Grade 8 to Grade 9 Transition
Grade 9 at the HDSB
Where Futures Begin
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.
Grade 8 Orientation Dates/Times
Join us in-person for Grade 8 Information Night at your local HDSB high school. Identify your school at Find My Local School.
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East Area - Oakville |
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School |
Address |
Specialized Programs |
Date and Time |
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Abbey Park High School (905) 827-4101 |
1455 Glen Abbey Gate Oakville |
Secondary Gifted Cluster |
Thursday, Nov 13 6 - 9:30 pm |
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Garth Webb Secondary School (905) 847-6875 |
2820 Westoak Trails Blvd Oakville |
French Immersion Secondary Gifted Cluster Advanced Placement Prep ESL Centre |
Thursday, Nov 20 6:30 - 8 pm |
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Iroquois Ridge High School (905) 845-0012 |
1123 Glenashton Drive Oakville |
French Immersion Secondary Gifted Cluster Advanced Placement (exams and some grade 12 course options) |
Thursday, Nov. 13 6:30 - 8:30pm |
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Oakville Trafalgar High School (905) 845-2875 |
1460 Devon Road Oakville |
French Immersion Secondary Gifted Cluster Advanced Placement (dozens of exams and six course options over grade 11 and 12) SHSM |
Thursday, Nov 13 5:30 - 7:30pm |
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T.A. Blakelock High School (905) 827-1158 |
1160 Rebecca Street Oakville |
Community Pathways ESL Centre French Immersion I-STEM Advanced Placement Prep Grade 11 and 12 Advanced Placement courses offered based on student interest SHSM Secondary Gifted Cluster |
Thursday Nov 20 6:30 - 8:00pm I-STEM: Thursday Oct 23 6:30pm |
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White Oaks Secondary School (905) 845-5200 |
1330 Montclair Drive Oakville |
Community Pathways ESL Centre French Immersion International Baccalaureate Locally Developed Secondary Gifted Cluster - September 2026 |
Thursday Nov 6 6 - 8pm IBDP Prep: Thursday Oct 16 6pm and 7pm |
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North Area - Halton Hills, Georgetown, Milton |
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School |
Address |
Specialized Programs |
Date and Time |
Acton District School(519) 853-2920 |
21 Cedar Road Acton |
French Immersion Advanced Placement Prep |
Thursday Nov 6 6:30 - 8:30 AP Prep: Thursday Nov 6 6 - 6:30pm |
Craig Kielburger Secondary School(905) 878-0575 |
1151 Ferguson Drive Milton |
Community Pathways ESL Centre French Immersion International Baccalaureate Locally Developed |
Thursday Oct 30 6:30 - 8:30pm |
Elsie MacGill Secondary School(289) 878-4881 |
1410 Bronte St. South Milton |
Community Pathways I-STEM |
Thursday Nov 6 6:30 - 8:30pm I-STEM: Thursday Oct 23 6:30pm |
Georgetown District High School(905) 877-6966 |
70 Guelph Street Georgetown |
Community Pathways French Immersion International Baccalaureate Locally Developed Secondary Gifted Cluster |
Thursday Nov 20 6:30 - 8:00pm IBDP Prep: Thursday Oct 16 6:30 pm |
Milton District High School(905) 878-2839 |
396 Williams Avenue Milton |
Advanced Placement Prep French Immersion Secondary Gifted Cluster |
Thursday, Oct 30 6:30 - 8:30pm |
West Area - Burlington |
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School |
Address |
Specialized Programs |
Date and Time |
Aldershot School(905) 637-2383 |
50 Fairwood Place West Burlington |
I-STEM |
Thursday Oct 23 6:30 - 8:30pm I-STEM: Thursday Oct 23 6:30pm-8:30pm |
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Burlington Central High School (905) 634-7768 www.bch.hdsb.ca |
1433 Baldwin Street Burlington |
ESL Centre French Immersion International Baccalaureate |
Thursday, Nov 20 6:30 - 8:00 pm IBDP Prep: Thursday Oct 16 6:30 pm |
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Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary School (905) 332-5235 |
3040 Tim Dobbie Drive Burlington |
Secondary Gifted Cluster Advanced Placement |
Thursday Nov 13 6:30 - 8:00pm |
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M.M. Robinson High School (905) 335-5588 www.mmr.hdsb.ca |
2425 Upper Middle Road Burlington |
Community Pathways Extended French French Immersion Locally Developed Secondary Gifted Cluster |
Thursday Nov 27 6:30 - 8:30pm |
Nelson High School(905) 637-3825 www.nel.hdsb.ca |
4181 New Street Burlington |
Community Pathways French Immersion Locally Developed Secondary Gifted Cluster Advanced Placement High Performance Program |
Thursday Nov 13 5:30 pm |
The HDSB is offering Grade 8 orientation sessions this Spring. Students are encouraged to attend to learn more about their secondary school and tour the facilities. Information about these sessions can be found below. Students do not need to register for these events; details will be coordinated between the secondary school and the student’s elementary 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.