Science School

Five science school students wearing red lab coats holding a balloon, frisbees, an inflatable globe and a clipboard.


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

If you’re looking for a unique science learning experience, 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. You will earn credits that line up with the Ontario curriculum, work with students and staff on projects designed to engage with Science Centre visitors and immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind innovation class.

Your exclusive learning experience includes:

  • An exciting, creative, hands-on environment
  • Experienced teachers (certified by the Ontario College of Teachers)
  • Enthusiastic, diverse classmates from all over Ontario
  • Practical, real-world learning opportunities

What to Expect

The Science School is full of people who like to learn, are inherently curious and are open to new ideas. Science School students can responsibly work on self-directed projects and balance the heavy course load of the Science School program. They are also committed to principles of diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism.

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 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)

We 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 (IDC4U)

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, demonstration, 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.

No Tuition Fee

There’s no tuition fee for Science School. The program is generously supported by the Durham District School Board and the Toronto Catholic District School Board. Students will be registered with one of these school boards while attending Science School. Students are responsible for their accommodation, transportation and incidental expenses for the duration of their semester.

Housing

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

How to Apply

Interested students should complete the online application, which includes a transcript and an expression of interest in the program. All applicants who submit a completed application on time will have their names placed into a random draw from which the student body for the 2024-25 school year will be selected. For more details, please see the Science School FAQ page.

The online application will be posted here in early January.

All applications are due by March 1, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. We will not accept late or incomplete applications.

Learn More

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

Still have questions? Contact us through this form or by phone at 416-696-4620.

An online open house will be held on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at 7 p.m.

Register Now

Teacher Applications

We welcome creative, enthusiastic educators who are members in good standing of the Ontario College of Teachers to apply to be part of the Science School experience. Please check this page in the spring for Science School job postings.