How to Get a High School Diploma Online in Canada

Many Canadian high school students earn their diplomas using non-traditional methods.

A number of educational options are available for Canadian students who are unable or choose not to attend traditional high schools. Requirements for high school diplomas vary from province to province. Residents of Ontario can register for online high school courses through e-Learning Ontario. Credits earned through e-Learning Ontario can count toward a high school diploma. Students living outside Ontario should consult their provincial Ministry of Education for online diploma requirements.

Instructions

1. Make sure that you meet the e-learning credit course requirements. Students can enroll in e-Learning Ontario credit courses if they are eligible to attend a provincially funded school in Ontario and if they need secondary school credit courses to obtain an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

2. Determine which courses you need to earn your diploma.The OSSD requires 30 credit courses, including 18 compulsory credits and 12 electives. Students must earn a specific number of credits in core subjects such as mathematics, English, science and Canadian history.

3. Contact your local school board to determine your "home school." Students who enroll in a secondary school e-learning course must be registered in the school for which they qualify to be resident pupils under the Ontario Education Act.

4. Register for the online courses of your choice.

5. Participate in an e-learning orientation. Ontario high schools offer these mandatory orientations to students newly enrolled in e-learning courses.

6. Complete the requirements for your e-learning courses. Students receive credits for completing courses based on the final mark provided by their instructors.

7. Take as many courses as needed to complete the OSSD requirements.

8. When you have accumulated the required number of course credits, contact your "home school" to arrange the conferral of your OSSD.

Tips & Warnings

• Students in Ontario must meet other requirements in addition to completing the minimum number of required courses. All Ontario Secondary School Diploma holders must pass the Grade 10 Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test and complete at least 40 hours of approved Community Involvement activities. Students completing high school course work online must contact their "home school" to ensure that these requirements are fulfilled and documented.

References

• Ontario Ministry of Education: "e-Learning Ontario Policy Document"
• Ontario Ministry of Education: "About e-Learning Ontario"
• Virtual High School Ontario: "Frequently Asked Questions"
• Ontario Ministry of Education: "What Do You Need to Graduate?"