It is operated by the Halifax Regional Centre for Education (HRCE), and is an International Baccalaureate (IB) world school, offering the Diploma program.

It is used as the location to film the scenes that take place in the fictional Dartmouth Regional Vocational School (DRVS).

[3][4] The school found itself in the news again in 2011, due to the Suicide of Rehtaeh Parsons, a 17-year old student who committed suicide at her home, often attributed to an alleged gang rape and distribution of images from said event, and the subsequent harassment and bullying Rehtaeh faced from her school mates.

Cole Harbour District High School offers an extensive range of courses, categorized as academic, advanced, or open (not required for entrance to university.)

The IB Program at Cole Harbour District High School is currently coordinated by Michael Jean.

At Cole Harbour District High School students can receive both French Immersion certification as well an International Baccalaureate Diploma.

[6] Students can currently take a number of different French courses, including Biologie, Histoire canadienne, and Production de film digital et vidéo.

In 2021, a pottery and fused glass lab was opened up within the school, run by Monique Ouellette with the HRA, where classes and field trips are often hosted.

The Cavway undertakes a number of projects throughout the year, including a gay-straight alliance, raising money for Christmas Daddies (a local children's charity), tobacco-awareness, and peer-education.