1. The requirement

Under Policy/Program Memorandum 167, a student must earn a minimum of two online learning credits toward the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. It applies to students who entered Grade 9 in the 2020-2021 school year or later, and to adult learners who entered the Ontario secondary school system in 2023-2024 or later.

2. What counts as an online learning course

The Ministry defines an online learning course as a Grade 9 to 12 credit course delivered entirely using the internet, which does not require students to be physically present with one another or with the educator, except where physical presence is needed for examinations and other final evaluations, or for access to internet connectivity, learning devices or other school based supports.

3. How courses at this school qualify

Every credit course this school offers is delivered entirely through the student portal, asynchronously. No course requires a student to be present with the teacher or with other students at any set time. Work is completed against weekly milestones rather than at scheduled classes.

That is true for every student, whatever attendance format they choose. A student who studies on site at the Vaughan campus is using supervised study space and support; they are taking the same online course, on the same schedule, assessed in the same way. Physical presence at the campus is never required and is never marked.

A student who successfully completes two or more credits at this school therefore satisfies the online learning graduation requirement, unless the student has been opted out.

The Ministry's definition expressly permits physical presence for examinations and other final evaluations. A student who chooses to write the final examination on site at the Vaughan campus under staff invigilation does not affect the status of the credit.

4. Opting out

Online learning does not suit every student. A student may be opted out of the requirement, for any reason, at any time. Opting out removes the graduation requirement only. It does not prevent the student from taking online courses at this school, and it does not affect any credit already earned.

Who may opt a student out

• A parent or guardian of the student.
• A student who is 18 years of age or older.
• A student who is 16 or 17 years of age and has withdrawn from parental control.

How to opt out

1. Request the Online Learning Opt-Out Form from the school. It is issued through the student portal and is also available from the school office.
2. Complete and sign it, and return it to the Principal through the portal or at the school office.
3. The Principal acknowledges receipt in writing. The requirement stops applying from the date the form is placed in the student's Ontario Student Record.

5. Opting back in

A student or parent who changes their mind may opt back into the requirement at any time before graduation. The request is made in writing to the Principal in the same way, and the change is recorded in the Ontario Student Record and reflected on the transcript.

6. Records and transcripts

The signed form is filed in the student's Ontario Student Record. The school that holds the record ensures the status is shown on the Ontario Student Transcript and on the provincial report card. The notation used is:

How the record is kept and who may see it is set out in the Ontario Student Record Management Policy.