Blog Posts

Did you know – that according to UNESCO – there are more than 7000 languages spoken around the world today? With this increased diversity in the linguistic landscape, the need for cross-cultural understanding is more important than ever. While learning an additional language is not a new concept, there is now an increased benefit to learning a new language, as it provides the skills needed to build peace, tolerance and respect for differences both within and outside of the classroom. 

Ontario Virtual School offers a variety of courses, including Grade 11 and Grade 12 biology. Both grades offer college-level and university-level, in order to meet the needs of a wide variety of students. Biology is a fantastic subject to study, and a wonderful credit to have on your transcript, but what exactly can you do with it? Why should you study biology at OVS?

It happens all the time: people decide to pursue a new career path only to discover they can’t because they never completed their high school diploma. With flexible scheduling, interactive lessons, and support from certified teachers, adult learners can complete their remaining credits entirely online. If you’re worried about deadlines, or how to transfer credits, don’t fret, here are some frequently asked questions (and answers!) to help you get started.

One of the concerns that some Gr. 8 students have is the ability to manage their time effectively, especially with an unbalanced timetable of rigorous courses in one semester and less challenging courses in another. 

Another concern that Gr. 8 students have is not being able to take certain electives because the course offerings conflict with compulsory courses. Depending on the size of the high school and the qualifications of educators, the ideal timetable may not be possible. 

In today’s fast-changing world, it’s not just what students know that matters, but how they think, learn, and problem-solve. In fact, the researchers behind the Institute for Habits of Mind have identified 16 habits that form the basis for the behaviours, skills, and dispositions foundational to effective thinkers. This means that students who practice and hone these skills are more likely to be prepared for unfamiliar situations and more resilient in the real world.

There are many reasons students may enroll in summer school courses. Maybe they want to get ahead on next year’s course load by taking a compulsory course early, like Grade 12 English (ENG4U), or they want to upgrade their marks in a difficult course they already finished, like Grade 11 Biology (SBI3U). They may just want to prepare themselves for the upcoming year as they transition from Junior High to High School.

One of the advantages of virtual learning is that students can have control of their education. But that also means that students have an added responsibility to be fair, be honest, and take command of their learning by doing the work themselves. Some students may try to take the easy way through school, which involves copying, plagiarizing, and cheating; and while it may make things easier in the short term, it certainly makes things more challenging in the long run.

Are you a student looking for more control over your education? Are you busy with sports, a job, or hoping to graduate early? Consider earning your OSSD credits through an accredited self- paced online high school—Ontario Virtual School (OVS).

A traditional school schedule doesn’t work for everyone. Online high school offers the flexibility to start anytime and learn at your own pace, while still meeting OSSD requirements.

It happens every year. Students find themselves finally on track to complete high school, maybe they’ve even already gained acceptance to a university, but then they find themselves worrying about how to be prepared for university. How does one actually prepare for attending a university? How do I know if I’m ready?

It’s perfectly normal to not feel ready for university, but that doesn’t mean you have to stress yourself out over it! To help you prepare for university, Ontario Virtual School has created an easy to follow checklist. 

Whether you’ve been working toward your Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), upgrading marks, or fast-tracking your high school courses, your educational journey with OVS is shaping you in more ways than you know! So how can you tell if you’re truly growing as a learner? Let’s explore five subtle but meaningful signs that say “Yes, I’m learning!”

In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, traditional education models are evolving—and online high school is leading the way. Whether you’re working toward your Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or looking to earn Ontario high school credits online, the flexibility and personalized nature of virtual learning can empower students with the tools they need to succeed. At Ontario Virtual School (OVS), students not only complete accredited coursework but also develop essential life skills that prepare them for post-secondary education and the workforce.

When it comes to education, Ontario offers students access to world-class teaching and learning. This claim is supported by two sources of comparative performance data: PCAP- the Pan-Canadian Assessment Program, which tests random samples of Grade 8 students in each province; and PISA – the OECD’s Programme of International Student Assessment, which tests random samples of 15-year-old students from around the world. According to this data, Ontario has maintained its strong international standing in math, reading and science and positions Ontario among the top provinces in Canada.

If you are no longer attending a regular high school, but you have not graduated yet, you may be trying to figure out what your next move is for your education. You may be considering college, university, or a trade, and wonder which is the best option to help you get to where you need to go: the OSSD or a GED. What exactly is the difference? And which one is needed for certain post-secondary pathways?

In Ontario, Advanced Functions (Grade 12) is a Grade 12 mathematics course that focuses on, as the name implies, more advanced functions than those studied in the Grade 11 Functions course (MCR3U).

Many people, especially many high school students, find themselves wondering a very important question: What is the main difference between college and university? In conversational language, people often use the two terms interchangeably. However, the distinction between the two is very important for anyone planning to attend one. Here at Ontario Virtual School, we have many students exploring post-secondary options, and our Guidance Department specializes in helping students understand the college and university difference so that they can make the decisions that are right for them. But for those looking for a quick rundown, let’s just briefly compare universities vs colleges.

Whether at home or at school, in our personal or public lives, we all like to be noticed for our hard work and dedication. This is why it’s important to take note of significant days, such as  National Principal’s Day, which was celebrated on May 1 this year.  

Ontario Virtual School (OVS) is proud to announce Alaina Noormohamed as this year’s recipient of the April 2025 OVS University Acceptance $500 Scholarship! We are thrilled to celebrate Alaina’s acceptance into the Social Science program at McMaster.