Understanding the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) Requirements
The Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) is a key milestone for high school students in Ontario, marking the successful completion of their secondary education. The requirements for earning an OSSD are designed to ensure that students graduate with a well-rounded education, equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in post-secondary education, the workforce, and beyond. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what students need to accomplish to earn their OSSD, whether they started Grade 9 before or after Fall 2023.
Compulsory Credits:
For students who began Grade 9 in or before Fall 2023, the OSSD requires a total of 18 compulsory credits, including:
- 4 credits in English (one per grade level)
- 3 credits in Mathematics (with at least one credit in Grade 11 or 12)
- 2 credits in Science
- 1 credit in Canadian History (Grade 10)
- 1 credit in Canadian Geography (Grade 9)
- 1 credit in the Arts
- 1 credit in Health and Physical Education
- 1 credit in French as a Second Language
- 0.5 credit in Career Studies
- 0.5 credit in Civics and Citizenship
In addition to these, students must complete 1 credit from each of the following specialized groups:
- Group 1:
- English (including the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course) or French as a second language
- Native languages
- First Nations, Métis, and Inuit studies
- Classical studies and international languages
- Social sciences and humanities
- Canadian and world studies
- Guidance and career education
- Cooperative education
- American Sign Language as a second language
- Langue des signes québécoise langue seconde (for French-language schools)
- Group 2:
- Health and physical education
- The arts
- Business studies
- French as a second language
- Cooperative education
- American Sign Language as a second language
- Langue des signes québécoise langue seconde (for French-language schools)
- Group 3:
- Science (Grade 11 or 12)
- Technological education
- French as a second language
- Computer studies
- Cooperative education
- American Sign Language as a second language
- Langue des signes québécoise langue seconde (for French-language schools)
For students who started Grade 9 in Fall 2024 or later, the OSSD requirements have been updated to reflect a stronger emphasis on STEM-related courses and technological education. These students need 17 compulsory credits, including:
- 4 credits in English (one per grade level)
- 3 credits in Mathematics (Grade 9, Grade 10, and one credit in Grade 11 or 12)
- 2 credits in Science
- 1 credit in Technological Education (Grade 9 or 10)
- 1 credit in Canadian History (Grade 10)
- 1 credit in Canadian Geography (Grade 9)
- 1 credit in the Arts
- 1 credit in Health and Physical Education
- 1 credit in French as a Second Language
- 0.5 credit in Career Studies
- 0.5 credit in Civics and Citizenship
- 1 credit from the STEM-related course group, which includes:
- Business studies
- Computer studies
- Cooperative education
- Mathematics (beyond the 3 compulsory credits)
- Science (beyond the 2 compulsory credits)
- Technological education (beyond the 1 compulsory credit)
Optional Credits:
In addition to the compulsory credits, students must earn 12 optional credits (13 for those starting Grade 9 in 2024 or later). These credits allow students to explore subjects of personal interest and tailor their education to their future goals. Optional credits can include courses from various disciplines offered in the school’s program and course calendar, and up to 4 of these credits can be earned through approved dual credit programs.
Literacy Graduation Requirement:
All students must meet the literacy requirement to earn their OSSD. This is typically done by passing the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT). For students who do not pass the OSSLT, alternative methods are available to fulfill this requirement, such as taking the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OSSLC).
Online Learning Requirement:
Students who started Grade 9 in the 2020-21 school year or later are required to complete at least 2 online learning credits as part of their graduation requirements. This ensures that students are prepared for the increasingly digital nature of education and work. There are provisions for opting out, but they come with specific criteria.
Community Involvement Activities
To graduate, students must complete a minimum of 40 hours of community involvement activities. This requirement is designed to foster a sense of civic responsibility and encourage students to contribute to their communities. These activities can begin as early as the summer before Grade 9 and must adhere to the guidelines set by the Ministry of Education.
How Toronto Global Academy Supports Students in Achieving Their OSSD
At Toronto Global Academy, we are committed to guiding our students through every step of the journey toward earning their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Our dedicated educators provide personalized support in fulfilling both the compulsory and optional credit requirements, ensuring that each student’s educational experience is aligned with their individual goals and interests.
We offer robust resources to help students meet the literacy and online learning requirements, including access to the necessary courses and tutoring support. Additionally, our staff actively assists students in finding and completing their community involvement activities, ensuring that they not only meet the 40-hour requirement but also engage in meaningful and enriching experiences.
Toronto Global Academy is dedicated to providing a comprehensive and supportive environment that empowers students to achieve their OSSD and prepares them for success in their future endeavors, whether in post-secondary education or the workforce. With our expert guidance and personalized approach, every student can confidently navigate the path to graduation and beyond.
For more information on the Ontario Secondary School Diploma Requirements or assistance in course selection: