Toronto District School Board
Skip to main content

Claude Watson School for the Arts

ARTS, HEARTS and MINDS aptly captures the spirit of our Specialized Arts School.


Arts Hearts & Minds
Claude Watson School for the Arts is a specialized program spanning Grades 4 - 8. CWSA offers an enriched arts education for students within the City of Toronto who have an interest in music, drama, dance, and the visual arts. Students pursue studies in all four arts disciplines. The goals of the school are to enrich and accelerate aesthetic development; to stimulate creativity and original thinking; and to create an enduring respect and passion for learning within a climate of artistic and academic excellence. The school program links with artistic resources in the community, maximizing the growth of the student through exposure to practising artists.


Entrance into the Claude Watson School for the Arts is by audition. An information evening for parents of children wishing to gain entrance to the program is held in the fall. The school maintains two classes per grade with an enrolment of 30 students per class. The academic program follows the Ministry of Education curriculum guidelines. An extended school day allows for an enriched artistic and academic education. Students divide their learning time between the arts and academics. This requires self-discipline and dedication. Our students come from every area of the city and we are very proud of them!

Claude Watson School for the Arts Photo