Science School

A group of Science School students wearing red lab coats pose in front of an exhibit hall.


Calling all Grade 10 or 11 students in Ontario who love science and innovation!

If you’re looking for a unique science learning experience where you can innovate and collaborate with other creative students from across the province, the Ontario Science Centre Science School might be for you.

You will earn Grade 12 science and math credits that line up with the Ontario curriculum, work with students and staff on projects designed to let you engage with Science Centre visitors and immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind innovation class that focuses on solving real-world problems.

A semester at Science School includes:

  • Classes and labs that are taught right in the Science Centre
  • Instruction by experienced and enthusiastic teachers who are certified by the Ontario College of Teachers
  • Collaboration with science-loving classmates who come from all across Ontario
  • Exciting learning opportunities with Science Centre visitors, staff and resources
  • Small class sizes (approximately 30-36 students per semester)

What Students Do

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

Science School students:

  • Take a minimum of two 4U science/math courses plus the Innovation Course (IDC4U)
  • Facilitate interactive science activities with Science Centre visitors (public health measures permitting)
  • Assist in science workshops with visiting school groups from kindergarten to grade 12 (public health measures permitting)
  • 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 (Offered in first semester only)
  • Calculus and Vectors MCV4U (Offered in second semester only)

It is recommended students take only three courses (Innovation Course plus two more). Students must meet all prerequisites prior to enrolling in courses at Science School. 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.

No Fees

There’s no tuition fee to attend Science School. The program is generously supported by the Toronto District School Board and Toronto Catholic District School Board. Students from all Ontario school boards are welcome to apply; during their time at Science School, all students will be registered with one of these two school boards. Students are responsible for their accommodation, transportation and incidental expenses for the duration of their semester.

Housing

Students from out of town are responsible for arranging their own accommodation during their semester at Science School. While we can share a list of local homestay options, Science School does not screen the accommodation offers—this is the responsibility of the student and their parent or guardian.

How to Apply

Applicants are asked to provide:

  1. A completed online application
  2. Answers to short essay questions and samples demonstrating your creativity
  3. A resume and brief cover letter
  4. An academic transcript
  5. Two recommendations (one must be from a secondary school teacher who has taught you any subject)

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 2022-23 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. These positions are secondments from your regular role with the school board.

Applications for the 2022-23 school year have closed.

COVID-19 Protocols

Science School takes every precaution to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff and operates under the current Toronto Public Health guidelines for schools. When provincial and local public guidelines permit, all classes are offered in person, with temporary accommodations available for those who are required to quarantine or self-isolate. Due to the small size of Science School and the unique nature of the program, we are unable to offer hybrid/parallel modes of instruction.

Questions?

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