Thank you for your inquiry. We are so pleased to hear you are interested in applying to ESA.
At Etobicoke School of the Arts we offer specialized programs in Dance, Drama, Contemporary Arts (Visual Art), Film, Music (Instrumental, Band and Strings), and Music Theatre. If you would like more information on the courses that are offered throughout all of the Grades and majors, you can find it at ESA Courses and Programs.
The Application Portal Will Open November 9!
All applications and auditions/portfolio reviews are administered through central TDSB. ESA is accepting applications for Grade 9 and 10 students for 2027
Eligibility:
In order to be eligible, applicants can have no more than 2 of the following Grade 7 final marks below the Provincial standard (70%)
- Language
- Math
- Science & Technology
- Geography
- History
- French (Average of 4 areas of achievement)
- Arts (Average of 4 areas of achievement)
- Physical and Health Education (Average of 2 areas of achievement)
You can use the Benchmark Calculator to determine your eligibility.
Here are some important dates:
October 27 ESA Open House (6-8:30 – register for a free ticket here)
November 9-27 Application portal open November 9, closes November 27 at 4:00 pm
Week of December 7 Auditions/portfolio reviews held in-person at one of 6 sites across Toronto
February 10 First round of acceptances sent by email, subsequent rounds of offers sent on Feb 17 and Feb 24
What and how to prepare?
To learn what to prepare for your audition or portfolio review, please visit the TDSB Central Programs Admissions Office page here. Scroll down to “Arts Application Tasks and Success Criteria” and then scroll down further to “Secondary”. ESA offers the following programs:
Dance – see “Secondary Audition Criteria – Dance”
Drama – see “Secondary Audition Criteria – Drama”
Instrumental Music – see “Secondary Audition Criteria – Instrumental Music”
Music Theatre – see “Secondary Audition Criteria – Musical Theatre”
Film – see “Secondary Portfolio Criteria – Visual Arts” – please note that you must complete a film/animation component
Contemporary Arts – see “Secondary Portfolio Criteria – Visual Arts”
