There are many things that online instruction can offer that other schools simply can’t, including distance learning and remediation. At Ontario eSecondary School courses can be started at any point, and students are able to work through the material at their own pace. Live 24/7 online tutoring is understandably a draw, and also makes this an option for students in all time zones, anywhere in the world. Pacing is student directed, allowing for accelerated completion. It’s an attractive option for students looking to gain the Ontario diploma, or to add courses to an existing program of study.
We questioned the school adminstration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"Ontario eSecondary School (OES) is a Ministry of Education accredited online high school that allow students to earn credits towards the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). We offer free 24/7 online tutoring with enrolment and ensure your experience is filled with success by being responsive and available. Registration is open year-round and students can complete courses in as quickly as 4 weeks or as long as 12 months. With affordable online learning we are a trusted source for Grade 9 to 12 credits."
"Many Ontario high school students register with OES as they search for online high school courses with flexibility....(more)
"Many Ontario high school students register with OES as they search for online high school courses with flexibility. We offer a range of compulsory and elective courses for grades 9 through 12 in subject like english, science and math. We also offer upgrade courses which are courses you need to repeat in hopes or earning a higher mark for post-secondary admissions."
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
"Ontario eSecondary School is dedicated to providing personalized, flexible, and accessible education for students across Ontario. Our commitment to core values—such as academic...(more)
"Ontario eSecondary School is dedicated to providing personalized, flexible, and accessible education for students across Ontario. Our commitment to core values—such as academic integrity, student-centered learning, and inclusivity—drives everything we do. However, this focus means we intentionally prioritize quality, individualized instruction and support, sometimes at the expense of offering a wider variety of extracurricular activities or advanced technological features. We believe that fostering deep, meaningful learning experiences is more important than simply expanding options, ensuring that every student receives the attention and resources they need to succeed. This approach reflects our unwavering dedication to student outcomes over quantity."
4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
Information not yet available.
5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
"Ontario eSecondary School offers a dynamic, flexible learning environment ideal for self-motivated, independent learners who thrive in a digital classroom. Students who excel in...(more)
"Ontario eSecondary School offers a dynamic, flexible learning environment ideal for self-motivated, independent learners who thrive in a digital classroom. Students who excel in our school are proactive, organized, and possess strong time-management skills. They are comfortable navigating technology and are eager to take ownership of their learning journey. Families who will benefit most have high expectations for personalized education and value a balance between academic rigor and flexibility. They understand the importance of clear communication, trust in the online model, and support their child’s autonomy while fostering a strong partnership with educators to ensure success."
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
"Ontario eSecondary School may not be a good fit for families seeking a traditional, in-person school experience with constant face-to-face interaction. If a family values a highly...(more)
"Ontario eSecondary School may not be a good fit for families seeking a traditional, in-person school experience with constant face-to-face interaction. If a family values a highly structured, rigid schedule or expects a classroom environment with direct supervision, our online model may not align with their needs. Some families may prefer a more hands-on, social learning atmosphere, where students are more physically engaged with peers and teachers. Additionally, if a family prioritizes immediate, in-person support for every question, they may find our model less suited to their preference for constant, direct contact. Our school is best for students who thrive in a flexible, self-directed environment and can manage their learning with greater independence."
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"Families choose Ontario eSecondary School for our flexibility, personalized approach, and commitment to high-quality education. Many families appreciate the ability to tailor...(more)
"Families choose Ontario eSecondary School for our flexibility, personalized approach, and commitment to high-quality education. Many families appreciate the ability to tailor learning around their child's unique needs and schedule, allowing for a balance between academics and extracurricular activities. Our students can learn at their own pace, making our school an ideal choice for those needing more time to grasp concepts or pursuing interests outside the traditional school day. Current families often cite our supportive online community, strong teacher-student communication, and personalized attention as key reasons for choosing us. Compared to other options, we stand out for offering an effective, innovative, and adaptable learning environment that fosters independence while ensuring academic success."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
"Ontario eSecondary School is widely seen as a flexible, accessible, and innovative online high school that meets diverse educational needs. Known for its commitment to high...(more)
"Ontario eSecondary School is widely seen as a flexible, accessible, and innovative online high school that meets diverse educational needs. Known for its commitment to high academic standards and personalized learning, the school has established a reputation for supporting students across Ontario with a range of course options and certified teachers. The most prominent feature in the public eye is the school’s emphasis on convenience and adaptability, allowing students to learn at their own pace. When people think of Ontario eSecondary School, they associate it with quality, accessibility, and support, making it a trusted choice for online education."
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"An often underappreciated aspect of Ontario eSecondary School is our dedicated student support system, which includes individualized academic counseling, mental health resources,...(more)
"An often underappreciated aspect of Ontario eSecondary School is our dedicated student support system, which includes individualized academic counseling, mental health resources, and one-on-one mentorship. Families may initially focus on the flexibility of online learning, but the comprehensive support we provide is crucial for student success and well-being. Our team of educators and counselors work closely with each student to help them set goals, manage time effectively, and stay engaged. This level of personalized support is foundational to our approach, transforming online learning from simply convenient to truly impactful for every student."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
"That we reply to emails on evening and weekends which gives them the reassurance that we care and are there to support them in any way that we can."
"That we reply to emails on evening and weekends which gives them the reassurance that we care and are there to support them in any way that we can."
