Students protest TDSB’s decision to stop Grade 9 intake at Heydon Park Secondary, a unique school supporting girls and non-binary students with special needs.
Students Take Stand in Downtown Toronto
On Monday, dozens of students at Heydon Park Secondary School staged a walkout in downtown Toronto, protesting the Toronto District School Board’s (TDSB) decision to halt Grade 9 enrolment for the 2025–2026 academic year. The school, which primarily serves girls, transgender, and non-binary students with special needs, is facing declining application numbers, prompting the board to redirect new students to other locations.
A Unique Learning Environment Under Threat
Heydon Park Secondary is known as a safe and inclusive learning space tailored for students requiring additional support. For many, it’s more than a school—it’s a lifeline. Students held signs and chanted “Save our school!” expressing fears that halting Grade 9 enrolment could mark the beginning of a gradual closure.
Jessica Rotolo, a graduate with Down syndrome, attended the protest, saying, “This school helped me become the person I am today.” Her mother, Dorlean Rotolo, echoed the sentiment, calling the institution “a magical place that deserves recognition, not downsizing.”
TDSB Cites Declining Enrolment and Inclusion Progress
According to a TDSB statement released Friday, only nine students applied for Grade 9 admission this fall. The board attributes the drop to improvements in inclusive education practices across other local schools, leading to fewer referrals to Heydon Park.
“Neighbourhood schools are getting better at supporting a wider range of student needs,” the board noted. While confirming the halt in Grade 9 admissions, the TDSB clarified that no final decision has been made about the long-term future of the school.
Parents and Students Demand Transparency and Support
Parents voiced frustration over what they see as a lack of transparency in the board’s decision-making process. Many argue that Heydon Park offers a level of care and attention unavailable in mainstream schools. An online petition has already gathered nearly 2,000 signatures, calling on both the TDSB and Ontario government to reverse the decision and provide sustainable funding for specialized education programs.
Grade 10 student Phoebe Ross emphasized the impact the school has made on her life. “I have a learning disability, and this school helps me learn. I love this school,” she said.
Future of Heydon Park Still Unclear
Despite the current halt on Grade 9 enrolment, the TDSB has not announced any plans to close Heydon Park. The board said it will continue to monitor enrolment and consider a formal study under its long-term accommodation strategy. However, any decision regarding closure remains suspended due to the Ontario Ministry of Education’s ongoing moratorium on school closures.
For students, parents, and alumni, the protest wasn’t just about enrolment—it was about preserving a school that has made a transformative impact on lives often overlooked in mainstream education.
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