Iwona Kurman

Principal

Welcome to Central Toronto Academy’s (CTA) new academic year 2020-21. Choosing a school for your son/ daughter(s) is a very important decision. We hope that the information on our website will be helpful to you in determining whether CTA is the best fit for your family.

CTA is a special place - something you will feel as soon as you walk through the front door of our building where you see student artwork and other displays informing you about the many different accomplishments of our students. CTA has been at the forefront for a number of years in implementing digital learning for all of our classes. Every CTA teacher uses either Google Classroom or Brightspace learning platforms for all their courses.

Our school has an intimate atmosphere where wonderful relationships develop across grade levels and amongst all members of our community. We are also the home of the grade 7 and 8 Horizon Alternative program, of which I am also principal. We have worked very hard to bridge the two programs; as a result, we have created a close-knit community, made up of students (grades 7 - 12), parents, faculty, staff and alumni who share the same values and vision.

At CTA we are committed to developing 21st Century learners who contribute in a socially responsible and innovative way to the global community. Each student is encouraged and supported to achieve his/her highest individual potential - academically, personally and physically – and to develop confidence and leadership skills.

As you browse through our website, you will also discover our students experience a lot of fun and engaging activities, not only during class time, but also through numerous co-curricular activities!

Above all, we encourage you to ask questions. Come by and visit us. We look forward to meeting you and welcoming your family to the Central Toronto Academy.

Warmest regards,

Iwona Kurman

Mission

Central Toronto Academy (CTA) is committed to developing twenty-first century learners who contribute in a socially responsible and innovative way to the global community.

Vision

Our School

Central Toronto Academy (CTA) is a diverse learning community that promotes mutual respect among students and staff built on empathy and equity. Our vision is to empower students to reach their full potential through a supportive and caring environment, enriched programming and excellence in academics. We are a culturally responsive and environmentally aware school, embedding leadership in social justice, and global citizenship.

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Our Core Values

Academic Excellence - Our students are prepared for post-secondary education and the world of work through enriched programming based on high expectations and a foundation in leadership. We focus on inquiry, creativity and student-centred learning.

Experiential Learning - Our students are engaged in learning experiences beyond the classroom, through partnerships with the local community and post-secondary institutions. This provides opportunities for community-building, volunteerism, independence and leadership.

Innovation and Creativity - Our students are encouraged to become independent thinkers who think critically about issues and are equipped with the technological skills that prepare them for the rapidly changing twenty-first century.

Respect and Responsibility - Our students learn in the greater context of developing strength of character, which fosters honesty, integrity and empathy.

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Our Collective Commmitments

Staff Commitments

• to work collaboratively in teams to achieve student success at every level
• to develop instructional strategies and assessment tasks that incorporate creative and critical thinking
• to be positive, open and accessible to students and parents in resolving issues of concern about students' progress
• to work collaboratively in teams to achieve student success at every level
• to respect and respond to the individual needs and learning styles of students
• to foster a healthy mind and body among students and staff

Student Commitments

• attend and be on time for all scheduled classes
• complete all course work as assigned by our teachers
• treat staff and fellow students with respect
• talk to our parents regularly about what we are learning at school

Parent/Guardian Commitments

• provide quiet and properly equipped space at home for our children to do their homework *
• communicate our questions and concerns to teachers
• learn about what is expected in our children's classrooms
• attend school information sessions and parent-teacher meetings
• contribute expertise and knowledge

* Students with financial concerns or challenges related to their experiences at Central Toronto Academy are encouraged to communicate issues as they arise. Our staff is committed to working with families under strict confidentiality in order to ensure excellence, equity, diversity and human rights.

Past, Present, Future

Commercial education in Toronto began in 1892 with a single classroom taught by Mr. R.H. Eldon. In 1902 commercial classes at Harbord, Jarvis and Parkdale Collegiate were transferred to the Technical High School at 149 College Street. In 1911, The High School of Commerce and Finance was transferred to larger quarters at King Edward School. Clinton Street School provided even larger quarters for increased enrolment in 1913. The present building opened in September, 1916 with 548 students. The north wing was completed in 1922 A series of building expansions and improvements occurred in the sixties, as well as the next several decades.

In 1925 the school was renamed Central High School of Commerce. A Grade 12 Commercial course was offered in 1931 and General Grade 13 courses were offered in 1951.

In 1987, the school’s grounds were landscaped to include its first ever playing field.

In September 1991, the name of the school was again changed to Central Commerce Collegiate after a vote by staff and students. In May 2012, a gala reunion of former teachers and students celebrated its centenary. We could proudly look back on one hundred years of change and growth.

Over the past five years, we have evolved into a vibrant school offering a diverse selection of curricula and extracurricular activities. Thus, in June 2014, staff, students, parents and TDSB trustees voted for the name to be changed to Central Toronto Academy. This name retains some history, while reflecting the new direction of our school.

Today, Central Toronto Academy is a small school with an enrolment of approximately 450 students ranging from grade 9 to 12. With one of the most multicultural, inclusive and diverse student bodies in the city, and proudly boasting the largest population of international students in the TDSB, our students bring to the school different strengths and interests. CTA is a place where everyone knows each other. This intimate and friendly environment is what makes CTA feel like home.

Principals have been:

CTA: Date Unknown

CTA: 1914

Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) programming provides advanced instruction and curricula in junior grades that challenges students to develop their understanding and acquire skills to prepare them for Advanced Placement courses.

Why Pre-Advanced Placement?

Pre-AP courses provide support for skill development necessary for success in AP level courses taken in Grade 12. However, at CTA Pre-AP courses also provide opportunity for early skill acquisition and an enriched learning experience overall.

Pre-Advanced Placement at Central Toronto Academy

Pre-AP courses at CTA introduce advanced concepts at an earlier stage and provide a wider range of concept and skill development opportunities throughout all grades. Pre-AP courses at CTA develop reflective and critical learning skills that provide the foundation upon which enriched learning is based.

The Pre-AP learning environment encourages an open and flexible learning environment that supports:

• group work
• exploration
• critical thinking and problem solving
• technological innovation
• reflective and recursive design opportunities
• challenging and rewarding subject matter
• intercurricular and extracurricular learning

Pre-AP enrichment at CTA does not simply offer advanced knowledge and skill acquisition. Rather, advanced knowledge and skill acquisition is a direct by-product of an enriched learning environment.

Pre-AP Science Class on a VR field trip!

Pre-Advanced Placement Requirements

Students in our Pre-AP cohort are required to:

• Maintain an average mark of 70%+ in all of their Pre-AP designated courses
• Participate in academic contests offered in various subject areas
• Work on additional enrichment tasks offered by their teachers as enhancement for learning

Why Advanced Placement?

AP accreditation is recognized internationally and many universities grant course credit and advanced standing for students who score well in AP exams. Over 90% of North American universities and over 60 countries outside of North America provide course credit for successful AP results.

Advanced Placement at Central Toronto Academy

Pre-Advanced Placement courses offered at Central Toronto Academy dovetail with Advanced Placement courses to provide a strong foundation for success in AP course study and examinations. Students develop the tools, experiences, and habits that will support high achievement in post secondary studies.

Students in Pre-AP share a common set of courses in grades 9 and 10 and can choose to specialize their subject focus in senior grades, culminating in AP courses in grade 11 and 12.

The following Advanced Placement Courses and Exams are offered at Central Toronto Academy:

• AP Biology
• AP Calculus AB
• AP Chemistry

AP Chemistry class visit to the Ryerson Chemistry Department!

Advanced Placements Requirements

Students enrolling in one of our Advanced Placement courses are required to:

• Pay the examination fee (determined by the College Board) at the beginning of the school year
• Participate in academic contests offered within the subject area
• Purchase additional materials and aids for the course as determined by the subject teacher

Hearts Department

Student voice, personal expression, acceptance and inclusion are at the core of our arts programming. As a result of this social justice focus, the arts department has been rebranded as the HeArts department.

HeArts offers an exciting, comprehensive and collaborative program. All staff members are trained professionals in their disciplines and practicing artists.

Extensive community connections allow students to work with professionals in creative fields such as photography, improvisation, dance, DJing, graphic design, fashion, film, music, Indigenous arts and culture and more!

Students also have numerous opportunities to perform and showcase their creativity at community events such as National Theatre School Festival, TDSB Creates, pop-up exhibits, theatrical productions, arts shows and fundraisers.

HeArts programming includes courses and co-curriculars in: 

• Visual Arts
• Graphic Design
• Photography
• Music Production
• Drama
• Musical Theatre
• Dance
• Guitar
• Instrumental and Vocal Music
• Film and Drama Production

Musical Theatre Class production of 'Footloose'

Vocals Class performing at the Holiday Assembly

Student-directed performance at the NTS Drama Festival

The CTA Athletics Program offers a variety of activities and opportunities for students to gain valuable knowledge and skills for a healthy, active lifestyle.

