REVIEW OF Ontario Virtual School BY Alum, Nadene Metcalfe

Overall Experience 5

My experience at Ontario Virtual School was both flexible and enriching. One of the things that stands out most in my mind is the ability to learn at my own pace. The format allowed me to balance school with other personal and extracurricular commitments, which made a big difference in managing my time and staying motivated. What I liked best about Ontario Virtual School was the clear structure of the courses and how accessible the lessons were. The recorded video lectures and well-organized materials made it easy to revisit topics when needed, which really helped me absorb the content better. The teachers were also supportive and responded to questions quickly, which made the online experience feel more personal and connected. If I were to suggest one improvement, it would be to offer more opportunities for student interaction, such as optional live sessions or virtual group projects. While the independence was great, a bit more community could help students feel even more engaged. I do feel that Ontario Virtual School prepared me well for my next steps. It taught me how to take initiative, manage my own schedule, and stay focused without constant supervision—skills that are crucial for post-secondary education and life in general

School Leadership 5

For prospective families, it’s worth knowing that the administration at OVS is approachable and efficient. The school runs smoothly, and the systems they have in place—from enrolling in a course to receiving final grades—are streamlined and student-friendly. The leadership doesn't try to micromanage students, but rather empowers them to take responsibility, while still being available to help when needed. Overall, the administration helped create a positive, flexible, and well-supported learning environment that contributed to my success as an online student.

Teaching 5

The teaching at Ontario Virtual School was overall strong and effective. I was happy with the quality of instruction I received, especially considering the self-paced, online nature of the platform. The video lessons were clear and well-structured, and it was clear that the teachers knew their subjects well. Lessons often included step-by-step examples, visual aids, and real-world applications, which made even difficult topics more understandable. The dynamic between teachers and students was generally formal but respectful. Since communication happened mostly through email or messaging within the course platform, there wasn’t a lot of back-and-forth interaction like in a traditional classroom. However, teachers were approachable, responded to questions in a timely manner, and provided helpful feedback on assignments and tests. It was clear they cared about student success, even if the format didn’t allow for a lot of personal connection. I found that most teachers were passionate about what they taught, and that came through in the clarity of their lessons and the quality of the resources they provided. They challenged students to meet high standards while still being supportive. Some even offered optional resources for deeper learning, which helped me stay engaged and encouraged me to explore topics further.

Academics 5

The academic program at Ontario Virtual School is designed with flexibility and accessibility in mind, which makes it a strong fit for a wide range of students. One of the school’s biggest academic strengths is the ability to work at your own pace. This allows students to take control of their learning, move quickly through subjects they’re confident in, or take more time with topics they find challenging. The structure of the courses is clear, with video lessons, quizzes, assignments, and practice tests all laid out in a logical order. Another strength is the consistency in course quality. The material is up-to-date with Ontario curriculum standards, and many courses provide helpful review resources, especially in subjects like math and science. The feedback from teachers, while sometimes brief, was generally constructive and encouraged improvement.

School Life 5

The overall quality of student life at Ontario Virtual School is quite different from that of a traditional school, since the experience is largely self-directed and online. I wouldn’t describe it as something I "loved" in the way people might love going to an in-person school with clubs, sports, and social events—but I definitely appreciated and valued the flexibility and freedom it gave me. One of the biggest contributors to my quality of life was the ability to set my own schedule. This allowed me to manage my time around other priorities and reduced the day-to-day stress that can come with rigid school routines. It created a much more balanced lifestyle and helped me develop independence and responsibility. However, the lack of social interaction did make the experience feel a bit isolating at times. Since there are no group projects, live discussions, or student communities built into the program, it’s easy to feel disconnected from other students. There was no clear sense of student culture or shared identity, which some people might miss. This can impact motivation for students who thrive in a more interactive environment.

Admissions 5

Since Ontario Virtual School doesn’t have a formal or competitive admissions process, applying is very straightforward and stress-free. From my own experience, enrolling in a course was as simple as choosing the class, filling out basic information, and making the payment. There were no entrance exams, interviews, or detailed application requirements, which made the process very accessible and efficient. My advice to someone planning to take a course at OVS would be to carefully consider whether the self-paced, independent learning style fits their personality and learning habits.

University placement and counselling 5

Ontario Virtual School doesn’t offer a formal university counselling program, but I was still able to successfully apply to and get into the post-secondary program I wanted. The school provides basic information about how to request transcripts and submit grades through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC), which was helpful and straightforward. I would have appreciated more resources on things like choosing programs, writing personal statements, or understanding how to make competitive applications, especially earlier in the school year. Even an optional online seminar or Q&A session about post-secondary planning would have helped provide some direction. Despite the lack of formal counselling, I was able to find the information I needed and felt in control of the process. Still, I can see how others might feel overwhelmed without additional support.