For families in the Halton District School Board (HDSB), fall marks an exciting time to explore the next chapter of your child’s education. Throughout October and November 2025, high schools across Oakville (East Area), Halton Hills, Georgetown and Milton (North Area), and Burlington (West Area) are hosting in-person information nights.These sessions are invaluable opportunities for students, parents, and caregivers to learn about academic programs, meet teachers, and experience each school’s community firsthand.We understand that the move to high school can be an exciting and sometimes overwhelming step for Grade 8 students and their families. Teachers on Call’s in-person and online tutoring services are here to provide guidance and academic support throughout this transition. With over 40 years of experience and a team of Ontario Certified Teachers, we have deep insight into school pathways and student learning needs. Below, you will find helpful information on program options, the 2025 application and admissions process, and a full list of high schools hosting in-person information sessions this fall.
Whether you’re interested in French Immersion, I-STEM, Advanced Placement, or International Baccalaureate (IB), there’s something for every learner. At Teachers on Call, our team of Ontario Certified Teachers has helped families navigate these transitions for over 40 years — providing tutoring, enrichment, and study support both online and in-person. Read on for a complete list of this year’s HDSB secondary school open houses, along with dates, times, and regional programs offered.
What to Know About Secondary Schools in the Halton District School Board (HDSB)
The Halton District School Board serves students and families across Oakville (East Area), Milton, Georgetown and Halton Hills (North Area), and Burlington (West Area). As one of Ontario’s larger and growing school boards, HDSB offers a wide range of secondary school programs and learning pathways to support student interests, strengths and future goals. With many schools and program options to explore, it can understandably feel like a lot for families to navigate. Below, you will find helpful details on learning pathways, how to explore high school options, and the schedule for 2025 Open Houses and Information Nights across the board.
HDSB secondary schools uniquely offer dedicated student mentor programs to help Grade 9 students feel welcomed and supported as they begin high school. These mentors help organize orientation activities and community-building events, while also staying connected throughout the school year to provide ongoing guidance. This emphasis on peer support helps students build confidence, form friendships, and adjust smoothly to their new school environment.
What is the Difference Between Curriculum Night and an Open House / Information Night?
Families sometimes use these terms interchangeably, but they serve very different purposes. Open Houses and Information Nights are designed for students and families who are considering the school for the future. These evenings highlight the school community, academic programs, extracurricular activities, student supports, and facilities. They help families get a sense of whether the school is a good fit.
Curriculum Night, on the other hand, is intended for families who already have a child enrolled at the school. It typically takes place early in the school year and provides an opportunity to meet teachers, learn about classroom expectations, review how learning will be assessed, and understand daily routines. Curriculum Night is focused on supporting the current school year, while Open Houses and Information Nights help families plan for the year ahead. Check out Teachers on Call’s blog that outlines what to expect and how to make the most of Curriculum Night here.
What to Expect at HDSB Open Houses and Information Nights
Open Houses and Information Nights give prospective students and families the opportunity to learn what makes each HDSB high school unique. Many secondary schools offer a variety of pathways and program options that reflect different interests and learning styles. These events are also a chance to walk through the building, see classrooms, and get a sense of daily school life. Schools often include presentations, student and staff panels, or performances to help families experience the school’s culture and community spirit. While these evenings are typically planned with Grade 8 students in mind, families are welcome to attend earlier to get a better understanding of the school environment.
HDSB Secondary School Programs
HDSB offers students a range of regional and specialized programs at select schools. Some of these programs require applications to be submitted by a specific deadline. For example, IB and I-STEM applications for the 2026 - 2027 school year open October 24, 2025 and close December 2 at 11:59 pm.Below is a selection of upcoming HDSB open house dates, times, and school addresses for families to mark in their calendars. Be sure to confirm details on the High School Information Night | Halton District School Board official site before attending in case of scheduling changes.
Advanced Placement Program
Advanced Placement programs give high-achievement oriented students an opportunity to take courses at the university level while still in high school. Completion of the AP exam may give students the opportunity to move ahead to the second-year level of subject in post-secondary education.
The following 4 HDSB schools currently offer AP courses or exams:
- Abbey Park High School in Oakville, Ontario
- Iroquois Ridge Secondary School (Please note: AP exams only) in Oakville, Ontario
- Milton District High School in Milton, Ontario
- Oakville Trafalgar High School in Oakville, Ontario
French Immersion Program
This program is optimal for students who were in the French Immersion program in elementary school who want to continue their studies to become bilingual in English and French. High school students must earn a total of 10 credits in the French Immersion program to earn a Certificate of Bilingual Studies in Immersion.
Secondary Gifted Program (SGP)
HDSB offers a variety of special education programs for students of diverse abilities, including Gifted-clustered (or SGP). Classes are offered at select HDSB Secondary Schools for students with a formal identification of Intellectual Giftedness. When space permits, there may be a limited number of spots for Highly Able students.
