It draws students from across Ontario and other provinces and has residences to accommodate those that do not live in the local area.

Placement at W. Ross Macdonald is a decision made by students, parents and their local school board, when it is decided that such an environment would be the best option at that time.

It was given its current name in 1974 in honour of Brantford citizen William Ross Macdonald, who served as Lieutenant Governor of Ontario from 1968 to 1974.

Day programming starts at Junior Kindergarten, with accommodation offered on campus for students when it is deemed they have maturity to benefit.

In recent years, a concerted effort has been made to provide landmarks in the physical layout of the newer buildings, to aid students in navigation.