IB, AP, Gifted, French Immersion and More: School Programs Explained for Markham Parents

The school open house is in two weeks. The flyer lists IB, AP, SHSM, EOP and HPA. Your child is excited. You are trying to remember what any of it means.

You are not alone. Every fall, Markham parents face the same alphabet soup right when Grade 8 applications open. This guide explains each program in plain language: what it is, who it suits and what it asks of your child. For which Markham schools offer each one, see our companion guide to Markham schools with IB and specialized programs.

Michael John Lau is one of Markham's top real estate agents, with 430+ homes sold, a 5.0 rating across 81 Google reviews, and eXp ICON Agent awards in 2024 and 2025. Families planning a move often ask him what these programs mean before they ask about homes, so this guide answers that first.

What is the IB program?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is a two-year program recognized by universities around the world. In York Region, students usually take enriched "pre-IB" courses in Grades 9 and 10, then the Diploma in Grades 11 and 12.

Students study six subject groups. They take three or four at higher level (240 teaching hours) and the rest at standard level (150 hours). They also complete three core pieces:

• Theory of Knowledge (TOK): a course on how we know what we know.
• Extended Essay: an independent research paper of up to 4,000 words.
• Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): projects in the arts, sport and community service.

The Diploma is scored out of 45 points, and 24 is the minimum to earn it. In Ontario, graduates also receive their OSSD.

Who it suits: curious, organized students who like writing, discussion and a steady, heavy workload. Electives are limited, so students with strong interests outside the IB subjects should weigh that.

What is AP (Advanced Placement)?

AP is run by the College Board. Students take university-level courses in subjects like calculus, chemistry, English, history or computer science, then write an exam in May. Exams are scored from 1 to 5, and results come out in early July.

Many universities give credit or advanced standing for strong AP scores. Policies vary, so check each university you are interested in. In York Region, some schools start with AP-prep courses in Grades 9 to 11 and offer the AP courses in Grade 12.

Who it suits: strong students who want challenge in their best subjects while keeping room for other electives, sports or work.

IB or AP: which is better for my child?

Neither is better for everyone. IB is a whole-program commitment that builds research, writing and time management skills across every subject. AP is flexible. Students go deep in the subjects they love and stay in a regular program for the rest.

A simple question helps: does your child want a structured program with a cohort, or the freedom to pick and choose? Talk with the school's guidance team, and if you can, visit both types of program at an open house.

What is a Specialized Arts program?

A Specialized Arts program is a four-year high school program where students focus on one art form, such as dance, drama, music or visual arts. In York Region public schools, students take two specialized arts credits each year and can earn a Specialized Arts certificate with their OSSD. Some boards also run elementary arts programs starting in Grade 4 or 5.

Who it suits: students who love an art form and want daily, serious practice, whether or not they plan an arts career. The YRDSB says no outside arts training is required to apply.

What does "gifted" mean in Ontario schools?

In Ontario, gifted is a formal special education identification. It is decided by an Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) after testing.

In the York Region District School Board, every Grade 3 student is screened with the Canadian Cognitive Abilities Test (CCAT). Students who meet the cut take a second assessment, and the IPRC considers students who score at or above the 98th percentile on the WISC-V General Ability Index. Families can also submit a private psychological assessment.

Once identified, a student may stay in a regular class with extra support, or be placed in a full-time gifted class. Some high schools offer gifted classes too. The York Catholic board runs its own gifted program, called PACE.

Good to know: gifted is not a reward for high marks. It reflects how a child learns, and a gifted placement works best when it matches your child's social and emotional needs too.

How does French Immersion work?

French Immersion is for families who want their children to become highly fluent in French, even if no one speaks French at home. In York Region public schools:

• Grade 1: the only entry point. There is no Senior Kindergarten immersion.
• Grades 1 to 3: about 100% of instruction is in French.
• Grade 4 onward: about half of instruction is in French.
• High school: students who earn at least 10 French Immersion credits receive a French Immersion Certificate.

Students not in immersion take Core French, about 40 minutes a day starting in Grade 4, which is required through Grade 9.

Who it suits: families who can commit from Grade 1 and value a second official language for travel, careers or government jobs. Parents do not need to speak French.

