The idea of the university is far from new. It dates back to the Middle Ages, when some of the world’s first centres of higher learning took shape in cities like Paris, Bologna, Montpellier, Oxford, and Salamanca. Closer to home, the oldest institution of higher learning in Canada dates back to 1663, with the Université of Laval having been founded by the Séminaire de Québec. Since that time, the desire for higher learning has flourished. Today Canada currently has 97 public universities with over 16,000 university programs to choose from. What is more, 9 Canadian universities are in the top 200 in the world, including 4 in the top 100!

Canada is known around the world for having school systems that support both high achievement and fair opportunities for students. We also take pride in being a multicultural country, where diversity is valued and protected. Across Canada, education is shaped by important national laws and policies, such as the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, as well as decisions related to child care, language rights, immigration, and Indigenous peoples.

On a recent trip to Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, I was reminded how incredible it is to be a Canadian citizen and how proud I am of the role that Canada plays on the global stage. As I was visiting various tourist attractions and significant sites around the city, I couldn’t help but reflect on all of the connections to the content of various online high school courses offered at Ontario Virtual School and their relevance to shaping students’ sense of identity, both nationally and internationally.

At Ontario Virtual School, we believe in empowering students through learning – and that includes language learning. So before you decide to close the door on studying a new language, take a moment to consider the lifelong benefit it offers. Your future self will thank you.

Here at Ontario Virtual School, we understand the concerns of these families, and want to answer their questions and put their minds at ease. Here are answers to questions we hear from families every day.