Out-of-Catchment
2026-2027 School Year
HWDSB has attendance boundaries for each of its schools. As a default, all students are directed to attend their In-Catchment School, allowing the Board to make the most effective use of its schools and staff. In some cases, families want their child to attend an Out-of-Catchment School.
Schools who are accepting out-of-catchment applications will consider students from outside their catchment area. Schools that are closed to out of catchment do not accept Out-of-Catchment applications unless students are enrolled in a specialized program (see below). Lists of Elementary and Secondary schools open to Out-of-Catchment can be found in the tabs below.
2026-2027 Application Forms
- Elementary Out-of-Catchment Application Form 2026-2027
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Secondary Out-of-Catchment Application Form 2026-2027
Please note that students attending an Out-of-Catchment school are not eligible for transportation services. Parents will be responsible for arranging transportation to and from their child/ren’s Out-of-Catchment school. Information about transportation eligibility can be found here.
French Immersion, SHSM and Other Specialized Programs
Some programs like French Immersion and Specialist High Skill Majors (SHSM) have catchment areas that are larger than typical school boundaries for enrolled students. An Out-of-Catchment form is not required for these programs.
Students participating in specialized programming hosted at an Out-of-Catchment school must complete an Out-of-Catchment form as part of their application if residing outside of the school’s catchment boundaries. Application requirements vary for each program. Learn more about our specialized programs, available at both the Elementary and Secondary level.
Note: By default, students will be registered at their in-catchment school. Only students applying to attend an Out-of-Catchment school are required to complete the Out-of-Catchment application.
2026-2027 Important Dates:
Elementary
Important Dates for Elementary Schools OPEN to Out-of-Catchment:
- Application Due Date: Friday, March 6, 2026 by 4 p.m.
- Decision Notification: Friday, March 13, 2025 by 4 p.m.
- Application: Elementary Out-of-Catchment Application Form 2026-2027
NOTE: Applications may be submitted after March 6, 2026, but will not be reviewed until the week of September 14, 2026.
Secondary
Important Dates for Secondary Schools OPEN to Out-of-Catchment:
- Application Due Date: Friday, March 6, 2026, by 4 p.m.
- Decision Notification: Friday, March 13, 2026 by 4 p.m.
- Application: Secondary Out-of-Catchment Application Form 2026-2027
NOTE: No applications will be accepted after March 6. 2026.
Open to Out of Catchment - JK to 8 (2026-2027)
The following Elementary Schools are OPEN to Out-of-Catchment applications.
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Closed to Out of Catchment - JK to 8 (2026-2027)
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Open to Out of Catchment - Secondary (2026-2027)
- Bernie Custis
- Dundas Valley
- Nora Frances Henderson
- Orchard Park
- Sir Allan MacNab
- Sir Winston Churchill
- Waterdown
Closed to Out of Catchment - Secondary (2026-2027)
- Ancaster High
- Glendale
- Saltfleet
- Sherwood
- Westdale
Questions & Answers
What is the Board’s Out-of-Catchment practice?
In elementary, a principal may receive out-of-catchment requests through a completed application form if their school is open to Out-of-Catchment.
In secondary, a review committee may consider out-of-catchment requests through a completed application form if a school is open to Out-of-Catchment.
What are the criteria for closing a school to Out-of-Catchment students?
- Schools with significant accommodation or development pressures
- Schools holding students for a new school.
- Schools to undergo a boundary review in the upcoming year.
- Schools with French Immersion programs.
- If the school is involved in a pupil accommodation review during the upcoming school year.
Who approves the application?
At the elementary level, the school’s principal approves the application and his/her decision is final. In secondary schools, a committee made up of superintendents and administrators will review applications.
When do I have to apply for Out-of-Catchment?
Application dates for Out-of-Catchment are due March 6, 2026.
If I have a child already attending a school Out-of-Catchment, will my other children be able to attend the same school?
Only if the school is accepting Out-of-Catchment applications.
Can my child stay in the Out-of-Catchment area when moving from an elementary junior to middle school?
No. A new Out-of-Catchment request is required. If there is no space, the child will have to return to their home middle school.
Can my child stay in the Out-of-Catchment area when moving from elementary to secondary school?
No. A new Out-of-Catchment request is required. If there is no space, the child will have to return to their home secondary school.
If my child is accepted at an Out-of-Catchment school, could they be asked to return to their home school if enrolment increases?
Once an Out-of-Catchment request is accepted, the student will be allowed to attend the school until graduation from the school in which the Out-of-Catchment application was granted.
Will my child receive transportation to their Out-of-Catchment school?
Transportation is not provided for Out-of-Catchment students.
Can my child attend a French Immersion school that is Out-of-Catchment?
No, all schools with a French Immersion Program are closed to Out-of-Catchment.
I have a French Immersion school within my catchment area that I would like my child to attend in JK. Can I enroll them in this school (Courtesy JK Registration)?
The French Immersion Program starts at Grade 1. All schools with French Immersion are closed to Out-of-Catchment students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8.