What is SHSM (Specialist High Skills Major)?

An SHSM is an Ontario program that lets Grade 11 and 12 students focus on a career sector, such as business, health and wellness, information technology, arts and culture, or construction. To earn it, students complete:

1. A bundle of 8 to 10 Grade 11 and 12 courses in the sector, including two co-op credits.
2. Industry-recognized certifications, such as first aid or sector-specific training.
3. A sector learning experience in coding, math literacy, or innovation and entrepreneurship.
4. Reach-ahead experiences connected to college, university, apprenticeship or work.
5. Career exploration activities.

Graduates receive a red seal on their OSSD and a note on their transcript. SHSM works alongside university, college or apprenticeship plans.

What is Dual Credit?

Dual Credit lets high school students take a college course and earn credit toward both their OSSD and a college diploma or certificate. It is a low-risk way to try college-level learning and get a head start. Every York Region public high school offers it.

What is the High Performance Athlete (HPA) program?

HPA is timetable support for students who compete at the provincial, national or international level. In York Region public schools, students must train at least 15 hours a week under a certified coach, and reapply every year. HPA adjusts the school schedule so students can train and compete while still earning their diploma, and may allow up to two online courses during the year.

Other programs Markham parents may hear about

• Exploring Opportunities Program (EOP): a regional YRDSB program for students 16 and older that mixes class time with hands-on work in a technical area. Markham District HS focuses on construction, landscaping and manufacturing, and Markville SS on entrepreneurship.
• OYAP (Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program): lets students start a registered trade apprenticeship while in high school.
• Co-op: students earn credits through a work placement.
• STREAM: a hands-on science, technology, religion, engineering, arts and math focus at some Catholic schools, built on the engineering design process.
• Balanced School Year and Early Start: different school calendars. Some schools start in early or late August instead of after Labour Day.
• ESL/ELD: support for students learning English, including newcomers.

How to choose the right program

1. Start with your child: how they learn, what excites them and how much pressure they enjoy.
2. Visit: attend open houses and information nights, which usually run in October and November.
3. Ask about the workload: talk to current students and parents, not just staff.
4. Check your address: for many programs, the school that serves your home decides where you apply.
5. Keep a plan B: program spaces can be limited, and a strong home school matters too.

Ready to look at homes? Compare areas in the Markham neighbourhood guide or see how buyer representation with Michael works.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between IB and AP?

IB is a full two-year diploma program with six subjects, an extended essay, Theory of Knowledge and community service. AP is a set of individual university-level courses, each with its own exam in May scored from 1 to 5. IB is a fixed program, and AP is flexible.

Is IB harder than the regular Ontario program?

IB is generally more demanding, with more writing, research and exams, and fewer electives. Many students find it rewarding, but it suits organized students who enjoy a heavy, steady workload.

Do universities give credit for AP courses?

Many do. Nearly all colleges and universities in the United States grant credit or placement for qualifying AP scores, and many Canadian universities offer credit or advanced standing. Check each university's policy.

How is a child identified as gifted in York Region?

In the YRDSB, all Grade 3 students are screened with the CCAT. Students who meet the cut take a second assessment, and an IPRC considers students at or above the 98th percentile on the WISC-V General Ability Index.

Can my child join French Immersion after Grade 1?

In York Region public schools, Grade 1 is the entry point for French Immersion, so later entry is generally not available. Ask your local school if you are new to the area.

What is the SHSM red seal?

Students who complete a Specialist High Skills Major receive an embossed red seal on their Ontario Secondary School Diploma, plus a sector notation on their transcript.

What does Dual Credit mean?

Dual Credit lets high school students take a college course and earn credit toward both their OSSD and a college diploma or certificate.

Keep reading

Sources

• International Baccalaureate: Diploma Programme curriculum
• College Board: What is AP?
• YRDSB: International Baccalaureate Programme
• YRDSB: Specialized Arts Programs
• YRDSB: Gifted Screening Procedure
• YRDSB: French as a Second Language
• YRDSB: Exploring Opportunities Program
• YRDSB: High Performance Athlete Support
• Lambton Kent DSB: Specialist High Skills Major explained

Information is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of October 7, 2026 and may change. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract.