Accredited Online High Schools in Ontario: Why Accreditation Matters
Quick Answer: An accredited online high school in Ontario is a Ministry-inspected private school authorized by the Ontario Ministry of Education to grant Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) credits. These schools follow the Ontario curriculum, undergo regular inspections, and issue credits accepted by universities, colleges, and employers.
Online education is booming in Ontario, but not all online high schools are accredited to grant official OSSD credits. Accredited online high schools in Ontario have become a popular pathway for students to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) from home. But with so many virtual schools appearing, how do you know which ones will deliver a legitimate education? The key is accreditation. A school that is accredited – or “Ministry-inspected” in Ontario terms – has been vetted and approved by the Ontario Ministry of Education to grant official high school credits. Canadian Virtual School (CVS), for example, is a leading private online high school that has been Ministry-inspected since 2008. In this blog, we’ll explain why accreditation matters when choosing an online high school, what it means for your OSSD, and how it ensures universities and employers will respect your diploma.
What Is an Accredited Online High School in Ontario?
An accredited online high school in Ontario is a Ministry-approved private school authorized to deliver OSSD credit courses that meet provincial standards.
In Ontario, an “accredited” high school is one officially recognized by the Ministry of Education and authorized to grant credits toward the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Private online high schools must undergo a rigorous Ministry inspection to ensure they meet provincial education standards. Only schools that meet these standards are approved to offer OSSD credit courses. For more than 15 years, the Ministry has conducted these school inspections annually to ensure compliance. Schools that fail to meet the required standards can lose their accreditation. In fact, the Ministry publicly lists any private schools that are not up to par, so families can make informed decisions. While public high schools are automatically overseen by the government, private institutions – including virtual high schools – earn accreditation by proving that their curriculum, teaching, and assessments align with Ontario’s requirements.
When a school is Ministry-inspected and approved, it receives a unique identification number (sometimes called a BSID or Mident number) and appears on the Ministry’s list of accredited schools. This is the Ontario seal of approval. It means the online school follows the official Ontario curriculum, employs qualified Ontario Certified Teachers, and evaluates students in accordance with the province’s guidelines. In short, an accredited online high school in Ontario can legitimately issue OSSD credits just like any traditional public or Catholic school, ensuring that the courses you take online count toward a real diploma.
Why Choose Accredited Online High Schools in Ontario
Choosing an accredited online high school isn’t just a formality – it directly impacts the value of your education. Here are some of the key benefits of attending an accredited (Ministry-inspected) online high school:
- Official OSSD Credits: Only accredited schools can grant credits that count toward your Ontario Secondary School Diploma. This means every course you complete at an accredited online school brings you closer to earning a legitimate OSSD, recognized by the province.
- University & College Acceptance: Universities and colleges will accept a diploma from an accredited online high school without hesitation. When you apply to post-secondary programs, your online OSSD credits are treated the same as those from any other Ontario school. Ontario’s Secondary School Diploma is recognized across Canada and internationally, so an OSSD earned online is just as legitimate as one earned at a brick-and-mortar school. Your transcript and diploma won’t indicate that courses were taken online – they appear the same as any other Ontario student’s records, which means there’s no stigma attached to an online education.
- Quality Curriculum & Teaching: Accredited online high schools must follow the Ontario curriculum and hire Ontario-certified teachers for instruction. You’ll be learning the same material, held to the same academic standards, and assessed with the same rigour as students in traditional classrooms. This ensures a high-quality education that prepares you well for exams and future studies.
- Transferable Credits: Taking a course at an accredited virtual school gives you fully transferable credits. If you return to a traditional school or switch schools, your completed online credits can be moved onto your official Ontario Student Transcript (OST). There’s no risk of repeating coursework because the credit was earned at a recognized institution.
- Accountability & Trust: Accreditation comes with oversight. Ministry officials may review course materials, assessments, and administrative policies. This accountability means accredited schools maintain honest practices (no “credit mills” or shady shortcuts). Parents and students can trust that an accredited online high school operates with integrity and meets Ontario’s educational standards.
Ultimately, attending an accredited online high school gives you peace of mind that your hard work will lead to an official diploma. It’s not just a box to check – accreditation provides real benefits and protections for students.
The Risks of Choosing a Non-Accredited Online School
What if you chose an online high school that isn’t accredited? The consequences can be severe. You might spend months on an online course, only to find out it won’t be added to your Ontario Student Transcript (OST) because the school wasn’t recognized. Colleges and universities typically do not accept diplomas or credits from unaccredited schools – meaning you might have to redo courses at an accredited school later to meet admission requirements. In other words, enrolling in a non-accredited program can cost you time, money, and momentum toward your goals.
Lack of accreditation can also be a red flag for the quality of education. If the school isn’t accountable to Ontario’s standards, there’s no guarantee that the courses align with the curriculum or that the teachers are properly qualified. The school might not issue legitimate report cards or maintain an official Ontario Student Record. Unfortunately, there have been cases of “diploma mills” – unrecognized online outfits promising easy credits or a quick diploma that turns out to be worthless. These diploma mills often have minor substantive coursework or oversight, and their “diplomas” carry no credibility. To avoid these pitfalls, it’s crucial to stick with a reputable, Ministry-inspected online high school.
