REVIEW OF Ontario Virtual School BY student, Farbod Naderi

(5) Student Experience

Taking a course with OVS was a flexible and convenient experience. The best part was being able to work at my own pace while still receiving timely support from my teacher. I chose OVS instead of my regular day school because it allowed me to better manage my schedule and focus on a course I wanted to complete independently. The teacher was responsive and marked evaluations quickly, which helped me stay motivated. I also made good use of the online textbook, which was clear and well-organized. These resources really helped me prepare for the final exam. The school office and student success team were helpful whenever I had questions, and my mark was posted to OUAC without any issues. If anything could be improved, it would be helpful to have more practice-test content to help prepare for tests.

(5) School Leadership

I respect the school leaders, including the headmaster, guidance counsellors, and teachers. They work hard to support students and keep the school running smoothly. I appreciate how approachable and professional many of them are, especially when it comes to answering questions and helping with course planning or post-secondary preparation. One thing they do well is providing flexibility and independence in the learning process, which is important for students managing their schedules. I do wish there were a bit more personal interaction or check-ins throughout the course, just to make the experience feel a little more connected and supportive. Overall, their leadership helps maintain a structured and accessible environment for learning.

(5) Teaching

I think the teachers at OVS generally set fair expectations. They don’t ask too much or too little—it feels balanced. The course content is clearly laid out, and I usually know what is expected of me for assignments and tests. The instructions are straightforward, and rubrics (when provided) help clarify how to succeed. When teachers talk about success, I believe they want students to truly understand the material, not just memorize it. Success seems to mean being able to apply what you've learned and show improvement through consistent effort. I think they want to see students take responsibility for their own learning and use the resources available to do well. That said, adding more feedback or check-ins throughout the course would make expectations feel even clearer and more personal.

(4) Academics

The academic work at OVS was well-balanced—it wasn’t too easy, but it also wasn’t unreasonably difficult. It provided the right amount of challenge to keep me engaged while still allowing me to learn at my own pace. The lessons were clear and well-structured, which helped me build a strong understanding of the material. I appreciated how the assignments and tests reflected what was taught in the lessons, making it easier to prepare and feel confident in my work. I definitely believe what I learned will be useful in the future. Academically, the course helped me meet graduation and post-secondary requirements, but it also taught me valuable skills beyond the classroom. For example, I developed stronger time management, self-discipline, and critical thinking abilities—skills that will benefit me in university and in life. Some of the content was also connected to real-world situations, making it easier to see the purpose of what I was learning. Overall, the academic experience was meaningful and well-organized, and it helped me grow both as a student and as a learner.

(4) School Life

Since OVS is an online school, I would start the “tour” by showing visitors the main student dashboard. That’s the central hub where you access your courses, lessons, grades, and messages from your teachers. It gives a clear first impression of how the school is organized and how students navigate their learning experience. From there, I would walk them through a sample course layout—showing how lessons are presented, where to find assignments, and how to submit work. I’d also highlight useful features like the online textbook, practice tests, and messaging system, which help students stay connected and supported. Even though OVS doesn’t have a physical building, it still has a structured learning environment. Starting with the dashboard is the best way to show how the school operates and how students are guided through their academic journey.

(3.5) Admissions

The admissions process at OVS was very straightforward and user-friendly. I remember going to the website, choosing the course I wanted, and completing a simple registration form. It didn’t take long, and there weren’t many complicated steps, which made the process less stressful than I expected. If I were to give advice to someone planning to apply, I’d say make sure you have all your personal information and academic details ready ahead of time. Also, double-check that the course you’re choosing fits with your school or post-secondary requirements, especially if you're planning to use it for graduation or university admission. From my own experience, I’d say the process felt somewhere between relaxed and exciting. It was nice to have so much independence, and once I got access to the course, it felt like a fresh start where I could work on my own schedule. One thing I didn’t fully realize at the time was how helpful it is to reach out early if you have any questions—whether it’s about prerequisites, course pacing, or how final marks get sent to your school or OUAC. Now that I’ve gone through it, I see how important it is to plan ahead and stay organized, but overall, the admissions process at OVS was smooth and accessible.