Sport Academy

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HWDSB Specialized Learning Program

R.A. Riddell Sport Academy

High Potential and Basketball Academy

The R.A. Riddell Sport Academy is a Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board Specialized Learning Program.  This innovative learning program was created in 2006 to engage HWDSB student athletes by meeting their unique academic and athletic needs. Student athletes from all over the district are welcome to apply to the R.A. Riddell Sport Academy.  The program set forth by the HWDSB supports its vision of “students achieving their full potential”.

The goal of our Sport Academy is to provide on-site athletic training alongside meeting the requirements of the Ontario Curriculum.  Through our specialized staff members, enhanced equipment and partnerships with McMaster University and Westmount Secondary School, our program provides additional opportunities for the training and development of student athletes.  Flexible programming is also offered to facilitate the students’ individual training and competition schedules.  Successful applicants will become a full-time student at R.A Riddell.

• Registration and application process is run through a Board process.  See HWDSB website for timelines on application process

Parent Information Session about Sport Academy at R.A Riddell for the 2025-2026 school year on Monday November 3rd @ 7:00pm.  Enter through front doors please.

Elementary Focus Program Application Process:

HWDSB elementary schools offer a wide range of learning opportunities to prepare students for success in high school and beyond.

In fall 2025, the Elementary Focus Programs listed below will be accepting applications for the 2026-27 school year. Students currently learning in these programs do not need to reapply.

For more information about the application process. Here are some important dates for

2026-27 applications:

• October 27, 2025: Application form opens

• November 28, 2025: Application form closes

• December 15, 2025: Families notified of application outcome

• January 12, 2026: Deadline for families to accept or decline application outcome

Families interested in learning more about the Elementary Focus Programs are invited to watch a pre-recorded informational video: https://youtu.be/dBRKZ7QCd70

Grade of Entry

• Basketball Academy: Grade 5- Program begins in Grade 6
• High Performance Program: Grade 6- Program begins Grade 7
• Hockey Program: Grade 6- Program begins Grade 7
• Mandarin Language: JK or SK- Program begins SK or Grade 1
• SAGE: JK or SK- Program begins SK or Grade 1
• SAGEQuest: Grade 5- Program begins in Grade 6

Applicants will be placed into programs by:​

• Review of all applications  ​
• Random selection process creating a list for each school​
• Siblings placed if space is available prior to random selection​
• Current HWDSB students are offered places first, followed by out-of-board students​
• Schools will manage any waitlists by schools

One system application point where families will be asked to:​

• Provide basic personal information and their child’s OEN​
• Select the program​
• Indicate if there is a sibling already in the program ​
• Answer two open response questions​
  • Why are you interested in having your child in the program?​
  • How can the school best support your child?​
• Site-specific questions​
• Acknowledge that families provide transportation​
• Provide information related to the program

Questions? Please email [email protected]

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Call the main office at 905-387-3350