A Parent’s Guide to Online High School: What You Need to Know

Are you curious about how online high school works and whether it’s the right choice for your teen? You’re not alone. This parents guide to online high school will walk you through what you need to know – from how it all works to tips on helping your child succeed. Parent’s Guide to Online High School is more than just a buzzword; it’s a roadmap for families exploring the flexible world of virtual education in Ontario. Let’s dive in and explore the ins and outs of online high school in a friendly, conversational way.

Why Consider Online High School?

Every family’s situation is unique. You might be considering online high school because your child needs a more flexible schedule, a safer learning environment, or a customized pace. Here are a few common reasons parents explore this option:

• Flexible Scheduling: Online high school allows students to learn on their own timetable. This is perfect for student-athletes, performers, or those with part-time jobs or special health needs.
• Personalized Learning Pace: In a virtual setting, learners can often go faster through subjects they excel in or take extra time in challenging areas. The self-paced model means your teen isn’t held back or rushed ahead by classmates’ speed.
• Focused Environment: Some students thrive without the distractions or social pressures of a traditional school. Learning from home can relieve some of that anxiety and peer pressure, helping them focus on academics.
• Geographical Freedom: Families that live far from schools, move frequently, or travel can benefit from an education that goes wherever you go – no need to start at a new school with each move.
• Credit Recovery or Advancement: If your child needs to catch up on credits or wants to get ahead (for example, to graduate early), online courses can be a convenient solution.

For example, one Ontario parent, Maria, noticed her Grade 10 son was struggling with anxiety at his large high school. She enrolled him in an online high school program, and within a few months, he was thriving. “He can learn at his own pace now, and his stress has decreased so much,” Maria says. “Plus, we don’t spend two hours commuting every day. It’s been a game-changer for our family.”

Parents Guide to Online High School: How Online High School Works in Ontario

Online high school might sound high-tech or unfamiliar, but it follows the same educational standards as traditional schools – with some key differences in delivery. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

Accredited Ontario Curriculum

In Ontario, online high schools deliver the same Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) credits that public schools do. Reputable programs (like those inspected by the Ministry of Education) adhere to the provincial curriculum. This means your teen will learn the required subjects and skills for their grade, and their credits count toward their OSSD.

In fact, the Ontario Ministry of Education now requires new high school students to earn at least two online learning credits as part of the 30 credits needed for an OSSD​.

This recent change highlights how online learning has become a mainstream part of education. The key is to ensure the online school you choose is authorized to grant OSSD credits (Ministry-inspected). Canadian Virtual School, for example, is a private online high school inspected by Ontario’s Ministry, so its credits are fully recognized.

Learning Platform and Structure

Instead of a physical classroom, your teenager will use a Learning Management System (LMS) – a secure website or app to access lessons, videos, assignments, and quizzes. Courses are usually asynchronous, meaning students don’t have to log in at a set hour each day for live classes (though some schools might offer optional live webinars or Q&A sessions).

• Self-Paced Learning: Most online high school courses in private schools are self-paced. Students can start a course at almost any time of year and progress as quickly or slowly as needed, within given limits. For instance, a motivated student might finish a course in as little as 2–3 months, whereas another student might take 8–12 months. This flexibility lets your teen balance school with other commitments.
• Daily Routine: Your teen will generally set aside several hours daily for coursework. They might watch a video lecture, read course material, and then complete an assignment or quiz. There are usually no daily “homework” distinctions—learning and homework blend together since everything is done at home. However, sticking to a regular schedule or study plan is important so that work doesn’t pile up.
• Assignments and Deadlines: Although flexible, online courses often have suggested timelines. For example, a course might be designed to be completed in 4 months if a student spends about 1–2 hours per day. Your teen may have major assignments, unit tests, and a final exam or project. In many cases, they can submit work at their own pace, but there might be a final completion deadline (say, 12 months from enrollment).

Teacher Support and Interaction

A common misconception is that online school means “no teachers.” Rest assured, certified teachers are behind every course, guiding and grading your child’s learning. In an Ontario online high school, teachers perform many of the same roles as in-person teachers:

• They create the lesson content or use approved digital curriculum aligned with Ontario standards.
• They answer student questions (via email, chat, video call, or message boards). For instance, if your son is stuck on a math problem, he can contact his online teacher for help or clarification.
• They provide feedback on assignments and projects. Don’t be surprised if you see detailed comments on essays or tips for improving on the next assignment.
• They mark tests and final exams and issue report cards or transcripts.

Communication is usually proactive. Some teachers set up weekly virtual office hours or live review sessions. Many online schools also have Guidance counselors and support staff to help with course selection or personal learning needs. The best programs understand that students and parents want real people to turn to when needed.

