Claude Watson School for the Arts operated under the policies and procedures of the Toronto District School Board. We are required to follow TDSB PR 545 "Optional Attendance". PR 545 states "Where schools or sections of schools are Board-authorized to provide specialized programs, access to such schools and/or programs will be open to any students who are residents of the City of Toronto." CWSA is considered by the TDSB to be a specialized program.
Students who attend CWSA are required to live in the City of Toronto (permanent residence must be in the 'M' postal code area). Students who move out of Toronto mid-year should self-identify to the office. Students who self-identify will be permitted to complete the balance of their academic year at CWSA but must register at a school in their school board of residence for the following September. Students discovered to be enrolled at CWSA without a legal right to attend (living outside the City of Toronto), will be immediately removed from the rolls at CWSA and directed to a local elementary school in the school board where they reside.
Admissions
Each year, students are admitted into the Grade 4 program. Students spend approximately half their day on academic curriculum (language, French, math, science, social studies, health and physical education) and the other half is spent immersed in the Arts. All students participate in dance, drama, music and visual arts. Students are admitted to other grades based on enrollment space.
The application and admissions processes for Specialized Programs have changed. Families are encouraged to review the updated information carefully before applying.
Applicant Eligibility
Students are eligible to apply to CWSA and other TDSB Specialized Programs if, at the time of application, they:
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Meet the age, residency, and citizenship or eligible immigration status requirements to attend a TDSB school as outlined in PR518; or
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Are currently registered at a TDSB school.
For full details, please visit the TDSB Central Program Admissions Office – Application and Admissions webpage.
CWSA Student Activity Fee
The student activity fee will support and supplement a student’s school learning experience through materials and enrichment activities as yearbooks, arts materials and resources, arts enrichment, visiting artists, and performances. The process in determining the fee amount involved consultation with CWSA staff and consultation with school council. This fee is compliant with PR579 Student Activity Fees. The CWSA Activity fee is $65.