- City of Scarborough
Online High School in Scarborough | Canadian Virtual School
Earn Ontario High School Diploma (OSSD) Credits
Ontario Ministry of Education Inspected Private School BSID #882250
Recognized by Canadian and Global Universities.
Canadian Virtual School – Online High School in Scarborough
Welcome, Scarborough parents and students! Canadian Virtual School (CVS) is the premier choice for online high school education right here in your community. CVS is an Ontario Ministry-inspected private online high school (BSID# 882250) – this accreditation ensures our program meets official provincial curriculum standards and that all credits earned are recognized by Ontario universities and colleges. In fact, CVS has been proudly serving students since 2008, helping learners earn their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), upgrade high school grades, and get into leading post-secondary institutions.
Our flexible online learning model empowers Scarborough students to earn OSSD credits for Grades 9–12 from the comfort of home. These credits are universally recognized across Ontario and beyond, opening doors to a world of opportunities. Whether you’re aiming for top universities like the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) or local colleges such as Centennial College and Seneca College, CVS provides a trusted pathway. Our program can complement traditional schools in Scarborough – for example, students at brick-and-mortar schools like Agincourt Collegiate Institute or Mary Ward Catholic Secondary School often take CVS courses to get ahead or fulfill requirements outside their day school schedule. By studying online with CVS, you avoid long commutes and scheduling conflicts, giving you more time to focus on academics and extracurriculars. It’s an ideal solution for busy students in neighbourhoods from Malvern and Agincourt to Birch Cliff and Guildwood who want quality education without the travel.
Why Choose Canadian Virtual School in Scarborough?
Canadian Virtual School offers distinct benefits tailored to Scarborough students and families, making us the preferred choice for your online high school journey. Our approach addresses common concerns about online learning by emphasizing proven quality, flexibility, and full support for students. Here are some key advantages of CVS for Scarborough learners:
- Certified Ontario Teachers & Quality Curriculum: At CVS, all courses are taught by highly qualified, Ontario-certified teachers. Our instructors are experts in the Ontario curriculum and provide personalized feedback and support to each student. This means you get the same high academic standards as any top-rated in-person school. Parents can rest assured that the instruction quality is excellent – every course follows the official Ontario high school curriculum in depth, so your child’s learning is aligned with provincial expectations.
- Flexible, Self-Paced Learning – Start Anytime & 24/7 Access: CVS offers unmatched flexibility for Scarborough students. There are no set semesters or deadlines – you can enroll and start a course anytime throughout the year, and progress at your own pace. Our online platform is available 24/7, so learning fits your schedule. Whether you study after dinner in Malvern, early mornings in Agincourt, or on weekends from Birch Cliff, you have the freedom to choose when and where to work. This asynchronous model eliminates the stress of fixed class times. It’s perfect for students balancing part-time jobs, sports, arts, or other commitments. You’re in control of your timetable, which makes education much more convenient for busy families.
- Trusted & Ministry-Inspected (Official OSSD Credits): Canadian Virtual School is a fully accredited Ontario private school, inspected by the Ministry of Education. We proudly hold Ministry BSID#882250, a mark of accountability and quality. This rigorous oversight ensures that all our courses meet Ontario curriculum standards and that all Ontario universities and colleges accept OSSD credits earned at CVS. In other words, an OSSD credit from CVS is equivalent to one from any public high school – universities will view it the same as credits from your local TDSB/TCDSB school. This legitimacy gives Scarborough families peace of mind that an online diploma from CVS is fully recognized for post-secondary admissions. (Indeed, CVS can even report grades directly to the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) and Ontario College Application Service (OCAS) to streamline your university/college applications, just like a regular school does.)
- Local Convenience – No Commuting from Scarborough Neighbourhoods: By choosing an online high school in Scarborough, you eliminate the need to commute to a physical classroom. No more rushing across town or dealing with TTC delays – CVS brings the classroom to you. This is a huge benefit for students in sprawling Scarborough neighbourhoods like Malvern, Agincourt, Birch Cliff, or Guildwood. You can study safely at home or anywhere with an internet connection, saving hours that would otherwise be spent on buses or in traffic. The time saved can be invested in studying or extracurriculars. Plus, you aren’t limited to courses offered at a specific school – every course is available online, regardless of your location. CVS essentially makes quality education accessible in every corner of Scarborough, without the barrier of transportation.
