
Find Registration Forms.
Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board provides the following distinct levels of education and a French Immersion program:
Kindergarten
Get information on how to enrol your child in Kindergarten.
Registration for the 2023-24 school year opens February 6, 2023. Please check back on this date for the updated registration form. We look forward to welcoming you to HWDSB!
During the school year, students new to the area and already of school age must register at their in-catchment (home) elementary school. Find your child’s home school in School Locator. For the out-of-catchment school process, click here.
If arriving during the summer, students must register at their in-catchment (home) school during the last week of August.
Who may register at school directly?
- Canadian Citizen student or student who has applied for Canadian citizenship
- Permanent Resident student or dependent of permanent residents in Canada
- Student or dependent of a parent holding immigration documentation verifying refugee status, e.g. a Notice of Decision letter for Convention Refugee status or a Refugee Claimant Protection Document
- Dependent of a parent who is on a Work Permit in Canada.
Who should come to the Admissions Office PRIOR to registering at school?
- International fee paying student who has a visitor Visa or Study Permit
- International Exchange student
- Dependent of a parent who is on a Study Permit in Ontario
- Student who has applied for Permanent Residence status in Canada and is awaiting approval
- Canadian or Permanent Resident student whose parents live outside of Ontario
- Student who has applied for refugee status but has not received documentation from Canada Immigration authorities verifying status
- Dependent of a parent on a Temporary Resident Permit, Cleric Permit, Diplomat Status or Minister’s Permit
- Student who has No Status or No Documentation in Canada
The Admissions Office can be reached at 905-527-5092 ext. 2235 or 2324. It is located inside the HWDSB Welcome Centre at 465 East 16th Street, Hamilton.
Bring the following original documents when registering at school:
- Completed Student Registration Form (found at bottom of webpage)
- Proof of child’s age: birth certificate, passport, baptismal certificate or permanent resident card
- Proof of address: utility bill, home phone /cable /internet bill, lease or purchase agreement, property tax bill or government mail (e.g. Service Ontario or Canada Revenue Agency)
- Note: Driver’s license, cell phone bill or bank statement can not be accepted as per Ministry requirement
- Proof of status in Canada: Canadian birth certificate or Canadian passport or proof of student’s Canadian citizenship application (including copy of the application, receipt from Canada immigration and mail/courier receipt), Permanent Resident Card or Confirmation of Permanent Residence letter, Refugee Claimant Protection Document, Notice of Decision letter for Convention Refugee status or Parent’s Work Permit
- Note: An Ontario health card can not be used as proof of status, i.e. Canadian citizen or permanent resident status.
- Proof of custody (if applicable): if a student is under 18 but not living with a biological parent, then one of these documents must be provided as proof of custody: Court Order, CAS letter, adoption papers, notarized Guardianship Agreement or notarized custodianship declaration forms (specifically for international students)
In addition,
- It may be helpful to bring any previous school records or documents i.e. an IEP for programming and student support purposes.
- Immunization/vaccine records
Parents are responsible for submitting their school-age child’s immunization/vaccine record to Hamilton Public Health. For more information on how to submit the immunization record and/or Hamilton Public Health protocols regarding vaccine exemptions, please visit hamilton.ca/vaccines.
Elementary
Students that move during the course of the school year or switch from a French-Immersion (FI) program to English, will be allowed to attend their current school for the remainder of the school year (even if their current school is closed to Out-of-Catchment). Students must attend their home school for the following school year.
Find your child’s home school in School Locator. For the out-of-catchment school process, click here.
If arriving during the summer, students must register at their in-catchment (home) school during the last week of August.
Who may register at school directly?
- Canadian Citizen student or student who has applied for Canadian citizenship
- Permanent Resident student or dependent of permanent residents in Canada
- Student or dependent of a parent holding immigration documentation verifying refugee status, e.g. a Notice of Decision letter for Convention Refugee status or a Refugee Claimant Protection Document
- Dependent of a parent who is on a Work Permit in Canada.
Who should come to the Admissions Office PRIOR to registering at school?