Parents’ Role in Daily Learning

As a parent, your role in an online high school is important, but it’s not about teaching calculus or English literature yourself. Think of yourself as a coach or facilitator. Especially at the beginning, most teens will need help with time management and setting up a productive study environment.

• Creating Structure: You might help set up a daily or weekly schedule (for example, math in the morning, break, then an hour of history).
• Motivation and Check-ins: It helps to check in regularly – ask what your child learned today or if they need help. Celebrate milestones (“You finished Unit 1! Great job!”). (Our blog also provides a helpful guide on keeping your teen motivated in online classes.)
• Learning Coach Approach: Some online schools use the term “Learning Coach” for the parent/guardian role. This means you’ll ensure your teen stays on track, encourage them to reach out to teachers when stuck, and communicate with the school if any issues arise. You don’t have to hover over their shoulder; rather, set expectations and be available for support. Over time, you might find your child becomes more independent with their learning.

Remember, part of the appeal of online high school is fostering independent learning skills. By the end of it, your teen could become very self-directed – a great asset for college or the workplace.

Benefits and Challenges of Online High School

Online high school isn’t a magic solution; it has pros and cons. Knowing these will help you prepare and decide if it fits your family’s needs.

Advantages of Online High School

Many benefits of online learning have been commonly cited by educators and parents:

• Customized Pace & Flexibility: As mentioned, self-paced learning and flexible scheduling are huge pluses. Your teen can adjust their learning speed and timetable to what works best for them. This flexibility can reduce stress and burnout.
• Learn from Anywhere: All that’s needed is a computer and internet connection. Whether you live in a remote area or your family travels, school can continue uninterrupted. Snow days or traffic jams won’t derail learning!
• Fewer Distractions: In a controlled home environment, students may find concentrating easier without the social drama or interruptions common in classrooms. This can lead to more efficient studying.
• Safe and Comfortable Environment: For students who have experienced bullying or social anxiety, learning from home can be a welcome relief. They can focus on personal growth and academics without fear of peer judgment.
• Tech Skills Development: Navigating online platforms, communicating digitally, and learning to self-manage are valuable 21st-century skills, and online high school inherently develops these competencies.
• One-on-One Focus: In a virtual setting, shy students might actually participate more (through writing in forums or direct messages) than they would in a crowded classroom. Teachers can also give more individualized feedback in many cases since much interaction is one-on-one.

Potential Challenges (and How to Overcome Them)

It’s best to go in with eyes open about what can be difficult in online high school:

• Self-Motivation Required: Some teens might procrastinate without a teacher physically present. To combat this, help your child set a daily routine and short-term goals. Many online schools provide pacing guides, and teachers will send reminders if a student falls behind.
• Less Social Interaction: While virtual schooling doesn’t offer a lunchroom or in-person sports, socialization isn’t absent—it just looks different. Encourage your teen to join any virtual clubs or student meet-ups offered. Also, ensure they have activities outside school with friends, sports, arts, or community groups to fill that gap.
• Screen Time and Tech Issues: Online students inevitably spend much of their time on the computer. You can help by ensuring they take regular breaks to stretch and move around. Additionally, a reliable computer and internet connection are a must. If tech issues occur, schools usually have support staff to assist, but it’s good to have a backup plan (like a local library or a secondary internet source) if your home network goes down during a test.
• Parent Involvement: For parents, especially younger high schoolers, online schooling can feel time-consuming because you’ll need to supervise more than you would in traditional school (where they’re gone 6 hours a day). The upside is that you gain more insight into what your child is learning. Over time, most students require less supervision as they adapt to online learning.
• Hands-on Subjects: Courses like science labs or art can be trickier online. Good online schools get creative – using virtual lab simulations, sending lab kits to your home, or assigning projects that can be done with common household items. Be prepared to help gather supplies for a science experiment or find a suitable space for an art project if needed.

Another parent, Jason, shared his experience: “The first month was an adjustment. My daughter loved sleeping in a bit later, but we had to figure out a routine so she wouldn’t fall behind. Now, she wakes up at 8, logs in with her breakfast, and dives into coursework. I checked in around lunch. The change in her confidence is amazing – she’s taking charge of her own learning.”

Is Online High School Right for Your Child?

