Earning the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) is a significant achievement, opening doors to post-secondary education, career opportunities, and personal growth. At New Virtual School, we provide a clear pathway to meet all OSSD requirements through a flexible, online learning platform aligned with Ontario Ministry of Education standards. Our OSSD program is designed to support students every step of the way, ensuring that they gain the skills, knowledge, and credentials needed to succeed in their academic and career pursuits.
Understand the key requirements needed to earn your Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
What Are the Requirements for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma?
The OSSD requires students to complete specific credits, along with literacy and community involvement requirements. New Virtual School’s accredited courses help students achieve these goals in a structured, student-focused environment.
Here’s a breakdown of the OSSD requirements:
30 Total Credits
Students must complete a minimum of 30 credits to graduate, including 18 compulsory credits and 12 elective credits. Each credit represents successful completion of a high school course.
Literacy Requirement
Students must pass the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) or complete the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OSSLC) to demonstrate literacy proficiency.
Community Involvement
A total of 40 hours of community service is required, giving students the opportunity to contribute to their communities and develop a sense of civic responsibility.
2. Elective Credits (12 Credits)
Elective credits allow students to explore subjects that match their interests, career goals, or post-secondary plans. New Virtual School offers a diverse selection of elective courses in fields such as business, technology, and the humanities. These elective courses enable students to customize their education and gain valuable skills in areas that interest them most, making their high school experience engaging and relevant.
3. Ontario Secondary School Literacy Requirement The literacy requirement is an important part of the OSSD, ensuring that all graduates have the reading and writing skills necessary for success in further education and the workplace. Students can meet this requirement by passing the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT), which is typically taken in Grade 10. If needed, students also have the option to fulfill the literacy requirement by completing the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OSSLC) at Canadian Virtual School.
4. 40 Hours of Community Involvement
Community involvement is a vital component of the OSSD, encouraging students to develop civic responsibility and connect with their communities. Students are required to complete 40 hours of community service, which can be done at any time during high school. New Virtual School provides guidance on acceptable activities and can help students identify volunteer opportunities that align with their interests and goals.
Detailed Overview of OSSD Requirements
1. Compulsory Credits (18 Credits) The compulsory credits form the foundation of the Ontario high school curriculum, covering essential subjects that provide students with a well-rounded education. At New Virtual School, we offer all necessary courses to help students fulfill these credit requirements, which include:
- 4 English Credits (1 per grade)
- 3 Mathematics Credits (at least 1 in Grade 11 or 12)
- 2 Science Credits
- 1 Canadian History Credit
- 1 Canadian Geography Credit
- 1 Arts Credit (can be Visual Arts, Music, or Drama)
- 1 Health and Physical Education Credit
- 1 French as a Second Language Credit
- 0.5 Career Studies Credit
- 0.5 Civics Credit
These compulsory credits ensure that students are prepared with the essential skills and knowledge needed for further education and life beyond high school.
Frequently Asked Questions
Achieve Your Ontario Secondary School Diploma Online with New Virtual School
New Virtual School provides a supportive, structured environment that enables students to meet all OSSD requirements with confidence. From completing required credits to passing the literacy test and fulfilling community involvement, our online platform offers everything students need to graduate and pursue their post-secondary goals. With the flexibility to study at their own pace and access to Ontario-certified teachers, New Virtual School is a top choice for students seeking a quality online education and a pathway to success.
Ready to start your journey toward earning the Ontario Secondary School Diploma? Visit our Student Services page for more information or contact our admissions team to begin planning your path to graduation. With New Virtual School, earning your OSSD has never been more accessible, flexible, or rewarding.