At Grand Erie District School Board, our vision is to learn, lead and inspire as we build a culture of learning, well-being and belonging.
The Grand Erie District School Board represents more than 28,000 students in 58 elementary schools and 14 secondary schools within the City of Brantford and the counties of Brant, Haldimand, and Norfolk, as well as secondary students from Six Nations of the Grand River and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. Our skilled, dedicated team includes more than 2,700 educators and support staff.
At the elementary level, from Grades 1–8, students develop literacy and numeracy skills for success in school and throughout their lives.
These early school years build a solid foundation for lifelong learning. As well, elementary students experience all the other benefits schools can provide – many of them outside the classroom. Students get involved in sports and creative pursuits, develop their problem-solving abilities, and learn important social and emotional skills.
In secondary school, from Grades 9–12, Grand Erie students can explore interests, develop skills and work toward goals – with a range of learning options.
The secondary school years are exciting and challenging, as young people – with the support of parents and teachers — begin making choices about what and how they want to learn. For many, it’s also when they start thinking ahead to post-secondary education and careers.
Learning doesn’t stop at 18. We’re here to support adults who want to continue their education.
No matter what your reason for restarting or continuing your secondary school education as an adult, we know it can be challenging – and the educators at Grand Erie can help.
The programs and services we offer in Grand Erie schools are designed to make them exceptional places of learning, growth, and belonging for all of our students. Our goal is to create enriching environments where our students can thrive.
Schools have always gathering places and vibrant hubs in their local communities. We’re committed to nurturing connections with our communities, recognizing that strong communities enrich and empower our students as much as classroom learning does.
Secondary School Program Review Results in Program Changes
Effective September 2026
In 2024-25, a Secondary School Program Review examined secondary programs and schools within the context of Grand Erie’s Long-Term Accommodation Plan. Consultation with students and staff coupled with a review of Grand Erie data and provincial research, identified several areas for program changes as noted below. A full report is available in the agenda of the September 12 Policy and Program Committee Meeting.
A. SECONDARY FRENCH IMMERSION PROGRAMMING
(1) Effective September 2026, the secondary French Immersion programs in Brant/Brantford will be amalgamated at Brantford Collegiate Institute (BCI).
Rationale:
The amalgamation of the French Immersion programs located at Brantford Collegiate Institute & Vocational School (BCI) and North Park Collegiate & Vocational School (NPC) onto one site will increase course options for students
There is space at BCI to accommodate the amalgamated French Immersion program
NPC students entering Grade 12 in September 2026 will be provided with the option of transferring to BCI or remaining at NPC for one year.
(2) Effective September 2026, a secondary French Immersion program in Haldimand County will begin at McKinnon Park Secondary School.
Rationale:
To provide students in Haldimand County with a secondary French Immersion location closer to their homes
Most River Heights French Immersion students already live in the McKinnon Park catchment area and would be attending McKinnon Park for secondary education
As the students are already designated for McKinnon Park Secondary School, this new programming would have little impact on the overall enrolment at the school
B. TECHNOLOGICAL EDUCATION
Effective September 2026, Tech Hubs will be established at Cayuga Secondary School, North Park Collegiate & Vocational School, and Simcoe Composite School.
Rationale:
All secondary school students will have a designated Tech Hub school which they may choose to attend
Students across the district will have access to a broader range of technology courses
Students pursuing credits in all four pathways (apprenticeship, college, university and workplace) will have access to both hard and soft technology courses
The renewal cycle for technology equipment can be shorter in order to be responsive to emerging industry standards and innovation
C. ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION
Effective September 2026, a single Alternative Education Program will be offered across the district, with locations in all counties as well as the City of Brantford.
Rationale:
Access to alternative education opportunities will be provided for students in Grades 11-12 across the entire district
Students will be able to engage in in-person and/or online courses daily
Students enrolled in alternative education will have the opportunity to take co-op courses
Program offerings and design will be as flexible as possible to meet students’ needs
D. NATIONS / NEW START
Effective September 2025, the NATIONS/New Start Campus program will be offered as a school within a school temporarily located at Hagersville Secondary School.
Rationale:
Access to a broader range of course offerings
Continued access to community connections
Students will continue to have access to a program with which they are familiar
Students will have the opportunity to register for a full eight-credit course load, if desired
E. VALLEY HEIGHTS TURNING POINT
Effective September 2026, the Turning Point Program at Valley Heights Secondary School will operate as a distinct program within the school and not as part of the Alternative Education Program.
Rationale:
The Low German Mennonite Community will continue to have access to a program with which they are familiar
Students will have the opportunity to register for a full eight-credit course load, if desired
Students will have increased access to courses that are not part of the current Turning Point offerings
F. TOLLGATE TECHNOLOGICAL SKILLS CENTRE
Effective September 2026, there will be no Grade 10 intake for the program at Tollgate Technological Skills Centre.