In summary, CVS provides flexible scheduling, certified teachers, an inspected curriculum, and local convenience – all crucial factors that make it an ideal choice for Scarborough students seeking a virtual high school experience. We combine the credibility of an established Ontario school with the adaptability of online learning, ensuring you get a trusted education on your terms.
Courses for Grades 9–12 – OSSD Credits & Upgrading
At Canadian Virtual School, Scarborough students have access to a full range of courses for Grades 9 through 12, all delivered online. We offer all the core subjects – English, Mathematics, Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), Social Sciences, French, Business, Technology, and many electives – in accordance with the exact Ontario curriculum and requirements. Whether you need a mandatory course to graduate or an elective to explore an interest, you’ll find it in our catalogue. Courses are available at Academic, Applied, University, College, and Mixed levels as applicable in senior grades, so that you can fulfill any pathway requirements. Every course is designed to meet the standard 110 hours of instruction and learning activities set by the Ministry, ensuring you receive a comprehensive educational experience.
Full-Credit Courses: Students can take any course towards their OSSD, from Grade 9 introductory classes to Grade 12 university-preparation courses needed for college or university admission. For example, CVS offers important senior credits like ENG4U (Grade 12 University English), MHF4U (Grade 12 Advanced Functions), MCV4U (Grade 12 Calculus & Vectors), SBI4U (Grade 12 Biology), and more. Scarborough students can complete all the necessary credits for their diploma entirely online with CVS – including prerequisites for competitive programs (e.g., Grade 12 Chemistry or Physics for science programs, advanced math for engineering, etc.). Our courses are structured to prepare you for post-secondary success, with rigorous content and assessments that mirror those of top in-person schools. By completing your OSSD credits online, you’ll be academically ready for universities like UTSC or programs at Centennial and Seneca, since you will have taken the same approved curriculum content.
Upgrade & Retake Courses: One of the great advantages of CVS is the ability to upgrade courses or retake courses to improve your marks. If you completed a high school course before (either at a day school or elsewhere) but weren’t satisfied with the grade, you can enroll in the same course at CVS to try for a higher mark. Many Scarborough students use CVS for credit upgrading – for instance, boosting a math or English grade to strengthen their university application. When you retake a course with us, you get a fresh start: you’ll redo the coursework and assignments, and earn a new grade on an official report card. Universities will typically consider the higher mark when you apply. Credit recovery is also possible through CVS if you need to earn a credit you previously failed – our flexible pacing and teacher support can help you master the material this time around. Since our credits are official, the upgraded or recovered credit will count toward your OSSD and be recognized by all post-secondary institutions. Using CVS for upgrading is convenient and effective because you can focus on your weak areas at your own pace and complete the course in time for application deadlines.
Fast-Tracking & Summer Courses: If you’re looking to fast-track your studies or get ahead, CVS is ideal. Our self-paced model allows motivated students to complete courses on an accelerated timeline. You can potentially finish a course in as little as 4-8 weeks by working intensively – perfect for summer study or if you need a prerequisite quickly. There’s also a generous maximum timeline (up to 12 months to complete a course if needed), so you have flexibility to spread out the work if you’re busy during the school year. Many students in Scarborough take summer courses at CVS – either to lighten next year’s course load, to graduate early, or to take a course not offered at their regular school. Because you can enroll anytime, you aren’t restricted to July/August; however, if you do want to utilize summer break, you can start a course at the beginning of summer and finish before September. Fast-tracking credits with CVS can help you graduate a semester early or qualify for earlier university admission, since the traditional school calendar does not bind you.
Overall, CVS’s extensive course offerings and flexible pacing mean Scarborough students can earn any credit they require – whether it’s completing all 30 credits for an OSSD, taking an extra credit alongside day school, or upgrading a specific mark. Our course structure is ideal for personalized academic pathways: you get the courses you need, when you need them, and at a pace that suits you. Every credit earned online with CVS is a real OSSD credit that will appear on your Ontario Student Transcript and count toward graduation. With CVS, Scarborough learners can confidently attain the credits for their high school diploma or post-secondary prerequisites without compromise.
