Ontario Education System

The Ontario secondary curriculum is diverse, rigorous, and internationally recognized, particularly in Commonwealth countries and other regions around the world. The Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) represents a high standard of academic achievement and prepares students for further study at universities and colleges globally.

Students earn one credit for successfully completing a course. Each credit requires a minimum of 110 hours of scheduled instruction. The final grade for each course is calculated with 30% from the final exam or culminating activity and 70% from ongoing assessment throughout the course. The passing mark for each course is 50%.

Grades and credits may be transferred from a student’s previous educational experience according to Ontario conversion policies. After the principal of the Ontario school evaluates transferred credits, students may be enrolled directly in the appropriate grade level in Canada.

Requirements for Obtaining an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)

The OSSD is awarded by the Minister of Education, on the recommendation of the principal of the school last attended, to students who meet the following requirements:

• Earn a minimum of 30 credits

• Complete 40 hours of approved community involvement activities

• Fulfill the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Requirement (OSSLT)

All credits are recorded in the Ontario Student Record (OSR), ensuring compliance with Ministry standards.

Sample Ontario Secondary School Courses Offered at ODA

(Course availability depends on scheduling and student demand.) One Direction Academy offers ESL credit courses that count toward the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). These courses are designed for students whose first language is not English and help them develop academic English skills necessary for success in OSSD courses and post-secondary study.