- International fee paying student who has a visitor Visa or Study Permit
- International Exchange student
- Dependent of a parent who is on a Study Permit in Ontario
- Student who has applied for Permanent Residence status in Canada and is awaiting approval
- Canadian or Permanent Resident student whose parents live outside of Ontario
- Student who has applied for refugee status but has not received documentation from Canada Immigration authorities verifying status
- Dependent of a parent on a Temporary Resident Permit, Cleric Permit, Diplomat Status or Minister’s Permit
- Student who has No Status or No Documentation in Canada
The Admissions Office can be reached at 905-527-5092 ext. 2235 or 2324. It is located inside the HWDSB Welcome Centre at 465 East 16th Street, Hamilton.
Bring the following original documents when registering at school:
- Completed Student Registration Form (found at bottom of webpage)
- Proof of child’s age: birth certificate, passport, baptismal certificate or permanent resident card
- Proof of address: utility bill, home phone /cable /internet bill, lease or purchase agreement, property tax bill or government mail (e.g. Service Ontario or Canada Revenue Agency)
- Note: Driver’s license, cell phone bill or bank statement can not be accepted as per Ministry requirement
- Proof of status in Canada: Canadian birth certificate or Canadian passport or proof of student’s Canadian citizenship application (including copy of the application, receipt from Canada immigration and mail/courier receipt), Permanent Resident Card or Confirmation of Permanent Residence letter, Refugee Claimant Protection Document, Notice of Decision letter for Convention Refugee status or Parent’s Work Permit
- Note: An Ontario health card can not be used as proof of status, i.e. Canadian citizen or permanent resident status.
- Proof of custody (if applicable): if a student is under 18 but not living with a biological parent, then one of these documents must be provided as proof of custody: Court Order, CAS letter, adoption papers, notarized Guardianship Agreement or notarized custodianship declaration forms (specifically for international students)
In addition,
- It may be helpful to bring any previous school records or documents i.e. an IEP for programming and student support purposes.
- Immunization/vaccine records
Parents are responsible for submitting their school-age child’s immunization/vaccine record to Hamilton Public Health. For more information on how to submit the immunization record and/or Hamilton Public Health protocols regarding vaccine exemptions, please visit hamilton.ca/vaccines.
Secondary
During the school year, students new to the area and previously enrolled in secondary school must register at their in-catchment (home) secondary school. Find your homeschool in School Locator. For the out-of-catchment school process, click here.
If arriving during the summer, contact your home school for information regarding the registration process.
If you are transferring from a secondary school outside of Ontario, or from a non-inspected private school or a homeschooling environment, you will need to contact the Welcome Centre to book an English and numeracy or Prior Learning Equivalency Credit (PLEC) assessment PRIOR to registering at school.
Who may register at school directly?
- Canadian Citizen student or student who has applied for Canadian citizenship
- Permanent Resident student or dependent of permanent residents in Canada
- Student or dependent of a parent holding immigration documentation verifying refugee status, e.g. a Notice of Decision letter for Convention Refugee status or a Refugee Claimant Protection Document
- Dependent (under 18) of a parent who is on a Work Permit in Canada. If the student is 18 or above and accompanies a parent on a Work Permit, the student/parent must be directed to the Admissions Office PRIOR to school registration.
Who should come to the Admissions Office PRIOR to registering at school?
- International fee-paying who has a visitor Visa or Study Permit
- International Exchange student
- Dependent of a parent who is on a Study Permit in Ontario
- Student (ONLY 18 and above) accompanying a parent who is on a Work Permit
- Student who has applied for Permanent Residence status in Canada and is awaiting approval
- Canadian or Permanent Resident student (under 18) whose parents live outside of Ontario
- Student who has applied for refugee status but has not received documentation from Canada Immigration authorities
- Dependent of a parent on a Temporary Resident Permit, Cleric Permit, Diplomat Status or Minister’s Permit
- Student who has No Status or No Documentation in Canada
The Admissions Office can be reached at 905-527-5092 ext. 2235 or 2324. It is located inside the HWDSB Welcome Centre at 465 East 16th Street, Hamilton.