Ministry-Inspected – A Recognized Ontario Education
One of the biggest questions families have about any online school is: Is it legitimate? With Canadian Virtual School, the answer is yes – absolutely. CVS is a fully accredited Ontario private high school inspected regularly by the Ontario Ministry of Education. We operate under Ministry guidelines and meet all requirements to grant Ontario Secondary School Diploma credits. Our Ministry-issued school BSID# 882250 is proof of this status. For Scarborough students, this means the education you receive through CVS is held to the same standards as any public or Catholic high school in the province. The curriculum, assessments, and evaluation policies all adhere to Ontario’s expectations.
OSSD Recognition: An Ontario Secondary School Diploma earned through Canadian Virtual School is fully recognized by all colleges and universities in Ontario (and across Canada). The diploma and credits are identical in value to those from a traditional school – there is no “online” asterisk on your transcript. In fact, universities and colleges will treat your CVS credits the same as any other accredited high school credits. Many of our graduates have gone on to attend top institutions, and admissions departments recognize CVS as an authorized Ontario school. As long as you have the required courses and grades, you will be eligible for programs at schools like UTSC, University of Toronto (St. George), York University, Ryerson (Toronto Metropolitan University), as well as out-of-town universities, with an OSSD from CVS. This assurance is crucial – families can trust that investing in an online education with CVS yields a valid OSSD that holds weight for future opportunities.
Quality Assurance: Being Ministry-inspected also means our school undergoes scrutiny to ensure we maintain high educational standards. The Ontario Ministry checks that our courses align with the official curriculum, that our teachers are certified, and that our assessments properly evaluate student learning. We take pride not only in meeting these standards but also in often exceeding them. We continuously update course content to reflect the latest curriculum changes and incorporate engaging learning resources. When you study with CVS, you can be confident that the material is up to date and thorough. The Ministry inspection reports and our long-standing BSID registration are a guarantee of quality and accountability. Moreover, CVS has been operating since 2008 – over a decade of proven success in online education, which has allowed us to refine our systems for the best student experience.
University & College Pathways: CVS makes transitioning to post-secondary education smooth. We issue official report cards and transcripts for every credit. When it comes time to apply to university or college, we will merge your CVS credits into your Ontario Student Transcript (OST) and can directly upload your grades to application centers (OUAC/OCAS) on request. This means your CVS courses will seamlessly be part of your academic record, just like courses from a physical school. Scarborough students applying to places like University of Toronto Scarborough, Centennial College, Seneca College, or elsewhere will have their CVS credits readily verified. Because we are a known entity to Ontario post-secondary institutions, there is no hurdle or extra step for recognition – your guidance counsellor (if you have a day school) can easily integrate our credits, or we can act as your school of record if you’re completing the diploma with us. The OSSD certificate you earn via CVS is the same official diploma issued by the Ministry of Education. In short, CVS offers a recognized Ontario education that will be accepted wherever your academic journey leads.
Choosing an accredited, ministry-approved online school like CVS gives Scarborough families the best of both worlds – the flexibility of e-learning and the confidence of a provincially recognized education. You don’t have to worry about the validity of an “online diploma.” With CVS, your diploma is an Ontario diploma, and your credits are Ontario credits – fully legitimate and respected, as confirmed by the Ministry and educational institutions. We take care of all the administrative details to ensure your hard work results in a qualification that unlocks future doors.
How Online Education Works (Flexible, Asynchronous Learning)
Our online education model is designed to be straightforward, flexible, and supportive, especially for students who may be new to virtual learning. Here’s an overview of how it works for Scarborough students:
- Self-Paced Learning Platform: Once you register for a course, you’ll get access to our secure online learning platform. Within your course, the content is organized into units or modules, each containing lessons, readings, videos, and practice exercises. You work through the material at your own pace – there are no daily class schedules or live lectures you’re forced to attend. All the content is available on-demand, so you can log in and study whenever it suits you (morning, afternoon, late night – whenever you’re most productive). This asynchronous setup means you truly control your learning schedule.
