By the Numbers
Our By the Numbers section is a concise overview of key metrics that define the scope and impact of the Durham District School Board. Below are some of the quantitative facets that shape our educational landscape.
The DDSB in our Community
DDSB schools act in many ways as hubs for the many communities we serve. With a variety of programs, partners, and community use of schools opportunities, the DDSB is proud to bring families and community together.
In 2024, we had the good fortune to open two new schools and enhance the learning environment at Mary St. Community School with a modern addition, as well as reflect changing community values by renaming of Ontario Street Public School.
138
Schools and Learning Centres
113 Elementary
18 Secondary
Alternative Attendance
Durham Alternative Secondary School (DASS)
Durham Continuing Education (DCE)
ECPP/Grove School
4 Outdoor Education Centres
80,094
Total Enrolment
as of September 30, 2024
Increase of 1,229
from 2023-2024
56,252
Elementary Students
23,842
Secondary Students
Current Construction Projects Underway
“There are three teachers of children: adults, other children, and their physical environment.”
- Loris Malaguzzi
The DDSB draws on the expertise of planners, architects, our facilities and maintenance teams, the engagement of our community and Board of Trustees just to name a few, in order to create and maintain with great care our many environments that support student success.
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6 new schools and major additions approved and in various stages of completion;
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1 school receiving childcare addition/upgrades;
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6 ventilation improvement and air conditioning projects underway;
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35+ major renovation projects underway across schools.
For more information refer to the 2024-2025 Budget Booklet.
Growing our Workforce
Many people from a vast array of backgrounds and specialties make the DDSB a place where students and staff are supported in their learning journeys as their authentic selves.
Our DDSB workforce is one of the largest employers in the Durham Region, and we continue to grow.
This year we've added:
+604
Permanent Staff
+656
Occasional Staff
All of our DDSB staff share a commitment to ongoing student success.
Supporting Anti-Oppressive Hiring: DDSB Recruitment Workshop
Our People and Culture and Anti-Oppression departments at the Durham District School Board (DDSB) welcomed approximately 80 individuals interested in working with the DDSB to an afternoon workshop aimed at bringing the leadership and influence of Black educators and professionals into our schools on May 4, 2024.
Attendees were able to connect one-on-one with current Principals, Vice Principals, learn more about the DDSB’s hiring process and positions, have their resumes reviewed and receive interview tips.
Supporting Staff Connection: DDSB Open House
Led by our Leadership and People and Culture departments, the Durham District School Board (DDSB) welcomed staff from all corners of the District to the Education Centre on October 29th for an evening filled with networking, collaboration, and learning. The event was designed to provide staff, whether new to their roles or with years of experience, with the tools, information, and connections they need to excel in their work and support the DDSB community.
The evening showcased a variety of resource tables staffed by key representatives from departments across the Board. Attendees were able to ask questions, make connections, and learn about the wealth of resources available to support them on their journey with DDSB.
Staff attending the event described it as an enriching experience, highlighting the value of speaking directly with department representatives. Many expressed that they left the Open House with a clearer understanding of the resources and support systems in place, equipping them to serve the DDSB community with confidence.
“The DDSB Open House was a wonderful opportunity to connect with colleagues, gain new insights, and see the many ways the Board is committed to our success,” said Grace Blamauer, Occasional Supply Teacher, new to the DDSB.
Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO)
In October, Ontario’s Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) published board and school results for assessments conducted in the 2023-2024 school year. EQAO results continue to be one source of data among many that we have available to us to help inform teaching and learning strategies.
Key Takeaways
DDSB’s performance generally aligns with or exceeds provincial trends:
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OSSLT scores surpass the provincial average.
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Reading and Writing in Grades 3 and 6 scores are in line with provincial averages, with the exception in Grade 3 writing, where a decline was observed.
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Grade 3, 6 and 9 Math scores are in alignment with the provincial average; however, for both DDSB and the province this is an area of need.
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ELL students, particularly in Grades 6 and OSSLT, have shown significant declines in reading and writing, underscoring the need for additional focus on language acquisition.
Key Actions to Improve Outcomes
In alignment with our Multi-Year Strategic Plan, the DDSB is dedicated to improving EQAO scores through Universal Design for Learning (UDL), meaningful learning experiences, and evidence-based instruction and interventions.
Literacy Initiatives
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Professional Development: Continuous training in structured literacy and the updated Language curriculum, with a focus on progress monitoring and interventions.
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Early Literacy Screening: Using the Early Reading Screener for students from Kindergarten to Grade 2 to identify and address learning needs early.
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Intervention Supports: Expanding access to digital and in-person intervention supports.
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Specialized Reading Support: Deploying 22 K-3 Reading Specialists to strengthen literacy skills in the early years.
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Language Acquisition Support for ELLs: Continued targeted language acquisition support to enhance reading and vocabulary skills for ELL students.
Numeracy Initiatives
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Digital Math Tools: Expanding educator training on digital platforms like Education Perfect to improve math instruction and introduce students to EQAO-style questions.
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Math Coaching: Collaborating with teachers through math coaches who assist with high-impact instructional practices, including co-planning and co-teaching.
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Structured Learning Blocks: Implementing a daily 60-minute math block to ensure balanced instruction and assessment based on student needs.
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Professional Development: Developing a community of practice in priority schools to enhance focused math instruction and support.
Who are we? Census Data
Durham District School Board (DDSB) Census data allows us insight into the people we serve. Whether focused on students and their families, or the staff that make learning come to life, build connections, and support well-being, census data helps us to really know each other.
Census data for students was most recently collected in 2022-23, and the results can be found on our website. The next DDSB Student Census is anticipated in 2025-26.
DDSB’s Workforce Census was completed in 2021-22. An updated Workforce Census is anticipated in 2027.
Gathering information is just the first step. In response to this data, a host of resources have been created to support staff in their learnings, connect with their colleagues, and improve outcomes for students. Check out our 2024 Resources and Our Stories pages to see some of these learnings come to life!
