FAQ

Ontario eSecondary School (OES) is a Ministry of Education–inspected online high school (BSID# 667186) where students register any day of the year and complete Ontario curriculum courses at their own pace within a 12-month window. For over 10 years, OES has helped more than 10,000 students earn OSSD credits online — with a near-100% post-secondary acceptance rate among our graduates. There are no semesters, fixed start dates, or waiting lists — you could finish a course in 4 weeks or take the full year.

Every course is delivered through our online learning platform with videos, interactive lessons, PDFs, and multimedia content, and every assessment follows the Ministry’s Growing Success assessment and evaluation policy, clearly labelled as Assessment of Learning (AOL), Assessment for Learning (AFL), or Assessment as Learning (AAL). You submit work online, receive feedback from your Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT), and complete a proctored final exam. When you finish, OES mails official embossed report cards to your home address and to your home school, where the credit is added to your Ontario Student Transcript (OST).

Yes. OES is inspected by the Ontario Ministry of Education and authorized to grant OSSD credits — identical to credits earned at publicly funded and private schools across Ontario. Our Ministry BSID# is 667186. You can verify our status in two places:

1. The Ontario Ministry’s private school contact list (search BSID# 667186)
2. Our Ministry Inspection Letter

Almost anyone can enroll at OES — no permission from your current school is required. You are eligible whether you are:

• A full-time student at a public, private, or Catholic high school in Ontario
• A student living in another province (including Quebec) or another country
• An adult returning to complete or upgrade credits
• A university or college student needing a prerequisite
• A homeschooled student
• An elementary student ready to “reach ahead” into Grade 9 courses

We do recommend confirming there’s no conflict with your day-school schedule. OES communicates your enrollment and final credit to your home school once the credit is earned. OSSD credits earned at OES are the same as those earned at publicly funded high schools in Ontario.

You can start any day of the year, and every course comes with a 12-month completion window with no internal due dates. You decide when to submit assignments and when to write tests. Each course is designed around 110 hours of instruction, but your progress is based on completing lessons and assessments — not time spent online. Motivated students often finish in 4–8 weeks; others spread the work across the full year.

To maintain attendance, we recommend and expect students to log in at least once per week. Any consecutive 7-day period (Monday to Sunday) without a login is recorded as an absence (see Question 8 for how attendance and participation now count toward your grade).

You can purchase a course extension any time on or before your expiry date:

• 1 additional month — $75
• 3 additional months — $200
• 6 additional months — $400

The maximum total extension for any course is 12 months, and fees are based on the months purchased in each transaction. Students are removed from expired courses within 5 business days of the course expiring, and once removed, a course cannot be reactivated. Extending your course on time is imperative — it keeps your access active and ensures your teacher knows you’re continuing, so plan ahead or contact us before your deadline.

Beginning in September 2026, the Ontario Ministry of Education requires written final exams and an attendance-and-participation mark in most Grade 9–12 courses, under updates to the Growing Success assessment policy. 

Every student’s final mark is now built from three components:

The final-evaluation portion breaks down differently by subject:

• English, Mathematics, and Science: 20% written exam in Grades 9–10 and 25% written exam in Grades 11–12. In Grade 9 math (MTH1W), the EQAO Grade 9 Assessment of Mathematics counts as the written exam and makes up 20% of the mark.
• Canadian and World Studies: 20% written exam in Grades 9–10 (Geography, History, Civics); 15% written exam + 10% culminating task in Grades 11–12.
• Business Studies, Social Sciences and Humanities: 10% exam + 10% culminating task in Grades 9–10; 15% exam + 10% culminating task in Grades 11–12.
• The Arts, Computer Studies, Health & Physical Education, Technological Education, French as a Second Language, International Languages, First Nations, Métis and Inuit Studies: 10% exam + 10% culminating task in Grades 9–10; 10% exam + 15% culminating task in Grades 11–12 (NBE3U/NBE3C require a 25% written exam).
• Grade 10 Career Studies (GLC2O): 5% financial literacy graduation requirement + 15% culminating task.

