Support specialized programs & schools made possible by optional attendance!

Having schools that’s offer different specialties is one of the things that makes the TDSB so great! My daughter has benefited immensely from the language and community at Hawthorne II Bilingual. The French immersion schools were out of our catchment and already full. These schools give students opportunities that they would otherwise miss out on!

Please don't phase out these amazing programs that provide depth to our wonderful public school system. Rather let's work together to expand existing programs and make them more accessible to all.

I went to Wexford and I attended both the performing art and the visual art program. I came out of the school with the discipline and passion to continue on with the arts in my university studies. I am now employed in the design field and without attending Wexford I don't think I would have had the opportunity to go this route. It is important to give kids the opportunity to attend a specialized school especially if the traditional model doesn't work to foster their interest and talent.

Keep our specialized schools!

What a short-sighted proposal TDSB! I'm a proud alumnus of the Claude Watson Arts Program and am outraged that this would be in consideration, given the enormous benefits this and other specialized programs have given for students and to the community at large.

As a 30 year veteran actor who received my first training ground at The Etobicoke School of the Arts in Toronto, before moving onto running my own independent acting classes to kids, teens and young adults, I can't even imagine my life without such a powerful positive influence. So much of what I learned carried me through as I ventured out to carve out my professional career, including offering me a safe and supportive place to learn and feel valued for what I had to contribute. My strengths were not only recognized but encouraged offering me a sense of accomplishment and self confidence not to mention self awareness and tolerance and appreciation for diversity. Taking such a life long foundation away from budding artists and/or people with a desire for thinking outside of the box will prove to be a detriment in the years ahead. This is an enormous error of epic proportions. #mytwocents

Art is an integral part of every child's education. I was enrolled in the Claude Watson School for the Arts program and it has made such a huge impact on the person I have become today. I strongly disagree with phasing out specialized programs, such as Claude Watson, IB, etc.

I went to Claude Watson and Earl Haig. These schools were important to me growing up. It would be a shame if they were to be dismantled.

8 years ago Featured

Our daughter has been benefiting from a specialised alternative school, and we are not keen to see that change. As a family, we are ardent supporters of public education and of the TDSB, and we appreciate the TDSB's commitment to flexibility and variety.

tdsb honey wat r u doin

Art Matters. Art is for Everyone.

Equality should be accomplished by improving the bad ones rather than ruining the good ones.

Providing these special programs is key to developing the potential in some kids, otherwise they may become trouble makers since they don't and can't respond to regular teaching.

Specialty schools should work to increase diversity -- that's obvious. But closing them down is a terrible idea! Isn't that what's called "throwing the baby out with the bathwater"?

I attended ESA grade 9 thru 12. That experience was invaluable. It opened my life up- personally and professionally. Without that opportunity, my life would have been much different and ultimately down a road of self destruction. I credit my artistic education with the fulfilled life I now lead.

Keep special programs such as gifted program is important for next generation growth well

I don't see how phasing out a program that kids are accepted into based on talent and potential will help with equity. If anything, it's a chance for kids from all sorts of socio-economic backgrounds/neighbourhoods to be brought together into one school based on a shared love of the arts.

Going to an art school saved my life and has moved me in a positive direction in pursuing my career. I would not be the person I am today if I had not attended Quest alternative middle school, Etobicoke school of the arts and Rosedale heights school of the arts. Don't deny future generations the opportunity to explore their posible career path in a safe environment like high school rather than wasting thousand of dollars on a post secondary education before they're ready.

my daughter used to be in the gift program,It is a such amazing program. I believe some children always need different standard than others,that is good thing on our education system.

Specialized programs are good for students who has needs other than standardized program.