Bring the following original documents when registering at school:
- Completed and signed (found at bottom of webpage)
- Proof of child’s age: birth certificate, passport, baptismal certificate or permanent resident card
- Proof of address: utility bill, home phone /cable /internet bill, lease or purchase agreement, property tax bill or government mail (e.g. Service Ontario or Canada Revenue Agency)
- Note: Driver’s license, cell phone bill or bank statement can not be accepted as per Ministry requirement
- Proof of status in Canada: Canadian birth certificate or Canadian passport or proof of student’s Canadian citizenship application (including copy of the application, receipt from Canada immigration and mail/courier receipt), Permanent Resident Card or Confirmation of Permanent Residence letter, Refugee Claimant Protection Document, Notice of Decision letter for Convention Refugee status or Parent’s Work Permit
- Note: An Ontario health card can not be used as proof of status, i.e. Canadian citizen or permanent resident status.
- Proof of custody (if applicable): if a student is under 18 but not living with a biological parent, then one of these documents must be provided as proof of custody: Court Order, CAS letter, adoption papers, notarized Guardianship Agreement or notarized custodianship declaration forms (specifically for international students)
In addition,
- It may be helpful to bring any previous school records or documents i.e. an IEP for programming and student support purposes.
- Immunization / Vaccines record
Parents are responsible for submitting their school-age child’s immunization/ vaccine record to Hamilton Public Health. For more information on how to submit the immunization record and/or Hamilton Public Health protocols regarding vaccine exemptions, please visit hamilton.ca/vaccines.
Welcome Centre
Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board has established a web page where you can learn more about the Welcome Centre.
The HWDSB Welcome Centre welcomes hundreds of new students every year, whether they are new to Canada or new to the Ontario public school system. It supports students and families with their transition to Hamilton, Ontario, as students begin their new school experience at HWDSB.
The Welcome Centre’s Admissions Office and assessment staff work together to provide services that make starting school a smooth process. The Welcome Centre also supports adult students with initial assessments as they resume their studies towards achieving their Ontario High School Diploma.
Questions and Answers
What school will my child attend?
Find and Register for School to help identify a school.
What time does the bus pickup/drop-off my student?
Use our Bus Stop Finder to help identify the times.
What programs can my child take?
Please visit our programs webpage to see what is available for your child.
Where can I get transportation information?
Learn more about Transportation to our schools.
HWDSB’s School Locator helps identify the school a child attends. Please use Internet browsers Internet Explorer 7 or greater, Chrome, Firefox or Safari. Mobile devices and tablets are not supported. For assistance, please contact 905-527-5092.
Transportation for French Immersion is offered to students whose in catchment school exceeds the walking distances of:
Elementary School | Grades 1-8 | 1.6 kms |
Secondary School | Grades 9-12 | 3.2 kms |
Grade 1 to 6 – Black and Yellow Buses with community stops.
A community stop is a centrally located stop, similar to a transit style stop, for students and may not be within walking distance of a student’s home. Community stops may change year to year based on the home addresses of students.
Grade 7 and 8 – HSR (unless there is an existing route that accommodates these students)
Grade 9 to 12 – HSR (unless there is an existing route that accommodates these students)
2023-24 School Year
HWDSB has attendance boundaries for each of its schools. All students are directed to attend their In-Catchment School, allowing the Board to make the most effective use of its schools and staff. In some cases, families want their child to attend an Out-of-Catchment School. Students attending an Out-of-Catchment School are not eligible for transportation services. View the School Locator to see your In-catchment School.
We annually review and update the list of schools open or closed to Out-of-Catchment attendance. Schools closed to Out-of-Catchment attendance do not accept Out-of-Catchment Applications and do not generate a waitlist.
Application Forms
- Elementary Out-of-Catchment Application Form 2023-2024
- Secondary Out-of-Catchment Application Form 2023-2024
Important dates:
Elementary |
Secondary |
For schools listed as OPEN to Out-of-Catchment:
NOTE: Applications may be submitted after March 3, 2023, but will not be reviewed until the week of September 11, 2023. |
For schools listed as OPEN to Out-of-Catchment:
NOTE: No applications will be accepted after March 3, 2023. |
Entering Kindergarten
If you have another child entering the school system, he/she is not guaranteed space at the Out-of-Catchment school his/her sibling attends. All students are directed to attend their home school and can apply to attend a different school, provided there is space.
