The school was renamed in July 2020 in honor of St. Joan of Arc after posthumous sexual abuse allegations against Vanier.

By the time Tabor Park closed in 1986 due to low enrolment, Scarborough Centre for Alternative Studies, an adult high school began in this site.

As a result of public funding of Catholic high schools, in May 1988, the SBE along with the six public boards to lease the Tabor Park property to the Metropolitan Separate School Board and was reopened and named after Jean Vanier, the Canadian philosopher and founder of L'Arche, to serve the rest of Scarborough.

Construction and renovation began in 1990, and was completed in the spring of 1994, although the eastern portion building was erected and built with 18 classrooms in 1991 along with the front fascia and the school now accommodates close to 1,000 pupils.

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic affecting Toronto, the school reopened under its new name the following September with heavy restrictions in place.

The current emblem retains the cross from the previous Vanier insignia now sporting a fleur-de-lis with a sword standing in the centre.

It became a popular destination powerhouse with its excellent facilities and programs since the closure of nearby Midland Avenue Collegiate Institute in June 2000.

It has an aforementioned layout in which it is divided into three floors with two separate wings: In 2011, three portables made their way back to the facility to accommodate more students in the existing campus since the addition was added.

SJOA also has a diverse population consisting of South Asians, Filipinos, Whites, Latin Americans, Blacks/African Canadians, Chinese, Arabs, and several other ethnic minorities.

These, and other specialized courses, help prepare students for university, college, or the world of work after they have completed their studies at the school.

[12][13] The guests were Juno Award-winning musicians Classified and David Myles who also performed their single Inner Ninja live in front of 300 students.

The badminton team, led by Mr. Sean O'Connor has won the most OFFSA championships of any sport in the school over the past decade.

It also consists of a Communication Technology Program with specialized courses for graphic design, digital photography and film and broadcasting.

With the Introduction of the Information and Communication Technology Specialist High Skills Major (ICT-SHSM) students have had the chance to work on real films such as Akilla's Escape (2020), and Lovely (2024).

The education component is learned through religion classes, regular school practices and through special initiatives such as their affiliation with Development and Peace.

Their support with the community through activities such as: The school has donated volunteer time, food and money to organizations such as: Development and Peace, Nelson Mandela Children's Fund (Canada), Share Life – Covenant House, Inner City Angels, Raising the Roof, Help a Family Fundraiser (a school and orphanage in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic), St. John the Compassionate Mission, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), The Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Day Sales, The Louise Russo Fund, Right to Life, and L'Arche Daybreak (Richmond Hill, ON).

They are: Arts and Culture Health and Wellness Information and Communication Technology Non Profit Transportation Over the years, Jean Vanier has publish several yearbooks in its 22-year life.

Published by the school principal and Karen Mikailian and Thomas Gilmor, it is distributed to students quarterly upon mailing the report cards in November, February, April, or July.

Social media posts have since taken over the need for the Vision As of July 2015, only four active principals of Jean Vanier Catholic Secondary School remain employed with the TCDSB.