How to Verify an Online High School’s Accreditation
It’s always wise to double-check that a school is accredited correctly. Here are a few steps to ensure an online high school in Ontario is legitimate:
- Check the School’s Website: Reputable online schools will openly state that the Ontario Ministry of Education inspects them and will often display their Ministry-issued school identification number (BSID). Look for an “About Us” page or footer section that states the school is Ministry-inspected or accredited to grant OSSD credits.
- Ask for Confirmation: If you’re unsure, contact the school directly. A genuine accredited school can quickly provide its BSID number or proof of Ministry accreditation upon request. They should have nothing to hide – transparency is a good sign.
- Verify with the Ministry: The Ontario Ministry of Education maintains a public registry of private schools authorized to grant credits. You can cross-reference the school’s name or BSID on the official Ministry list of inspected private schools. If the school is listed there, you can be confident it’s accredited. (If it’s not listed, that’s a red flag to stay away.)
For added peace of mind, also check whether the school lists Ontario Certified Teachers as instructors and uses standard Ontario course codes (for example, ENG4U for Grade 12 English). Those details further indicate that the program aligns with provincial standards and is legitimate.
FAQs about Accredited Online High Schools in Ontario
What does it mean for an online high school to be accredited in Ontario?
An accredited online high school in Ontario has been inspected and approved by the Ontario Ministry of Education to grant credits. In other words, it meets all provincial standards for curriculum and instruction and can award credits toward an official Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
How can I verify if an online high school is accredited in Ontario?
You can verify a school’s accreditation by checking if it publicly lists an Ontario Ministry of Education school number (BSID) or explicitly says it’s Ministry-inspected. You can also request proof of accreditation from the school. Additionally, the Ministry publishes a list of authorized private schools; you can confirm that the school’s name appears on that list.
Do Ontario universities accept online high school credits?
Yes. Ontario universities (and colleges) accept online high school credits as long as they come from a Ministry-accredited school. Credits earned through an accredited online high school are recorded on your official transcript and are treated the same as credits from any traditional school during the admissions process.
Can I earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) online?
Yes, you can earn a complete OSSD online. By taking all the required courses through an accredited online high school, you can fulfill Ontario’s diploma requirements virtually. The diploma you receive from an accredited online program is the same Ontario Secondary School Diploma awarded to students in traditional schools.
Do I need to live in Ontario to attend an Ontario online high school?
No, you do not have to be an Ontario resident. Accredited online high schools based in Ontario often accept students from across Canada and from abroad. As long as you meet the course requirements (and have a reliable internet connection), you can study with an Ontario online school and earn OSSD credits from outside the province.
Are private online high schools legitimate in Ontario?
Yes, private online high schools are legitimate in Ontario if accredited by the Ministry of Education. Accreditation (Ministry inspection) ensures the school adheres to Ontario’s educational standards and can award valid OSSD credits. A private online school that is Ministry-inspected operates legally and has its credits accepted. By contrast, an unaccredited institution is not recognized as a valid credit-granting institution.
What’s the difference between an accredited online high school and homeschooling?
The main difference is that an accredited online high school offers structured courses taught by certified teachers and awards official credits toward a diploma. In contrast, homeschooling is typically parent-directed and does not automatically result in credits. In an accredited online program, you’ll earn real OSSD credits and eventually a diploma. With homeschooling alone, a student would need to pass provincial exams or later enroll in accredited courses to obtain an official certificate.
What happens if an online school is not accredited?
If an online school isn’t accredited, any courses or diplomas it offers will not be recognized by the Ontario education system. Credits from a non-accredited school won’t count toward the OSSD, and other schools or universities likely won’t accept them. Attending a non-accredited online high school may require repeating coursework at an accredited school to receive proper credit.
Can I transfer online high school credits to a regular high school?
Yes. If you earn a credit from an accredited online high school, you can transfer that credit to a regular (brick-and-mortar) high school. The accredited online school will provide an official report card or transcript for the completed course, and your regular school can add that credit to your Ontario Student Transcript. Since the credit is from a Ministry-inspected school, it’s fully transferable within Ontario.
Ready to Enroll in an Accredited Online High School?
When it comes to your education, you deserve the confidence that your hard work will pay off with a respected credential. By choosing an accredited online high school, you’re setting yourself up for success. Canadian Virtual School (CVS) has been proudly delivering Ministry-approved online high school courses since 2008, helping thousands of students earn their OSSD on their own schedule. We offer a full range of Grade 9–12 courses with continuous enrollment and self-paced learning options, so you can start anytime and study at your pace – all while earning real, Ontario-approved credits. If you’re ready to experience the flexibility of virtual learning with the security of a fully recognized program, it’s time to take the next step. Contact our team or visit Canadian Virtual School online to enroll and start your journey toward an Ontario Secondary School Diploma with confidence!