Transfers to Middle/Senior School/Secondary School
If you currently have a child attending a school through the Out-of-Catchment process, his/her attendance at their current school does not guarantee them a placement at the middle/senior school/secondary school associated with his/her current school. Parents/Guardians will need to apply to request their child be allowed to attend a school different from their home school through the Out-of-Catchment application process. If your child’s next school is not accepting Out-of-Catchment students, your child will return to his/her home school.
Out of Catchment
Schools that are closed to out of catchment do not accept out of catchment applications.
Open to Out of Catchment - JK to 8 (2023-24)
Closed to Out of Catchment - JK to 8 (2023-24)
Open to Out of Catchment - Secondary (2023-24)
- Ancaster High
- Bernie Custis
- Dundas Valley
- Orchard Park
- Sherwood (English only)
- Sir Allan MacNab
- Sir Winston Churchill
- Waterdown
- Westmount (Not applicable; system program)
Closed to Out of Catchment - Secondary (2023-24)
- Glendale
- Nora Frances Henderson
- Saltfleet
- Sherwood (French Immersion)
- Westdale (English and French Immersion)
- Westmount (Not applicable; system program)
Questions & Answers
What is the Board’s Out-of-Catchment practice?
In elementary, a principal may receive out-of-catchment requests through a completed application form if their school is open to Out-of-Catchment.
In secondary, a review committee may consider out-of-catchment requests through a completed application form if a school is open to Out-of-Catchment.
What are the criteria for closing a school to Out-of-Catchment students?
- Schools with significant accommodation or development pressures
- Schools holding students for a new school.
- Schools to undergo a boundary review in the upcoming year.
- Schools with French Immersion programs.
- If the school is involved in a pupil accommodation review during the upcoming school year.
Who approves the application?
At the elementary level, the school’s principal approves the application and his/her decision is final. In secondary schools, a committee made up of superintendents and administrators will review applications.
When do I have to apply for Out-of-Catchment?
Application dates for Out-of-Catchment will be posted during the week of January 31, 2022.
If I have a child already attending a school Out-of-Catchment, will my other children be able to attend the same school?
Only if the school is accepting Out-of-Catchment applications.
Can my child stay in the Out-of-Catchment area when moving from an elementary junior to middle school?
No. A new Out-of-Catchment request is required. If there is no space, the child will have to return to their home middle school.
Can my child stay in the Out-of-Catchment area when moving from elementary to secondary school?
No. A new Out-of-Catchment request is required. If there is no space, the child will have to return to their home secondary school.
If my child is accepted at an Out-of-Catchment school, could they be asked to return to their home school if enrolment increases?
Once an Out-of-Catchment request is accepted, the student will be allowed to attend the school until graduation from the school in which the Out-of-Catchment application was granted.
Will my child receive transportation to their Out-of-Catchment school?
Transportation is not provided for Out-of-Catchment students.
Can my child attend a French Immersion school that is Out-of-Catchment?
No, all schools with a French Immersion Program are closed to Out-of-Catchment.
I have a French Immersion school within my catchment area that I would like my child to attend in JK. Can I enrol them in this school (Courtesy JK Registration)?
The French Immersion Program starts at Grade 1. All schools with French Immersion are closed to Out-of-Catchment students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8.
Please select the type of school you wish to view. You can also view a map of all schools.
Associated Cluster Maps show which Elementary Schools are within the Secondary Boundaries.
All Maps in PDF format and Adobe Acrobat is required to View the Maps.
Please Note: All maps are for display purposes only and are subject to change
Junior Elementary Schools
JK to 8 Elementary Schools
Middle Schools
Secondary Schools
Secondary Cluster Maps
French Immersion
Elementary | Secondary |
Specialized High Skills Major
Specialized Programs
Registration Forms
2022-23 Registration
- 2022-23 Online Registration Link
- 2022-23 Student Registration Form (download and print)
2023-24 Registration
Translations in 11 languages for Student Registration forms are available here.
Other Forms
School Support Form – a form used to direct your school taxes, prepare voting lists, and help municipal and school board planning.
Updated on Monday, February 06, 2023.