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Special Interest Programs – Arts Focus

The TDSB is committed to creating an equitable school system where the achievement and well-being of every student is fostered through rich, culturally authentic learning experiences in diverse, accepting environments where all are included, every voice is heard, and every experience is honored.  The TDSB strives to meet the accommodation needs of persons with disabilities.

ESA Open House

Our in-person open house is scheduled on November 4, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM. At our open house you can tour different spaces and speak to our arts focus teachers, visit our academic teachers in the gymnasium, and stop by our cafeteria to speak to our guidance department or get assistance with the online application. Click here for full details and tickets to the Open House performances!

Key Application Details

  • November 4, 2024: The Central Student Interest Programs online application opens on TDSB website.
  • November 22, 2024: The TDSB Central Student Interest Programs online application closes at 4:00 pm.
  • Eligible applicants will be included in the Centralized random selection process when the number of applicants exceeds the number of available seats.
  • Applicants can apply to one Primary program choice.  Applicants may also include an Alternate program choice in their application.
  • Alternate choices will only be considered after all primary applications from the city of Toronto have been considered.
  • If an applicant is accepted to their primary application, they will not be considered for their alternate application.
  • If an applicant is offered a spot in their alternate choice, they will remain on the waitlist for their primary choice.
  • As part of the random selection process:

• First Nations, Metis and Inuit applicants will be seated in their Primary application choice (at entry grade level).

• Priority seats will be set for historically and currently underserved communities (Black, Middle Eastern and Latina/o/x), as reflected in the TDSB demographic in the 2023 Student Census.

• Admission priority will be given to students who reside in the City of Toronto.

ESA Special Interest Programs – Arts Focus

In November 2024, students may apply for admission to Grade 9 and 10 only. Students will be admitted in Grade 10 if space is available. 

Students apply to one of the 3 program spotlights. All students will take TAS1O1 – Technology and the Skilled Trades taught through an Arts-focused lens. This course is a graduation requirement. In addition, students will select ONE of the bolded courses from each spotlight (anchor course) related to their preferred art program of interest. In subsequent years, students will have the opportunity to take two or more courses in the Arts

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHTANCHOR COURSES (Choose 1)
Contemporary ArtsVisual Arts (AVI1O)



 



 

Performing ArtsDance (ATC1O)
Instrumental Music (AMR1O)
Music Theatre (ADB1O)




Drama/FilmFilm/Video Production (ADV1O)  
Drama (ADA1O)
 

Sample Grade 9 Timetable

SemesterPeriod 1Period 2LunchPeriod 3Period 4
1Issues in Canadian Geography
CGC1D1
Core French
FSF1D1
 Healthy Active Living Education
PPL1O1
Visual Arts
AVI1OP
2Mathematics
MTH1W1
English
ENL1W1
 Science
SNC1W1
Technology and the Skilled Trades
TAS1O1