Throughout secondary school, students must keep university entrance requirements in mind. University programs generally require six Grade 12 university preparation courses; however, specific requirements vary. For example, Engineering requirements differ from those for Fine Arts. As well, most of the upper year courses have prerequisite courses, and students must plan with these in mind. Any student seeking to enter a course without having taken the prerequisite course must apply to the Senior School Principal. 

In keeping with The York School commitment to developing well-rounded students, the following courses are compulsory until the end of Grade 10: English, a modern language, a humanities subject, science, mathematics, physical and health education, as well as drama, art or music.