REVIEW OF Ontario Virtual School BY student, Mohammed Rayyan Usmani

(5) Student Experience

Studying at Ontario Virtual School is a unique experience that offers a lot of flexibility and independence. I kind of love it because it allows me to work at my own pace, which is perfect for balancing other responsibilities or focusing more time on subjects I find challenging. The course materials are clear and easy to follow, and the ability to start anytime is a huge advantage. However, one thing I wish I had known before starting is how much self-motivation it really takes. Without daily classes or regular check-ins, it’s easy to fall behind if you’re not disciplined. If I could change one thing about OVS, I would add more structure—maybe optional live sessions, progress reminders, or interactive group activities. These would help students stay engaged and create more of a school community feel, which is something I sometimes miss in the online environment.

(4.5) School Leadership

I respect the school leaders at Ontario Virtual School, especially the teachers and guidance counsellors who are generally responsive and helpful when you reach out. They do a good job of clearly outlining course expectations and grading criteria, which helps students understand what’s required to succeed. I appreciate that they give detailed feedback on assignments and are usually quick to respond to questions via email. However, I wish there were more proactive communication from the school’s leadership, like regular updates, reminders, or check-ins to help students stay on track and feel more connected.

(5) Teaching

At Ontario Virtual School, I think the teachers generally strike a good balance—they don’t ask too much, but they do expect students to be responsible, independent, and self-motivated. Most of the time, I feel that I know exactly what the teachers are expecting because the lessons are clearly laid out, and the assignments usually come with detailed instructions and grading rubrics. If anything is unclear, teachers are available by email and usually respond fairly quickly. When teachers talk about success, it feels like they imagine it as more than just getting good grades—they want students to understand the content deeply, manage their own schedules, and be able to learn on their own. I think they view success as a mix of academic achievement and personal growth, especially in terms of time management and self-discipline. That focus on independence is helpful, though sometimes I wish there was a little more direct interaction or encouragement to make the experience feel more connected.

(5) Academics

The academic work at Ontario Virtual School is generally just right—it’s challenging enough to make you think and learn, but not overwhelming if you manage your time well. The courses are well-structured, and the material is presented clearly, which makes it easier to follow even without in-person instruction. I do believe that what I’m learning will be useful later in life, especially the skills I’m building through the process, like time management, self-discipline, and independent problem-solving. The actual content of the courses, especially in subjects like math, science, and English, also feels relevant for post-secondary education and beyond. It’s not just about memorizing facts—it’s about learning how to learn on your own, which is a valuable skill for almost anything you choose to do in the future.

(5) School Life

If I were giving a tour of Ontario Virtual School to a group of visitors, I would start by showing them the student dashboard, since it’s the central hub of everything a student needs. It’s where you access all your courses, view lessons, submit assignments, check your grades, track your progress, and communicate with your teachers. Starting with the dashboard gives people a clear understanding of how the school works on a daily basis, especially because OVS doesn’t have a physical building—this online space is the school. From there, I’d walk them through a typical course layout to show how lessons are structured with videos, readings, and practice questions. I’d also highlight the messaging system, where students can contact their teachers directly. This part is especially important to show how support is available even in a fully online environment. The dashboard sets the tone for how students manage their own learning, and it really reflects the independence and flexibility that define school life at OVS.

(5) Admissions

The admissions process at Ontario Virtual School was simple and straightforward, which made it feel more relaxed than stressful. I remember filling out the online registration form, choosing the course I wanted to take, and uploading a copy of my transcript. The school was quick to respond, and I was able to get started not long after submitting everything. There wasn’t a formal interview or entrance exam, which helped take some of the pressure off. For anyone planning to apply, my advice would be to double-check that you have all your documents ready and to reach out to the school if you have questions—they’re very helpful. At the time, I didn’t realize how quickly I’d be able to start working through the course after enrolling, so I would tell others to be prepared to dive in right away. Looking back, I appreciate how easy and efficient the process was, especially compared to more traditional school admissions.