Application Process

Please note: The application process for the 2025 - 2026 school year has closed. Please check back October 2025 for more information on our application process for the 2026 - 2027 school year.​

Applications for the UHS Arts Program will open on November 11, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. and will close December 4, 2024 at at ​12:00 p.m.

Please Note: We encourage applicants to apply to Edsby through a Chrome Browser on a laptop/desktop.

Step 1: Register Online

Registration for the Regional Secondary Specialized Arts Program 

Registration for the Arts Unionville Program is completed through Edsby. Families are encouraged to create an Edsby account before beginning the application process. The Ed​sby Instructions​​​​​ ​will guide families through the account creation steps. If there are any issues creating an Edsby account, please contact the school directly.​

​​The York Region District School Board Specialized Arts Program registration is completed centrally for all candidates. Students are eligible to apply to the school in their Program Area Boundary.

Please visit the YRDSB School Locator to determine which school serves your home address.

2024-2025 Registration Requir​ements for Regional Specialized Program​​

• You must currently live in the Program ​Area Boundary indicated on the YRDSB School Locator when you apply​
• You are a student currently in Grade 8
• Complete the online registration process through Edsby
• Applicants are encouraged to contact the school of the program they are applying to if support is needed in completing the registration process.​ ​Edsby Registration Instruction​. Contact school for question: 905-479-2787 Ext. 431​
• November 11, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. and will close December 4, 2024 at at ​12:00 p.m.
• ​​​​Families will receive an email with further application instructions for the ​January 2025 auditions, sent to the email address they provided in Edsby.
• ​​​All students who submit an application by December 4, 2024, at 12 p.m. are guaranteed a spot in the workshop for their chosen discipline in January 2025​​​​​
  • ​​​​Fees: A non-refundable application fee of $20.00 for each discipline. Maximum of two disciplines. (These fees are not eligible for tax receipt).​
• After the AU application submission closes on December 4, 2024, at 12 p.m., families will receive audition workshop instructions, dates, and times via email before the winter break. If families do not receive an email in December 2024 regarding the January 2025 audition workshops, they should contact the school directly.

Step 2: Audition Process

The Application will be an in person audition process.

• Student receives notification of audition time and date through email December 2024
• Student responds to audition time and date for the program(s) they are applying for.
• Student attends auditions in January 2025.

Once the AU application submission closes on December 4, 2024 at 12:00 p.m., the audition preparation will be shared before the winter break and the auditions will be scheduled end of January 2025. Be sure to check your emails before the winter break for your scheduled audition date and time.

Step 3: Acceptance Email

After the selection process, schools will send out acceptance emails February 2025.

Arts Unionville Program Residency Requirements and Student Expectations

It is understood that the student must reside with a parent/guardian whose primary residence falls within the specified Arts Unionville boundary throughout the entirety of the 4-year program. Additionally, any changes to this primary residence address must be promptly disclosed to the school's main office. It is noted that any changes to the student’s primary residence may result in potential withdrawal from both the ARTS program and/or Unionville High School. 

There are expectations regarding attendance, behavior, and academic performance. These expectations are designed to foster a conducive learning environment and ensure your success throughout your time at Unionville High School. Failure to comply with these expectations may result in student withdrawal from the AU program and possibly, Unionville High School.

Attendance

Consistent attendance is crucial for your academic progress and success. It is expected that you attend all classes and arrive punctually. In cases of unavoidable absences, please notify the school office or your teacher as soon as possible, and make arrangements to catch up on missed work promptly.

We uphold high standards of conduct within our school community. Respect for peers, teachers, and staff is paramount. Additionally, adherence to school rules and policies, both in and out of the classroom, is expected. Your behavior should reflect integrity, responsibility, and a commitment to a positive learning environment.

Academics

Your academic performance is a reflection of your dedication and effort. Strive for excellence in your studies by actively participating in class, completing assignments on time, and seeking assistance when needed. Take advantage of the resources available to you, including teacher support, tutoring services, and study groups, to enhance your understanding and mastery of the material.

By adhering to these expectations, you will not only excel academically but also contribute positively to our school community. Remember that your success is our priority, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I apply?

Applications must be completed online through Edbsy. The online application will be available on November 11, 2024 at 12 p.m. 

When are the application due?

The online applications are due by December 4, 2024 at 12 p.m.

