These are some of the more frequently asked questions of our program.

Are you a public or private school?

• Claude Watson is one of the public specialty programs within Toronto District School Board.

How do students get admitted into the program?

• Admission to the Claude Watson School for the Arts is by application.  The application is aligned with the Student Interest Programs Policy (the “Policy”) was developed to support the Board’s ongoing commitment to improve access to special programs based on  student interest, and to support its commitment to offer a range of program 
  opportunities for all learners.

Can anyone apply to Claude Watson?

• Any child who lives in the City of Toronto may apply to attend CWSA. All students who apply must live at an address which has a postal code that begins with the letter “M”

Does your program provide busing?

• No, unfortunately, there is no busing provided. Parents are responsible for getting their child to school. The school is located on the Yonge subway line and many students arrange carpooling.

Can I have a tour of the school?

• Unfortunately, tours cannot be accommodated. They are very disruptive to the school program and they can be a safety issue.

Does the Claude Watson program offer a French Immersion program?

• No, we do not offer a French Immersion program. All students at Claude Watson study the required Core French program. The busy arts timetable does not provide the time for a French Immersion or Extended French program.

How is Claude Watson structured?

• The school is a capped program. There are 300 students in the arts program, 60 students at each grade level and 30 students in each class. The Claude Watson timetable is divided so that students spend approximately half the time in the academic areas and half the time in the arts; dance, drama, music and visual arts.

What can my child do once they graduate from Claude Watson?

• Students graduating from Claude Watson take many paths. Some continue in the arts education and attend TDSB Arts high schools like the Claude Watson program at Earl Haig Secondary School, Etobicoke School of the Arts and Rosedale Height School for the Arts. To attend these programs they go through an audition/assessment process. Other students go on to other specialty programs in the mathematics, sciences, etc. Other students select to attend their home high school or go to the private or Catholic school system.
  • Please note: Claude Watson students do not have automatic enrollment in the Claude Watson Secondary Arts program at Earl Haig Secondary School. Grade 8 students will need to audition if they wish to attend the Claude Watson Program at Earl Haig.

Does my child have to have specialized training in the arts to audition for Claude Watson?

• No. Of course, any exposure to the arts is going to be beneficial to all children and can make them more comfortable when participating at school.  

Does Claude Watson have a uniform?

• Yes, Claude Watson has a performance uniform that is worn for school performances, special occasions and field trips. It is not worn during the regular school day. Students must have required dancewear, dance shoes and a physical education uniform. All items are available through the school, at the start of each school year CWSA hosts a used uniform and dancewear sale is held so families can buy second hand items.