REVIEW OF Ontario Virtual School BY student, Jennifer Yin

(5) Student Experience

Taking a course with OVS was a great experience. The best part was the flexibility it offered. I was able to work at my own pace and manage my time around other responsibilities. This made learning much less stressful and allowed me to fully focus on understanding the material. I chose OVS because I wanted to have more control over my schedule. OVS made that possible without sacrificing the quality of education. My teacher was responsive and provided helpful feedback. Questions were answered quickly, and my assignments and tests were marked in a timely manner, which helped me stay motivated and on track. My marks were posted to OUAC without any issues, and the process was smooth and timely. This was especially important for my university applications, and I appreciated how efficiently it was handled. Overall, I would definitely recommend OVS to other students looking for a flexible and supportive online learning environment.

(5) School Leadership

They create a supportive and organized learning environment, which is especially important in an online setting. One thing they do well is providing timely support and ensuring that students have access to the resources they need. The teachers are knowledgeable and respond quickly, which shows they genuinely care about student success. One area where I think there could be improvement is in offering more regular check-ins or optional live sessions for students who might need extra help or motivation. This would help foster a stronger sense of connection with the school community and provide more opportunities for real-time support. Overall, the leadership at OVS is effective, approachable, and student-focused

(5) Teaching

I think the teachers at OVS set fair and reasonable expectations. The workload is manageable, and it challenges you without being overwhelming. I never felt that they asked too much or too little; assignments and assessments are well-balanced and designed to help you build a solid understanding of the course content. The instructions for assignments are clear, and rubrics or guidelines are usually provided, so I always had a good sense of what was expected. If anything was unclear, teachers were quick to respond to questions and clarify. When teachers talk about success, I believe they mean more than just getting high marks. They seem to focus on students developing independent learning skills, understanding the material deeply, and being able to apply their knowledge. Overall, the teaching approach is thoughtful and supportive, with a clear emphasis on helping students grow both academically and personally.

(5) Academics

I found the academic work at OVS to be just right. It was challenging enough to keep me engaged and learning, but not so difficult that it felt overwhelming. The lessons are well-structured and gradually build up in complexity, which helps in understanding more advanced concepts over time. I do believe that what I’m learning will be useful later in life. The content is relevant, and many of the skills—like critical thinking, problem-solving, time management, and independent study—are valuable beyond the classroom. Whether it’s for university, a future career, or everyday decision-making, the knowledge and habits developed through OVS courses will definitely come in handy. The assignments also encourage real-world application, which makes the learning feel more meaningful. Overall, the academic experience at OVS prepares students not just for exams, but for lifelong learning and success in various fields.

(5) School Life

If I were giving a virtual tour of OVS, I would start with the main student dashboard. It’s where students access their courses, check deadlines, view grades, and communicate with teachers—all in one place. It gives a clear picture of how the online school is organized and easy to use. Next, I would show a sample course to demonstrate how lessons are structured, including readings, assignments, and practice tests. This helps visitors understand how students learn and stay on track. I would also point out the support available, like help from teachers, the Student Success Team, and guidance services. Even though OVS is fully online, it still feels like a complete school experience with all the tools and support students need to succeed.

(5) Admissions

The admissions process at OVS was simple and straightforward. I filled out the online application, uploaded the required documents, and received confirmation quickly. It wasn’t stressful—more like a smooth first step into online learning. My advice to future applicants is to double-check that all your documents are ready and to reach out if you have any questions. At the time, I didn’t realize how fast everything would move, so I’d say be ready to start learning sooner than you might expect!