Things You Should Know About OSSD High School Program

OSSD high school diploma is a certification given to high school graduates in Ontario, Canada. It is among the most important documents that every student should have. Your OSSD high school diploma does not only show that you have completed your secondary education—it also proves that you have necessary skills and competencies to pursue a college degree, university degree, or enter the workplace.

Also, the OSSD high school program is considered among the best Canadian curricula, exceeding all curriculum expectations set out by the Ministry of Education. It is a world-recognized qualification. With it, you can qualify for admission to many universities around the world.

In order to graduate and get the diploma, you have to meet all OSSD requirements. What are those?

  1. Pass 30 credit courses between grades 9 and 12, which is divided into 18 compulsory credits and 12 optional credits.
  1. The 18 compulsory credits should include the following courses:
  • English (4 credits, 1 credit per grade)
  • Mathematics (3 credits, 1 credit must be in Grade 11 or 12)
  • Science (2 credits)
  • Canadian History (1 credit)
  • Canadian Geography (1 credit)
  • The Arts (1 credit)
  • Health and Physical Education (1 credit)
  • French as a Second Language (1 credit)
  • Career Studies (0.5 credit)
  • Civics (0.5 credit)
  • The remaining 3 compulsory credits can be chosen from three different subject groups posted on OSSD’s official website.
  1. The 12 optional credit courses can be chosen according to your interest or pathways. You are free to choose any from the courses that are available in your respective school.
  1. Complete 40 hours of community involvement. Every year in the span of four years, you need to finish 10 hours of community service. You may do it while earning your secondary school credits.
  1. Pass the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT), which is the standard means for meeting the Literacy Requirement. You may also take the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OLC4O) if unsuccessful.

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