Check out these exciting summer options for Grade 8 students!
Click program names for additional information.
| Program | Eligibility | Program Description | Deadline to register |
| ALL GRADE 8 STUDENTS | |||
| Ready, Set, HIGH SCHOOL! | Grade 8 Students | In-Person
Ready, Set, HIGH SCHOOL! (formerly Grade 9 Orientation) will run in all secondary schools. All incoming Grade 9 students are encouraged to join and are automatically registered. No further action required. Simply watch your parent contact email for details in mid-August. August 25 and/or August 26, 2025 |
Not applicable |
| SUMMER CREDIT PROGRAMS | |||
| Reach Ahead – Civics & Careers | Students currently in Grade 8 | Online
Continuing Education is offering the Civics and Careers courses to Grade 8 students who are progressing to Grade 9 in the fall. These half-credit courses can be taken individually (9 days) or in combination (18 days). Courses are offered in English or French. Civics – July 2-14, 2025 |
June 9, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. |
| Reach Ahead – Technological Education | Students currently in Grade 8 | In-Person
Grade 8 students have the opportunity to earn a Technological Education credit before entering Grade 9. Three tech courses will be offered this summer. Construction, Cosmetology and Hospitality & Tourism courses will be offered at various locations across HWDSB. July 2-25, 2025 |
June 9, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. |
| Summer Learning Strategies Courses | Students currently in grades 8 to 12 (with Individual Education Plans) | Online or In-Person
Summer Learning Strategies program helps students become stronger, more independent learners. Students will learn how to develop and apply literacy and numeracy skills, personal management skills, and interpersonal and teamwork skills to narrow learning gaps and improve their learning and achievement in school, the workplace, and the community. July 2-25, 2025 |
June 9, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Please contact your student’s Principal or Guidance Counsellor to register |
| SUMMER NON-CREDIT PROGRAMS | |||
| International Languages Elementary Program | Students currently in Grades Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 | In-Person
International Languages Elementary classes provide academic instruction in languages other than English and French. Available languages for Summer 2025: Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Punjabi and Vietnamese. July 2 to 25, 2025. Monday to Friday, program times vary by location. |
June 9, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. |
| Summer Skill Builder | Students currently in Grades 6 to 10 | In-Person
Enrich and develop literacy and numeracy skills through participation in these fun, free summer activities combined with art, coding or sports-based programming. Programs are offered in one-week blocks starting July 7 through August 1 – morning and afternoon programs available. |
June 9, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. |
| Summer ESL Literacy Program | Students currently in Grades 6 to 12 (ESL Level 3/CO or lower) | In-Person
ESL students in grades 6 to 12 are encouraged to join our ESL Literacy Summer program to strengthen their literacy skills this summer. (Level 3/CO or lower). July 7-25, 2025 |
June 9, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Please contact your student’s Principal or ESL teacher to register |
| High School Headstart | Grade 8 Students | In-Person
This one-week intensive program is designed for students who would benefit from extra support in literacy (English) or numeracy (math), helping them build essential skills and confidence before starting high school. With focused instruction, hands-on learning, and proven strategies, students will be better prepared to meet the challenges of Grade 9. Programs will be offered in each HWDSB High School. August 18-22, 2025, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. |
August 1, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. |
Updated on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.