Top 5 Benefits of Taking Online Summer School for High School Students
In Ontario, online summer school is gaining popularity as students and parents discover its many advantages. From flexible scheduling to faster completion of credits, the benefits of online summer school are hard to ignore. At Canadian Virtual School (CVS), for example, motivated students can earn a full OSSD credit in as little as 3 weeks! In this article, we’ll explore the top five reasons why taking an online high school course during the summer can be a game-changer for your education.
Top 5 Benefits of Online Summer School
From flexibility to university prep, let’s explore the top five advantages of online summer classes for high schoolers:
1. Flexible Scheduling and Convenience
Online summer school for Ontario high school students offers a level of flexibility that traditional in-person classes can’t match. Instead of being stuck in a classroom on a fixed schedule, you can study whenever and wherever it suits you. Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, you can learn at your own pace.
- Learn from anywhere: Complete your coursework from home, a library, or even while on vacation. All you need is a computer and an internet connection.
- Study on your time: Set a schedule that fits your summer routine. You can allocate more study hours on days when you’re free and take breaks when you need to.
- Balance other activities: Online courses make it easier to juggle a summer job, sports, family commitments, or camps because you aren’t locked into a 9-to-3 school day.
- No commute required: You will save time and energy by not having to travel to a physical school. This also means no transportation hassles or costs.
In short, this flexible approach lets you make the most of summer on your terms. For all these reasons, online summer school for Ontario high school students becomes much more convenient and adaptable to each individual’s needs.
2. Accelerated Learning and Fast-Tracking Credits
Another major benefit of online summer courses is the ability to fast-track your education. Traditional summer school programs often run on set timelines, but an online program like CVS allows you to move faster if you’re able. In fact, with our fast-track courses, you can complete a full high school credit in as little as three weeks by working at an intensive pace. This means you could finish a course before July is even over!
Fast-tracking your credits can help you in several ways. If you aim to graduate early or on time, an extra credit in the summer can be a lifesaver. It’s also a smart strategy for lightening your workload during the regular school year. By knocking out a credit in the summer, you can reduce your course load during the school year and have a more manageable schedule when classes resume. Many students use online summer school to free up a spare period in their timetable or to focus on fewer courses at once, reducing stress.
Overall, Ontario’s online summer school programs allow ambitious students to fast-track their high school credits. You’ll enter the next grade with completed required courses, giving you a head start. Instead of falling behind or feeling overwhelmed, you can stay ahead of the curve.
3. Catch Up or Improve Your Grades
Online summer school isn’t just for getting ahead—it’s also an excellent opportunity to catch up or boost a grade. Perhaps you found a course challenging during the year or didn’t get the mark you hoped for. Summer is the perfect time to revisit that subject without the pressure of a full course load. At CVS, you can retake (“upgrade”) courses to improve your understanding and your grade. By focusing on one course at a time, many students find they can turn a previous 60% into an 85% or 90% with dedicated effort.
If you missed a credit needed for graduation or university admission, an online summer course can help you stay on track. You won’t have to repeat a grade or cram your schedule next year. Likewise, if a required course doesn’t fit into your timetable, you can complete it in the summer so you’re ready for the fall.
Another advantage is that online private courses usually have continuous enrollment and no waitlists. You don’t have to worry about a summer school class filling up or being canceled. You can start your course as soon as you’re ready and work at the pace that suits you best. This flexibility in pacing, combined with the ability to redo assignments and get one-on-one feedback from your teacher, often leads to a stronger grasp of the material — and a higher final mark.
Improving a key grade over the summer can make a big difference for your future plans. It might raise your overall average for university applications or ensure you meet the prerequisite for that Grade 12 course you want to take. It shows admissions officers and scholarship committees your commitment to academic growth. Rather than seeing a low mark on your transcript, they’ll see that you took the initiative to better yourself, which reflects very positively on you as a student.