Exempt from mandatory written exams: locally developed compulsory credit courses (Grades 9–10), workplace preparation (E) courses and open (O) courses (Grades 11–12), Guidance and Career Education (except GLC2O), Co-operative Education, Interdisciplinary Studies, and American Sign Language as a Second Language. These courses still require a final evaluation (20% or 25%) that may be a project, presentation, or portfolio.

Courses completed before September 2026 remain under the previous assessment model.

Yes — and OES already meets the standard by design. As a Ministry-inspected online high school, OES courses have always ended with closed-book, proctored final exams, so the return of mandatory written exams is nothing new for our students. The Ministry’s updated policy also explicitly confirms that private schools may continue to proctor exams online for their students, which means OES students can keep writing their exams from home under live online supervision by an Ontario Certified Teacher — no travel required.

This matters most for university-bound students: Grade 12 university-preparation courses such as ENG4U, MHF4U, MCV4U, SBI4U, and SCH4U carry the full 25% written exam weighting, and OES delivers these exams under proper supervision — exactly what the Ministry, OUAC, and universities expect. If you have questions about how the new rules affect your upgrade or fast-track plans, book a free guidance call with our team.

Attendance and participation now form 15% of the final mark in Grades 9–10 and 10% in Grades 11–12 — and OES has built both directly into every course.

Attendance: We recommend and expect students to log in at least once per week. Any consecutive 7-day period (Monday to Sunday) without a login is recorded as an absence. Consistent with Ministry policy, excused absences — such as documented illness or holy days — do not negatively affect a student’s mark.

Participation: To meet the Ministry of Education’s new participation requirement, OES has created dedicated tasks within our courses that check off the requirement as students progress. These items are clearly labelled throughout each course so students don’t miss them. Students and parents can email info@oeshighschool.com at any time for more information about how the participation component works.

The advantage of self-paced learning is that staying “present” is entirely within your control — one login per week keeps your attendance in good standing, and completing your clearly labelled participation tasks keeps that portion of your grade on track while preparing you for the final exam.

Starting in 2026–27, students who entered Grade 9 in 2025–26 or later must pass a financial literacy assessment with a mark of 70% or higher to earn their OSSD. The requirement is completed within the compulsory Grade 10 Career Studies course (GLC2O) using learning modules and assessment questions developed by TVO, and it counts for 5% of the GLC2O final mark. Students get two attempts within the course (the highest mark counts), and additional pathways — supervised re-attempts, TVO equivalency activities, and an adjudication process — are available for students who need them. Once met, the requirement is recorded on the Ontario Student Transcript. OES offers GLC2O online, so students can complete this graduation requirement with us.

All unit tests and final exams at OES are closed-book and written under supervision — and final exam proctoring is now included in your course fee.

Unit tests: Students have two options for each unit test:

1. Arrange your own in-person proctor — write at a time and place that suits you. Apply at least 48–72 hours in advance using the OES Proctor Form in your course (see Question 11 for who qualifies).
2. Use the paid OES online proctoring service — book a supervised session with an Ontario Certified Teacher, ideal if you can’t find a local proctor or need a last-minute booking. You’ll need a webcam, microphone, laptop or desktop, printer, scanner (or scanner app), and government-issued photo ID.

Final exams: Final exam proctoring is included in your course fee — no separate arrangement or extra cost required. Once you’re enrolled, we’ll provide full details on how to book your final exam when your course content is complete. The Ministry’s 2026 policy expressly permits private schools to continue proctoring exams online, so OES students can write their final exam from home under live supervision.

For unit tests, anyone who is not related to you, is not a student or tutor, and holds a university degree or college designation can serve as your proctor. If you attend a day school, a teacher, librarian, or guidance counsellor there is often the easiest option. Public libraries, colleges, universities, and testing centres also frequently offer proctoring services. Otherwise, a neighbour, manager, co-worker, professor, engineer, registered nurse, lawyer, or Chartered Accountant are all examples of people commonly approved. If a proctor charges a fee for their services, that cost is the student’s responsibility — and if no in-person option works, the paid OES online proctoring service is always available.

