TDSB Shifts to Merit-Based Admissions for Specialized Programs

The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) has announced a significant change in its admissions process for specialized programs, moving from a lottery system to a merit-based approach. This decision was made following directives from the Supervisor appointed by the Minister of Education and was communicated to parents through an update on the TDSB’s website.

Under the new system, applications for specialized programs that will begin in September 2026 are set to open during the week of November 10, 2025, lasting for three weeks. The specialized programs offered by the TDSB encompass areas such as arts, mathematics, science, technology, and leadership, available at both the elementary and secondary school levels.

For elementary students, admission will be based on the submission of an evaluated portfolio or an audition video. In contrast, secondary students will need to meet specific report card benchmarks. The TDSB outlined that applicants will be evaluated based on a combination of their overall applicant score, which includes selected report card marks relevant to their chosen program and an assessed demonstration of their knowledge and skills.

The TDSB emphasized that these changes aim to create a more equitable process for students seeking admission into specialized programs. The board will host open houses in November at schools offering these specialized options, providing prospective students and their families an opportunity to learn more about the programs and the new admissions criteria.

This transition marks a notable shift in how specialized educational programs are accessed within Canada’s largest school board, reflecting a growing trend among educational institutions to adopt merit-based systems that prioritize academic achievement and individual skills.