4. Get Ahead and Prepare for University
Ambitious students often use online summer school to get ahead academically. By taking an extra credit (or two) in the summer, you can explore subjects beyond what’s offered at your day school or tackle advanced courses early. For instance, you might take Grade 12 Chemistry the summer after Grade 11, allowing you to ease your load during Grade 12 or even take a post-secondary level course later on. Fast-tracking prerequisites in this way opens up your schedule for enriched opportunities in your final year of high school.
Online summer courses also let you pursue personal interests that might not fit into your regular school timetable. Want to learn coding or psychology but it doesn’t fit in your Grade 11 year? Taking it online in the summer is a great solution. You’ll broaden your knowledge and show colleges/universities that you’re intellectually curious and proactive.
Crucially, using summer to stay academically active keeps you sharp for the fall. Studies have shown that continuing to learn can prevent the “summer slide” – losing academic skills over the break. Instead of forgetting important math or writing skills, you’ll reinforce them. Come September, you’ll be primed for success while others are still dusting off the cobwebs.
Taking the initiative by earning extra credits can also boost your university application. Admissions officers notice when students go above and beyond minimum requirements. Completing additional or higher-level courses demonstrates academic passion and good time management. It can help your application stand out in a competitive field. Moreover, the discipline and self-motivation you develop in online learning are excellent preparation for university life. You’ll already have experience managing your time, keeping yourself on track, and seeking help when needed — skills that are invaluable in post-secondary studies.
Overall, an online summer course is an investment in your future. You’ll enter the new school year not only with extra knowledge under your belt but with the confidence that you’re well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
5. Personalized Support and High-Quality Education
Some people worry that online school means going it alone, but that’s far from the truth.
At Canadian Virtual School, students receive strong support and guidance throughout their courses. You’ll be taught by certified Ontario teachers who are just an email or message away whenever you have questions. Our instructors provide timely feedback on assignments, personalized tips for improvement, and one-on-one attention that’s hard to get in a crowded summer classroom. We also offer Guidance counselor support to help plan your course selection and ensure you meet OSSD requirements.
Quality is a top priority at CVS. Our courses follow the same rigorous Ontario curriculum as any public school, and the Ministry of Education inspects us to grant credits toward the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. In other words, OSSD credits earned online with CVS carry the same weight as those earned in a traditional school. Universities and colleges recognize these credits, and our alumni have gone on to attend top post-secondary institutions in Canada and beyond.
Because our program meets high academic standards, you can be confident you’re learning everything you need to succeed at the next level. Online doesn’t mean “easier” — it means smarter. You’ll still complete assignments, exams, and projects that challenge you to think critically and master the material. The upside is you get to do it on a schedule that works for you, with plenty of support when needed.
Many students find that the experience of managing an online course makes them more independent and responsible learners. You’ll develop self-discipline and time management skills by planning your study time and meeting deadlines with less in-person supervision. These skills will serve you well in university, where professors won’t always remind you of due dates or chase you to complete your work. By choosing a high-quality online summer course now, you’re not just earning a credit — you’re also building habits for academic success.
Online Summer School FAQs
You likely have some questions about how virtual summer courses work. Below, we answer some common questions students (and parents) ask about online summer school:
How long does it take to complete an online summer school course?
It depends on your pace. With self-paced online courses, motivated students can finish a course in as little as 3-4 weeks by studying full-time. At Canadian Virtual School, for example, some fast-track students complete the 110-hour course requirement in about 3 weeks. If you prefer to spread out your learning, you can take longer (up to a few months) to finish. The beauty of online summer school is that you have control over how quickly you progress.
Do universities and colleges accept online summer school credits?
Yes – as long as the online school is accredited to grant OSSD credits, the credits you earn online are equivalent to those from any Ontario high school. Canadian universities and colleges will accept these credits for admission, provided you meet their specific course requirements and grade criteria. In fact, universities care more about your grades and the courses you’ve taken than how or where you took them. An online summer course that meets Ontario’s curriculum standards will be viewed the same as a traditional class on your transcript.
Can I take more than one online course during the summer?
Absolutely. Because online summer school is self-paced, some students do complete two courses in one summer, especially if they have a lot of free time. Remember that each course still requires about 110 hours of work (the standard in Ontario). Taking two at once (or back-to-back) is a significant commitment, but it’s doable if you plan well. Just be careful not to overload yourself – make sure you can dedicate enough hours to each course so that you succeed in both.
What if I need help or have questions while taking an online course?
You’re never on your own in online summer school. At CVS, instructors are very accessible via email, discussion boards, and even video calls if needed. If you’re stuck on a concept or assignment, you can reach out and expect a helpful response (typically within a day). Many online courses also provide resource libraries and peer discussion forums where you can ask questions. In short, plenty of support is available – you just have to ask!
Do I need permission from my day school to take a summer course online?
Generally, no. In most cases, you can register for an online summer course on your own. It’s still a good idea to inform your day school’s Guidance counselor about your plans, especially if you want the credit recorded on your school transcript. For reach-ahead students (for example, a Grade 8 student taking a Grade 9 credit), a principal’s permission is required. But for a high school student taking an extra summer course through a private online school, you typically don’t need prior approval – you can simply enroll.
Is online summer school easier or harder than regular school?
The curriculum and academic standards are identical to in-person classes, so an online summer course isn’t inherently easier or harder – just different. Online summer school can feel intense because you’re completing a full course in a shorter time frame, so you must be self-motivated to stay on schedule. However, many students find it easier to focus on one subject at a time and appreciate the flexible schedule. If you manage your time well and put in the effort, you’ll find an online course very rewarding. Plus, you have support from teachers whenever you need help, just like in a traditional class.
When is the deadline to register for an online summer course?
There’s usually no strict deadline. Canadian Virtual School, for example, offers rolling enrollment, which means you can sign up for an online course at any point – even in the middle of summer – and start immediately. Of course, the earlier in the summer you enroll, the more time you’ll have to finish at a comfortable pace before the new school year begins. But if you decide later in the summer that you want to earn a credit, it’s typically not too late to register and get started immediately.
How much does online summer school cost in Ontario?
It depends on the school. Public school board summer programs may be free for students who live in the district, but they often have limited course offerings and fixed schedules. Private online schools like CVS charge tuition for each course (since we provide the platform, certified teachers, grading, and support). In return, you get convenience, a broad choice of courses, and flexible timing. For the latest tuition details at Canadian Virtual School, check our website or contact us directly – we’re happy to discuss costs and any payment plans or promotions.
Can international or out-of-province students take online OSSD courses during the summer?
Yes! Online courses are open to students worldwide. Canadian Virtual School welcomes learners from across Canada and around the globe. If you’re outside Ontario, you can still enroll in our Ontario curriculum courses and earn OSSD credits online. This is ideal for international students who plan to attend university in Ontario and want a head start or for out-of-province students who need a specific course not offered locally. All courses are in English and follow Ontario’s curriculum, so the academic standards remain consistent no matter where you’re logging in from.
What technology do I need for an online summer course?
You’ll need a computer (desktop or laptop) and a reliable internet connection – that’s the main requirement. All course materials are accessed through our online learning portal using a web browser. It’s helpful to have a PDF reader and a word processor (like Microsoft Word or Google Docs) for assignments, but those are standard programs. Some courses (for example, math or science) might use special software or virtual labs, but any required tools are typically provided or available as free downloads. In short, if you have a device that lets you watch videos and type up documents, you have everything you need to succeed in online summer school.
Ready to Get Ahead This Summer?
Online summer school can truly transform your high school experience, whether you’re catching up, accelerating, or broadening your horizons. Why not make this summer count? In fact, Canadian Virtual School is a leading online summer school Ontario families trust – with certified teachers, flexible scheduling, and a proven record of student success. Our mission is to help you achieve your goals on your timeline.
Don’t miss out on earning a credit (or two) before September rolls around. If you’re excited to experience the benefits of online summer school for yourself, register now for a course at CVS. Have questions or need guidance? Our friendly staff is just a call or email away and happy to help.
Make this summer your springboard to success. Enroll with Canadian Virtual School and see how far you can go when learning is on your terms!
