The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is initiating a Boundary Review Consultation that includes proposed changes to where some students attend school beginning in the 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 school years.
Uxbridge Public School (UPS) currently operates as a single-track French Immersion (FI) school. Over the past several years, enrolment has declined, and the school is currently operating at approximately 65% of its capacity.
While strong learning continues at UPS, sustained under-enrolment can affect long-term program sustainability, staffing allocations, and the range of extracurricular opportunities available to students.
To address under-enrolment and improve school utilization, DDSB is exploring changes that would gradually expand programming at the school and adjust school boundaries accordingly.
No decisions have been made. Community feedback will inform a final recommendation to the Board of Trustees in June 2026.
What Is Being Proposed?
The Boundary Review includes two related proposals:
1. Establishment of a Regular Track (English) Attendance Area
DDSB is proposing to establish a new Regular Track (English-language) attendance boundary for Uxbridge PS. If approved, Uxbridge PS would become a dual-track school offering:
- French Immersion (beginning in Grade 1), and
- Regular Track programming (beginning in Junior Kindergarten)
Introduction of Kindergarten Programming
Currently, Uxbridge PS does not offer Junior or Senior Kindergarten.
If approved, Junior and Senior Kindergarten would be introduced for students residing within the proposed Regular Track area.
This would:
- Introduce Kindergarten programming at Uxbridge PS.
- Gradually increase enrolment.
- Improve school utilization.
- Strengthen long-term program sustainability.
- Expand the breadth of extracurricular opportunities for students.
Proposed Timeline
If approved by Trustees:
- September 2026 – Junior and Senior Kindergarten introduced.
- September 2027 – Full Regular Track programming (Grades 1–8) implemented.
French Immersion programming would continue at Uxbridge PS, beginning in Grade 1.
Grade 8 students in the regular track boundary will have the choice to remain at their existing schools to graduate with their peers or attend Uxbridge PS for Grade 8 in September 2027. Transportation would be provided for eligible Grade 8 students.
2. Expansion of the French Immersion Area
DDSB is also proposing to expand the geographic area eligible to attend French Immersion at Uxbridge PS further south into north Pickering.
This adjustment may:
- Improve enrolment alignment among nearby schools.
- Provide French Immersion access closer to home for some families.
- Potentially reduce travel times in some areas.
Proposed Timeline
If approved by Trustees, the French Immersion boundary expansion would be effective as of September 2026.
Proposed Boundary Areas
- Proposed Regular Track Boundary Impacted Schools – Appendix A1
- Proposed French Immersion Boundary Expansion & Impacted Schools – Appendix A2
- Proposed Regular Track Boundary – Appendix A3
- Proposed French Immersion Boundary Expansion – Appendix A4
What Would This Mean for Students?
If approved:
- Kindergarten students residing within the proposed Regular Track area would begin attending Uxbridge PS in September 2026.
- Students currently in Grades 1–6 who reside within the proposed Regular Track area and attend another Regular Track elementary school would transition to Uxbridge PS in September 2027.
- Students in Grade 7 during the 2026–2027 school year have the option of remaining at their current schools for Grade 8 with transportation provided, if the students are eligible.
- Secondary school pathways would remain unchanged (students would continue to attend Uxbridge SS).
- No students would move during the school year.
Schools Included in this Consultation
Consultation will include families from:
- Uxbridge PS
- Joseph Gould PS
- Quaker Village PS
- Maple Ridge PS
- Frenchman’s Bay PS
- Claremont PS
- Valley View PS
- DDSB@Home – Elementary
Some schools are directly affected by the proposed Regular Track boundary. Others may be impacted by the proposed French Immersion expansion.
How to Participate
Community consultation runs from February 19 to May 7, 2026 (5:00 p.m.)
Board Report and Presentation
In-Person Public Meeting
March 25, 2026 – 7:00 p.m. in an open house format.
Uxbridge PS, 64 Victoria Drive
Virtual Public Webinar
View the presentation from April 15, 2026 – 7:00 p.m.
Online Survey: Available until May 7, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Email: UPSBoundaryReview@ddsb.ca
Voicemail: 905-666-6308
All feedback received will be summarized and included in a final recommendation report to Trustees.
What Happens Next?
Following the consultation period, DDSB staff will prepare a Recommendation Report summarizing community feedback and presenting a recommended boundary option for Trustee consideration.
A final decision is expected at the June 15, 2026, Board Meeting.