In March and April 2024, Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) students from Grades 4 to 12 participated in the 2023-24 SCDSB School Climate Survey. More than 32,000 students completed the survey, with an overall participation rate of 85 per cent.
School boards are required to conduct school climate surveys under the Ministry of Education's Bill 13, Accepting Schools Act (2012). The school climate survey collects participant perceptions about character education, school safety, bullying, equity, diversity, and inclusion, and mental health and well-being, as well as experiences with the general school environment.
Key findings from this year's survey include:
- More than 85 per cent of students reported that they feel accepted for who they are by the adults at their school and get along with the adults at their school.
- Eighty-eight per cent of secondary students reported that they have leadership opportunities at school.
- More than 85 per cent of all students reported that they feel like they belong at their school.
- From a mental health and well-being perspective, more than 90 per cent of students agreed that "it is important to keep going even when things are hard." Additionally, 84 per cent of elementary and 78 per cent of secondary students reported feeling positive about their future.
- Eighty-eight per cent of elementary students said that "in school, I feel encouraged to become a better problem solver."
Hear from SCDSB students about this year's survey results in this video.
The SCDSB uses the results of the school climate survey, along with other data and information, to guide our strategic plan. Information from the survey is used at each SCDSB school to help create and maintain safe and supportive learning environments for all students. Learn more about the survey on the SCDSB website.
This initiative links directly to the SCDSB Strategic Priorities in the areas of Well-being, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Community, and Excellence in Teaching and Learning.
