Frequently asked questions about high school.

Do all the courses I take this year have to be the same type?
No. You can pick and choose the course types that suit you best in each subject. You might take academic math, applied English, open visual arts, and Level 1 Latin. Mix and match, but keep in mind the prerequisites for the courses you want to take next year.

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How long does it take to get a credit?
To obtain one credit, you must pass a course of at least 110 hours. That's one regular full-year or one semester course.

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I dropped out of high school. Is there any way I can get my diploma?
To get your Ontario Secondary School Diploma, you have to meet the credit requirements as outlined in "What do I need to get my high school diploma?" However, you may be eligible for an Ontario Secondary School Certificate, or a Certificate of Accomplishment. If you're an adult you can get the Ontario High School Equivalency Certificate through the ILC. Check the ILC Web site for more details.

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I just want to work, but my parents think I should get my diploma. What should I do?
Getting your diploma is always the best route, because it opens up so many more career choices. So try your best. If, though, it's just not possible for you at this time, explore other options with your guidance counsellor. He or she can help you go as far as you can in high school, and can tell you about school-work transition programs, co-ops, and apprenticeship programs.

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I'm really having trouble with my courses and would like to quit.
There are options available to you that will still allow you to get your diploma. Talk to your guidance counsellor or a teacher who you like. For more information about Supervised Alternative Learning for Excused Pupils (SALEP) and other programs, see the Ministry of Education's Web site.

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Is there any way to earn credits outside of regular school time?
Yes. PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition) means you may get credit for the skills and knowledge you've gained outside school. You need to be assessed through testing. You may earn a maximum of 4 credits (max 2 per subject area) only in Grades 10-12). See your guidance counsellor for details.

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What are semesters?
At some schools you take four courses in the fall (first semester) and four different courses in the spring (second semester) rather than taking eight courses that run the whole year. Some schools use semesters and some do not.

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What do I need to get my high school diploma?
You need 30 credits--18 compulsory credits and 12 optional credits of your choice.
The compulsory credits you need to graduate are:
4 credits in English (1 per grade)
1 credit in French as a second language
3 credits in mathematics (at least one Grade 11 or 12)
2 credits in science
1 credit in Canadian history
1 credit in Canadian geography
1 credit in the arts
1 credit in health and physical education
1/2 credit in civics and 1/2 credit in career studies
PLUS you need 1 additional credit in English OR a third language OR social science OR Canadian and world studies
PLUS 1 additional credit in health and physical education OR business OR the arts
PLUS 1 additional credit in science (11 or 12) OR technological education (9 - 12)
PLUS you must pass the Secondary School Literacy Test (you'll take it in Grade 10)
PLUS you must complete 40 or more hours of unpaid community involvement activities.

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What if I change my mind and I want to go from an applied course to an academic one?
It's possible. If you take an applied course in Grade 9 and decide to take the academic in Grade 10, or vice versa, it's OK. You may have to do a little extra work (called crossover material) to catch up. And if you make a switch between Grade 10 and 11 or Grade 11 and 12, you may have to make the transition by taking a transfer course.

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What if I want to take a course that's not offered at my school?
Your school guidance counsellor can advise you. You can attend any high school in Ontario, but if that's not practical, you may be able to take the course through night school, by correspondence (through the Independent Learning Centre), or online. The rule is, if the course is a prerequisite for any post-secondary education in Ontario, it must be made available to any student.

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I quit high school, but I want to go back. Can I?
Yes. Depending on your age, you can either go back to the classroom or earn your diploma another way. Contact your local school board for direction.

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