Get the Diploma
You’ve Always Wanted
Returning to school as an adult is a big step. If you’re 18 or older, our Prior Learning Assessment (PLAR) turns your work and life experience into high school credits — so you finish your OSSD faster, on your schedule.
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Who is a Mature Student?
In Ontario, you’re considered a mature student if you’re 18 or older and returning to complete your Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Whether you left school years ago, were educated outside Ontario, or want to upgrade for college, university, or a better career — your experience counts toward your diploma.
You may earn PLAR equivalency credits if you:
Are 18 years of age or older
Were educated outside of Ontario
Have been out of school for at least one year
Have work or life experience related to course material
Flexible learning gives you control over how and when you complete your courses.
A Simple Path to
Your OSSD
Our PLAR assessment recognizes what you already know. Most mature students receive equivalency credits and only complete the courses they truly need.
Step 1
Book Your PLAR Assessment
Register online and submit your previous transcripts, report cards, or proof of experience.
Step 2
Complete Your Evaluation
Ontario Certified Teachers review your transcripts and prior learning for equivalency credits.
Step 3
Receive Equivalency Credits
Get up to 26 of the 30 required credits* granted for your prior education and experience.
*Credits granted depend on the transcripts, work and life experience you provide.
Step 4
Finish Your Final Courses
Complete your remaining credits online at your own pace, in accordance with Ontario Ministry guidelines.
Ready to start? Purchase your PLAR assessment now.
Know PLAR is right for you? Buy the $250 PLAR Equivalency assessment and begin the process today — no consultation needed.
Don’t guess your way to a diploma.
Going back to school as an adult is a big decision. Tell us your goal and our guidance team will email you your next steps. Then, for a one-time $250 PLAR assessment, Ontario Certified Teachers review your transcripts and experience and build your official credit map.
YOUR $250 PLAR ASSESSMENT INCLUDES
PLAR credit estimate — how many of your 30 credits may already be covered by your education and work experience (up to 26)
Your exact course list — only the courses you truly need — most mature students finish with as few as 4
A realistic timeline — built around your schedule, since OES courses are self-paced and start anytime
Official assessment by Ontario Certified Teachers — your transcripts and experience reviewed, with credits granted on your Ontario Student Record
This form is free — pay only when you’re ready.
We’ll confirm PLAR is right for you before you spend a dollar. Not sure? Book a free 15-min guidance call — our team will review your history and map the fastest route to your diploma.
Tell us your goal — we’ll map what’s realistic
Our guidance team will follow up by email within one business day with next steps tailored to your situation — including how to purchase your PLAR assessment when you’re ready.
Credits at a glance
16
Grade 9 & 10 credits
Can be granted through PLAR
10
Grade 11 & 12 credits
Earned via equivalency
4
Minimum credits
Completed with OES to graduate
30
Total credits
Required for your OSSD
Which Path Fits You?
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.
- If you are applying outside the Province of Ontario, you will need to arrange for a proctor (see our FAQ) 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 enrollment such as waiving prerequisites please email info@oeshighschool.com.
Don’t need PLAR? Just need a single credit?
Skip the assessment — enroll directly in the course you need and start today.
How Mature Students Finished Their OSSD with OES
98% University Acceptance Rate.
Thousands of students have successfully earned credits through OES.
Mary’s Return to School
Mary
After ten years in the workforce, Mary used PLAR to earn 24 equivalency credits and completed her final courses with OES in under a year.
David’s New Career Path
David
Educated overseas, David had his transcripts assessed, earned his OSSD, and was accepted into an Ontario college trades program.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Book a free guidance appointment. Our experienced staff will review your history and map the fastest route to your diploma.
Still Have Questions?
Supported by Ontario Certified Teachers
In Ontario, a mature student is anyone who is at least 18 years of age on or after January 1 of the current school year and is enrolled to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), as defined in the Ministry of Education’s Policy/Program Memorandum 132 (PPM-132).
Through PLAR, the principal can grant up to 16 Grade 9 and 10 credits based on individual assessment. Mature students may also earn 10 of the remaining 14 Grade 11 and 12 credits through the equivalency process, and must complete a minimum of 4 Grade 11 and 12 credits at a secondary school such as OES.
The PLAR Equivalency assessment at Ontario eSecondary School costs $250.00. This includes review of your academic records, transcripts, diplomas, certificates and resume to determine how many equivalency credits you may be granted toward your OSSD.
Yes. If you completed some or all of your education outside Ontario or Canada, OES assesses your academic documents through the PLAR equivalency process and grants equivalency credits toward the 30 required for the OSSD — so you only complete the Ontario courses you are missing.
It depends on how many equivalency credits you are granted. Mature students must complete a minimum of 4 Grade 11 and 12 credits at a secondary school such as OES. Courses at OES are 100% online and self-paced, so you can start anytime and finish on your own schedule.