SGP classes are offered for the following courses:
Grade 9: Math, Science, English and Geography
Grade 10: Math, Science, English and History
Grade 11: Math and English
Grade 12: English
Specialist High Skills Major
This ministry approved program is for students to concentrate their studies on an economic sector at the same time they meet regular requirements to graduate high school. It is intended to help students with transition after high school to either apprenticeship training, college, university, or the workplace.
International Baccalaureate
International Baccalaureate (IB) programme is meant for highly academic students who want additional challenge and enrichment. The graduation diploma is recognized globally and may be helpful for students who are applying to universities in various countries, especially outside of Canada. All four HDSB Secondary Schools with the IB Programme offer the Accelerated Learning Program (ALP), also known as pre-IB, for Grade 9 & 10 in preparation for the IB Diploma Programme in Grade 11 & 12.
IB Programme is Available for 2025 – 2026 at 4 HDSB High Schools:
- Burlington Central High School in Burlington, Ontario
- Craig Kielburger Secondary School in Milton, Ontario
- Georgetown District High School in Georgetown, Ontario
- White Oaks Secondary School in Oakville, Ontario
IB Application Dates
- October 24, 2025 - Online Application Opens
- December 2, 2025 - Online Application Closes
I-STEM
This four-year program is geared to students interested in STEM learning, and meant to help develop problem-solving, critical thinking and entrepreneurial skills.
I-STEM is Available for 2025 - 2026 at 3 HDSB High Schools:
- Aldershot High School in Burlington, Ontario
- Elsie MacGill Secondary School in Milton, Ontario
- T.A. Blakelock High School in Oakville, Ontario
I-STEM Application Dates
- October 24, 2025 - Online Application Opens
- December 2, 2025 - Online Application Closes
Oakville – HDSB East Area Secondary Schools
For families in Oakville, information nights take place in early to mid-November. These events offer a great opportunity to meet teachers, learn about course pathways, and explore the many specialized programs offered within the Halton District School Board (HDSB).
Abbey Park High School
Date and Time: Thursday, November 13, 2025 – 6:00 to 9:30 PM
Address: 1455 Glen Abbey Gate, Oakville, ON L6M 2G5 – Located off Third Line between the neighbourhoods of West Oak Trails and Glen Abbey, beside the Glen Abbey Community Centre and Oakville Public Library branch.
Regional Programs: Secondary Gifted Cluster
Garth Webb Secondary School
Date and Time: Thursday, November 20, 2025 – 6:30 to 8:00 PM
Address: 2820 Westoak Trails Blvd, Oakville, ON L6M 4W2 – Serving the communities of West Oak Trails and Bronte Creek, near West Oak Park and Arbourview Park.
Regional Programs: French Immersion, Secondary Gifted Cluster, Advanced Placement Prep, ESL Centre
Iroquois Ridge High School
Date and Time: Thursday, November 13, 2025 – 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Address: 1123 Glenashton Drive, Oakville, ON L6H 5M1 – Located in the Joshua Creek neighbourhood of Oakville.
Regional Programs: French Immersion, Secondary Gifted Cluster, Advanced Placement (exams and select Grade 12 course options), ESL Centre
Oakville Trafalgar High School
Date and Time: Thursday, November 13, 2025 – 5:30 to 7:30 PM
Address: 1460 Devon Road, Oakville, ON L6J 3L6 – Near Maple Grove Drive and Lakeshore Road East, serving students from local feeder schools and the surrounding Oakville community.
Regional Programs: French Immersion, Secondary Gifted Cluster, Advanced Placement
(multiple exams and six course options across Grades 11 and 12)
T.A. Blakelock High School
Date and Time: Thursday, November 20, 2025 – 6:30 to 8:00 PM
Address: 1160 Rebecca Street, Oakville, ON L6L 1Y9 – Located in West Oakville off Rebecca Street.
Regional Programs: Community Pathways, ESL Centre, French Immersion, I-STEM, Advanced Placement Prep, Grade 11 and 12 AP courses (based on student interest), Secondary Gifted Cluster
Separate Information Date: I-STEM – Thursday, October 23, 2025 – 6:30 PM
White Oaks Secondary School
Date and Time: Thursday, November 6, 2025 – 6:00 to 8:00 PM
Address: 1330 Montclair Drive, Oakville, ON L6H 1Z5 – Near Trafalgar Road and Upper Middle Road East, with north and south campuses located across from each other.
Regional Programs: Community Pathways, ESL Centre, French Immersion, International Baccalaureate, Locally Developed, Secondary Gifted Cluster (beginning September 2026)
Separate Information Date: International Baccalaureate Prep – Thursday, October 16, 2025 – 6:00 p.m. & 7:00 PM
Halton Hills, Georgetown, Milton – HDSB North Area Secondary Schools
Families in Halton Hills, Georgetown, and Milton will find a variety of information nights scheduled through October and November. These evenings are a great chance to explore local high schools, meet educators, and learn more about the diverse programs available to students entering Grade 9 in 2025.
