Self-Directed, Self-Paced at Westmount Secondary School
2024-25 Application
Westmount Secondary School (WSS) is a system school at which students from across HWDSB strive to develop skills in the areas of goal setting, effective time management and independent learning in a self-directed, self-paced learning environment.
Westmount’s graduation requirements and course offerings are consistent with all HWDSB secondary schools.
In this self-directed, self-paced learning environment, launched in 1990, Westmount students are expected to manage their learning time and determine with teachers how to demonstrate their learning.
Some students will find this learning model suitable while others will thrive in more traditional schools. Signs of a student’s readiness for self-directed learning include being:
- Autonomous
- Organized
- Self-disciplined
- Able to communicate effectively
- Able to accept constructive feedback and engage in self-evaluation and self-reflection
Westmount does not offer special programming for gifted students. Westmount students have access to the same enriched programming offered in math and literacy at all HWDSB secondary schools. Check with school staff about other courses with enrichment programming.
Enriched programming does not lead to additional or different course credits than a regular academic course as defined by the Ministry of Education. Students are provided enriched tasks for their learning but it is based upon a common set of overall learning expectations and is the same in all streams (applied or academic).
Westmount students must provide their own transportation to and from school. Westmount does not have a catchment area; all students in HWDSB can access the school if interested in this model. Like all schools, we can only accommodate the number of students for whom we have the space and resources to meet their needs.
If you are interested in becoming a student at Westmount, please contact the school at 905-385-5395.
Westmount Secondary School website
39 Mountcalm Drive, Hamilton. Map
905-385-5395
2024-25 Application Process
| November 30, 2023 at 6 p.m. | Self-Directed, Self-Paced Programming Information Session at Westmount |
| January 15, 2024 at 1 p.m. | Letter of Intent to attend Westmount due for incoming Grade 9 students |
| January 25-30, 2024 | Westmount to communicate to elementary schools and parents which Grade 8s have been accepted to Westmount |
| February 7, 2024 | Course selection process opens in Course Planner (Xello) for the system |
| February 8, 2024 | Grade 8 Information/Option Sheet Night at Westmount |
| February 20, 2024 | Completed MS Form verification due to Westmount |
2024-25 Information Session
Thursday, November 30, 2023
6 to 8 p.m. at Westmount Secondary School
39 Montcalm Drive, Hamilton, ON L9C 4B1
Click here to learn more about Grade 7 & 8 Information Nights.
Updated on Friday, January 12, 2024.