Westdale Secondary School

Westdale Secondary School is the most populated public high school in Hamilton, Ontario. Westdale Secondary School is also known as Westdale SS and founded in 1931. Westdale offers many programs before and after school.

About Westdale Secondary School

Located in the vibrant Westdale Village of Hamilton, Ontario, this historic public secondary school has been fostering academic excellence and diverse talents since 1931. As the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board’s largest high school, it offers a rich blend of traditional values and innovative programs designed to prepare students for success in post-secondary education and future careers worldwide.

πŸŽ“ Academics & Programs

Renowned as HWDSB’s first International World School, it proudly offers the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program, which challenges students with a rigorous and globally recognized curriculum. Alongside, students can explore two Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) streams in Construction and Arts & Culture, enabling career-focused skill development.

A wide variety of courses support diverse interests, including a unique Music Strings program, and enrichment classes in English and Mathematics that cater to advanced learners. The school also boasts an extensive Immersion program in French and offers second language studies in French, Spanish, Latin, Ancient Greek, and Korean, promoting cross-cultural understanding and global citizenship.

🎭 Arts & Music

Creativity flourishes across numerous music ensembles such as the Junior and Senior Bands, Marching Band, Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Bands, and Choir. The music department has a strong competitive presence, regularly earning awards at local and international festivals including the prestigious Golden Horseshoe Music Festival. Students enjoy frequent performance opportunities, fostering confidence and musical excellence.

The Drama Department stages major productions each year, engaging students in theatre arts from acting to technical production. Dance and theatre clubs also provide enriched extracurricular outlets for the creative community.

🏫 History & Legacy

With origins as one of the largest collegiate schools across the British Commonwealth, the school once uniquely housed three separate collegiate, technical, and commercial divisions under one roof, reflecting a historic commitment to diverse learning pathways. Over its long history, it has evolved while maintaining deep roots in the Hamilton community.

🀝 Community, Values & Leadership

Guided by the Latin motto “Alius Alia Via Ad Astra Ascendit” (“Everyone finds his or her own way to the stars”), students are encouraged to pursue individual success with support from dedicated educators who foster a respectful and inclusive environment. Collaboration among staff, students, and families is prioritized to enhance student achievement and well-being.

Students actively participate in community initiatives, notably the annual Terry Fox Run, raising funds and awareness for cancer research through engaging runs and walks within Westdale Village.

⚽ Extracurricular Activities & Clubs

A vibrant array of before and after school programs enrich student life. Music ensembles, sports teams, drama productions, and academic clubs offer abundant opportunities to grow skills and leadership. Clubs span a wide range of interests including Environmental Club, Latin Club, Debating, Science Club, Improv, Students for Political Action (SPA), and more, fostering school spirit and student engagement.

🌟 Notable Alumni

This institution boasts an impressive roster of alumni who have excelled across various fields, including Emmy-winning actor and comedian Eugene Levy, Nobel Laureate in Economics Myron Scholes, NHL star Tie Domi, Broadway actress Caissie Levy, and distinguished architect Raymond Moriyama. Their achievements highlight the school’s legacy of nurturing diverse talents and leadership.

✨ Conclusion

With its blend of academic rigor, rich arts programs, strong community values, and legacy of distinguished alumni, this West Hamilton school continues to inspire students to find their own path to the stars. It remains a beacon of opportunity, empowering learners to excel in a globally connected world while fostering well-rounded growth in mind, body, and spirit.

More information

Located in the vibrant Westdale Village of Hamilton, Ontario, this historic public secondary school has been fostering academic excellence and diverse talents since 1931. As the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board’s largest high school, it offers a rich blend of traditional values and innovative programs designed to prepare students for success in post-secondary education and future careers worldwide.

πŸŽ“ Academics & Programs

Renowned as HWDSB’s first International World School, it proudly offers the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program, which challenges students with a rigorous and globally recognized curriculum. Alongside, students can explore two Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) streams in Construction and Arts & Culture, enabling career-focused skill development.

A wide variety of courses support diverse interests, including a unique Music Strings program, and enrichment classes in English and Mathematics that cater to advanced learners. The school also boasts an extensive Immersion program in French and offers second language studies in French, Spanish, Latin, Ancient Greek, and Korean, promoting cross-cultural understanding and global citizenship.

🎭 Arts & Music

Creativity flourishes across numerous music ensembles such as the Junior and Senior Bands, Marching Band, Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Bands, and Choir. The music department has a strong competitive presence, regularly earning awards at local and international festivals including the prestigious Golden Horseshoe Music Festival. Students enjoy frequent performance opportunities, fostering confidence and musical excellence.

The Drama Department stages major productions each year, engaging students in theatre arts from acting to technical production. Dance and theatre clubs also provide enriched extracurricular outlets for the creative community.

🏫 History & Legacy

With origins as one of the largest collegiate schools across the British Commonwealth, the school once uniquely housed three separate collegiate, technical, and commercial divisions under one roof, reflecting a historic commitment to diverse learning pathways. Over its long history, it has evolved while maintaining deep roots in the Hamilton community.

🀝 Community, Values & Leadership

Guided by the Latin motto “Alius Alia Via Ad Astra Ascendit” (“Everyone finds his or her own way to the stars”), students are encouraged to pursue individual success with support from dedicated educators who foster a respectful and inclusive environment. Collaboration among staff, students, and families is prioritized to enhance student achievement and well-being.

Students actively participate in community initiatives, notably the annual Terry Fox Run, raising funds and awareness for cancer research through engaging runs and walks within Westdale Village.