Note: this applies to unit tests only. Your final exam is proctored through OES and included in your course fee — booking details are provided once your course content is complete (see Question 10).

Standard grading at OES is returned within about 5 business days; Fast Track upgrades that to 1–2 business days with 24-hour teacher response times. You never have to wait on a grade to keep moving — you can continue through your lessons at your own pace, though we recommend reviewing teacher feedback before submitting your next major assessment.

Fast Track is our priority grading service, popular with students facing OUAC/OCAS application deadlines, upgrading marks, retaking a course, or simply wanting a faster rhythm. Learn more or add it to your course on our Fast Track page.

Every OES student is assigned an Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT) — the same certification held by public school teachers — plus free, unlimited, 24/7 on-demand online tutoring. You’ll have the same teacher throughout your course; they answer questions, provide detailed feedback, and grade your assessments, and should be your first point of contact for anything course-related (reachable by email).

The included tutoring service is instant, unlimited, available around the clock, covers every subject OES offers, supports English and French, and includes live essay editing. Between your certified teacher and round-the-clock tutoring, you’re never studying alone. Meet our teachers on our Staff page.

Yes — OES supports students with IEPs throughout their courses and provides exam accommodations based on your documentation. After enrolling, complete our IEP intake form so we can put the right supports in place. Final exam accommodations may include assistive technology, extended time (up to double time), a scribe, reading of questions, and breaks during the exam. Accommodations are arranged individually based on your existing IEP documentation.

For more information — and to submit your IEP documents confidentially and securely — contact iep@oeshighschool.com. You can also learn more on our IEP page.

A repeat course lets a student who already passed a course retake it for a higher mark — usually to meet a university or college admission requirement. There is no difference in course content or the time you’re given: you take the exact same course, with the same 12-month window, as any first-time student. The only differences are that it’s your second attempt and how it’s reported on your Ontario Student Transcript — you earn only one credit, both attempts appear on the OST, and an “R” is recorded beside the lower grade.

To register, you must have completed the same course within the past 12 months with a final grade of at least 50%, and provide proof (report card, transcript, or credit counselling summary). Many students pair a repeat course with Fast Track so the new mark is ready before OUAC or OCAS deadlines. Browse our Upgrade/Repeat courses.

Most Grade 10–12 courses have prerequisites, listed on each course page, and equivalents earned outside Ontario can be recognized. You’ll provide proof of the prerequisite (report card, transcript, or credit counselling summary) at registration. If you completed an equivalent course in another province or country, or believe you have grounds for a waiver, contact us — OES offers a Prerequisite Waiver process and Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) for eligible students.

If you studied outside Ontario, we can meet with you as part of our academic advising appointments to review your transcripts and guide you accordingly on exactly which courses you need for the OSSD. You can book a 15-minute academic guidance call anytime.

Registration requires one piece of government-issued ID plus one academic document showing your prerequisite (where applicable) and your Ontario Education Number (OEN).

Government-issued ID (any one):

• Birth certificate, driver’s licence, health card, or passport

Academic document (any one):

• Ontario Student Transcript (OST), credit counselling summary, report card, or an out-of-province/international report card or transcript

Scan or photograph your documents clearly and email them to info@oeshighschool.com after completing your registration form. If you previously attended an Ontario high school but don’t have these documents, contact that school board’s office for copies. If your academic history is entirely outside Ontario, email us and we’ll guide you through the next steps.

Tuition covers everything associated with the course — no textbooks to buy (e-copies provided when required) — and includes free, unlimited 24/7 online tutoring and final exam proctoring, making OES one of the best values in Ontario right now.

• Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents: fees are listed on each grade-level course page.
• International students: $895.00 CAD per course, Grades 9 through 12.

With free 24/7 tutoring and final exam proctoring built into every enrollment, there are no hidden costs standing between you and your credit.

Most students pay tuition only, but the following optional or situational fees may apply:

• Official transcripts: $50, plus shipping.
• Course transfers: $150 administrative fee, available within 7 days of registration. Transferring does not reset your original 12-month deadline.
• Course extensions: $75 (1 month), $200 (3 months), $400 (6 months), to a maximum of 12 additional months.
• Equivalent credit assessment: $250 for the official assessment of out-of-province or international transcripts.
• OUAC account management: part of the Main School Fee ($250) for students whose OSR is held by OES, covering account management and applications to 3 post-secondary institutions.

