Did you know Don Mills Collegiate Institute boasts the first brick-dust track in Canada? That’s right. This remarkable high school opened its doors in 1959. It’s nestled in the Don Mills neighbourhood of Toronto. It serves a diverse student body of about 1000. A significant portion of its students speak a first language other than English. Don Mills Collegiate Institute is more than just a school. It’s a vibrant hub of learning and achievement.
Initially the school board planned two separate buildings. They would share a heating plant. However a report suggested a cost-saving solution. Placing both schools under one roof proved more economical. This mirrors similar designs in Vancouver and Calgary. Don Mills Collegiate Institute shares its building with Don Mills Middle School. They have separate addresses though. The design keeps the schools largely separated. A shared library and connecting hallways link them. The auditorium is used by both. Some middle school rooms are used for high school classes. This is likely due to space constraints.
Don Mills Collegiate Institute has a gifted program. It was moved here in 1997 from Earl Haig Secondary School. This boosted the school’s enrollment. The school also houses CyberARTS. This is a multi-disciplinary arts and technology program. It offers courses in computer and communications technology. A technological design program is also offered. ESL classes support international students.
The school excels in various competitions. Don Mills Collegiate Institute consistently participates in International Math and Physics Olympiads. They also participate in the DECA International Career Development Conference. Students have achieved success in chemistry competitions. This includes the University of Waterloo’s Avogadro and Chem 13 competitions. Success is seen in the Canadian Chemistry Olympiad as well. Don Mills Collegiate Institute’s student-run newspaper The Bulldog is noteworthy. It’s one of the few weekly high school publications in Ontario. It has won awards at the Toronto Star High School Newspaper Awards.
The school has faced challenges and controversies. In 1969 nineteen football players were suspended for drinking beer on a bus. The school team was withdrawn from the league. A teacher was suspended in 1971. Police found marijuana plants in his home. In 1972 a birth control clinic opened on school grounds. The school claimed it was uninvolved besides providing space. A controversial incident involved a Ku Klux Klan speaker in 1981. A stabbing incident led to a school lockdown in 2008.
Don Mills Collegiate Institute’s rich history makes it more than just a school. It is a testament to the community it serves and the students it has educated. It’s a place where academic excellence meets diverse cultural backgrounds. It’s a place where countless stories continue to unfold. It’s truly a remarkable institution.