Science School

Science School students wearing red lab coats and face masks pose for a photo outside

Calling all Grade 11 students in Ontario who love science and innovation!

If you’re looking for a unique science learning experience where you can innovate, work with other enthusiastic students, earn Grade 12 science and math credits and prepare for university, the Ontario Science Centre Science School might be for you.

Students from across the province can apply for a full semester of Grade 12 science and math at our Science School. You will earn credits that line up with the Ontario curriculum, work in group projects with like-minded students, create projects to engage with Science Centre visitors and immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind innovation class.

Your exclusive learning experience includes:

  • An exciting environment
  • Experienced, imaginative teachers
  • Enthusiastic classmates
  • Practical, hands-on learning opportunities
  • Small class sizes (30 students per semester)

What Students Do

The Science School is full of people who like to learn, are inherently curious and are open to new ideas. Students appreciate diversity, equity and working with diverse groups based on age, language, cultural background and gender identity. Students can responsibly work on self-directed projects and balance the heavy course load of the Science School program.

Students are ready to:

  • Take a minimum of two 4U science/math courses plus the Innovation Course (IDC4U)
  • Facilitate interactive science activities with Science Centre visitors
  • Assist in science workshops with visiting school groups (K-12)
  • Complete a semester-long group project in science communication and engagement

Courses

All students will take the Ontario Science Centre Science School Innovation Course (IDC4U). Additionally, students choose two or three of the following courses:

  • Biology SBI4U
  • Chemistry SCH4U
  • Physics SPH4U
  • Advanced Functions MHF4U (first semester only)
  • Calculus and Vectors MCV4U (second semester only)

It is recommended students take only three courses (Innovation Course plus two more). Students cannot apply for courses for which they have previously earned a credit.

The Innovation Course

Take your learning outside of the classroom and apply it in a creative, hands-on way:

  • Create a visitor experience—Work collaboratively with your fellow students and Science Centre staff to create an opportunity for visitors to engage with science (an activity, a demonstration, an exhibit, etc.).
  • Explore the steps to innovation—Journey through a full innovation cycle, from idea generation to research, from building and prototyping through to market research and revision.
  • Work with Science Centre visitors—Facilitate interactive science activities with visitors to the Ontario Science Centre and participate in science workshops with K-12 students from visiting schools (15 hours minimum).

No Fees

There’s no tuition fee for the Science School. The program is generously supported by the Toronto District School Board and Toronto Catholic District School Board. Students will be registered with one of these two school boards while attending the Science School.

Please note: Additional fees for field trips and workshops may be required, but resources are available for students in need of financial support.

Housing

Students are responsible for arranging their accommodation, but we share a list of local homestay options with all incoming students. The Science School does not screen the accommodation offers; this is the responsibility of the student and their parent or guardian.

How to Apply

There are 60 spots in the school—30 in the fall semester and 30 in the spring semester.

The application process includes:

  1. Completed application (includes short essay questions and a sample of your creativity)
  2. Resume
  3. Academic transcript
  4. Two teacher recommendations (one must be a science or mathematics teacher)

The final selection process may require an interview.

While the Science School is run by the Ontario Science Centre in partnership with the Toronto District School Board and the Toronto Catholic District School Board, students from all Ontario school boards are welcome to apply.

Applications for the 2021/22 school year have closed.

Teacher Applications

We welcome creative, enthusiastic educators to apply from the Toronto District School Board and the Toronto Catholic District School Board. Please check for postings to apply posted in the spring as well as the School Board websites.

Covid-19 Protocols

When it comes to COVID-19, the science tells us to keep our distance and minimize contact—so that means mandatory face masks, limited capacity and other physical distancing measures to keep everyone safe. We are closely following public health guidance from daily screenings to ensuring our students stay 2 metres apart in the classroom.

Even though the Science Centre remains closed to visitors, our Science School students are engaging with experts, scientists and students at other schools virtually. That means lots of fun learning online as well as working closely with younger students in their virtual classrooms, with opportunities to teach and demonstrate scientific concepts.

Students have been attending Science School onsite at the Science Centre, when provincial rules permit in-person learning.

Questions?

Want to learn more about the Science School to see if it’s right for you? Please get in touch:

Science School | 416-696-4620

For more info about what makes the Science School unique, how to apply and what it’s like to be a student, check out Science School Frequently Asked Questions.