DDSB unveils names for four new schools opening this fall

Names approved by province in early July

The Durham District School Board has announced the official names of four new schools that will open their doors to students this fall, according to the Durham District School Board.

The Ontario Ministry of Education finalized and approved the names on July 6, following community consultations and Board Trustee recommendations this past spring. Among the newly named facilities is Cedar Valley Secondary School, which will have a student capacity of 1,387. Each of the new elementary schools will accommodate 634 students.

Community helped shape the choices

The board said the naming process engaged thousands of local students, families, staff and community members, who submitted and reviewed suggestions to ensure each school reflects the identity, history and aspirations of its surrounding neighbourhood.

"We are incredibly grateful to the School Naming Committees, our trustees, and the broader community for their thoughtful collaboration," said Andrea McAuley, Superintendent of Education, Leadership and Innovative Learning, in a DDSB announcement. "These names represent more than just brick and mortar—they reflect the geography, culture, and rich diversity of Durham Region. Together, we are laying a strong foundation for the future of our students."

Construction on track for fall opening

The board says construction on the new buildings remains on schedule, and administrators are preparing to welcome families to the new facilities in the coming weeks ahead of the 2026-2027 school year.

Registration information and boundary maps for the new schools are available on the DDSB website at ddsb.ca.

The Durham District School Board serves public school students across Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, Oshawa and the townships of Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog. It employs more than 12,000 teaching and educational services staff across 144 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres, with more than 80,000 regular day students plus thousands more in continuing education and adult credit courses.

Families in Whitby and across Durham Region with children starting school this fall can check the board's website for details on which new school their neighbourhood will feed into.