- Assignments and Assessments: Throughout each course, you’ll complete assignments, quizzes, and unit tests, just like in a traditional class. The difference is that you will submit your work online through the platform. For written assignments, you might upload documents or type responses directly into the system. Quizzes and tests might be automatically graded by the system (for multiple-choice, for example) or reviewed by your teacher for written responses. You receive timely feedback and grades on all submitted work from your teacher. If you ever get stuck or have questions about an assignment, you can reach out to your teacher for help.
- Teacher Support and Interaction: Even though you’re not face-to-face, you are not alone in an online course. Certified teachers lead each course and are there to support you. They will mark your work, provide feedback explaining what you did well or how to improve, and answer any questions you have along the way. Teachers are available via email (and sometimes by appointment for a call or chat) – you can ask questions about the lesson material or assignments and typically get a helpful response promptly (often within a day). Many CVS teachers check messages daily, so you have continuous support and guidance despite learning remotely. Our instructors understand how to teach online and are very approachable. You’ll find that they encourage you and keep you on track just as a classroom teacher would.
- No Set Class Times: At CVS there are no live classes at fixed times (unless a teacher schedules an optional review session or extra help, which is rare and not mandatory). This means you do not have to “log in” at 9 AM or any specific time for class – you decide when to study. Some students set a daily routine (e.g., study from 7–9 PM each night), while others may vary it based on their week. This flexibility is a huge benefit – it lets you balance school around work, sports, family responsibilities, or health needs. Just remember that even without set times, you should pace yourself to make steady progress. Our platform will show your progress throughout the course, and teachers will reach out if they notice you haven’t logged in for a while to offer help and keep you motivated. Essentially, your classroom is open 24/7, and you can attend whenever you’re ready.
- Assessments & Exams: Just like any accredited course, CVS courses have a final evaluation component. Depending on the course, this could be a final exam written online or a final project/assignment. Many of our courses do have proctored final exams to ensure academic integrity. These exams can often be taken from home using an approved online proctoring system (or, in some cases, in person with an authorized proctor, such as a librarian or testing center). The specifics vary by course, but CVS will guide you through the process to make it as convenient as possible – you won’t be required to travel far; arrangements can typically be made in Scarborough if an in-person proctor is needed. The final exam or task is designed to evaluate your understanding of the entire course. Once you complete it and all other work, your teacher will calculate your final grade. You’ll then receive an official report card for that course. If you’re a part-time student, we’ll also send a copy to your day school (with your permission) so they can add the credit to your transcript.
- Guidance and Student Support: Besides your course teacher, CVS also offers guidance counsellor support for students who may need academic advising. If you’re unsure which courses to take or need help planning prerequisites for university/college, our guidance team can assist. We understand online learning can require self-discipline, so we provide resources on study tips and time management. Parents can also be involved – they can be given access to view student progress if desired, helping to keep students accountable. Our administrative staff are just an email or phone call away if you have any technical issues or general questions. In short, even though you’re learning online, you have a whole support system behind you – you are not left on your own to figure things out.
- Learning Tools: CVS leverages technology to enhance learning. Our platform includes interactive components like videos, simulations, and practice quizzes to keep students engaged. We even incorporate innovative tools – for example, some courses may use AI-based study aids or adaptive practice questions to personalize your learning experience (an exciting new feature of our program). You’ll find that online learning with CVS is not just reading PDFs; it’s a rich multimedia experience. Plus, you’ll build useful independent learning skills by managing your coursework in a digital environment – excellent preparation for post-secondary studies, which often use online systems too.
Overall, the CVS online experience is designed to be flexible, user-friendly, and closely guided by teachers. Scarborough students will find that after an initial adjustment period, studying online becomes second nature. You get to work in your own optimal environment (be it your home, a local Scarborough library, or anywhere with Wi-Fi) and progress at whatever pace you need, while still receiving structure and support. We like to say that at CVS you “learn on your own time, but not on your own.” We’re with you every step of the way to ensure you succeed in your courses.
Who Is This For?
Online high school through CVS can be a great fit for a wide range of students in Scarborough. If you’re wondering whether this option suits your situation, consider the following common profiles of learners who benefit from CVS:
Part-Time Students in Public or Catholic High Schools
Are you currently attending a local Scarborough high school (public or Catholic) but need an extra course? Many CVS students fall into this category. Part-time students use CVS to take one or two courses in addition to their day school schedule. You might do this to earn extra credit (e.g., a Grade 12 course that didn’t fit into your timetable, or an elective your school doesn’t offer), to lighten next semester’s load, or to catch up on a credit. This scenario is very common and fully supported – you remain enrolled in your TDSB/TCDSB school while also taking a course with CVS. Our team will coordinate with your day school to ensure the credit counts towards your diploma. For example, a Grade 11 student at Woburn Collegiate Institute or Blessed Cardinal Newman Catholic High School could take an online Grade 12 math with CVS in the summer, then have a spare period or easier schedule in Grade 12. Or, if your school’s sections are full (say, you couldn’t get into Grade 10 French because it conflicted with another class), you can take French online with us. All credits you earn with CVS will be added to your official transcript. We even send midterm and final grades to your day school upon request. Part-time online study is a flexible solution for students at schools like Lester B. Pearson CI or Mary Ward CSS who want to customize their learning path without leaving their home school.
Summer School and Fast-Tracking Students
CVS is an excellent option for summer school or for students who want to fast-track their education. Traditional summer school in Scarborough may have limited course offerings or require daily attendance in July. With CVS, you can do summer courses entirely online at your own pace. This is perfect if you want to free up a spare in the coming year, or if you’re trying to graduate early. For instance, a motivated student finishing Grade 11 at Sir John A. Macdonald CI can enroll in a Grade 12 course over the summer through CVS – possibly completing it in as little as 4-6 weeks – and then have that credit ready by fall. Because you can start anytime, you aren’t constrained to a July start; you could even begin a course in May or June and finish by August. Fast-tracking multiple credits is also possible. We’ve had students complete two or three courses in a single summer by devoting full-time effort (not that we recommend overloading, but it’s doable for dedicated individuals!).
Additionally, some students fast-track during the school year. For example, a student aiming to skip ahead in math could take Grade 11 math online during the fall while concurrently taking Grade 10 math at school, allowing them to reach Grade 12 math earlier. CVS’s self-paced structure makes fast-tracking flexible: you can speed through material you grasp well and slow down on tougher units, still finishing courses more quickly than the standard semester. If you’re trying to reach a specific academic goal faster, whether it’s early graduation or meeting a university’s early-admission requirement, CVS can help you accelerate.
Students Missing a Local Course Option
Not every high school offers every course, and that’s where CVS comes in handy. Perhaps you attend a smaller Scarborough school that doesn’t offer the elective or level you need – for example, your school may not offer Grade 12 Physics or a specific language course. Or you’re in a specialized arts or sports program that limits your elective choices. CVS lets you access courses that aren’t available locally. We have a broad catalogue, so you can find courses such as Computer Science, Advanced Functions, and International Business, as well as others that might not fit your day school’s timetable or curriculum. Another scenario is if you’re a French Immersion or Extended French student who needs an extra course to fulfill your certificate requirements but can’t get it in school, you could take it online. Students who’ve switched schools or moved to Scarborough and find they are missing a specific credit can also use CVS to fill the gap.
Furthermore, if a course at your school is full or only offered at an inconvenient time (like zero period or after school), doing it online can solve the problem. In short, CVS ensures the course availability at your physical school never holds you back. You can always get the credits you need for your pathway. Scarborough is home to many diverse programs and academies; CVS complements them by offering every standard Ontario high school course (and many electives) so that you don’t miss out on any opportunity. Students who can’t find a required course at schools such as Centennial College’s high school partnership programs or certain private schools often turn to CVS as a solution. The convenience of online means the course comes to you, rather than you having to change schools or drop a subject.