Refunds are available within 24 hours of purchase (or afterwards at the Principal’s discretion), and course transfers are available within 7 days of registration for a $150 fee. Beyond the 24-hour window, refunds aren’t provided due to the administrative work of creating your student record and granting course access. The Principal’s decision is final in all refund and transfer cases. Before purchasing, please make sure the course meets your requirements — if you’re unsure, email info@oeshighschool.com or book a free guidance call and we’ll help you choose.

Yes — all universities and colleges in Ontario accept OES credits, and they appear on your Ontario Student Transcript exactly like credits from any other Ontario school. As a Ministry of Education–inspected private high school, our OSSD credits are recognized across Canada and internationally, including by NCAA-member schools in the United States. Over more than 10 years, OES has served 10,000+ students with a near-100% post-secondary acceptance rate. If you have questions about how a specific institution or program views grades, we suggest speaking directly with their admissions office — and our guidance team is happy to help you prepare for those conversations.

To earn the OSSD, students must complete 30 credits, 40 hours of community involvement, the provincial literacy requirement, 2 online learning credits, and — for newer cohorts — the financial literacy graduation requirement. In detail:

• 30 credits — 18 compulsory + 12 optional
• 40 hours of community involvement activities
• The literacy requirement — usually the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT), or the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OLC4O) for eligible students
• 2 online learning credits — for students who entered Grade 9 in September 2020 or later (parents/guardians may opt out through their school). Courses completed at OES count toward this requirement.
• The financial literacy graduation requirement — for students who entered Grade 9 in 2025–26 or later, completed within Grade 10 Career Studies (GLC2O) with a mark of 70% or higher (see Question 9)

If OES is your home school, our guidance team tracks all of these requirements with you. If you attend another school, your OES credits are sent to your home school and applied toward your diploma there.

The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) is a provincial graduation requirement, normally written in Grade 10, that assesses reading and writing skills across the curriculum. Students who attend a day school typically write the OSSLT there.

If OES is your home school and you reside in Ontario, we will contact you when the time comes with details on how to book your OSSLT sitting. If you reside outside Ontario, you can meet the literacy requirement instead by completing the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OSSLC) — offered at OES as OLC4O — entirely online. Students who have been unsuccessful on the OSSLT may also meet the requirement through OLC4O.

Yes — OES notifies your home school at registration, at your course midpoint, and at completion, and sends both midterm and final report cards so your credit is added to your Ontario Student Transcript (OST). Official embossed copies of your final report card are also mailed to your home address. If OES holds your Ontario Student Record (OSR), we maintain your transcript directly and can manage your OUAC account and communicate with post-secondary institutions on your behalf. Official stamped transcripts can be ordered by emailing info@oeshighschool.com ($50, plus shipping).

OES serves every kind of student, anywhere in the world, on any schedule.

• Mature and adult students: Finish your OSSD, upgrade marks, or earn prerequisites for college, university, or a career change — entirely on your schedule. PLAR may recognize your prior learning and reduce the number of courses you need.
• International students: Study from anywhere and earn internationally recognized Ontario credits ($895 CAD per course). Our advisors can review your existing transcripts in a 15-minute academic guidance call and map out your path.
• Homeschool students: Earn official, Ministry-recognized OSSD credits while continuing to learn from home, with a certified teacher supporting every course.
• Quebec students: The OSSD is a recognized alternative pathway around Cégep. Students can complete their diploma in as little as one year and use it to apply to universities across Canada — including Anglophone universities in Quebec — and NCAA schools in the US. We also work with licensed Quebec teachers and a consultant who can support homeschooling families with the DEM process, learning projects, deadlines, and exams.
• Reach-ahead elementary students: Strong Grade 8 students can begin earning Grade 9 credits early through our reach-ahead program.

Not sure where you fit? Book a free guidance appointment and we’ll build a plan around your goals.