Our research shows that 146 schools are closing or recommended to close in Ontario. A further 16 schools were closed in 2008. Over 100 more are undergoing accommodation reviews.

→ Read our 2009 report.

People for Education conducts research on the effects of policy and funding changes on schools. As part of an overall review of Ontario's schools, we have examined Accommodation Reviews in each of the province's 72 school boards.

→ Read the detailed inventory of schools closing in each board.

→ Click here to discuss these issues with other parents in our forum

Boards decide which schools to keep open, which schools to close, which schools need additions, or where new schools are needed, often through a process called “accommodation reviews”.

In the news:

• → "The ideal size for a high school is between 600 to 900 students, says the report, which also tracked the number of schools slated to close across the province." Toronto Star
• → "The report also sheds a light on the growing problems in northern Ontario schools, with one principal complaining of working with a 'half science lab,' because there's not enough cash to go around."  Canadian Press 

August/September, 2008

• "Some school closings are inevitable. But boards and municipal and provincial governments ought also to keep their minds open to unconventional solutions." Toronto Star Editorial.
• "Due to declining enrolment, unpopular school closings loom again. But is there another way?" Toronto Star.

School boards must now fully involve the community when they make decisions about a school’s future. Ministry guidelines (Oct./06) lay out the methods boards should use to determine the value of the school – to the community, the students, the board and the local economy. The guidelines also provide an outline of the public consultation process boards must follow, and the minimum timelines for the review. Many boards already have processes in place, or are currently developing them.

Click on this link to read the Ministry of Education Pupil Accommodation Guidelines October 31, 2006 – (Previously referred to as school closure guidelines.)

Links to other websites:

→ Small Schools Project: The Project provides support and assistance to high schools and districts committed to high school redesign and graduating all students college and work-ready. We work with both new small schools and those created by redesigning large comprehensive high schools into smaller, autonomous ones.

→ The Small Schools Workshop

→ Ministry of Education School Closing Guidelines