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Admissions
Yes, there is bus transportation, but only for students from Six Nations of the Grand River and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. All students living off reserve need to provide their own transportation; there is a city bus stop right outside the school.
No, you do not have to be Indigenous. SNP Secondary School welcomes all students, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, who are interested in our unique learning environment.
No, we are a regular high school offering the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), but with unique programming that reflects Indigenous knowledge, culture, and land-based learning.
Programs
Ȩhsáhdok
Yes, all grade 9s at SNP Secondary School go through the Esháhdok programming as part of their timetable.
The Esháhdok program follows the Ontario Secondary School curriculum, but it is taught through land-based, hands-on learning that is deeply connected to Indigenous culture and ways of knowing.
Esháhdok students can expect hands-on learning experiences that take place on the land and change with the seasons. Activities may include corn harvesting, water testing, outdoor exploration, community field trips. These seasonal experiences help students build a deeper understanding of Indigenous knowledge systems and a connection to the natural world, Indigenous knowledge systems, and their cultural identity.
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)
OYAP is a program that allows high school students to start their apprenticeship training in the skilled trades while earning credits toward their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. It provides hands-on work experience in a trade setting and helps students prepare for careers in the trades.
OYAP is open to senior high school students (typically Grade 11 and 12) who are interested in pursuing a career in the skilled trades. Students should have a strong work ethic and be committed to gaining practical experience.
The OYAP program runs for a full semester. Students participate in the program full-time, dedicating the equivalent of four class periods each day to their apprenticeship and related learning activities.
Departments
Arts
We offer visual arts, music and media arts.
They improve creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.
Yes! Our courses are open to all skill levels. However, most upper-year arts courses require you to have completed the prerequisite course from the previous grade.
Business
Yes, business skills are valuable in nearly every career.
Students will learn about marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, accounting, and management.
Definitely, students will gain skills to plan and manage a business.
Co-operative Education (Co-op)
Yes, students earn either two credits for a half day co-op or four credits for a full day co-op pending successful completion of the placement.
Students and staff work together to find placements with willing employeers that match the student’s career goals/interests.
No, the co-op placements are unpaid; students earn high school credits and job experience from their placements. However, students who have excelled in their placements have often been offered a job at their place of work after their co-op is complete.
English
Students must complete four compulsory English credits to graduate. In addition, if a student does not pass the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT), they will need to take and pass the Literacy Course (OLC4O) to meet the literacy requirement for graduation.
A variety of writing styles are taught in the English classes including creative, analytical, persuasive and research-based writing.
Yes, oral communication is an important part of the English curriculum. Students have opportunities to build confidence and strengthen their speaking skills through speeches, presentations, and class discussions.
Health & Physical Education (Phys-ed)
Yes all students have to take one compulsory phy-ed course in order to graduate high school. SNPSS offers large group activity phys-ed courses, personal fitness courses and outdoor education courses for students to choose from.
No. Phys-ed courses at SNPSS are designed for students of all fitness levels and athletic abilities. Whether you’re new to physical activity or already involved in sports, our classes focus on personal growth, teamwork, and healthy living. Everyone is encouraged to participate, set goals, and find physical activities they enjoy.
Yes, all phys-ed classes have a healthy eating/living component to the curriculum.
History and Geography
Students need to take one Geography couse in grade 9 and one History couse in grade 10 in order to graduate. All other History and Geography courses can be taken by choice as electives.
History and Geography help develop critical thinking, research, and communication skills that are valuable in any career. These subjects also foster a deeper understanding of global issues, diverse cultures, and social responsibility preparing students to be informed, active citizens in an increasingly interconnected world.
History and Geography classes at SNP Secondary School explore a wide range of engaging topics. In History, students examine global civilizations, Canadian history, Indigenous histories, and the impacts of colonization and resistance. In Geography, students investigate environmental issues, sustainability, climate change, natural resources, and how human activity shapes the planet.
Indigenous Languages
Yes, all students are welcome to learn and appreciate Indigenous languages. At SNP Secondary School, students are required to take at least one Indigenous language course: Mohawk, Cayuga, or Ojibwe to graduate. After that, upper-year language courses are available as electives for anyone interested.
No, students learn to speak, listen, read, and write in the language. While speaking is important, reading and writing are also taught to support language learning and revitalization.
Indigenous Language classes are taught through a mix of speaking and listening activities like conversation, storytelling, and songs, as well as reading and writing exercises. Students build their language skills while also exploring the cultural context, values, and traditions connected to the language.
Math
Students must earn three compulsory math credits to graduate. Teachers and the guidance counsellor will help students choose the right courses based on their strengths, interests, and future post-secondary or career goals.
Yes. SNPSS offers math help throughout the school year during lunch, where students can catch up on assignments, review concepts, and strengthen their math skills with extra support.
Courses range from foundational math to advanced topics like calculus and data management.
Native Studies
Yes, Native Studies courses are open to all students. Indigenous students see their histories, cultures, and identities reflected in the classroom, building pride and connection. Non-Indigenous students develop a deeper understanding of Indigenous worldviews and colonization’s impacts, fostering empathy, respect, and reconciliation.
Indigenous histories, cultures, worldviews and contemporary issues.
No prior knowledge is needed. The courses are designed to be accessible and meaningful for all students, whether they are new to Indigenous topics or already connected to the content.
Science
Yes, hands-on experiments are an essential part of learning labs are incorporated into science classes of all grades.
SNPSS offers general science, biology, chemistry, physics and emvironmental science classes.
Yes, as much as possible the science classes at SNP Secondary School braid Western Science and Indigenous ways of knowing. This braided approach helps students explore topics like ecology, the environment, and health through both scientific and cultural perspectives, deepening their understanding of the natural world.
Social Science and Humanities
This department includes courses like psychology, sociology, law, philosophy, and anthropology, exploring human behavior and societies.
They build critical thinking, communication, and research skills essential for university and college.
Yes, Indigenous histories and worldviews are incorporated throughout the curriculum.
Technology
No experience is needed to get started. Our courses are open to all skill levels, whether you’re a beginner or have some experience. However, most Grade 12 tech courses do require that you’ve completed the corresponding Grade 11 course first.
They’re both! You’ll learn theory and safety practices, but most of your learning will happen through practical, hands-on skills and projects.
Not at all. Tech classes are great for anyone interested in problem-solving, creativity, and building practical life skills—whether you want to go into trades, college, university, or entrepreneurship.