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Academic Achievement and Demonstration of Knowledge and Skills

Academic Achievement and Demonstration of Knowledge and Skills

Applicants will be selected for September 2027 admission in TDSB Specialized Programs based on their academic achievement in the 2025-26 school year and based on their level of skill and knowledge. 

An applicant's overall score will be based on specific marks (see chart below) from the 2025-26 school year (weighted for 30% of their applicant score) and their demonstration of knowledge and skills (weighted for 70% of their applicant score).

Elementary applicants will be scored based only on their demonstration of knowledge and skills (audition or portfolio).


Report 2 (June 2026) marks will be used. When a Report 2 mark is not available, the Report 1 (February 2026) mark will then be used.


Marks and Demonstrations of Knowledge and Skills for Arts Programs

School/Program

Marks Included in Applicant Score

Demonstration of Knowledge and Skills

Rosedale Heights SFA

Woburn CI

Westview Centennial SS

Average of the four arts marks as well as Language

Audition or Portfolio

Dance Audition Rubric
Drama Audition Rubric 
Music Audition Rubric
Musical Theatre Audition Rubric
Visual Arts Portfolio Rubric


Art Submissions

Elementary Applicants will be scored on their demonstration of knowledge and skills through a Portfolio or Audition.

Elementary Audition Video Rubric

Elementary Portfolio Submission Rubric


Arts portfolio and audition written and spoken reflections must be prepared without the use of any generative artificial intelligence. All content is to reflect the applicant’s independent and original work.

Applicant submissions must adhere to all TDSB policies and procedures, including P031 - Human Rights. Submissions that contravene TDSB policies and procedures, including the TDSB Code of Conduct will be addressed and the application will be deemed incomplete.


Marks and Demonstrations of Knowledge and Skills for Other Programs

Program

Marks Included in Applicant Score

Demonstration of Knowledge and Skills

International Baccalaureate

Average of Language, Math, Science, French (average of 4 strands/marks), Geography and History

All In-Person Assessments will take place between December 7 - 17, 2026. The exact date and time are to be determined.

60-minute in-person evaluation and written response

  • Format will be multiple choice (30 min) and one opinion-based written question (30 min).
  • Multiple Choice will assess skill in mathematical reasoning and problem solving, and French Language proficiency.
  • The demonstration of skills and knowledge assess content learning from the grade 7 curriculum expectations and will focus on problem-solving and thinking skills.
  • Applicants for Grade 10 entry will be assessed on grade 8 curriculum content
  • Written question will be assessed by rubric.

The written opinion piece will be reviewed for:

  • Clearly stated and defended opinion 
  • Position is supported by reasons, evidence, and examples 
  • Organization and flow
  • Clarity of expression including grammar, spelling and sentence structure

Doors at each site will open at 3:30 p.m.

Applicants arriving late will not be given additional time.