Rationale:
To provide students with an opportunity to participate in de-streamed courses in their designated secondary schools.
To provide students with a breadth of course options and pathways available in schools with higher enrolment.
To provide students with course options that maximize their post-secondary opportunities.
To provide students with the opportunity to participate in co-curricular activities.
What is the advantage of merging the two French Immersion Programs at Brantford Collegiate (BCI) and North Park Collegiate (NPC) into one school?
Students will have a greater number of French Immersion course options when the programs are amalgamated as enrolment determines the number of staff allocated to the school to provide programming.
As a current Grade 11 student at NPC, may I stay at NPC to finish my secondary education, including completing my French Immersion Certificate?
It is recognized that students entering their final year of secondary school may wish to graduate from NPC. To support this option, Grade 12 French Immersion courses will be offered for the 2026-27 school year only at NPC. Students remaining at NPC for their Grade 12 year who are registered in French Immersion courses continue to be eligible for transportation as per the Board’s Policy on Student Transportation.
As a current Grade 10 student at NPC, may I stay at NPC to finish my secondary education, including completing my French Immersion Certificate?
In the fall of 2025, current Grade 10 students were offered the opportunity to take Grade 11 French Immersion courses in semester two thereby providing them with the prerequisites necessary to take Grade 12 French Immersion at NPC during the 2026-27 school year. Students needing more than the two Grade 12 French Immersion courses offered may need to transfer to BCI to qualify for the 10-credit French Immersion Certificate.
As a current Grade 9 student at NPC, may I stay at NPC to finish my secondary education, including completing my French Immersion Certificate?
Given the possible number of French Immersion credits earned in Grade 9, a French Immersion Certificate may only be earned by participating in French Immersion courses at BCI. Current Grade 9 students wishing to complete their French Immersion Certificate may: (a) transfer to BCI full time effective September 2026; or (b) remain at NPC and attend BCI for a half day for one semester in 2026-27, 2027-28, and 2028-29 and complete one eLearning course in French. Mid-day transportation to/from BCI will not be provided to students selecting option b. Students selecting this option may apply for a "courtesy seat" for before/after school transportation to/from BCI as per the Board’s Policy on Student Transportation.
As a student at NPC, I have been involved in athletics. If I transfer to BCI, will I be able to participate in athletics?
The Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) is the provincial organization which determines eligibility to participate in school sports. If the board transfers a program from one school to another, OFSAA has indicated that the board can provide OFSAA with the names of students transferring with the program so that they become eligible for participation in athletics. Students transferring to BCI will have their names forwarded to OFSAA for sport eligibility purposes.
I have been attending Extended French and/or French Immersion at Simcoe Composite School (SCS). If I live within the McKinnon Park (MCK) French Immersion boundary, can I start attending the French Immersion program at McKinnon Park Secondary School?
In September 2026, French Immersion programming for students entering Grade 9 will begin at McKinnon Park Secondary School. In September 2027, Grade 10 programming will become available, and so on. Students who are currently enrolled at SCS will remain at SCS if they wish to complete a French Immersion/Extended French Certificate program.
My child will be starting Grade 9 French Immersion in September 2026. Will transportation be provided to their designated French Immersion school?
Transportation will be provided as per the Board’sPolicy on Student Transportation. Generally, transportation is provided if a secondary student’s home is at least 3.2 km from their designated school.
Technological Education
What happens if I attend a Technology Hub school outside of my home school area and decide not to continue participating in the technology program?
Students who choose not to continue their participation in the technology program are required to return to the secondary school in the respective catchment areas, or complete an out of area request. Transportation will not be provided.
Who can attend the Technological Hubs?
Each student in Grand Erie will have a designated Technological Hub school which they may choose to attend for their secondary school education.
Students in Brant County and the City of Brantford may attend North Park Collegiate and Vocation School.
Students in Haldimand County may attend Cayuga Secondary School.
Students in Norfolk County may attend Simcoe Composite School.
How do I access transportation to a Technology Hub School?
As part of the registration process, families are asked to complete a new transportation request form that can be found at bit.ly/techhubtranspo
When and how do I select my courses at a Technology Hub School for 2026-2027?
Are you a current Grand Erie student in grade 8?
Current Grand Erie Grade 8 students have until February 13th, 2026 to designate their interest to a Technology Hub school for course selection with their Grade 8 teachers up to March 6, 2026.
Are you a current Grand Erie student in grade 9-12?
Current Grand Erie students have until February 13th, 2026 to designate their interest to a Technology Hub school for course selection in myBlueprint between February 23 and March 6, 2026.
Are you a new student to Grand Erie?
Students new to Grand Erie will discuss your course selection options when registering with the Technology Hub school.
Can I play varsity sports or participate in other co-curricular program at a Technology Hub school if I am currently attending another secondary school?
