Is the OSSD Right for You? A Look at the Requirements

This meant attending the public school assigned to their neighbourhood (unless their family opted for a private school). In-person attendance was the norm because online learning wasn't widely available.

Now, with the growth of accredited private online high schools in Ontario, geography no longer restricts students to local schools. They can now attend schools such as USCA Academy online, which provides flexibility, superior resources, and a wider variety of classes that their local schools might not offer.

If you’re a high school student interested in taking online courses or are transferring to a private online high school, you might be wondering if the OSSD requirements apply to you. Let's take a closer look at the requirements to help you decide.

What is the OSSD?

An Ontario Secondary School Diploma is the graduation certificate for high school students in Ontario. The Education Ministry sets the requirements of credits that students need to earn to get this diploma. After students complete their OSSD requirements, they can apply to both Canadian and international colleges and universities.

To earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma, students need to complete a set of required courses as defined by the Ontario Ministry. This includes 18 mandatory courses and 12 elective ones. This rule applies to all students studying in Ontario, including those who come from other provinces or countries to study here.

To meet the Ontario Ministry requirements, a student also needs to:

●      Pass the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT): This standardized test assesses students' reading and writing skills and is typically taken in Grade 10. Passing the OSSLT is mandatory for receiving the Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

●      Complete 10 hours of community involvement per year (40 hours total): Students need to do community service for at least 40 hours during their high school years. This helps them learn the value of helping their community and teaches them responsibility.

If the OSSD requirements still sound confusing, USCA Academy can help clarify and guide you through the process. As a private online high school accredited by the Ontario Ministry of Education, USCA Academy offers all the necessary courses for obtaining an OSSD, including the mandatory ones mentioned above.

Email USCA Academy at info@uscaacademy.com or uscaacademy@gmail.com for more information about OSSD requirements and how they can help you achieve your academic goals.

About the Author:

USCA Academy, located in Mississauga, provides a diverse range of academic programs catering to elementary, middle school, high school, and university-level preparation. In addition to serving local students, the school warmly welcomes international students who are interested in pursuing the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) from Grades 9 to 12 or enrolling in the University Preparation Program for Grade 12.