Online high school can be a fantastic opportunity, but it best matches a student’s learning style and needs. Here are some factors to weigh:

• Learning Style: Does your teen work well independently? Students who are self-driven, comfortable with reading instructions, and who like using technology may adapt well. If your child needs a lot of hands-on guidance or thrives on face-to-face interaction, you might need to provide extra support or reconsider whether full-time online is suitable.
• Academic Needs: Consider why you’re choosing online. Is it to escape a negative situation (like bullying or a poor-quality local school)? To allow the pursuit of high-level sports or arts? To help with a learning challenge at their own pace? Make sure the online program can meet those specific needs (for example, providing extra help or flexible scheduling).
• Trial with a Course: If you’re unsure, you don’t have to commit all at once. Some families start with just one online course (say, take Grade 11 math online during the summer or evenings) to see how their teen handles it. Since Ontario students must complete two online learning credits for the diploma now​, trying one early can be a good test run.
• Home Environment: Do you have a space where your child can study quietly? Is there a stay-at-home parent or a flexible schedule that allows someone to be around to supervise, especially for a younger teen? Ensure you have the logistics in place (a good desk, internet, etc.) to support focused study at home.

Above all, have an open conversation with your teen. Some students are relieved at the idea of online schooling; others might be hesitant because they’ll miss their friends. Listen to their concerns and hopes. You can also talk to the Guidance department at their current school or the admissions team at the online school for advice.

What to Look for in an Online High School

Not all online schools are created equal. As a parent, it’s important to do your homework before enrolling your child. Here are key things to check:

• Accreditation and Approvals: The school must be accredited and inspected by the Ontario Ministry of Education. This is non-negotiable for the credits to count toward the OSSD. In Ontario, private online high schools should appear on the Ministry’s list of inspected private secondary schools (this list is publicly available)​. If a school is not listed, its credits won’t be recognized.
• Qualified Teachers: Ensure the courses are taught and evaluated by Ontario-certified teachers. Teacher bios can often be found on the school’s website. Qualified, passionate teachers make a huge difference in the online learning experience​.
• OSSD Credit Recognition: Confirm that the school grants Ontario Secondary School Diploma credits and that colleges and universities accept these. (If the school is accredited, this should be the case. You can also look for testimonials of graduates who went on to university to be sure.)
• Student Support Services: Look for additional support: guidance counselors who can help with course planning or post-secondary applications, tutoring or extra-help sessions if a student is struggling, and accommodations for special needs if applicable.
• Flexibility and Pacing: Different programs have different structures. Some have set semesters and live classes at fixed times; others (like most private online schools) allow continuous enrollment and self-paced work. Choose what fits your child’s needs. If your teen needs a structured schedule with live class interaction, a program with daily live lessons might be better. If they need flexibility, ensure the school allows self-pacing and perhaps offers fast-track options.
• Platform and Resources: A well-designed online platform that’s easy to navigate is important. It’s a bonus if the school offers engaging resources like interactive simulations, videos, and practice quizzes. If possible, don’t hesitate to ask for a demo or screenshots of the course environment.
• Cost and Policies: Be sure you understand the tuition or course fees and the refund policy (if your child decides to return to traditional school). Also, check if there are any extra costs, such as proctoring fees for exams or textbook purchases. (We’ll touch on typical costs in the FAQ section below.)

If possible, read reviews or speak to other parents whose children have attended that online school. A bit of research can give you peace of mind that you’re choosing a reputable institution for your teen.

(At Canadian Virtual School, we pride ourselves on checking all the boxes above – we are Ministry-inspected, employ certified teachers, and have a proven track record of students earning their OSSD and progressing to post-secondary success. Feel free to explore our Courses page to see the wide range of Grade 9–12 courses available, from core subjects to unique electives.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Parents often have lots of questions about switching to an online high school. Here are answers to some of the most common questions:

Conclusion: Your Child’s Future, Your Choice

Choosing an educational path is a big decision, but remember that as a parent, you know your child best. A parent’s guide to online high school like this is meant to empower you with knowledge. By now, you should have a clearer picture of what online high school involves – the flexibility, the responsibility, the opportunities, and the considerations.

Online high school has opened doors for countless Ontario students. Whether it’s providing a safe haven from bullying, enabling an elite athlete to train and study, or simply offering a fresh start for a teen who didn’t mesh with traditional schooling, virtual learning can be a positive, life-changing experience. If you decide to take this path, approach it as a partnership: you, your child, and the online school working together to achieve your teen’s goals.

Ready to Explore Online Learning with Your Teen?

If you want to try online high school, don’t hesitate to reach out for Guidance. At Canadian Virtual School, we’re happy to answer your questions and help you determine the best plan for your student’s success. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey – many parents have been in your shoes and made the switch successfully.

Take the next step: explore our course offerings, chat with our staff, or go ahead and begin the enrollment process. A flexible, personalized education could be the key to unlocking your child’s potential. Your teen’s future is full of possibilities – and the path to get there doesn’t have to look like the traditional one.

Contact us today to learn more or to enroll in an online high school program that fits your family’s needs. Let’s work together to help your child thrive!​