Adult Learners & Returning Students in Scarborough
CVS warmly welcomes adult learners and those who have been out of school. It’s never too late to earn your high school diploma! If you’re a mature student from Scarborough who didn’t finish high school, or you need additional credits for post-secondary studies, our online format is ideal. Many adult learners have jobs, family responsibilities, or other time constraints that make attending night school or adult day school difficult. With CVS, you can study on your own schedule, which is perfect if you’re working or parenting. We have had adults in their 20s, 30s, and even 50s take courses with us to get an OSSD credit. The self-paced approach lets you balance studies with your life – you might study after work or on weekends, for example. Adult learners often appreciate the ability to work independently and not feel out of place among younger students, since online learning allows everyone to progress at their own pace, and you don’t have a physical classroom. Whether you need one credit to meet college entry requirements or you’re completing the full diploma, CVS provides the support you need. Our teachers understand adult students’ perspectives and can help refresh your skills if you’ve been away from school for a while.
Additionally, if you obtained credits outside of Ontario or many years ago, our guidance team can advise how they count towards the OSSD and what you might need to do. Many adult students in Scarborough have used CVS as a convenient path to finally graduate high school, apply for a career promotion, or qualify for a college program. With no age limit and open enrollment, CVS is an accessible option for adult education. We treat adult learners with respect and flexibility, recognizing the unique challenges they might face. If you’re an adult in Scarborough looking to return to school, CVS could be your solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Canadian Virtual School an accredited school? Is it inspected by the Ontario Ministry of Education?
Yes – Canadian Virtual School is fully accredited and Ontario Ministry-inspected. We operate under the Ministry of Education as a private high school (BSID# 882250) authorized to grant OSSD credits. This means our courses follow the official curriculum and our school undergoes regular inspections to ensure quality. In practical terms, accreditation guarantees that any credits or diplomas earned through CVS are official and recognized by other schools, colleges, and universities. You can trust that CVS is a legitimate institution held to the same standards as any public school.
Are OSSD credits from CVS accepted by universities and colleges like the University of Toronto and other Ontario institutions?
Yes. OSSD credits earned through CVS are accepted by all Ontario colleges and universities, just like credits from any other inspected Ontario high school. Because we are an accredited school, our credits are official. In fact, many CVS students have gone on to programs at U of T, McMaster, York, Ryerson (TMU), as well as colleges like Centennial and Seneca. Admissions offices recognize the CVS transcript as valid. As long as you meet the program requirements (the necessary courses and grades), it doesn’t matter that you earned the credits online – they carry the same weight. We provide report cards and transcripts, and we can even submit your marks directly to OUAC/OCAS to integrate them into your application. Rest assured, an OSSD from CVS is 100% valid for post-secondary admission.
Can I take a course with CVS while also attending a Scarborough high school (public or Catholic)?
Absolutely. Many Scarborough students do this – they remain at their local day school and take one or two courses through CVS on the side. These students are considered “part-time” with CVS. It’s a great way to earn extra credit, resolve a timetable clash, or take a course your school doesn’t offer. The process is straightforward: you register with CVS and complete the online course independently (outside of your regular school hours). CVS will issue a report card and can notify your day school of your midterm/final grades. Your day school will then add the credit to your official Ontario Student Transcript. Thousands of students across Ontario do this every year – it’s an accepted practice. Just be sure to inform your guidance counsellor that you’re taking an external credit. Since CVS is a Ministry-inspected school, your guidance department will have no issue granting you the credit upon proof of completion. In short, yes, you can attend CVS and your local school simultaneously, and your diploma will include the CVS credits.
When can I start an online course with CVS? Are there specific enrollment dates or semesters?
One of the best features of CVS is that you can start a course at any time of the year. We offer continuous enrollment with no fixed semesters. This means whether it’s September, January, July, or any month, you can sign up and begin right away once you’re ready. There are no “semester start dates” – every student’s course timeline is individualized. As soon as you register and pay for the course, you’ll receive access (often within one business day), and you can commence your lessons. This is hugely beneficial if you decide mid-year to take an extra credit or if you want to get a head start in the spring or fall. You’re not tied to the traditional school calendar at all. Bottom line: enrollment is open year-round; start whenever you want and set your own pace from that day forward.
