The Toronto District School Board approved an Africentric high school in Toronto during a vote Wednesday night.
Despite concerns raised by some trustees and a heated debate, the vote passed 14 to six.
The location and opening date of the high school have yet to be determined, but the school division hopes to have it up and running within two years.
Toronto currently has an Africentric elementary school, which opened in September 2009.
Supporters of that school say it has been a success because it promotes a sense of pride and confidence among students, while opponents see it as a form of segregation.
Trustees have asked for a feasibility study to examine the elementary-to-secondary Africentric school pathway for students.
The study will look at potential school models, course options and staffing implications.
Staff will begin public consultations to gauge interest within "identified school communities, with the objective of having the secondary Africentric Alternative School in place within the next two years," the TDSB said.
