This Student Interest Programs Policy (the “Policy”) was developed to support the Board’s ongoing commitment to improve access to special programs based on student interest, and to support its commitment to offer a range of program opportunities for all learners.

This Policy aligns with Board policies, including the Equity Policy (P037), Human Rights Policy (P031) and is consistent with the Ontario Human Rights Code. This Policy supports the Board’s commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Actions and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a framework for reconciliation.

The policy affirms the Board’s commitment to providing strong programming in local schools and to ensure equitable educational access, experiences, and opportunities for all students in alignment with the recommendations made in the Enhancing Equity Task Force, the Director’s Response to the Enhancing Equity Task Force Report, the equity priorities of the Multi-Year Strategic Plan and the vision of the Secondary Program Review

Claude Watson School for the Arts appreciates your interest in applying to our school. We strongly encourage all participants to carefully review the Application Information. 

If you are interested in having your child attend CWSA please review the following information.

Welcome to Claude Watson School for the Arts (CWSA).  CWSA is a dynamic school which offers an enriched arts education to students in grades 4 - 8.  Each year we admit 60 students into our grade four program.  Students spend approximately half their day on the academic curriculum (language, French, math, science, social studies, health and physical education).  The other half of their day is spent immersed in the arts.  All students participate in dance, drama, music and visual arts.  In Grade 5 students are introduced to digital arts.

Claude Watson School for the Arts is proud to operate as part of the Toronto District School Board.  CWSA is a publicly funded school and does not ask families to pay tuition.  Each year there is significant interest in families applying to our program.  The only prerequisite for applying to our program is to live within the city of Toronto.  Families interested in applying are encouraged to check out the "Future Students" section of this website.  Each year there are approximately 500 children applicants for entrance into our program.