Getting ready for high school

Grade 10

In Grade 10, there are 4 types of courses.

• Academic (D): Focus on theoretical concepts and abstract problems, preparing students for Grade 11 and 12 University, College and College/University courses.
• Applied (P): Focus on essential concepts and practical concrete examples, preparing students for Grades 11 and 12 College and College/University courses
• Open (O): Provide broad knowledge and skills that are suitable for all students. These courses are not designed with specific postsecondary requirements in mind.
• Locally developed (L): Meet specific needs of students with a focus on essential skills and knowledge.

Grade 11 and 12

In Grade 11 and 12, there are 6 types of courses.

• University (U): Designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the entrance requirements for university programs.
• College/University (M): Designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the entrance requirements for specific programs offered at universities and colleges.
• College (C): Designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the entrance requirements for most college programs or for admission to specific apprenticeship or other training program.
• Workplace (E): Designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the expectations of employers (if they plan to enter the workforce directly after graduation) or the requirements for admission to certain apprenticeship or other training programs.
• Open (O): Provide broad knowledge and skills that are suitable for all students. These courses are not designed with specific postsecondary requirements in mind.
• Dual credits (T,Y): Allow students to take college courses and/or apprenticeship training to earn credits toward both their high school diploma and a postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree, or Certificate of Apprenticeship.

Provincial assessments

In high school, your child will take the following provincial assessments:

Grade 9 Math EQAO

In Grade 9 Math, your child will take the Grade 9 Math EQAO assessment. This assessment evaluates your child’s understanding of the Grade 9 math curriculum and counts for at least 10%, and up to 30%, of their final mark in the course.

Find sample tests and resources to prepare for the Grade 9 Math EQAO.

Grade 10 Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT)

The provincial secondary school literacy requirement measures whether your child is meeting the minimum standard for literacy skills across all subjects up to the end of Grade 9. Most students complete this assessment in Grade 10.

Find practice tests and resources to prepare for the Grade 10 literacy test.

Learning resources for parents and students

We provide several resources to help you stay informed and support your child’s education journey:

• Our parent guides explain different parts of the education system, helping you understand what to expect and how to support your child.
• Free online courses offer additional learning opportunities and support for both you and your child.
• TVO Learn offers curriculum-linked digital resources and education programs to enhance your child's learning experience.

Find resources for parents and students.

These programs give your child real-world experience, practical skills and help them explore different career paths.

Skilled trades

Schools have programs that help students explore in-demand careers in the skilled trades. These programs give students exposure to a wide range of secure, high-paying and satisfying careers.

Explore hands-on learning opportunities like co-op, apprenticeships, and Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programs.

Cooperative (co-op) education courses

By taking a co-op course, your child can do a work placement in their community along with classroom learning. This allows them to:

• get real-life work experience
• develop hands-on skills
• build a resumé for their postsecondary plans

All high schools offer co-op courses.

Learn more about co-op courses and how they give your child real job experiences.

Specialist High Skills Major

The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program allows your child to focus on a specific industry. By completing an SHSM, your child will graduate with:

• a specialized high school diploma
• industry certifications and training
• on-the-job skills

Learn more about how an SHSM prepares your child for their chosen industry.

Youth apprenticeships

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) lets students work in apprenticeships starting in the summer before Grade 11 through cooperative education (co-op).

Your child can become a registered apprentice, and work toward becoming certified in a skilled trade, while completing their high school diploma.

The FAST stream of OYAP allows your child to accelerate their apprenticeship training and graduate with enhanced skilled trades learning.

Learn more about being a youth apprentice in high school.

Dual credits

Dual credit programs allow students in high school to take college courses or apprenticeship training that count toward their Ontario Secondary School Diploma and a postsecondary certificate, diploma, degree or a Certificate of Apprenticeship.

Talk to your high school’s guidance counsellor to see if your school offers dual credit programs.

Local school programs

Schools can offer different types of local programs, such as:

• academically accelerated programs (International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement)
• specialized arts and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programs

These are not Ministry of Education programs but some schools choose to offer them.

Reach out to your school board to learn about the different programs available at the schools in your area.

Each high school has a student success team that provides extra attention and support to students who need help.

