Secondary Schools

Secondary schools offer programs from Grade 9 through to Grade 12. To receive an Ontario Secondary School Diploma, students need to complete at least thirty (30) credits in secondary school (one credit is normally one course). Students planning to attend university can include the required six university/college preparation courses in their senior level of studies in order to meet university entrance requirements. More information on graduation requirements can be found at this link: High School Graduation Requirements

The Waterloo Catholic District School Board will try to accommodate the student’s preference for placement, provided that the requested school has space and an appropriate program. The Waterloo Catholic District School Board reserves the right to make the final decision regarding the student’s placement. Should a student decide not to indicate any school preferences, the Waterloo Catholic District School Board will place the student in the most appropriate school.
The Waterloo Catholic District School Board will make every attempt to find a school close to where the student will be living in the Waterloo Region.

While studying with the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB), students must maintain full-time student status by studying at least three WCDSB timetable courses each semester. Students cannot take a course outside of WCDSB to obtain a credit unless:

  • That course is not offered in their school;
  • It cannot be accommodated on their timetable;
  • The course is pre-approved by the WCDSB.

Secondary School Programs

Many subjects are available in Waterloo Catholic District secondary schools including:

  • Accounting
  • Biology
  • Business
  • Chemistry
  • Classical Studies
  • Computer and Technology Studies
  • Drama
  • Economics
  • Electronics
  • English
  • English as a Second Language (ESL)Family Studies
  • Geography
  • History
  • International Languages
  • Law
  • Marketing
  • Mathematics
  • Music
  • Physical and Health Education
  • Physics
  • Visual Arts

Universities/colleges will look for evidence of successful studies in the major field in which the student applies. All English-language universities in Canada require high levels of proficiency in English. In choosing a program, students should have in mind their educational plan.

Publicly funded elementary and secondary schools are administered by district school boards, the oldest form of publicly elected government in Ontario. Working within the framework of the Education Act and its regulations, district school boards adapt provincial education policy to local situations. They must also provide and maintain within their jurisdiction adequate teaching and support staff and appropriate facilities.

In Ontario, all permanent residents between the ages of 6 and 16 must attend school. Most students continue to attend after the required period, to receive a graduation diploma in their twelfth year of school.

The Ontario Ministry of Education allows schools to grant students credits for their successful studies outside the province.