1.How do we apply for LEAP, Challenge and ATLAS?
All applications are completed online.
2. What do I do if I cannot upload my video submission
Please contact your child’s school. They will be able to assist you. Be sure to give yourself enough time to complete the video and seek assistance, if needed. Video uploads will not be accepted after the due date.
3. Where can I get more information about the programs and the admission requirements?
Information about the admission requirements and important dates are available at Choices at 7, or view our Choices at 7 Brochure.
4. Challenge is offered at three sites. Can we apply for whichever one we prefer?
No. There are geographical boundaries for each site. Visit the list of Challenge Program selection sites for more information. Particular elementary schools feed into each site (i.e., northern schools into Loughborough PS, western area schools into Odessa PS, and the others into Calvin Park PS. Please note that you can only apply to one Challenge site.
5. Can we apply to more than one program, for instance LEAP and Challenge?
Yes, you may apply to more than one program. However, you must complete a separate application (including a separate video submission) for each program.
6. How do you decide who gets accepted?
Applicants are assessed on their video submission, a group/problem solving activity (Challenge) and in an arts activity/group presentation (LEAP) during the half-day workshop. In addition, each applicant’s most recent report card Learning Skills and academic subject marks are scored.
7. How do you obtain a copy of my child's report card?
If your child attends a school within the Limestone District School Board, we access the report card electronically. If your child attends a school outside our Board, or is home schooled, you will be asked to deliver or mail a hard copy of the most recent report card to the Limestone District School Board Education Centre, 220 Portsmouth Ave., Kingston ON K7L 4X4, or scan and email.
8. Can my child apply for a Grade 8 placement in LEAP, Challenge or ATLAS?
Yes. The process is the same as Grade 7. Please note that there are only limited vacancies in the Grade 8 programs, because most of our students continue on in the program from Grade 7.
9. How many applicants apply and how many are accepted into each program?
ATLAS: About 60 applicants - 20 accepted
LEAP: About 150 applicants - 56 accepted (2 classes of 28)
Challenge at Loughborough PS: About 60 applicants - 28 accepted
Challenge at Odessa PS: About 40 applicants - 28 accepted
Challenge at Calvin Park PS: About 150 applicants -- 56 accepted (2 classes of 28)
10. Is there a waiting list?
Yes, a short waiting list is established for all programs, and it is kept active until the end of September. Vacancies are created, for instance, if a child is accepted into both LEAP and Challenge, so has to accept one offer and decline the other. That vacancy will be offered right away to the next person on the waiting list.
11. If my child doesn’t get in, will we be notified?
Yes. All applicants are notified by email if they are accepted, placed on the waiting list, or if they are not being offered a space, on the notification date. Please see the list of notification dates.
12. What is the deadline for applications?
All of the dates are posted at Choices at 7.
13. What is the process for applying for LEAP, Challenge and ATLAS?
All applicants must complete the online application form and a video submission. Challenge and LEAP applicants will participate in a half-day workshop. Scores are put together with the report card scores (learning skills and academic marks). The students are ranked in numerical order, by scores.
ATLAS applicants complete the online application form and a video submission. They are not required to attend a workshop day. The selection of suitable candidates will be made by a Board committee who will review each on-line application, submission video, the student’s most recent report card, the student’s IEP (if applicable) and the in-school team questionnaire/advocacy card.
14. Can we visit the programs and meet the staff?
There will be an Information Night (open house evenings) for all programs at all sites. You are encouraged to attend these information evenings along with your children. This is an opportunity to get a clear overview of the programs and meet some of the staff.
15. Is transportation provided?
Transportation is not guaranteed. If your child is accepted into a program, at the time of registration at the school, you will have to complete an application for transportation through Tri-Board Student Transportation.Transportation, if available, will be offered on a courtesy basis and may be removed within 48 hours. Transportation, if available, will be offered at the nearest existing stop on an existing route. The education day may be abbreviated which may affect your child's progress.
16. What is the selection process for Challenge and LEAP?
For Challenge and LEAP, applicants are rank-ordered based on their overall score.
First Round: equity of opportunity. The first 23 places in each program are accepted from the rank-ordered list based on quotas for each Family-of-Schools
Second Round: based on the home school of each student. Only one student from each school will be accepted until all other schools have been considered. (Until the cut-off point of acceptance). Students from other schools or boards are considered in this and subsequent rounds
17. I missed the application deadline. How do I apply now?
We do not accept late applications. Please visit Choices at 7 for a list of dates.
18. My child is currently in a Grade 6 French Immersion program. Do I need to apply to Vanier or Acadie?
If you are a LDSB student, currently in a French Immersion program, you do not need to apply. Your school will transfer your child’s information. You should, however, complete a Tri-Board Student Transportation application. If you are in a Grade 6 French Immersion program in another school board, you are required to complete a LDSB registration form and submit it to Vanier or Acadie.