Don Bosco Secondary School

In 1978, amidst the growing community of Central Etobicoke, a need arose. A need for a Catholic high school. Thus, Don Bosco Catholic Secondary School was born. Don Bosco Secondary School initially opened its doors at a temporary location on Dixon Road. The school’s journey wasn’t always easy. It involved a few moves, first to Ludstone Drive, then finally finding its permanent home in 1983. This permanent location was the former Keiller Mackay Collegiate Institute building on St. Andrew’s Boulevard. This move wasn’t without its drama. The sale of Keiller Mackay to the Separate School Board caused an uproar among the students. They protested, even taking their grievances to Queen’s Park and CityTV, delaying the sale by a year. Don Bosco Secondary School, affectionately known by many as simply “Bosco,” eventually became a cornerstone of the community. It became a place where students, numbering close to a thousand at its peak, came to learn and grow, embracing the school’s motto, “Crescamus in Christum” – “Let us grow in Christ.” The school offered a range of programs. These included broad-based technology, gifted and advanced placement, global education, and even a self-directed learning program for a time. Don Bosco Secondary School even garnered attention for its football program. The program, led by then-Mayor Rob Ford, became both celebrated and controversial. Despite the controversies, Don Bosco Secondary School continued to serve its community. Students engaged in charitable initiatives like “Kick for Africa,” collecting funds and supplies for a school in Tanzania. Sadly, dwindling enrollment led to its closure in 2017. The building then served as a temporary practice facility for the Toronto Argonauts and later as a temporary home for Dante Alighieri Academy. Don Bosco Secondary School’s legacy, however, extends beyond its physical presence. It’s a story of community, growth, and the enduring power of education.