. Students not only gain a life-long appreciation for the arts, they also build important life skills including self-confidence, discipline and teamwork.

Secondary

The program is offered at the following schools:

Elementary

St. Michael Catholic Academy in Thornhill is home to the York Catholic Board’s Elementary Regional Arts Program (ERAP). Arts programming (Gr. 4-Gr. 8)  is taught by qualified teachers who possess expertise in their respective fields.

  • Auditions are NOT required.
  • Registration packages can be downloaded from the YCDSB website or you may contact the school for a registration package.
  • Registration packages are available in January.

STREAM Focus Program

The St. Augustine CHS STREAM Program is an inter-disciplinary approach to inquiry and problem-based learning. It incorporates real-world challenges and the engineering design process to foster critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication skills, guided by the traditional principles of Catholic social teachings.