Durham District School Board

Durham District School Board
The Durham District School Board, previously known as English-language Public District School Board No. 15 prior to 1999, is a public-school board located in Ontario, Canada. This board provides educational services to most of the Regional Municipality of Durham, excluding schools within the Municipality of Clarington. The head office of the board is located in Whitby. The families of schools within the board are Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, and Brock-Uxbridge-Scugog, each of which has two trustees, except for Oshawa, which has three. There are also three student trustees representing Durham through a non-binding, recorded vote. The school board employs over 7,000 staff and serves approximately 46,000 elementary and 24,000 secondary school students.
The board, which was originally called the Ontario County Board of Education, was established in 1974 as the Durham Region Board of Education. In 1998, the name was changed to the Durham District School Board. The French-language schools that were under the management of this board are now incorporated into Conseil scolaire Viamonde.
The Durham District School Board has a special initiative called the Culture of Peace Committee, which is implemented in several of its secondary schools. This program focuses on various social and humanitarian matters both in the schools and in the community.

Programs 
The Durham District School Board offers a variety of regular and specialized programs and learning opportunities for its students. However, there may be instances when students or their parents/guardians desire additional learning resources outside of school. In such cases, the DDSB provides suggested materials and supporting resources to aid in optional at-home learning tasks.
The Durham District School Board provides Early Years programs for children from birth up to the age of six, which are designed to support their learning and development. These programs aim to provide a safe and inclusive environment where children can learn through play and exploration. The Early Years programs offered by the DDSB include Parenting and Family Literacy Centres. These centres provide free resources, programs, and services to support parents, caregivers, and their children from birth to six years old. They offer a variety of programs such as playgroups, parent education workshops, and literacy programs. Full-Day Kindergarten is available for children who turn four years old by December 31st of the school year. The program provides a play-based learning environment that integrates various subjects, such as mathematics, language, and social-emotional learning. Before and After School Programs provide a safe and nurturing environment for children before and after regular school hours. They offer a range of activities such as arts and crafts, physical activities, and homework help. Early Learning Programs are designed for children between the ages of two-and-a-half and four years old. They offer a play-based learning environment that focuses on developing children's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive skills. The Early Years programs at the Durham District School Board aim to provide children with a strong foundation for their future learning and success.
The Durham District School Board offers a variety of Elementary School programs for students in grades Kindergarten to 8. These programs are designed to provide students with a well-rounded education that fosters academic excellence, social-emotional development, and critical thinking skills.
The Elementary School programs offered by the Durham District School Board include: Regular Stream: This program offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers subjects such as language, mathematics, science, social studies, and the arts. French Immersion is available to students in grades 1 to 8. This program offers a rich learning experience in which students learn the French language while also covering the same curriculum as the Regular Stream program. Extended French is available to students in grades 5 to 8. This program provides students with an extended French-language experience, with approximately 50% of instruction in French. The DDSB offers a variety of Special Education programs that provide support and resources for students with diverse learning needs. These programs are designed to help students achieve their full potential and reach their academic and personal goals. Furthermore, the DDSB offers a range of Enrichment programs that provide opportunities for students to explore their interests and passions beyond the regular curriculum. These programs may include music, arts, athletics, and leadership development.
The Secondary School programs of the Durham District School Board appear to be closely related to the ones of Elementary School, however, there are some additions of which we’ll speak further. Advanced Placement (AP) courses are available to high-achieving students who wish to challenge themselves academically. These courses are designed to prepare students for university-level studies and may offer them opportunities to earn college credit. International Baccalaureate (IB) programs are available to students in grades 11 and 12. These programs offer a rigorous and comprehensive education that prepares students for post-secondary studies and/or the workforce. Dual Credit Programs provide opportunities for students to earn college credits while still in high school. These programs may involve taking courses at a college or university, or through online learning platforms. The DDSB offers a variety of Special Education programs that provide support and resources for students with diverse learning needs. These programs are designed to help students achieve their full potential and reach their academic and personal goals.
The Durham District School Board provides Adult and Continuing Education programs for individuals who are seeking to upgrade their skills, complete high school credits, or pursue new career paths. These programs are designed to be flexible, accessible, and supportive of adult learners.

The Adult and Continuing Education programs offered by the DDSB include Literacy and Basic Skills. These programs are designed to help adults develop essential skills in reading, writing, math, and digital literacy. They provide individualized instruction and support to help learners achieve their goals. The Durham District School Board offers a variety of credit programs that enable adults to complete their high school diploma. These programs may be completed through daytime or evening classes, as well as through online learning platforms. Education programs provide opportunities for adults to pursue their interests, develop new skills, and enhance their employability. These programs may include courses in areas such as computer skills, personal development, and professional development. The Durham District School Board offers apprenticeship and skilled trades programs that provide training and certification in various trades, such as welding, plumbing, and carpentry. Finally, the Durham District School Board offers ESL programs for adults who are learning English as a second language. These programs provide language instruction and support to help learners improve their communication skills and participate fully in their communities.
Overall, the Adult and Continuing Education programs at the Durham District School Board aim to provide flexible and accessible learning opportunities that support the diverse needs and goals of adult learners.
Last, but not least, The Durham District School Board offers Outdoor and Environmental Education programs that aim to connect students with nature and promote environmental awareness and stewardship. These programs provide hands-on learning experiences that take place outdoors in natural settings. The Durham District School Board operates an Outdoor Education Centre, which is a 263-acre property located near Minden, Ontario. The Centre provides students with opportunities to participate in a range of outdoor activities, such as canoeing, hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The Centre also has classrooms and accommodations for overnight stays.

Accommodation
The Durham District School Board does not offer accommodation for international students. However, international students can arrange their own accommodation while studying in Ontario. There are several options for international students in Ontario, including homestay and off-campus housing.
Homestay is a popular option for international students in Ontario that means a student will be living with a local family. Homestay providers typically offer a private bedroom, meals, and other amenities, such as Wi-Fi and laundry facilities. Homestay is a great way for international students to immerse themselves in Canadian culture and practice their English language skills. The cost of homestay varies depending on the location and the type of accommodation, but it typically ranges from $800 CAD to $1,200 CAD per month.
Off-campus housing: International students can also choose to rent or share an apartment or house off-campus. This can be a more affordable option than homestay or on-campus housing, but it requires more effort to arrange. The cost of off-campus housing varies depending on the location and the type of accommodation, but it typically ranges from $950 CAD to $1,500 CAD per month.
In addition to accommodation costs, international students should also consider other expenses, such as transportation, food, and health insurance. It's important to research the cost of living in the area where you plan to study and to budget accordingly.
Future Prospects
Completion of high school education in the Durham District School Board presents various opportunities for students, including post-secondary education, employment, permanent residency, and Canadian citizenship. International students who complete their post-secondary studies in Canada are entitled to a post-graduate work permit (PGWP) that allows them to gain work experience in the country for up to three years, depending on their program's duration. This work experience can be valuable in terms of skill development and networking in Canadian industries and may increase their chances of obtaining permanent residency through programs like the Express Entry system or Canadian Experience Class. Upon receiving permanent residency, students who graduated from Durham District School Board high schools can apply for Canadian citizenship after meeting the residency and other eligibility criteria. Canadian citizenship provides access to government programs and services, the right to vote in elections, and the opportunity to obtain a Canadian passport, among other benefits.

 

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