How long do I have to complete a course? What if I want to finish it faster or need more time?
CVS gives you a flexible time frame to complete your course. In general, you have up to 12 months from your enrollment date to finish a course. This allows part-time students or those with busy schedules plenty of leeway. However, you can finish much sooner if you’re motivated. Many students complete courses in 4-6-8 weeks by dedicating many hours each week – this is often called “fast-tracking.” In fact, we have a minimum requirement (usually around 4 weeks) that a course must be in progress to ensure you’ve had enough time to learn, but beyond that minimum, you control the pace. So if you want to spread the course over 10 months, you can. If you want to power through in 2 months, that’s possible too. It’s all about what suits your learning style and schedule. Just remember, quality learning takes time – we don’t recommend rushing just for the sake of finishing, but the option to accelerate is there. Conversely, if life happens (illness, other commitments) and you need the full year, that’s perfectly okay. In special cases, extensions can be arranged. Flexibility is key: you’re not under a rigid deadline as long as you plan within the allowed completion period.
Do I need to log in at specific times for classes, or can I study on my own schedule?
You can study entirely on your own schedule. CVS courses are asynchronous, meaning there are no live mandatory class sessions at set times. You do not have to be online at the same time as the teacher or other students. All lessons and materials are accessible 24/7, so you decide when to log in and do your work. If you’re a night owl, you can study at midnight; if you have a part-time job in the afternoons, you might do your coursework in the mornings – it’s completely up to you. This flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of our online high school. You aren’t constrained by a bell schedule. The only timing considerations are self-imposed: for example, you might set personal goals like “finish Unit 1 by the end of this week,” but there’s no daily attendance time. Some courses may occasionally offer optional live review sessions or Q&A webinars, but these are bonus support, not requirements. All essential learning and assessments can be done on demand. So yes, you set your own study times. Just ensure you manage your time well to complete the course by your target date. If you ever need help with time management, our teachers and staff can provide tips since online learning requires self-discipline. But many students love the freedom – you learn when you’re most ready to learn, not at arbitrarily scheduled hours.
What kind of support will I get from teachers and staff?
Even though you’re learning online, you’ll receive plenty of support from our certified teachers and the CVS team. Each course has a dedicated teacher who: grades your assignments and tests, gives you detailed feedback, and is available to answer your questions (typically via email). Teachers are very responsive – you can usually expect an answer to questions within a day. They can clarify lesson content if you don’t understand something, provide study tips for tricky units, and guide you on how to improve if you’re not meeting expectations on an assignment. Beyond the teacher, CVS has guidance counsellors and administrative staff ready to help. If you need academic advising (such as which courses to take for a specific university program or how to meet OSSD requirements), our guidance team can consult with you. If you encounter technical issues or have concerns, our admin support is just a phone call or email away. We pride ourselves on being friendly and approachable – you’re not on your own in a void. Additionally, we often encourage parents (for high school-aged students) to be involved by monitoring progress through our system’s parent access or regular updates. In summary, you’ll get personalized feedback, answers to your questions, and guidance counselling as needed, very much like a regular school – just delivered through digital channels. Many students report building a strong rapport with their online teachers, and some say they receive more feedback and individual attention online than in a crowded classroom. We’re committed to supporting every student’s success at CVS.
Who is eligible to enroll in CVS? Do I have to live in Scarborough or even in Ontario?