Acton District School
Date and Time: Thursday, October 16, 2025 – 6:00 to 8:30 PM
(AP Presentation 6:00–6:30 PM, followed by the main information night 7:00–8:30 PM)
Address: 21 Cedar Road, Acton, ON L7J 2V2 – Located in Halton Hills off Churchill Road North, near the Acton Curling Club.
Regional Programs: French Immersion, Advanced Placement Prep
Craig Kielburger Secondary School
Date and Time: Thursday, October 30, 2025 – 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Address: 1151 Ferguson Drive, Milton, ON L9T 7V8 – Near Fourth Line and Louis St. Laurent Avenue in Milton.
Regional Programs: Community Pathways, ESL Centre, French Immersion, International Baccalaureate, Locally Developed
Separate Information Date: International Baccalaureate – Thursday, October 16, 2025 – 6:30 PM
Elsie MacGill Secondary School
Date and Time: Thursday, November 6, 2025 – 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Address: 1410 Bronte Street South, Milton, ON L9E 1B9 – Located near First Line and Britannia Road, close to Rattlesnake Point Golf Club.
Regional Programs: Community Pathways, I-STEM
Separate Information Date: I-STEM – Thursday, October 23, 2025 – 6:30 PM
Georgetown District High School
Date and Time: Thursday, November 20, 2025 – 6:30 to 8:00 PM
Address: 70 Guelph Street, Georgetown, ON L7G 3Z5 – Near Main Street South and 17 Side Road, close to Halton Hills Public Library.
Regional Programs: Community Pathways, French Immersion, International Baccalaureate, Locally Developed, Secondary Gifted Cluster
Separate Information Date: International Baccalaureate Prep – Thursday, October 16, 2025 – 6:30 PM
Milton District High School
Date and Time: Thursday, October 30, 2025 – 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Address: 396 Williams Avenue, Milton, ON L9T 2G4 – Near Ontario Street South and Derry Road in Milton.
Regional Programs: Advanced Placement Prep, French Immersion, Secondary Gifted Cluster
Burlington – HDSB West Area Secondary Schools
Burlington high schools will be hosting their information nights throughout October and November, giving families the opportunity to explore programs ranging from Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate to I-STEM and French Immersion. These sessions are a great way to meet educators, explore facilities, and learn about the diverse academic pathways available to students.
Aldershot School
Date and Time: Thursday, October 23, 2025 – 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Address: 50 Fairwood Place West, Burlington, ON L7T 1E5 – Off Lasalle Park Road and Plains Road East, near LaSalle Park.
Regional Programs: I-STEM, Advanced Placement Prep
Separate Information Date: I-STEM – Thursday, October 23, 2025 – 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Burlington Central High School
Date and Time: Thursday, November 20, 2025 – 6:30 to 8:00 PM
Address: 1433 Baldwin Street, Burlington, ON L7S 1K4 – Located off Baldwin Street and Fairview Street in central Burlington.
Regional Programs: ESL Centre, French Immersion, International Baccalaureate
Separate Information Date: International Baccalaureate Prep – Thursday, October 16, 2025 – 6:30 PM
Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary School
Date and Time: Thursday, November 13, 2025 – 6:30 to 8:00 PM
Address: 3040 Tim Dobbie Drive, Burlington, ON L7M 0M3 – Situated in the northern area of Burlington near Norton Community Park.
Regional Programs: Secondary Gifted Cluster, Advanced Placement
M.M. Robinson High School
Date and Time: Thursday, November 20, 2025 – 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Address: 2425 Upper Middle Road, Burlington, ON L7P 3N9 – Located near Upper Middle Road and Guelph Line.
Regional Programs: Community Pathways, Extended French, French Immersion, Locally Developed, Secondary Gifted Cluster
Nelson High School
Date and Time: Thursday, November 13, 2025 – 5:30 PM
Address: 4181 New Street, Burlington, ON L7L 1T3 – Off New Street near Belvenia Road, close to Nelson Park and Paletta Lakefront Park.
Regional Programs: Community Pathways, French Immersion, Locally Developed, Secondary Gifted Cluster, Advanced Placement, High Performance Program
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Exploring high school options is a big learning milestone,and attending open houses is the best way to get a feel for what fits your child’s goals and interests. From meeting future teachers to discovering specialized programs, these events are key to making informed decisions about the upcoming school year. If you’re looking for extra support during this transition, the Teachers on Call online and in-person tutoring team is always here to help with personalized support and academic coaching. If your family lives in Toronto and you are looking for Open House and Information Night dates for the Toronto District School Board, we have a separate guide available with all the details.Check out our blog, TDSB High School Open Houses Are Starting - Everything Families Need to Know. We hope this guide helps your family feel informed and confident as you explore high school options in the Halton District School Board.
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