CTA is very well known for our very competitive basketball teams, but these teams are just one aspect of the program for our student athletes. We provide student athletes with the expertise, resources and skill development required to foster growth towards a successful transition to a life-long love for physical activity.

The following sports teams are currently offered at CTA:

• Fall Season:
• Basketball - Girls
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Soccer - Boys
• Volleyball - Boys
• Winter Season:
• Basketball - Boys
• Indoor Soccer - Boys & Girls
• Ice Hockey - Boys
• Swimming
• Volleyball - Girls
• Spring Season:
• Archery
• Badminton
• Baseball
• Flag Football - Girls
• Soccer - Girls
• Softball/Slo-Pitch - Girls
• Track & Field
• Table Tennis
• Ultimate - Co-ed
• Volleyball - Co-ed

Boys Volleyball team in action against Northern S.S.

Students currently playing any sports at the provincial level can benefit from our athletics mentoring program.

Student athletes:

• Are mentored by the Athletic Director
• Foster character development skills with a focus on athletics
• Benefit from academic and attendance tracking
• Have leadership opportunities to coach, mentor and collaborate while gaining volunteer hours for graduation
• Access high performance training opportunities and unique athletic partnerships with external organizations

Contact our Athletic Director, Ross Simnor, for more information.

2018-19 AAA OFSAA Senior Boys Basketball Bronze Medalists

Hockey team in action!

The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) is a ministry-approved program that offers grade 11 and 12 students the opportunity to be mentored by community professionals, gain industry experience and acquire transferable skills for success in the real world.

At CTA our Business Social Entrepreneurship SHSM (nicknamed 6IXAcademy) engages students to solve pressing social, cultural and environmental issues - making a positive change in the world. Even if a student does not plan to enter into a business-related career, the Entrepreneurship SHSM skills they learn are easily transferable to whatever profession they choose.

CTA SHSM students have created our own line of sustainable fashion and accessories under the brand 6IXAcademy. Our students graduate with valuable work co-op experience and industry recognized certifications.

SHSM Pop-up event at the GotStyle store in the Distillery District

SHSM students selling merchandise at the CTAxSullyWong Shoe Launch Event at the Bata Shoe Museum

The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) is a ministry-approved program that offers grade 11 and 12 students the opportunity to be mentored by community professionals, gain industry experience and acquire transferable skills for success in the real world.

Our new Sports SHSM program is designed to focus on the areas of recreation and fitness leadership, sports management, and sports media and broadcasting. Students gain valuable knowledge and certifications in sport-focused fields, including:

• NCCP Coaching
• FUNdamentals
• High Five Training
• Emergency CPR
• Bronze Medallion
• Athletic Taping
• Inclusive and Adaptive Instruction
• Ropes Courses
• and many more...

Sports SHSM students host a special event ‘A Day in the Life of a Pro Athlete’ with special guests such as Andy Fantuz, Brendan Dunlop, and Adrian Parks.

Our Sports SHSM partners include:

• City of Toronto - Parks and Rec
• University of Toronto
• Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment
• College Chiropractic and Sports Therapy
• York University
• Seneca College
• Create Healthy Food
• YMCA
• Athletix Training Systems

Students worked with industry professionals and trained like pro athletes as part of a Sport SHSM workshop.

The newcomers at CTA are a mix of refugees, recent immigrants and international visa students who learn about the world from each other’s unique experiences in their home countries.

CTA offers all course levels from ESL A to E, and our beginner students are offered companion courses such as English for Presentation and Speaking Skills to increase their language acquisition during their first years in Canada.

CTA also has special ELL sections in which teachers accommodate the language and vocabulary needs of the students related to the subject material.

Teachers of ESL and companion courses plan trips in the immediate area so that newcomer students can become more familiar with their new community. Further support is provided by our designated staff mentor for newcomer students and our school settlement worker.

All newcomers have opportunities to meet and make friends with our Canadian born students. Newcomers arriving in the summer attend a special orientation session in the last week of August, and all newcomers are quickly matched up with peer mentors for language, academic and social support.

Community trips and shared learning experiences

At Central Toronto Academy our goal is to develop well-rounded students who have the confidence to explore new activities and who enjoy all aspects of their education.

We offer a broad range of curricular and co-curricular opportunities for learning and growth, and students are encouraged to take full advantage of every opportunity. This rich and diverse selection of clubs is often initiated and run by students.

Although we are limited in terms of the extracurricular activities offered during the current unprecedented school year, the image below provides some examples of the typical extracurricular offerings during a normal school year at CTA: