Public vs Private Online High Schools in Ontario: Key Differences Explained
Ontario parents and students often find themselves weighing the public vs. private online high school options in Ontario when considering how to pursue high school credits online. Both public and private online high schools offer Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) credits, but the experience they provide can be very different. For example, you might compare TVO ILC – Ontario’s public online high school – with a private school like Canadian Virtual School (CVS). Understanding the key differences in areas such as cost, flexibility, teacher support, and enrollment process will help you make an informed choice for your teen’s education. In this guide, we’ll break down public vs. private online high schools in Ontario, explain how they work, and highlight which factors matter most as you decide on the best path for your child.
What Are Public and Private Online High Schools?
Before diving into the comparison, let’s define what we mean by public vs. private online high schools in Ontario. Public online high schools are typically funded or run by government organizations. In Ontario, the primary public online high school option is TVO ILC (Independent Learning Centre), which is affiliated with Ontario’s Ministry of Education. Public online programs offer Ontario curriculum courses at low cost (or even free through school boards) to residents, and they are open to youth and adults meeting specific criteria.
On the other hand, private online high schools are operated by independent organizations or companies. These schools charge tuition for courses and operate independently of the public school boards, while still following the Ontario curriculum. Private online schools like Canadian Virtual School (CVS), among others, are Ministry-inspected institutions authorized to grant OSSD credits. They cater to a wide range of students – from those looking to earn extra credits while attending a brick-and-mortar school, to homeschoolers and adult learners aiming to complete their diploma online.
Both types of schools deliver courses via the internet, allowing students to study from home on their own schedule. However, there are essential differences in how they operate and the experience students receive. Let’s explore the key differences between public and private online high schools in Ontario.
Public vs Private Online School Ontario: Key Differences
Choosing between a public program like TVO ILC and a private online high school such as CVS comes down to understanding several core differences. Below is an overview of the key factors that differentiate public vs private online school Ontario options:
- Cost and Fees: Public online high school courses (e.g., through TVO ILC) are heavily subsidized by the government. Ontario residents pay a nominal fee (around $40 per course) for ILC courses, making it the most budget-friendly option. Private online high schools charge tuition per course, typically ranging from about $500 for domestic students (and higher for international). While private schooling is a bigger investment, the tuition supports more personalized services and resources (like quicker grading and extra support).
- Enrollment and Eligibility: Public online programs have specific enrollment requirements. TVO ILC generally requires that students not be currently enrolled in a day school (or if they are, they must get permission from their guidance counsellor to take an ILC course). The application process requires proving Ontario residency and citizenship for the subsidized rate, and students must be at least 14 years old. Private online schools, in contrast, usually allow open enrollment year-round – you can register anytime regardless of age or current school status. For example, CVS welcomes Ontario students, out-of-province, and international learners alike. If you’re attending a traditional high school but want to take an extra online course on the side, private schools make that process straightforward (often without needing your day school’s permission).
- Registration Process: The sign-up process at a private online high school is often faster and more streamlined. Typically, you create an account on the school’s website, fill out a registration form, and pay the course fee – then you can get started in a day or two. At Canadian Virtual School, registration is user-friendly and courses are available within days or even hours of enrolling. By comparison, enrolling through TVO ILC’s public system involves a multi-step application. You must choose your course, fill in personal information, pay the fee, and then wait for approval while submitting required documents (proof of identity, residency, prior transcripts for prerequisites, etc.). This means it may take a little time (several days or more) before you can begin an ILC course. If you’re eager to start quickly, the private route might be more convenient.
- Course Offerings: Both public and private online schools offer the Ontario high school curriculum, including core subjects and electives, but there may be differences in specific course availability. TVO ILC, being Ontario’s largest online high school, offers over 140 courses which cover all mandatory credits and many electives. Many private schools, including CVS, also provide a comprehensive selection of courses for Grades 9–12 (from academic sciences and maths to arts, languages, and business studies). In some cases, private schools might offer unique elective courses or specialized programs (like Advanced Placement prep or ESL support) that public options may not. However, broadly speaking, you can earn any required OSSD credit through either route.
- Curriculum and Quality: Importantly, the curriculum is standardized across Ontario. Public and private online schools both follow the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum guidelines for each course. This means the learning expectations and content are aligned with what students in regular schools learn. A Grade 11 Chemistry course or a Grade 12 English course should cover the exact expectations, whether it’s through ILC or CVS. The difference can come in the delivery and support rather than the content itself. Private online schools often pride themselves on high-quality course materials, interactive content, and frequent updates to their lessons. TVO ILC also offers rich media content and has updated many courses for online delivery. Both types of schools employ Ontario Certified Teachers to develop and/or teach the courses, ensuring students receive instruction from qualified professionals.
- Pacing and Flexibility: One of the biggest appeals of online high school is flexibility in pacing. Both TVO ILC and private online schools allow self-paced learning to an extent – you don’t attend live daily classes so that you can progress through the course at your own speed. TVO ILC gives students up to 10 months to complete a course, and you can start at any time of year. Private online schools like CVS similarly allow students up to 12 months to finish a course, with the option to accelerate and finish much faster if desired. In fact, many private online students fast-track courses in as little as 4-8 weeks when they need a credit quickly (for example, over the summer or to meet a university deadline). Public ILC students can also theoretically finish soon, but in practice, certain factors like assignment grading times can affect how fast you move through. Overall, private schools tend to offer more flexibility if you want to accelerate or take multiple courses concurrently. There’s usually no strict limit on how many courses you can enroll in at once. In contrast, public programs might recommend or enforce a limit (and if you’re an Ontario high school student, your day school might only approve a certain number of external credits at a time).
- Teacher Support and Interaction: This is a significant difference that many families consider. In a public independent study program like TVO ILC, learning is designed to be self-sufficient. You work through course units on your own. Teachers are assigned to mark your assignments and final exam, and you can ask questions via email, but one-on-one teaching interaction is limited. Response times from ILC instructors may vary; with thousands of students, the learning experience is often more independent by design. Private online high schools, conversely, usually emphasize strong teacher support. Class sizes are smaller, and teachers are readily available to answer questions, provide feedback, and even offer extra help. For instance, at CVS, teachers respond to student inquiries (often within one business day) and return graded assignments with detailed feedback typically within about 5 days. You’re not just teaching yourself; you have a qualified teacher guiding you through the course, albeit remotely. If your teen learns best with more guidance and the ability to get clarification quickly, the private option offers a clear advantage in support.
- Assessments and Feedback: In both systems, students complete assignments, unit tests, and final evaluations to earn their credit. The difference is in how feedback is delivered. Private school instructors often provide more detailed, personalized feedback on assignments to help students improve. They may also offer opportunities for resubmission or extra practice, depending on the school’s policies. Public ILC markers do grade your work fairly, but interaction is minimal – you submit work online and receive a grade and perhaps brief comments. Additionally, scheduling the final exam can differ: TVO ILC uses an online proctoring system for final tests (with a live proctor monitoring via webcam). Private schools also require proctored final exams, but some offer flexible options, such as choosing your own proctor (e.g., a school teacher or librarian) or using an online proctoring service on your schedule. The logistics are somewhat easier to tailor in the private system.
- Guidance and Academic Planning: Enrolling in the right courses and meeting graduation requirements can be daunting without help. If you are a full-time student at a traditional school, you likely have a guidance counsellor to help with planning, even if you take an online course or two externally. However, students who are pursuing their entire diploma online (either through ILC or a private school) will rely on the institution for guidance and support. TVO ILC offers information via their website and FAQ, but they do not provide personal course planning services for each student. Private online schools usually have guidance counsellors or support staff who can work with students (and parents) one-on-one. At Canadian Virtual School, for example, counsellors can advise on course selection, ensure you meet OSSD requirements, and even assist with post-secondary applications or pathway planning. This level of support can be very reassuring for parents who are navigating online education for the first time.
- Academic Integrity and Supervision: Both public and private online schools take academic integrity seriously. Online courses require students to complete their work honestly. TVO ILC and private schools both implement measures like plagiarism checks and proctored exams to ensure the credits earned are legitimate. There’s sometimes a perception that it might be easier to “game the system” in one or the other, but the reality is that standards are enforced similarly in both settings. The main difference is that a private teacher might proactively catch and correct issues (like improper citations or suspected plagiarism) through closer student-teacher engagement. In contrast, ILC will simply enforce consequences if the work is not original. In short, students need to put in the work regardless of the platform, but with a private school, they may have more support to stay on track and do their best work.
- Reputation and Recognition: A common question is whether universities and colleges value credits from a private online high school the same as those from a public school. In Ontario, a credit is a credit as long as it’s from an inspected school. TVO ILC and accredited private schools (like CVS and other established online schools) are all recognized by the Ministry of Education and issue OSSD credits that all Canadian post-secondary institutions accept. Many thousands of students from private online schools go on to universities like the University of Toronto, McMaster, Western, etc., without issue. In fact, when applying to Ontario universities or colleges, both public and private online schools will use the centralized application systems (OUAC or OCAS) to submit student grades. TVO ILC, for instance, sends grades through OUAC/OCAS for university/college applications, and private schools do the same. So, academically, there is no penalty in choosing a private online school; institutions know the curriculum and standards are equivalent. If anything, admissions officers are aware that students who take the initiative to enroll in extra online courses (public or private) are demonstrating commitment to their goals.
- Learning Environment: Finally, consider the overall learning environment. Public online programs like ILC are typically asynchronous and solitary – you won’t have class discussions or group projects. It’s truly an independent study. Some private online schools remain fully asynchronous as well, but others might incorporate optional live lessons, virtual classrooms, or student discussion forums to create a sense of community. For example, a private school might host virtual clubs or webinars for students. The learning platform might also differ; all are online, but the interfaces and tools used can be different. User experience matters: private schools often invest in more user-friendly learning management systems (with interactive videos, simulations, etc.), aiming to keep students engaged. TVO ILC’s platform is functional and content-rich, but may feel a bit more utilitarian as it serves a huge number of students. Depending on your teen’s learning style, these nuances can make a difference in how motivated they feel day-to-day.
FAQs: Public vs. Private Online High Schools in Ontario
Are online high school courses free in Ontario?
If you are enrolled in a regular public high school, taking online courses through your school board’s e-learning platform may be free. However, when we talk about independent online high schools, TVO ILC is the closest thing to “free” for Ontario residents, charging a small $40 administrative fee per course (essentially a token cost). Private online high schools in Ontario are not free – they charge tuition per course. The tuition pays for the enhanced services and teacher support that private schools provide. So in summary, public online courses are low-cost (almost free), while private classes have a significant fee.
How much do private online high schools cost in Ontario?
Private online high school courses typically cost a few hundred dollars each. The exact tuition varies by school and grade level. Many private schools charge around $450 to $600 (CAD) for a single high school credit course for Canadian residents. For example, Canadian Virtual School’s courses are in this price range. Some schools offer promotions or package deals for multiple classes. International students usually pay more – often $700 to $800 per course – since public funding or subsidies don’t apply. While this cost is much higher than the $40 public option, remember it includes full access to the course, certified teacher support, grading, and transcript services.
Is TVO ILC considered a public school?
TVO ILC (Independent Learning Centre) is not a physical school, but it is considered Ontario’s public online high school program. It’s run by TVO (a public agency) in partnership with the Ministry of Education. For practical purposes, ILC operates similarly to a public school: it follows the government curriculum and is funded to keep costs low. You won’t attend classes in person – it’s all remote learning – but credits earned through TVO ILC are recognized just like credits from any public school. Essentially, it’s the public alternative to private online schools.
Do universities accept online high school credits from private schools?
Yes. Universities and colleges in Ontario (and across Canada) treat credits from Ministry-inspected private schools the same as those from public schools. As long as the private online high school is accredited to grant OSSD credits (which reputable ones like CVS are), the transcript is official. Thousands of students from private online programs gain admission to top universities every year. Admissions offices mostly care about the course mark and ensuring the prerequisite courses are completed, not whether the credit came from a public or private institution. Just be sure the private school is legitimate – you can verify if a private high school has a Ministry BSID (Board School Identification Database) number and is allowed to grant credits.
Which is better for flexibility, TVO ILC or a private online school?
Both options offer flexibility, but private online high schools often provide greater flexibility overall. With TVO ILC, you can start anytime and study on your own schedule. Still, you have a maximum of 10 months, and you might experience some waiting (for example, waiting for assignments to be graded before moving on, or waiting for exam scheduling). Private schools like CVS also let you start anytime and work at your own pace. They tend to allow even faster acceleration if you’re motivated – plus, you can often overlap units or get rapid feedback to keep momentum. Private schools are very accommodating if you need to finish a course quickly (or conversely, if you need to pause and take longer, extensions can sometimes be arranged). So if by “flexibility” we mean the ability to personalize the pace and timing to the student’s needs, private wins by a slight edge.
Can students take online high school courses while still in a regular school?
Yes, but how you do it depends on the type of online school. If you’re currently attending a public high school and want to take an extra online course, you have to be careful with TVO ILC – their policy asks presently enrolled students to go through their guidance counsellor. Many day schools have their own e-learning or night school programs and may prefer you use those for additional credits. In contrast, private online schools readily allow students to enroll for a single course while still attending another school. This is common for students who want to get ahead, fit in an extra credit (like a prerequisite for university), or retake a course for a better grade. You would simply sign up with the private online school, and once you finish, you’d provide your day school with the transcript to have the credit added. Always communicate with your guidance counsellor to ensure the credit is acknowledged and to keep your academic record updated.
What are the admission requirements for public vs private online high schools?
For public online (TVO ILC), the requirements are primarily age (14 or older) and Ontario residency to qualify for the low fee. They will also require proof of status (such as citizenship or permanent residency) if you’re claiming the domestic rate. If you are under 18, typically a parent/guardian must co-sign your application. And as noted, if you are currently in a regular high school, you need school permission. For private online high schools, admission requirements are generally more open. You usually need to show proof of the prerequisite credits when you register for an advanced course (for instance, to take Grade 12 Chemistry, you must have completed the Grade 11 Chemistry credit, whether at a public or private school). Other than that, private schools just need basic identification details and payment. They often accept students from anywhere, including adults returning to education. There’s no boundary or school district limitation.
Do private online high school courses follow the same curriculum as public schools?
Absolutely. Private online high schools in Ontario must follow the Ontario Curriculum for all courses if they wish to grant OSSD credits. The Ministry of Education provides curriculum documents that outline the expectations for each course (whether it’s Grade 10 History or Grade 12 Calculus), and both public and private schools design their courses around these standards. Therefore, the material you learn and the overall expectations are equivalent. The difference might be in presentation or depth: one school might include additional enrichment activities, projects, or multimedia resources, but fundamentally, a credit in a given course covers the same learning outcomes everywhere. This ensures fairness in the education system – an OSSD credit holds the same value no matter where it’s earned.
How do I get my OSSD diploma if I study online?
Whether you study via the public route (ILC) or privately, you can earn the Ontario Secondary School Diploma entirely online. The key is completing the required 30 credits, the literacy requirement, and community hours. If you take courses through TVO ILC and possibly other schools, you will need to coordinate to have the OSSD issued.
Making the Right Choice for Your Teen
Now that we’ve broken down the differences, you might be asking: Which path should I choose? The answer depends on your child’s needs, learning style, and your family’s circumstances:
- Choose TVO ILC (Public) if affordability is the top priority and your teen is comfortable learning very independently. For self-motivated students who need just one or two courses and don’t require much teacher interaction, the public online program can be a suitable and budget-friendly solution. It’s also a good option for adult learners on a tight budget who want to complete high school credits at their own pace.
- Choose a Private Online High School if you value more support, faster service, and personalized guidance. The higher cost brings a more hands-on experience: responsive teachers, quicker turnaround on grading, and staff who can assist with course planning or any issues that arise. This environment makes a big difference for students who struggle on their own or who have ambitious goals and timelines. For example, if your child is aiming for competitive university programs, a private online course might help them achieve a higher mark through regular feedback and tutoring. Or if they need to complete a credit on a tight schedule (say to graduate on time or qualify for an early admission), the flexibility and attentive support of a private school can be crucial.
- Consider a Combination: Some students use both systems. There’s no rule that it’s all-or-nothing. Your teen could take a mix of courses – perhaps using TVO ILC for a course that is less critical and they’re confident to self-study, and using a private school for a course where they want extra help to excel. The key is that all credits will eventually come together on their transcript. Just keep open communication with any institutions involved to ensure proper credit transfers and records.
In the end, both public and private online high schools in Ontario lead to the same destination: an OSSD credit or diploma. They just take slightly different paths to get there. As a parent, weigh the pros and cons outlined above in light of your child’s personality. Do they thrive with guidance or prefer working alone? Is cost a deciding factor, or is the investment worthwhile for your family’s goals?
Why Canadian Virtual School Is a Great Choice
If you decide that a private online high school is the way to go, it’s essential to choose one that delivers on quality and support. Canadian Virtual School (CVS) stands out as a leading option for Ontario students. We combine the accreditation and curriculum alignment you expect (all our courses are approved for OSSD credits) with the personalized attention of a dedicated team. Our certified teachers engage with students daily over email, answering questions and providing feedback to keep them motivated. Assignments are graded promptly, so learners aren’t left waiting and can move ahead in their studies.
At CVS, the enrollment process is straightforward – you can register online anytime without complex paperwork. Whether your teen wants to take a single course to upgrade a mark or plans to earn their entire diploma through us, we handle all the administrative details, such as transcripts and university application support. Our guidance counsellors are available to help chart the best course pathway, and we even offer tips for successfully adjusting to online learning.
Most importantly, we know that switching to an online school is a big decision for any family. That’s why we strive to make the experience positive and student-centred. Our courses are designed to be engaging and interactive, not just reading pages and doing tests. Students can learn at their own pace, but are never on their own – there’s a caring teacher just a message away. And as a fully online school, we understand the needs of remote learners and have built a supportive community around that.
Canadian Virtual School is here to support your child every step of the way, from registration to the final exam. We’re proud to see our graduates succeed and move on to university programs across Canada and beyond. If you’re interested in exploring what CVS offers, we invite you to reach out for more information.
Ready to Enroll? Let’s Get Started!
Leaping at online high school can feel daunting, but with the right school, it can also be the best decision you make for your teen’s education. If you have questions or want to discuss your child’s situation in detail, our team at Canadian Virtual School is happy to help. We can guide you through how our program works and what to expect, with no obligation.
Don’t let confusion about public vs. private online high schools hold you back. By now, you have a clear picture of how they differ. If the private route aligns better with your needs, take the next step and experience the CVS difference. Our simple online registration is open now – you can enroll your child in their next course today and set them on the path to success.
Education in Ontario is evolving, and you have more options than ever. Whether you choose the public or private online path, what matters most is supporting your teen’s learning journey. Canadian Virtual School is ready to partner with you in that journey and ensure your child thrives in their online high school experience. Let’s achieve those academic goals together!
