Welcome to Toronto’s only all girls public high school. We firmly believe that everyone can succeed and take pride in helping young women prepare for productive and fulfilling careers. Our girls have the option of being in one of two programs: Diploma or Certificate which allow our students to prepare for college/college vocational and/or the skilled trades while developing employability skills. We are hoping to introduce academic courses for Grade 9. Our Vision: To be the preferred secondary school in Toronto in vocational and experiential learning for female students Our Mission: To provide a solid foundation for our students in their career aspirations through leadership development, academic training, and hands-on practical experience.
Diploma Program
Our Diploma Program is designed to prepare students to access apprenticeship programs and/or pursue a college education after high school. Preparation begins in Grade 9 with a combination of general academic and technical programs. Students choose their area of focus in Grade 10. In Grades 11 and 12, students can explore various possible career opportunities through work placements and our co-operative education program. Academic courses include: workplace, open and college level.
Interesting Feature
Technology
We have made it a priority that all students are exposed to the tools of the 21st century. We utilize interactive white boards and wireless mobile laptops. Assistive technology is used to support student success.
Smaller Class Sizes
We place emphasis on the teacher-student relationship. Classes at Heydon are smaller than those of other public schools. Teachers can give more attention to each individual student, enhancing learning experiences and ensuring academic success.
More Information about Heydon Park Secondary School
Technology Rotational Program for Grade 9
All grade 9 students rotate through:
- Hairstyling and Aesthetics
- Healthcare
- Integrated Technology including: Green Industries and Communication Technology
These courses give students the opportunity to discover potential vocations through practical experience.
Certificate Program
One-third of our students participate in our certificate program. If students pursue this path, they will take compulsory academic courses in areas such as English, math and science. In addition, life skill development classes will prepare students for the workplace and independent living.
Credit Recovery
This is a program that is offered to students who are just shy of passing a credit. Instead of doing the entire course over again, students have an opportunity to complete missing or failed work in order to meet the requirements to fulfill the course. Teachers provide one-on-one support in a small group setting.
Community Partnerships
We open doors by working with our community partners. Through support from our local community, students are provided with unique opportunities for success. Outside supports want to be involved and contribute to our vision of preparing young women for life after high school.
Additional Features
- Free breakfast and lunch programs
- TTC tickets & busing available
- Focus On Success program
- Student entrepreneurial programs
- Supportive Study Hall
- Girls' groups
- Extra-curricular activities
- Wheel chair accessible
Student Life - Where You Belong
We encourage our girls to build their skills, knowledge and confidence in and out of the classroom. At Heydon Park, extra-curricular activities are an important part of our student life. We offer:
- dance classes
- music: choir and variety show
- visual arts: art shows and events
- sports: track and field, basketball, soccer, volleyball, etc.
- clubs: student council, student ambassadors, S.A.F.E. (Student's Aiming For Excellence), gay/straight alliance, Study Hall, reading
In addition, we encourage our students to attend Camp, a Heydon Park tradition. It is a 3-day adventure that has become a valuable tool in helping our girls foster positive relationships, build self-esteem and develop social skills. Our academic focus is to ensure that students' gaps are filled in the area of numeracy and literacy resulting in students' meeting with success in credit accumulation. This is done through timely and appropriate assessment and evaluation which allows for individualized programming. Our mental health initiatives include: Mindfulness Practice, Building Healthy Relationship Workshops and MHAN partnership.
What Sets Us Apart
We are an inclusive and supportive community, built around respect and a strong belief that everyone can learn and achieve. Parents remark how attending our school has helped their daughters increase their confidence, become more independent and take on new challenges. Our team ensures that all students have a transition plan when they leave school. We work with employment agencies and colleges to bring resources closer to you and ensure you are prepared for the next stage fo your life. We want all girls to succeed and we believe planning for the future is an important step towards success. As part of our mission to help our girls achieve career success, we offer an impressive co-operative education program where our students can gain valuable work experience while exploring different careers. Participation in these temporary work terms often leads to summer or full-time employment. Our partnership with the Youth Employment Service helps many of our students prepare for the world of work.
Parent and Community Engagement
We have a School Council which meets monthly. Through it's creative efforts we organize special events for our families and community. We hold variety shows, information nights and other activities which are always well attended. We value our parents and strong community partnerships. Community supporters include: OYAP, Frontier College Tutoring Program, Aboriginal Education Centre, Central Toronto Youth Services, Project Work, Corbrook, Pathways to Education, Social Circus, CIBC Mellon, Jessie's Place, METRAC, Planned Parenthood, Toronto Rape Crisis Centre/Multicultural Women Against Rape.
