Dante Alighieri Academy Secondary School gives local students and teachers the modern learning space they need to succeed
TORONTO – The Ontario government is delivering on its plan to protect Ontario by opening the new Dante Alighieri Academy Secondary School for the 2026-27 school year. The project is one of 35 new and expanded schools opening across Ontario this fall to give students the modern learning spaces they need to succeed in their studies and prepare for in-demand careers. The government is investing $30 billion over its 10-year plan to build, expand and renew schools across Ontario.
Today, Michelle Cooper, MPP for Eglinton—Lawrence, announced that the province provided Toronto Catholic District School Board with $60.7 million to build the new school in North York. This project delivers 1300 secondary spaces for local families for the 2026-27 school year.
“This new Dante Alighieri Academy Secondary Schoolis a significant investment in students and families in North York,” said MPP Cooper. “We’re making sure students have modern, high-quality learning environments, and I’m excited to see this new school welcome students this fall.”
For the 2026-27 school year, Ontario is providing record education funding of $30.6 billion while making changes to strengthen student achievement and deliver more consistent learning experiences across the province. Students and teachers will return to updated curriculum, new classroom resources and stronger supports, including new tools to support financial literacy and math, direct funding for elementary homeroom teachers to purchase classroom supplies, and clearer expectations around attendance and assessment.
“As students head back to school, our focus is on giving every student the opportunity to succeed,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. “That means giving teachers the tools and resources they need, investing in modern schools, and making sure every dollar we invest in education is driving stronger student achievement.”
Dante Alighieri Academy Secondary School is located at 70 Playfair Ave. in North York.
“The new Dante Alighieri Academy will provide students with modern, welcoming spaces to learn, collaborate and succeed. From science and technology labs to a triple gymnasium and flexible learning areas, the new school is designed to support students both inside and outside the classroom. Together with Regina Mundi Catholic School next door, the campus will create a strong learning community for students from Kindergarten through Grade 12,” said Dr. Brendan Browne, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Toronto Catholic District School Board.
Quick Facts:
- The Putting Student Achievement First Act, 2026, brings greater accountability, consistency and modernization to Ontario’s education system through new and enhanced measures to further support student success. It also provides the Ministry of Education with stronger tools to intervene in the capital planning process when boards are unable to deliver projects in the best interests of students and educators.
- The government is investing $1.3 billion annually to support new school buildings, school expansions and renovations across the province in each of the past three years, the highest level of school capital funding in Ontario’s history.
- Since 2018, Ontario has invested more than $7.6 billion for major capital projects, including 209 new schools, 161 permanent additions or renovations to existing school buildings and created more than 150,000 new student spaces and more than 11,000 new licensed child care spaces.
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| Nate Blasco | nate.blasco@pc.ola.org (416) 559-2372 |