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
"Ontario eSecondary School is committed to continuously enhancing the learning experience for our students. Recently, we updated our curriculum to reflect the latest educational...(more)
"Ontario eSecondary School is committed to continuously enhancing the learning experience for our students. Recently, we updated our curriculum to reflect the latest educational standards, ensuring that courses remain relevant and engaging. We’ve also implemented a more rigorous quality control process, reviewing and refining course materials regularly to maintain high standards. Additionally, we’ve expanded our resource library and introduced new interactive tools to support diverse learning styles. By staying current with course changes, resource updates, and improvements, we aim to provide students with a high-quality, adaptive education that meets their evolving needs."
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
"Over the next five years, Ontario eSecondary School aims to become a more dynamic, adaptive learning environment that stays ahead of educational trends and technological advances....(more)
"Over the next five years, Ontario eSecondary School aims to become a more dynamic, adaptive learning environment that stays ahead of educational trends and technological advances. We plan to expand our course offerings, including career-focused and interdisciplinary programs, to better prepare students for the future. Additionally, we will integrate advanced digital tools to further personalize the student experience. Our commitment to quality, accessibility, and innovation will continue to shape our evolution, ensuring that families benefit from a forward-thinking education that meets and exceeds the demands of a changing world."
Gr. 11 (current) — I had a fantastic experience with this e-secondary high school. The flexibility of the schedule allowed me to learn at my own pace, which was a huge benefit for balancing my studies with other responsibilities. The teachers were supportive, responsive, and truly cared about student success. The curriculum was challenging but engaging, and I felt well-prepared for university-level work.
The online platform was easy to navigate, and there were plenty of resources like tutoring, discussion forums, and interactive assignments that made learning effective and enjoyable. I also appreciated how the school fostered a sense of community even in a virtual setting.
Overall, I highly recommend this e-secondary school to any student looking for a high-quality, flexible, and supportive learning environment! My special thanks to Mara for her outstanding help and support. I truly appreciate her time and dedication in making everything run so smoothly.
Gr. 11 (current) — Ontario eSecondary School offers a flexible and convenient learning experience, especially for students who prefer working at their own pace. One of the best things about the school is how helpful and responsive the staff are—they answer questions quickly and give clear feedback. The online system is simple to use and very organized, which makes navigating assignments and course materials easy.
However, one thing I found difficult was staying motivated. Since the courses are available for a full year, it’s really up to you to manage your time and keep yourself on track. I wish I had known just how much self-discipline online learning would take before starting. If I could change one thing, I’d add a bit more structure or scheduled check-ins to help keep students accountable and engaged.
Gr. 12 (current) — I feel lucky that we found the Ontario e-Secondary School. Our daughter is autistic and preferred to learn from home once she got to Grade 10. We've tried many online schools, but this one surpasses all others.
My daughter needs more time to complete her work. She is a perfectionist and has her own way of processing information. The fact that this school gave her a whole year to finish her course took a lot of pressure off. She was able to work at her own pace and really do her best work.
She also feels that her teacher genuinely cared about her. They had the opportunity to discuss some sections of the course live. My daughter felt she was listened to and cared for.
Gr. 10 — My experience with Ontario eSecondary School was incredible. The course material was well organized and my teacher was quick to reply to any questions I may have had. Throughout each course, CHV2O and GLC2O, my favorite aspect was the various creative assignments I was able to do. This allowed me to fully understand the concepts being taught in a more engaging way, which is often overlooked in online learning. The depth and detail of these courses have allowed me to develop useful skills which I will take into my everyday life. Overall, I could not speak more highly about my experience with this school. When enrolling in Ontario eSecondary School, expect to be welcomed by helpful and intelligent teachers who wish to see you excel.
I had a great time taking this course! The staff could not have been more supportive. My teacher Ms. Sandhar went above and beyond guiding me through the course, even marking some of my work late at night in order for me to make a deadline! Mara in student records could not have been kinder to me. My assignments were marked quickly so that I would move through the course as fast as possible. Mara in guidance answered my emails quickly, and both answered my emails even on the weekend! When I was stressed out about my work, both of them were so supportive and kind. The structure was great, and each assignment had clear expectations that were easy to follow. I cannot recommend this place enough!
My experience at Ontario eSecondary School (OES) was phenomenal. I was able to finish my grade 12 at my own pace which has helped me develop time management skills, independence and confidence. Having to create my own schedule for my education was an experience that I never had before. It pushed me to become more competent and responsible which has really helped in post secondary. It was also very helpful that I was not restricted to particular times, and could work away at my classes at my own leisure. The teachers were also very helpful and a huge reason why I did so well at OES. I felt like they truly wanted to see me do well and made themselves available whenever I needed help. Their online format was very straightforward and easy to use and I had no problems with that either.
Ontario E School provided a robust online educational experience for my daughter. She felt the in-person classes did not provide the smaller teacher/student ratio and adequate feedback and motivation that she required. I enrolled her in Ontario e-schools, and as a parent, I saw my daughter blossom from a student that was hesitant about trying new concepts in math to a student who became more confident and proficient. She enjoyed learning and when she sought feedback from her online teacher, she was always provided with guidance and support. We are immensely grateful that a school like this exists in the virtual world. They have every course imaginable and incredible teachers to teach the course and a course content that provides students with accessible materials and activities that enhances their learning.
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