Yes! As a Technology Hub student, you will be eligible to play sports and participate in all co-curricular activities at the Technology Hub.
How many technology courses do I have to take to be considered a student at a Technology Hub school?
Students attending a Technology Hub School are required to enroll in a minimum of one technology course during each academic school year.
What pathways are available for Technology Hub school students?
All pathways are available for students attending a Technology Hub school: apprenticeship, college, community, university and workplace.
How do I register to attend a Technology Hub school?
Can I take a technology course at the Technology Hub school and the remainder of my courses at a different school?27 school year?
Students who choose to attend a Technology Hub school will enroll in a full timetable at the Technology Hub school.
What is the difference between a Technology Hub school and a regular secondary school?
Technology Hub Schools will offer a full range of technology courses
Students can pursue credits in all four pathways (apprenticeship, college, university and workplace.
Do I need prior experience in technology courses to apply?
No prior experience is required unless there is a course prerequisite.
Can I still take non-technology electives like arts, music, or languages?
Yes! Technology Hub students are required to take one technology course each school year. Students are welcome to select other electives should there be room within their schedule.
Are there any costs or fees associated with the program?
Currently there are no fees associated with the program.
Will I receive a special designation on my diploma for completing the technology program?
Currently the special designation for diplomas include a red-seal upon completion of a Specialist High Major, and a blue-seal for completion of OYAP-FAST.
How does transportation work if I participate in sports or activities at my Technology Hub designated school?
Families are responsible for transportation after any co-curricular activity
Are co-op, apprenticeship, or dual-credit opportunities available through the Technology Hub?
Yes
How will participating in the Technology Hub impact post-secondary opportunities?
All pathways are available upon graduation.
What happens if I want to transfer back to my home school after starting at a Technology Hub?
All credits earned while a student at a Technology Hub school will follow the student to their home school.
What if I choose to attend a Technology Hub school after March 6, 2026
Course selection may be limited for students who apply to their Technology Hub school after March 6, 2026.
Alternative Education
What is Alternative Education?
A: Alternative Education is a program for senior students (Grades 11, 12, 12+) who would benefit from an alternative program structure that differs from the regular programming in secondary school. Students participate in in-person and/or online courses as well as co-op placements, where appropriate. Generally, the courses are geared towards students who plan to enter the workforce immediately following secondary school.
Where does Alternative Education programming occur?
Alternative Education occurs in each area of the board. The classes are either held within a secondary school or at a location within the community.
NATIONS/New Start
How do students become involved with NATIONS/New Start?
Students become involved through a referral from the home school.
What are the key changes in the NATIONS/New Start program?
Students in NATIONS/ New Start will continue to have access to alternative education programming.
Additionally, students will have:
The opportunity to register for up to an 8-credit course load
Access to additional course offerings
Community Connections (e.g. Dajoh, Haudenasaunee Lacrosse)
The NATIONS/New Start Campus program will be offered as a school within a school temporarily located at Hagersville Secondary School.
Valley Heights Turning Point
What is Valley Heights Turning Point?
Valley Heights Turning Point is a program which welcomes students from the Low German Mennonite community into the school to participate in courses with their peers.
What are the key changes in the Valley Heights Turning Point program?
The changes to the program are three-fold: (1) Students will have the option of participating in designated Turning Point classes; (2) Students will have the option of participating in “main campus” classes; and (3) Students will have access to a broader range of classes and the ability to access a full timetable.
Tollgate Technological Skills Centre
How will the program decision be communicated to parents/caregivers, staff and students?
The families of current students at Tollgate will receive a written communication in October. Staff members have already been informed of this decision.
Can current Grade 10 students continue at Tollgate?
If current Grade 10 students have all mandatory Grade 9 and 10 courses, they may choose to register at Tollgate for Grade 11 and 12 courses.
What are the mandatory Grade 9 and 10 courses?
Grade 9: English, Math, Geography and Science
Grade 10: English, Math, History, Civics and Careers
Note: Additionally, students are required to have one Physical and Health Education credit, one Arts credit, and another Science credit.
If I currently attend Tollgate, what is the process for attending my home school?
In winter 2026, students will register for courses for the 2026-27 school year. At that time, students may discuss registering at their designated home school with a Guidance Counsellor. Families may determine their designated home school by using the School Locator.
What happens to the Grade 11 and 12 programming at Tollgate?
Student registrations will determine Grade 11 and 12 course offerings.
Will the self-contained specialized class relocate from Tollgate to another school? If so, how will parents/caregivers be informed?
Specialized Services review the types and locations of self-contained programs annually and determines where best to locate these classes. Any changes to the self-contained program located at Tollgate will be communicated to school staff and parents/ caregivers at the same time as all other self-contained program decisions are being made.
Details pertaining to each program decision will be shared with students, families and staff once operational details have been finalized.
