With the interim boundary for the new Guelph Secondary School now approved, staff are moving forward with the next steps to open the school in the 2026-27 school year.
We are pleased to report that construction is proceeding well. Behind the scenes, a great deal of planning is already underway to bring the school to life.
What’s happening next
We have begun the hiring process to staff the new school.
We are planning to have course selection available to students by mid-December
We plan to have school visits for students and families in early to mid December
We continue to seek public input on a name for the new high school. Community members are invited to attend a virtual townhall meeting on Monday, November 17, 2025, from 7pm - 8pm via this link. Participants will be able to rank their favourite names from the shortlist produced following our naming survey.
Looking ahead
Opening a new high school is a major milestone for our community — and one we haven’t seen in Guelph in nearly 60 years. We’re excited to create a welcoming, inclusive, and inspiring learning environment where students can thrive.
As planning continues, we’ll share regular updates with families and students to keep everyone informed and involved in the journey.
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Please see below for a summary of the implementation process and what the interim boundary means for schools and students within the new boundary:
Summary of implementation, next steps:
Current Grade 8s (June 2026): Students graduating from Rickson Ridge PS, Sir Isaac Brock PS, and Westminster Woods PS, as well as students living in the Arkell Road, Clair Road, Clair-Maltby, Lowes Road, and Victoria Road development areas, will attend Grade 9 at the new Guelph Secondary School in the 2026-27 school year.
Current Grade 9s (2025–26): Students in Grade 9 at Centennial CVI during the 2025–26 school year who live in the areas listed above will move to Grade 10 at the new school in the 2026-27 school year.
Full transition by 2028: Starting September 2028, all Grade 9–12 students living within the new Guelph SS boundary will attend the new school.
Exemption for senior students: Grade 11 and 12 students living in the new Guelph SS or Centennial CVI boundaries as of 2026 will be permitted to remain at Centennial CVI until graduation.
Boundary maps available: Boundary maps for Guelph SS and Centennial CVI, along with maps for each of the development areas, are shared on the UGDSB website. Also, the UGDSB school locator tool for 2026-27 school year has been updated with the new boundaries.