Downsview Secondary School is a dynamic learning community where all members share a commitment to ensuring that every student achieves success. We are proud to offer challenging programs that allow students to pursue their interests and develop the knowledge and skills required to be successful in any post secondary pathway. By joining the Downsview family, your child will be a member of the DOWNSVIEW ADVANTAGE! This new and unique programming offers our students the Downsview STEM and LEADERSHIP Advantage! The Dowsview STEM advantage will provide students with enriched Science, Technology and Math courses, while The Downsview Leadership Advantage will provide leadership courses that will shape the future leaders of tomorrow.
THE ARTS ADVANTAGE
The Arts Advantage is a specialized program that provides an enriched learning experience in the arts – drama, dance, music and visual arts. This is achieved through a variety of classroom experiences and co-curricular activities. The Arts Advantage at Downsview Secondary School will increase interpersonal skills, confidence, motivation to succeed along with preparation for the post-secondary opportunities. From the curious beginner to the experienced artist, our Art Program will have you engaged and inspired.
THE AFRICENTRIC ADVANTAGE
The AFRICENTRIC ADVANTAGE offered at Downsview Secondary School is the leading Africentric program available in the west end of the city. Grade 9 through 12 compulsory courses have an Africentric focus and approach to learning. The curriculum draws from African-centered sources of knowledge and perspectives to create a rich and diverse educational experience. The program will resonate with students and seeks to strengthen positive self concept and promote academic excellence. Students in our Africentric program have the luxury of enrolling in our the Arts Advantage as well.
More Information about Downsview Secondary School
Co-Curricular/Athletics
Downsview's students have the opportunity to participate in both recreational and intercollegiate competitive sports such as basketball, football, volleyball, baseball, badminton, Xcountry, cricket & floor hockey. Our girls basketball and boys football teams have celebrated City and OFSAA championships for the past several years. The Mustangs welcome you to our team!
Technology @Downsview
Do you enjoy working with your hands? At Downsview you can create animations, film a movie, understand graphic design, build a house, fix cars, learn how small engines work, create 3d models, learn programming, perform facials, manicures, and hairstyling techniques. We offer courses that will give you employable skills and a career after high school.
Robotics @Downsview
Students participating in Robotics will engage in current hands on technology and engineering concepts with direct links to post-secondary and career pathways. Students will walk through the design and build a mobile multi-functional, programmable radio-controlled robot with the end goal of creating a robot capable of performing in well-established competitions.
Guidance and Student Services
Our caring team of counsellors provide all students with the service and tools needed to help them throughout their high school career. We can provide students additional support when required, with our Child & Youth Workers, Child & Youth Counsellor and Social Worker. If it is post secondary advice or just some one to talk to, our student success team can help!
Additional Features
● Breakfast/Nutrition Program
● Peer Mentorship and Tutoring
● Special Education & ESL Programming
● We Green - Eco-Schools Club
● Cooperative Education
● Wireless Internet Services
● Positive Spaces Room
● French Canada Trips
Student Life - Where You Belong
The day begins for many in the Breakfast Club, where student volunteers take the lead in running the program. Over the lunch hour and after school, students participate in competitive and intramural sports, while others meet with peers in clubs. We Green is our eco-group, Dare 2 Inspire promotes social consciousness and fundraising for others in need, Student Leaders are our ambassadors, our Athletic Association organizes a myriad of sports events, the Mural Makers create an installation for our front hall, our Newspaper Club publishes all the news at Downsview, and our Student Council and Principal’s Council ensure that students have a voice in school policies and events. This flourishing roster is complimented by academic programs that accent life at Downsview. Positive Peer Culture is a unique program in which students explore communication skills and mediation. A key component in this program and in our Peer Tutoring program is the emphasis on student exploration and growth. The opportunities are here; at Downsview, students are very much at the centre of “student life”.
What Sets Us Apart
Downsview offers strong diversity in our curricular and co-curricular programs. With the new and unique DOWNSVIEW ADVANTAGE, we are extremely excited about the opportunities it will create for our students. Commencing in grade 9, students will be able to acquire a 0.5 leadership credit through their participation in a variety of clubs, councils and associations. The Downsview STEM Advantage will offer students enriched programming in science, technology and math. This enriched programming will provide our students with leading and cutting edge learning that will prepare them for careers in science, technology, math and engineering. Our facilities contain 2 large construction, manufacturing and auto shops. Web Design, Architectural Design &Yearbook design are offered in our spacious Communications Technology labs. Our award winning Cosmetology program offers state-of-the-art hair, nail, and beauty salons. Are you a kinesthetic learner? 3 large gyms, pool and brand new Fitness and Weight room will provide you the opportunity to stay active and fit.
Parent and Community Engagement
Downsview Secondary School has been an excellent community resource for many years. Our facilities not only benefit our students, but the many community agencies that share our space during the school day and beyond. Our link to the Toronto Police Services (TPS) has provided DSS with a School Resource Officer (SRO) that has helped bridge the gap between our youth and the Police. The relationship has also assisted many of our students in exploring careers in law and policing. Downsview's parents have been extremely supportive and actively involved in the School Council. This positive parent, administration and teacher partnerships has led to great initiatives and a very positive and resourceful working and learning environment for staff and students.
