Today there are many options for students wishing to earn high school credits towards the Ontario High School Diploma:
Whichever option you choose, please keep in mind that Mostly Math can help you succeed.
One drawback to these alternatives is that a student usually has no face-to-face access to a teacher. We are here, on a regular or an as-needed basis, to:
We have provided some information and links below to help you with your research and your choice.
Correspondence courses are an example of distance education. In these courses, material is mailed back and forth between teacher and student. There is generally no “teaching” involved in the course, as the student is expected to learn by studying the course resource material independently. Assignments are sent for grading, and there is usually a final examination. The Ministry of Ontario’s Independent Learning Centre (ILC) offers high school credits in this manner.
When independent learning is arranged through a school, students generally work independently from a teacher or class, but may check in with a supervisor from time to time. If students are earning high school or university credits independently, then they will usually be required to complete assignments and/or write examinations as proof of their learning. “Independent Study Credits” at some institutions allow students to design their own course curriculum and evaluation methods. Or, students may follow a prescribed curriculum to receive an existing credit offered by the school.
Virtual schools offer a way to earn high school credits without physically attending school. A virtual school is an educational institution, often without a physical campus, where interaction between teachers and students is conducted through email, discussion boards, chatting, and web sites.
Students apply to enroll in these schools as they would any other traditional high school and receive the equivalent of a public/private school education from home. Some of these schools even have a Guidance Department and can offer academic counseling services.
Review the Ontario curriculum outlines for elementary schools or for secondary schools.
Help is also available from the Ontario Federation of Teaching Parents.
Most Ontario universities are developing policies to address home schooled applicants, if they don’t have a policy already, even for students who may not have any recognized high school credits or an official transcript.
More information available here.
You may also want to read a Canadian research report on home schooling and university admission.
Isn’t schooling compulsory? Is home school legal?Yes, it is legal to home school your children.Lastly …our very best advice:Mostly Math’s Founder and previous Director is an active and knowledgeable advocate of home schooling. You will find a wealth of information on her blog. In her own words, “be prepared for more than you ever wanted to know!”