Overview

Every student learns in their own way. Our high schools work with communities, employers, colleges, universities and training centres to help support student learning.

This means meeting the needs, interests and strengths of all students, engaging them in learning and better preparing students for graduation and beyond.

Find out what you need to graduate from high school in Ontario.

Job skills programs

Specialist High Skills Major

Take 8 to 10 courses that focus learning on a specific economic sector while getting your high school diploma.

Cooperative (co-op) education

Combine classroom and workplace learning to earn credits for your compulsory diploma requirements.

Dual Credits Program

Eligible secondary students can take college courses or apprenticeship training that counts towards their high school diploma, and a college certificate, diploma, degree, or Certificate of Apprenticeship.

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program

Learn how you can earn co-op credits through work placements in a skilled trade.

Graduation coach programs

Graduation Coach Program for Black Students

To support academic excellence and help remove systemic barriers within classrooms and school communities, many school boards offer the Graduation Coach Program for Black Students.

This program provides comprehensive, culturally responsive supports to Black students to help improve their academic achievement and well-being. Coaches help students to:

  • be more engaged in school
  • be better supported in achieving their academic goals
  • connect with community and school resources
  • build confidence so that they are more motivated to attend and graduate from school

Check with your school to see if this program is available to your child.

Indigenous Graduation Coach Program

Some school boards have Indigenous graduation coaches to help Indigenous students obtain an Ontario Secondary School Diploma and successfully transition into postsecondary education, training or labour market opportunities.

Learn more about Indigenous education in Ontario.

Secondary school programs

Urban and Priority High Schools Initiative

Learn about overcoming academic challenges, leadership development and high expectations for students.

Focus on Youth (FOY) Program

Learn about pro-social employment opportunities for high school students and community- based youth engagement programming for students in junior kindergarten to Grade 12.

Education and career/life planning

Get help as you prepare for your transition from secondary school to postsecondary.

Online courses

Learn about online courses and new graduation requirements.

Student success teams

At each school, a dedicated team of a principal, student success teacher, guidance counsellor and special education teacher provides extra attention and support for individual students who need it. The teams are for students facing barriers to success, who need extra attention to help them graduate or who are looking for new challenges in high school.

Students can:

  • benefit from individualized attention and support
  • choose from more options for learning, such as co-operative education, Specialist High Skills Major, Dual Credits Program, Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, and online learning
  • seek help in solving problems they previously may have faced alone

Contact your school for more information and to get started.