Get the diploma you've always wanted.
Let us help you get the credits you need to graduate from high school with an OSSD
We recognize that getting back into studying can be intimidating but we are here to help. Whether you have a job, a family and daily responsibilities our program allows you to access your learning from the comfort of your own home. At OES you will receive support from our guidance office and 24/7 tutoring included in your tuition. Take the next step and reach your goals today: whether your goals include getting a new job, going to college or earning a promotion at work, OES is here to support you.
Who is a Mature Student?
As of February 1, 2022 the newly revised mandatory PLAR requirements set out in this memorandum will come into effect, and will apply to mature students as defined as:
- a mature student is a student who is at least 18 years of age on or after January 1 of the current school year and who is enrolled in a program for the purpose of obtaining an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
- School boards must also ensure that the following groups of mature students are also granted equivalent credits (see Appendix 1) for:
- An OSSD under Ontario Schools, Intermediate and Senior Divisions (Grades 7-12/OACs): Program and Diploma Requirements, 1989 (OSIS) for students who entered the Ontario secondary school system in Grade 9 before September 1, 1999.
- A Secondary School Graduation Diploma (SSGD) under Circular H.S. 1, (1979-81) for students who entered the Ontario secondary school system in Grade 9 before September 1, 1984.
You may be eligible to earn credits through PLAR if any one of the following applies:
- You started Grade 9 in Ontario in 1999 or later, but you did not earn the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
- You have earned senior credits (grades 11 and 12) in English and Math but are missing junior credits (grades 9 and 10) in compulsory subject areas.
- You completed some or all of your high school education outside Ontario or Canada and you have academic documents to indicate what educational level you completed.
- You attended high school outside Ontario or Canada but you do not have any documents to show what educational level you have completed.
Through PLAR, it may be possible for an adult student to earn credits towards an OSSD faster than you think! Read more below and also from this Ministry Memoranda which we use as a guide.
Completed some or all of high school outside of Ontario, or have completed some or all College or University education outside of Ontario.
Please read about the Equivalency Process (assessment of documents) and then proceed below:
- Purchase the PLAR (Prior Learning and Recognition) service you are interested in. The fee for the PLAR Equivalency is $250.00.
- Complete the registration form that you will receive in your email after your purchase.
- Complete the Equivalency Form
- Review the Ministry Memoranda so you understand what is expected from you and what may apply to you
- Email a scanned copy of Government Issued ID to info@oeshighschool.com
- As it applies, please email a scanned copy of all your academic records, transcripts, diplomas, certificates and resume along with any other experience you have gained to info@oeshighschool.com — this will help us determine how many equivalency credits you may be granted and/or whether you are eligible for the challenge process.
- If you are applying outside the Province of Ontario, you will need to arrange for a proctor (see our FAQ for more information) to oversee our mandatory English Proficiency Assessment.
During this process an Ontario Education Number (OEN) will be assigned to you and an Ontario Student Record (OSR) will be created and maintained in our office. The results of the PLAR will outline the number of credits you have been granted (out of 30) and the stream you have been placed in outlining the types of courses you will be eligible to complete going forward.
Earned some high school credits in Ontario or completed all of them (ie. 30 credits) and would like to enroll into a University or College level course but do not have the prerequisite course or would simply like to complete your high school diploma.
If you are a mature student and know the course you would like to register for and are confident that you have the prerequisite, you are welcome to learn more on our “How Does it Work?” page and enroll in the course you desire. Proof of prerequisite in the form of a transcript, report card or credit summary will be required.
If you have any questions or would like to know more about course enrolment such as waiving prerequisites please email info@oeshighschool.com
Depending on your circumstance and completion of some high school credits, the Principal would be able to grant you up to 16 Grade 9 and 10 credits. We would be able to do this through you providing us with:
a) previous academic records, or
b) transcripts and completion of individual assessments, or
(c) completion of individual assessments.
If mature students have completed training programs or military service programs they may qualify for equivalency credits or have the ability to challenge a course for credit. Up to 16 Grade 9 and 10 credits may be granted to a mature student at the discretion of the principal following individual assessment.
For Grade 11 and 12 credits:
Mature students may earn 10 of the 14 remaining Grade 11 and 12 credits needed to meet diploma requirements in two ways:
(1) they may present education and/or training credentials for assessment through the equivalency process;
The equivalency process involves the assessment of credentials from other jurisdictions for courses already complete.
or
(2) they may take the courses.
It should be noted that Levels 2 and 3 in both classical languages and international languages are equivalent to Grades 11 and 12, respectively, and that Levels 4 and 5 in Native languages are equivalent to Grades 11 and 12, respectively.
Mature students must earn a minimum of 4 Grade 11 and 12 credits by taking the course at a secondary school such as OES. Mature students who have previously accumulated 26 or more credits towards the diploma must successfully complete the required number of courses to bring their total number of credits up to 30 before they will be eligible to receive the OSSD.
Student Stories
Mary is a former OES student. She took MAP4C – Grade 12 College math with OES and currently works as a medical coder. She registered with the course through Ontario eSecondary School because she needed the opportunity to earn a high school credit online.
Read more about her experience here
To proceed with admission into OES as a mature student please read the scenario that fits your circumstance and follow those steps accordingly:
Purchase the initial steps for the PLAR assessment here .This will allow us to begin the process for your Mature Student Assessment by reviewing necessary documents and assigning assessments for English, Science, Math, Geography and History (if applicable).
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