Who is eligible to apply?​

• Students in Grade 8 who reside in York Region and are applying for the Piano program.
• Students in Grade 8 who reside in York Region CEC East, and North and are applying for the Strings program (Excluding Guitar).
• Students in Grades 8 who reside within the York Region District School Board CEC East Boundary (who are currently attending one of these schools) and who are applying for Dance, Drama, Visual Arts, Vocal and Winds.
• Arts Unionville Boundary
• Arts Unionville Feeder Schools

Can I apply if I currently attend a Catholic or private school?

Yes, as long as you reside in the boundaries set out above.

Can I apply for more than one discipline?

Yes. You may apply for a maximum of two disciplines. Each application requires a separate online application and application fee of $20.00.

Can I audition if I am already in Grade 9, 10, or 11?

The Arts Unionville Program is currently open only to students entering grade 9.

Can I transfer to the Arts Unionville program if I do not reside in the CEC east area and am not applying for piano or strings?

The Arts Unionville program is currently closed to transfers from students residing outside of the CEC boundary.

Can I apply if I don't live in Unionville Region but am planning to move there?

Families must have proof of address that they reside within the boundaries for applying for Arts Unionville upon submitting an application.  ​

When are information sessions?

The information session will be held on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.

When and where are auditions held?​

January 2025 at Unionville High School.

What if there is a conflict with my audition time?

Please notify the Arts Unionville secretary at 905-479-2787 x 431 as soon as possible.​​

What if I decide to withdraw my application or cancel my audition?

Please notify the Arts Unionville secretary at 905-479-2787 x 431 as soon as possible.

Is there transportation provided to the Arts Unionville program?

As per Board policy, Arts Unionville is an optional program and as such students are not entitled to Board provided transportation.

Do you have a Gifted program? Do you have a French Immersion program? Do you have AP program?

UHS does not have a Gifted, French Immersion program, or AP program.

Can I be enrolled in two disciplines?

No, it is not possible to be enrolled in two art discipline. However, students can enroll in other arts courses offered through Unionville H.S. by selecting them as their elective credit.

What are the costs involved?

There is an annual program fee for Arts Unionville students of $150.00, payable upon acceptance to the program and then each school year thereafter as long as the student stays in the program. With the continued commitment to excellence in the Arts Unionville program, the annual $150.00 Arts Unionville Program Fee ensures that state of the art equipment and supplies are available, and an augmented learning experience over and above what is provided for students in a regular high school setting. Funds go towards guest artists and life drawing models, professional workshops, costumes and unique learning experiences.

I am very interested in the Arts, however I'm not thinking about a career in the Arts. Is the Arts Unionville program a good choice to make?

Many students are study arts for enjoyment and to develop skills, while others plan to continue in a career in the arts. Our graduates are successful in all areas of the Fine Arts as well as such diverse fields as: medicine, engineering, business, law, sciences, physiotherapy, journalism, radio & TV broadcasting, policing and education. One of the benefits of being in the Arts Unionville program is that students are surrounded by others who have the same interest, talent and passion for their art form.

Do students study regular academic subjects as well as their arts courses?

Yes. Upon successful completion of the four-year arts program students will receive an Arts Unionville certificate recognizing their achievement and the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (O.S.S.D.) will be awarded upon completion of the required credits.

Students are expected to maintain acceptable levels of achievement in all subjects as well as excellent attendance and good deportment.

Courses are available in:

• The Arts (Dance, Dramatic Arts, Music, Visual Arts)
• Business Studies
• Canadian and World Studies (Economics, Law and Politics, Geography, History)
• Classical Studies
• Cooperative Education
• English
• English as a Second Language
• French as a Second Language
• Guidance and Career Education
• Health and Physical Education
• Interdisciplinary Studies
• International Languages​
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social Sciences and Humanities and Technological Education (Integrated Technologies, Communications Technology, Construction Technology, Hospitality and Tourism, Manufacturing Technology, Technological Design and Computer Studies)

Student services are available through Guidance and Career Education, Library, ESL, Special Education and the Administration. Unionville High School has two semesters.

How does an Arts Unionville student's course selection differ?

How does the Arts Unionville Program Fit Within The School Timetable?

Students enrolled in the Arts Unionville Program are expected to take 8 specialized arts credits while working towards the requirements for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Upon successful completion of the four-year arts program students will receive an YRDSB Specialized Arts certificate recognizing their achievement and the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (O.S.S.D.) will be awarded upon completion of the required credits.

Students are expected to be active participants in the Unionville High School and Arts Unionville community, demonstrating the character attributes outlined by the York Region District School Board.  

Students will have an opportunity to work with the Unionville High School community to design their timetable based on a variety of post-secondary pathways.

​If you have any additional questions, please contact the school directly at: 905-479-2787.