Waterdown District High School is located at 215 Parkside Drive, Waterdown Ontario, and is a member of the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board.
The school opened in 1992 and has a 2009–10 enrollment of 1322. The school's mission statement is "Educating students to become lifelong learners and contributing citizens in a challenging, changing, multi-cultural world." WDHS uses the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) to assess Grade 10 students' skills in reading and writing. Successful completion of the test is one of 32 requirements students need to attain in order to receive an Ontario Secondary School Diploma. The school also offers special education classes as well as an ESL program.
Waterdown District High School takes part in the following programs:
Industry Certification Centre with more than 10 different certifications available to be earned as members of a class or individuallySTEP summer program for Gr. 8 students entering Gr. 9Extensive Gr. 9 Orientation activitiesStrong Learning Resource teamGr. 9 Learning Strategies CourseLocally Developed Courses (Gr. 9 & 10) and Workplace Courses (Gr. 11 & 12)Youth Assisting Youth Mentoring Program for Gr. 9 &10 studentsCredit Recovery program to assist Gr. 9 and 10 studentsComplete-a-credit programAfter-school literacy program to support students writing the OSSLT (Literacy Test)T.R.Y. (Take Responsibility for Yourself) - Alternative Education ProgramComprehensive Cooperative Education and Apprenticeship ProgramMath extra help sessions for students two days a week on lunch hours with senior student supportTrue Sport AwardsCelebration of Student Success through annual Academic Awards Evening, Athletic Awards Banquet, Arts Awards Banquet and CommencementW.D.H.S. offers a variety of speciality programs for students with different interests. Programs include:
A Communication Technology Program where students produce, host and televise bi-weekly morning announcements on WINTV, an internal television station.CISCO Computer Engineering Program- students complete IT Essentials I in preparation for writing their A+ certificationA Co-Ed Hockey Program (Gr. 10 & 11) that promotes hockey conditioning and skills developmentAn Outbound Experience Program that focuses on Environmental Education and Leadership for Gr. 12 studentsA “Connextions Program” that examines international diversity and has the goal of developing an appreciation for the challenges facing those living in third world countriesOntario Youth Apprenticeship Program (O.Y.A.P.) is a cooperative education program where students have the ability to earn credits while gaining apprenticeship hours.The Musical Theatre Program runs every other year and has a focus of creating a final musical productionWaterdown District High School offers the following clubs:
Boys Athletics: Boys’ Athletics Association, Baseball, Basketball (Jr. & Sr.), Cricket, Football (Jr. & Sr.), Hockey (Jr. & Sr.), Rugby, Soccer, Touch Football (Gr. 9), Volleyball (Jr. & Sr.), WaterpoloGirls Athletics: Girls’ Athletic Association, Basketball (Jr. & Sr.), Dance Squad, Fastball, Hockey, Rugby, Soccer, Touch Football, Volleyball (Jr. & Sr.), Waterpolo (Jr. & Sr.)Co-Ed Athletics: Alpine Skiing, Badminton, Golf, Swim Team, Tennis, Track & Field, Ultimate FrizzbeBand CouncilsBands – Jazz, Jr. & Sr. ConcertBook ClubChoirComputer ContestDebate TeamDECA Business ClubDrama ClubDuke of Edinburgh Award ProgramFashion ShowForeign Exchange ProgramsGr. 10 Leadership GroupGreen Team Environmental ClubInteract Club (Rotary Club)Mock TrialMorning Announcement TeamPrincipal’s CouncilProm CommitteeSkills Canada (Technology Competitions)SOLID (Student Organization for Learning About International Differences)Student CouncilTech CrewWaterdown Against TobaccoYAY (Youth Assisting Youth)YearbookYouth Speak-out Group
