FAQ
1. What is the application process and when is the due date? We accept the applications and coach’s letter of recommendations, and credit counselling summary documents / transcripts and report cards as part of the application process. We recommend that students interested in attending return completed applications ASAP as space is limited. The application process formally begins on the date of our OPEN HOUSE. We would like to receive all applications by Jan 31. We send out our first offers on Feb 3 and expect a response by Feb 15. The TDSB final deadline date for us to accept an HP student is Feb 28. We encourage all those interested in applying to send in their applications ASAP in order to help us plan the next school year. 2. How many classes do students take? Is it a semester system? What time does the day end? Silverthorn is a semestered school, meaning we run 4 classes for half the year (Sept –Jan) and 4 classes for the second half of the year (Feb –June). The school day starts at 8:50 AM and finishes at 3:10 PM with the exception of Wednesday’s when we have a late start from 9:50-3:10 PM. Within the day, we run 5 classes every day. Period (Block) 1 (A) and 2 (B) in the morning, followed by a lunch class (11:30 – 12:35). We then have 2 classes in the afternoon, Period (Block) 3 (C) from 12:35-1:50, and 4 (D) from 1:55 – 3:10 PM. We require that all HP students enroll in at least 3 out of the possible 5 classes every day. 3. How many grade 9 students or new students do you usually anticipate or accept? We don’t have a set number of students that we accept on a year to year basis. We consider all applicants and we accept them based on 3 factors ( Previous school grades, Coach’s recommendation letter, and Level of commitment in an approved elite level sport ). We also attempt to balance the sports that students are competing in to reflect a balanced cross section. We strive to balance the amount of students that request AM or PM only schedules. The applications are processed upon receiving them, the earlier we receive- the earlier we can make a decision. 4. Is there a cut-off average to be accepted or to remain in the program? We generally look at 75% as a guide both to be accepted and to help us determine if a student is meeting with success in our program. With the accommodations that are provided, and with the extra time tat a student has to balance their academic and athletic commitments, this mark acts as a benchmark for the school and the students. High Performer students at SCI are very much high achievers, and the vast majority of them meet with overwhelming success. Most have very high averages and compete for athletic and academic scholarships at prestigious Canadian and American universities. 5. My child has an IEP from a previous school or from a different school board Silverthorn has a fantastic Communications / Special Education Department and we continue to provide students with the academic supports required to meet their IEP needs in order for them to reach success while they are here. 6. What level of courses are offered at Silverthorn? Silverthorn offers a full course complement in all areas and subjects. We follow the Ontario curriculum and offer all courses at the academic level, most at the applied level, and some courses at the enriched level. Students at the enriched level may also apply to write AP (Advanced Placement) exams in grade 12. The HP Program and the courses we run are structured around academic & enriched level courses. 7. What are Enriched level classes? Enriched level classes are intended for students that achieve 80% or higher in a specific subject and want to extend their knowledge and passion for a specific subject. Students who take enriched level classes have a strong work ethic. These classes support students that want to write their AP (Advanced Placement) exams in grade 12. Several of our HP students enroll in enriched classes. 8. Are there any fees associated with your program? We have a one-time $40 registration fee that should be attached to each application. We also have regular student activity fees that get charged every year to each student ranging from $35-$75 / year. 9. What do graduates from this program do after grade 12? What have been some of the career choices or paths? The majority of our HP graduates go on to university. Several receive full academic and or athletic scholarships in Canada and the United States. Some go on to compete at the Olympic level. Some become professional coaches. The majority go on to become active and successful members in their communities in fields such as education, business, health sciences, medicine, and law to name a few. 10. How specifically do you support elite athletes in your program? – We provide a flexible timetable with lunch classes so that athletes can train with their respective coaches during the day and attend school in the AM or PM – We are a PSAT and SAT official test writing centre to support NCAA bound students – We accommodate students with extensions for late assignments during busy training periods – We support students with extended absences & work with them while away for major competitions – We provide and support students with alternative course delivery options such as, ILC (Independent Learning Courses for a small fee) or eLearning (through TDSB) – We accommodate busy elite athletes by re-scheduling tests and exams when appropriate – We provide enriched level classes for students that want to write AP (Advanced Placement) exams in grade 12 or want to compete for US or Canadian scholarships – Earn PAI (Phys, Ed – Individual & Small Group) Courses while training with professional coaches – We support elite athletes by inviting special guests and mentors to provide workshops and lectures on important subjects such as mental health, balancing athletics & academics, nutrition, and other similar appropriate motivational topics 11. What does a typical HP student timetable look like? Sample Timetable over 4 years.
| Gr 9 Sem 1 | Gr 9 Sem 2 |
| 1. Math | 5. Science |
| 2. English | 6. French lunch class |
| 3. Geography lunch class | 7. Option Credit |
| 4. PAI 1OP – gr. 9 Physical Education / Health credit – HP | 8. BTT 1OE (HP online credit) |
| Gr 10 Sem 1 | Gr 10 Sem 2 |
| 1. Option Credit | 5. Math |
| 2. English -lunch class | 6. Option Credit |
| 3. Science | 7. Grade 10 History – lunch class |
| 4. PAI 2OP – gr. 10 Physical Education / Health credit – HP | 8. CHV2OE / GLC2OE (HP online credit) |
| Gr 11 Sem 1 | Gr 11 Sem 2 |
| 1. Math ( MCR 3U or MCF3M ) | 5. Science Chemistry |
| 2. Science – Biology Lunch Class | 6. Option credit |
| 3. Option Credit | 7. Grade 11 English – Lunch Class |
| 4. PAI 3OP – gr. 11 Physical Education / Health credit – HP | 8. ILC or E-Learning Option Creditor gr. 11 Physical Education / Health credit (PPZ3CP) |
| Gr 12 Sem 1 | Gr 12 Sem 2 |
| 1. Math Functions | 5. Science Chemistry or Math Calculus |
| 2. Science Biology | 6. Option credit |
| 3. Grade 12 English – Lunch Class | 7. PAI 4OP – gr. 12 Physical Education / Health credit – HP |
| 4. ILC or E-Learning Option Credit |
