REVIEW OF Ontario Virtual School BY Alum, Ran Wang

Overall Experience 5

My experience at Ontario Virtual School was very positive. I took Grade 12 Calculus with Miss Hargraves, and what stood out most was how organized and accessible everything was. The lessons were clearly explained, and the platform made it easy to track my progress. Miss Hargraves provided quick feedback and was always available when I had questions, which made the online learning feel more personal. What I liked best was the flexibility—it allowed me to balance my other responsibilities while still keeping up with the course. If I could change one thing, it would be adding more live sessions or interactive options to connect with other students. Overall, OVS prepared me for university by helping me build time management skills and a strong foundation in calculus. A prospective student should expect a supportive, flexible, and challenging academic environment that encourages independent learning and personal growth.

School Leadership 5

Reflecting on my time at Ontario Virtual School, I found the leadership and administration to be professional, responsive, and student-focused. Although OVS is an online school and interactions with administration are limited compared to traditional schools, whenever I or my peers had questions or concerns, the administrative team responded quickly and respectfully. Communication with both students and parents was clear and timely, which helped keep everyone informed about progress, deadlines, and expectations. The school’s leadership fostered a positive and supportive learning environment, and it was clear that they respected their students and were committed to their success. While there weren’t many visible discipline issues in the virtual setting, the policies were fair and clearly communicated. Overall, the administration seemed well-organized, approachable, and invested in maintaining high academic standards. Prospective families can feel confident that OVS leadership takes student success seriously and supports learners throughout their journey.

Teaching 5

The teaching at Ontario Virtual School exceeded my expectations. I was very happy with the quality of instruction I received, especially from my calculus teacher, Miss Hargraves. She was knowledgeable, passionate about the subject, and explained complex concepts in a way that made them easier to understand. The dynamic between teachers and students was respectful and professional, yet approachable. Although the format is more independent, teachers were always available through email or the platform and responded quickly with helpful, constructive feedback. Miss Hargraves, in particular, had a big impact on my academic development. Her support and clear teaching style gave me confidence in a challenging subject and helped me build strong problem-solving skills. She encouraged me to push myself and stay motivated. For prospective families, I’d say the teachers at OVS truly care about student success and create a learning environment that supports both academic growth and independence.

Academics 5

The academic program at Ontario Virtual School is well-structured, flexible, and designed to support independent learning. One of its biggest strengths is the ability for students to work at their own pace, which helps accommodate different learning styles and personal schedules. The content is clearly presented, with video lessons, practice problems, and quizzes that build understanding step by step. I found the curriculum thorough and aligned well with Ontario’s standards. The academic culture is focused and self-driven. Since it’s an online environment, students aren’t in constant interaction, so there’s less of a competitive or collaborative atmosphere compared to traditional schools. However, those who take it seriously are motivated and respectful of the program. I felt appropriately challenged and supported, especially in my calculus course. The program taught me time management, self-discipline, and independent problem-solving skills that are essential for university and beyond. For prospective families, OVS provides strong academic preparation and flexibility, making it ideal for self-motivated students.

School Life 5

The overall quality of student life at Ontario Virtual School is very different from a traditional school experience. Since it’s fully online and self-paced, there isn’t a strong social or extracurricular component. I wouldn’t say I “loved” going to school there in the traditional sense, but I appreciated the flexibility and independence it gave me, which actually improved my quality of life. I could plan my days around other responsibilities, reduce stress from tight deadlines, and work when I was most focused. Most students seemed to take a similar approach, focused on their goals and grateful for the flexibility. That said, because there’s little peer interaction, it can sometimes feel isolating or less engaging socially. To improve student life, OVS could offer more optional live sessions, group discussions, or virtual clubs to build community. For families considering OVS, it’s ideal for independent, self-motivated learners who prioritize flexibility over traditional school life.

Admissions 5

If you’re planning to apply to Ontario Virtual School, my advice is to be organized, know your goals, and be ready to take responsibility for your learning. The application process was simple and not stressful at all. Everything was done online, and the staff made the steps very clear—from course selection to payment and enrollment. I found the administration helpful and responsive, especially if I had questions before or after enrolling. Unlike traditional schools, OVS doesn’t have a selective admissions process for most courses, so it’s more about making sure the program fits your learning style. It’s a great option if you value flexibility and can stay motivated without constant supervision. I recommend reaching out to their support team if you’re unsure about anything—they’re professional and eager to help you make the right choice. Just be honest about your learning habits and goals to ensure it’s the right fit.

University placement and counselling 5

Ontario Virtual School offers basic guidance for university applications, but it’s more limited compared to traditional schools with full-time guidance counsellors. I felt supported in terms of receiving my report cards, final marks, and having them sent to OUAC on time, which is critical for university applications. The process was smooth and efficient, and OVS made sure all academic records were submitted properly. However, I think the school could improve by offering more proactive support and personalized university counselling, like one-on-one sessions, earlier guidance on course planning, or help with researching programs and scholarships. Most of the responsibility was on me to know what I needed and when. For self-motivated students who already know their post-secondary goals, OVS does a solid job handling the logistics. But for those who need more hands-on guidance, especially earlier in the application process, there’s room for more support.