School History

Throughout the 1980s the Metropolitan Separate School Board (now the Toronto Catholic District School Board) considered establishing a school for the Performing Arts. It was felt that all students with clearly identified talents in the arts regardless of their socio-economic status, race or cultural background, should have the opportunity to develop those talents within the TCDSB system. Therefore with the commitment and interest of parents and students, the first set of auditions were held in January 1990. Five hundred applications were processed for 250 positions and Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts opened its doors to grade 7, 8 and 9 students in September 1990. The school was named after Gerald Emmet Cardinal Carter, Ordinary of the Archdiocese of Toronto from 1978 to 1990, a strong supporter of education and a distinguished patron of the arts. CCAA is a Catholic school community built upon Gospel values and the love of learning. Students, with the help of staff and parents, receive a balanced and thorough education in the arts, and through the arts. We are a unique school with unique needs and concerns, not a typical elementary or secondary school but a hybrid of both, serving students from grade 7 to 12.

The specialized arts program allows students to concentrate in one of the four art areas. Students complete a five-year program and receive a certificate recognizing their achievement in the arts along with the regular graduation diploma.

We are just beginning to create and develop the history of a wonderful, relevant, educational community. With the progress made over the years and with the continued enthusiasm and dedication of all, CCAA will not only continue to be an arts school, but a school that embodies the spirit of our motto: "Arts for the Glory of God".