Schools offer student success programs that meet the diverse needs, interests and strengths of all students.

Student success programs can include:

• job skills programs
• programs like the Graduation Coach Program for Black Students and the Indigenous Graduation Coach Program
• initiatives like the Urban and Priority High Schools Initiative or the Focus on Youth (FOY) Program

Reach out to your school’s student success team to learn more about the programs they have.

We help students in all grades develop knowledge and skills to make informed choices about their education, career and life outside school. In high school, your child will:

• learn about themselves
• explore opportunities
• set goals and make plans

Schools offer a variety of programs and activities to engage your child in learning and prepare for graduation, life after high school and their future career opportunities. Your school’s guidance counsellor will help your child learn about career and postsecondary planning and resources.

Learn more about how your child plans their education, career and life goals in school.

Explore different careers

In Grade 10, your child will take a mandatory career studies course where they will explore different careers and paths after high school. They will also have opportunities to learn about different career options during school, through:

• career fairs
• classroom visits and career coaching talks from skilled tradespeople
• job shadowing
• one-on-one career mentorship
• project-based learning
• workplace tours
• skills and STEM competitions

You and your child can explore different careers and education pathways using My Career Journey.

Individual Pathways Plan

Starting in Grade 7, your child will create an Individual Pathways Plan (IPP) to record their goals, learning and reflections. Your child will review and update their IPP at least twice a year with support from you, their teachers and other caring adults.

The IPP is a web-based tool that helps your child plan their education and career path. It includes:

• information about your child’s interests, strengths, accomplishments and skills
• your child’s plans for achieving their goals

Career coaching

In Grades 9 and 10, your child will have access to a career coach to help them prepare for future jobs, including those in the skilled trades.

Career coaches provide insight into career opportunities in high-demand industries and help students gain life and job skills. Career coaches complement the work of guidance teacher-counsellors by helping students make informed decisions about their education and career paths.

Contact your high school to learn more about available career coaching opportunities.

Extracurricular activities set your child up for success by helping them:

• develop skills they can show on their resumé, such as leadership, graphic design or event planning
• build friendships and improve interpersonal skills
• gain transferrable skills
• develop healthy habits
• discover interests and hobbies

As your child prepares for a new school year, you can encourage them to try out different clubs and activities by:

• looking on your school website or attending the school’s orientation program to learn about extracurriculars
• talking to your child about how activities can help them expand their interests, meet new people and achieve their personal and academic goals

Find your school’s contact information to learn about what they offer.

Students need at least 40 community involvement hours to graduate. Your child can start volunteering in the summer before Grade 9.

Volunteering helps students:

• develop a sense of civic responsibility and their role in their communities
• gain valuable real-world experience and transferable skills
• build their resumé for postsecondary opportunities, student jobs and more

Learn how your child can volunteer and get the hours they need to graduate.

Your child's mental health and well-being is crucial for their development and success. Schools promote mental health by providing a safe and positive environment where students can thrive.

Reach out to your school to learn about the programs and resources available to help students understand and manage their mental health.

Student mental health and well-being is an important part of the secondary health and physical education curriculum and the Grade 10 Career Studies course, covering topics such as:

• stress management
• healthy school/life/work balance
• emotional regulation
• building healthy relationships

Your child will develop essential living skills to help them:

• understand themselves
• cope with challenges
• interact with others in a healthy way
• make informed decisions about their mental and physical health
• identify people, resources and services in the school and the community that can provide support when a person is experiencing mental health concerns

Learn more about how we support student mental health.

Find resources and guides to help you support your child’s mental health and well-being.

Schools provide special education programs and services to meet the individual needs of students.

During your child’s education journey, your school may develop an Individual Education Plan that describes the programs, accommodations and services your school board will provide your child. This plan is based on your child’s:

• strengths
• needs
• ability to learn and demonstrate learning

Your school will review your child’s IEP at least once every reporting period.

Learn more about how you can access special education supports for your child.

Parent guides to the curriculum

Parent guide to our school system

This year’s school year calendar

Find your school

Find your school board

Find the regional offices for your school board

Prepare for EQAO assessments

Join a Parent Involvement Committee

Join your School Council

Your child’s education journey