⚽ Extracurricular Activities & Clubs

A vibrant array of before and after school programs enrich student life. Music ensembles, sports teams, drama productions, and academic clubs offer abundant opportunities to grow skills and leadership. Clubs span a wide range of interests including Environmental Club, Latin Club, Debating, Science Club, Improv, Students for Political Action (SPA), and more, fostering school spirit and student engagement.

🌟 Notable Alumni

This institution boasts an impressive roster of alumni who have excelled across various fields, including Emmy-winning actor and comedian Eugene Levy, Nobel Laureate in Economics Myron Scholes, NHL star Tie Domi, Broadway actress Caissie Levy, and distinguished architect Raymond Moriyama. Their achievements highlight the school’s legacy of nurturing diverse talents and leadership.

✨ Conclusion

With its blend of academic rigor, rich arts programs, strong community values, and legacy of distinguished alumni, this West Hamilton school continues to inspire students to find their own path to the stars. It remains a beacon of opportunity, empowering learners to excel in a globally connected world while fostering well-rounded growth in mind, body, and spirit.

More information

Located in the vibrant Westdale Village of Hamilton, Ontario, this historic public secondary school has been fostering academic excellence and diverse talents since 1931. As the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board’s largest high school, it offers a rich blend of traditional values and innovative programs designed to prepare students for success in post-secondary education and future careers worldwide.

πŸŽ“ Academics & Programs

Renowned as HWDSB’s first International World School, it proudly offers the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program, which challenges students with a rigorous and globally recognized curriculum. Alongside, students can explore two Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) streams in Construction and Arts & Culture, enabling career-focused skill development.

A wide variety of courses support diverse interests, including a unique Music Strings program, and enrichment classes in English and Mathematics that cater to advanced learners. The school also boasts an extensive Immersion program in French and offers second language studies in French, Spanish, Latin, Ancient Greek, and Korean, promoting cross-cultural understanding and global citizenship.

🎭 Arts & Music

Creativity flourishes across numerous music ensembles such as the Junior and Senior Bands, Marching Band, Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Bands, and Choir. The music department has a strong competitive presence, regularly earning awards at local and international festivals including the prestigious Golden Horseshoe Music Festival. Students enjoy frequent performance opportunities, fostering confidence and musical excellence.

The Drama Department stages major productions each year, engaging students in theatre arts from acting to technical production. Dance and theatre clubs also provide enriched extracurricular outlets for the creative community.

🏫 History & Legacy

With origins as one of the largest collegiate schools across the British Commonwealth, the school once uniquely housed three separate collegiate, technical, and commercial divisions under one roof, reflecting a historic commitment to diverse learning pathways. Over its long history, it has evolved while maintaining deep roots in the Hamilton community.

🀝 Community, Values & Leadership

Guided by the Latin motto “Alius Alia Via Ad Astra Ascendit” (“Everyone finds his or her own way to the stars”), students are encouraged to pursue individual success with support from dedicated educators who foster a respectful and inclusive environment. Collaboration among staff, students, and families is prioritized to enhance student achievement and well-being.

Students actively participate in community initiatives, notably the annual Terry Fox Run, raising funds and awareness for cancer research through engaging runs and walks within Westdale Village.

⚽ Extracurricular Activities & Clubs

A vibrant array of before and after school programs enrich student life. Music ensembles, sports teams, drama productions, and academic clubs offer abundant opportunities to grow skills and leadership. Clubs span a wide range of interests including Environmental Club, Latin Club, Debating, Science Club, Improv, Students for Political Action (SPA), and more, fostering school spirit and student engagement.

🌟 Notable Alumni

This institution boasts an impressive roster of alumni who have excelled across various fields, including Emmy-winning actor and comedian Eugene Levy, Nobel Laureate in Economics Myron Scholes, NHL star Tie Domi, Broadway actress Caissie Levy, and distinguished architect Raymond Moriyama. Their achievements highlight the school’s legacy of nurturing diverse talents and leadership.

✨ Conclusion

With its blend of academic rigor, rich arts programs, strong community values, and legacy of distinguished alumni, this West Hamilton school continues to inspire students to find their own path to the stars. It remains a beacon of opportunity, empowering learners to excel in a globally connected world while fostering well-rounded growth in mind, body, and spirit.


What do students and parents think about Westdale Secondary School?

Average rating: 3.0 / 5

5 reviews


Guest wrote on (2023-Oct-24) :

The school is amazing, they've been really great and supportive to my daughter ever since I transferred her there.

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Guest wrote on (2025-Apr-10) :

My experience at Westdale Secondary School has been very positive. The school boasts excellent departments in English, arts, technology, drafting, science, French, and history. The Physical Education team is especially relatable, and I truly appreciate the recent renovations to the outdoor spaces. Events like Grade Nine Day created unforgettable memories that added a fun, vibrant energy to school life.

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Guest wrote on (2025-Apr-12) :

Westdale Secondary School delivers an average experience. Some teachers and peers are friendly and supportive, but the overall environment doesn’t stand out as exceptional. It’s a decent choice if you’re looking for a standard, no-frills high school, though there is room for significant improvement.

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Guest wrote on (2025-Apr-15) :

My time at Westdale Secondary has been extremely disheartening. The negative atmosphere and lack of support have made these years some of the worst of my life. I cannot recommend this school to anyone seeking a nurturing and focused academic environment.

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Guest wrote on (2025-Apr-18) :

I have been extremely disappointed by one of the school’s caretakers, Kenneth How. Despite his long tenure, his persistent lack of initiative and poor work ethic have had a negative impact on the school’s overall upkeep. His performance raises serious concerns about the school’s commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy environment.

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