Anyone looking to earn Ontario high school credits (Grades 9-12) can enroll with CVS. You do not have to live in Scarborough – we serve students across Toronto, across Ontario, and even internationally. As a virtual school, we have students from all over (though this page focuses on Scarborough students, who we certainly welcome!). You also don’t need to be of traditional high school age. We accept teenagers and adults alike; there are no strict age limits. If you’re currently in an Ontario high school, you can take courses with us. If you’re homeschooled or not enrolled anywhere, you can study with us. If you’re an out-of-province or international student, you can also register – many students outside Ontario take our courses to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma. The main requirement is that you have the prerequisite for the course you want (if applicable). For instance, to take Grade 12 Physics, you should have Grade 11 Physics or equivalent – same rules as any school. We may ask for proof of prerequisites (like a report card). Other than that, as long as you have an internet-connected device and are ready to learn, you’re eligible! Scarborough locals will find it convenient that we’re in your time zone and familiar with local school processes, but even if you’ve moved away or are temporarily abroad, you can continue your schooling with CVS. In short, CVS is open to all learners seeking an Ontario high school education, regardless of location or age. If you’re not sure about your situation, just contact us – we’ll help determine how CVS can work for you.
Do I ever need to attend anything in person, or is everything 100% online?
CVS is 100% online. You do not need to come to a physical classroom at any point. All coursework, teacher interactions, and submissions are done through our online system. For final exams that require proctoring, we offer solutions that don’t require you to come to our site (since we’re an online school, we don’t expect students to travel). Often, we use an online proctoring service or allow a local proctor near you (such as a librarian or education center in Scarborough) to supervise if needed. But you would arrange that in your community – you wouldn’t need to come to CVS in person. There may be instances where a student chooses to write an exam in person if they prefer (e.g., at a learning center), but that’s optional. There are also no in-person interviews or sessions required for admission – everything from registration to learning to assessments is done remotely. Of course, you’re always free to visit our administrative office if you want to meet staff or have any issues (we’re headquartered in Toronto), but it’s not necessary. We have students who complete their entire OSSD with us without ever leaving their homes for school. This is particularly helpful given unpredictable situations (like snow days or public transit strikes), as your learning is uninterrupted because it’s all online. So yes, you can earn your high school credits and diploma fully online with CVS, and you’ll never be required to attend a physical class or exam center unless you opt for a specific arrangement.
How much does it cost to take a course with CVS?
Canadian Virtual School is a private school, so there is a tuition fee for each course. The cost per course for Ontario students is typically around $550 CAD (and a bit higher for international students), subject to occasional promotions or updates. This fee covers your access to the online platform, all instructional materials (no additional textbook purchase needed in most cases), teacher support, grading, and issuance of report cards/transcripts. We strive to keep tuition affordable and competitive with other online schools. There are no monthly fees – just a one-time course fee. Some courses (like specialized arts or tech courses) might have additional small fees if special resources are required, but that’s rare. It’s important to check our current fee on the registration page, as it can change slightly over time. We often have a limited-time discounted rate as well (for example, we’ve offered courses at $500 each during promotional periods). Payment is usually done online via credit card at the time of registration. If you plan to take multiple courses, you pay per course as you go (there’s no large upfront fee for a full program unless you choose to enroll in many at once). For students in Scarborough’s publicly funded schools, note that because we’re a private school, the government does not cover our tuition – it’s an out-of-pocket cost for the family. However, many families find the investment worthwhile for the flexibility and opportunities it provides (such as getting into a desired university program). Also, without commuting, you might save on transportation costs/time. We occasionally have referral discounts or scholarships, so it’s worth asking if any are available. Overall, expect roughly $200 per course. All fees are clearly listed on our website. If you have any concerns about payment or need to arrange an alternate payment method, our staff can assist. We aim for transparency so you know exactly what you’re paying for – quality online education with full support.
Ready to Earn Your OSSD? Register Now
If you’re a Scarborough student (or parent) ready for a flexible online high school experience, now is the perfect time to start. Canadian Virtual School lets you earn your OSSD on your terms—whether it’s a single course or a full diploma. With year-round registration and no deadlines, you can begin whenever you’re ready.
Take the next step today and join students succeeding through CVS. Our team is here to support you every step of the way, helping you reach goals like graduating, improving your marks, or getting into your desired university.
Ready to begin? Register now and unlock your potential with CVS—flexible, convenient, and built for your success.
Start Your CVS Journey
Have Questions?
Our team is here to guide you through every question and step of the journey
Why Choose CVS?
$550
Canadian Tuition Fee
$750
International Tuition Fee
- 5-Day Assessment Grading
- Daily Teacher Email Responses
- $550
- $750