CHOOSE YOUR PATH
Whether you need a full diploma, a dual credential with your home country, or individual credits to supplement your transcript — CNA has a pathway for you.
Earn the complete Ontario Secondary School Diploma
Available via eSchool, Day School, or Homestay
Combine OSSD with your home country diploma
Credit transfer from your current school
Take individual OSSD credits as needed
Most flexible option — start anytime
The OSSD is one of the most recognised high school diplomas in the world — accepted by universities across Canada, the US, UK, Australia, and beyond.
The Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) is awarded by the Ontario Ministry of Education to students who successfully complete the requirements of the Ontario secondary school program. As an Ontario Ministry-inspected school (BSID 882882), Canada Nord Academy delivers the full OSSD curriculum through flexible online and in-person pathways.
Ontario's education system consistently ranks among the top in the world. According to the OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), Canadian students — led by Ontario — perform in the top tier globally in reading, mathematics, and science. The OSSD is recognized by universities in over 30 countries, including direct entry pathways to Canada's top-ranked institutions.
The Ontario Ministry of Education requires three components for graduation. CNA guides every student through each one.
17 compulsory credits plus 13 optional credits. Courses span English, Math, Science, History, Geography, Arts, Health & PE, French, Career Studies, and Civics — plus electives you choose.
40 hours of community involvement activities. CNA helps you find meaningful volunteer opportunities — locally or virtually — that fit your interests and schedule.
Pass the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) or complete the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OLC4O). CNA offers OLC4O for students who need it.
Note: Starting in September 2026, grade 10 students are required to complete a Financial Literacy Graduation Requirement within their course credit of their compulsory Grade 10 Career Studies course. Students will need to achieve a mark of 70% or higher on the test to pass this new requirement and earn their high school diploma (OSSD).
Of the 17 compulsory credits, you must complete 1 from the following group:
You must meet the literacy graduation requirement to earn your high school diploma. For most students, this means passing the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT). If you do not pass the OSSLT, there are other ways to meet the literacy graduation requirement. Contact your school principal to find out about these options.
If you started Grade 9 in the 2020-21 school year or later, you must earn at least 2 online learning credits to get your high school diploma.
Adult learners: If you entered the secondary school system starting in the 2023-24 school year or later, this requirement also applies to you.
Credits earned during COVID-19 If you were in Grade 9 and learning remotely when all schools were closed (from April 2021 to June 2021), you can count 1 of the high school credits you earned towards the 2 online learning credits you need to graduate.
If you meet this requirement, you can complete the exemption form available from your school. Otherwise, your parent or guardian needs to ask for this exemption by completing the form for you.
You need to have at least 40 hours of community involvement activities (volunteering) to graduate and earn your OSSD.
You can start collecting volunteer hours in the summer before you begin Grade 9. When looking for volunteer opportunities:
If you’re under 18, ask your parents to help you plan and select your activities. Talk with your guidance counsellor or principal about other ways your school can help you earn community involvement hours.
Volunteering in your community helps you learn about civic engagement and understand your role as a citizen. By being involved in your community and serving others, you:
SPECIALIZED SOLUTIONS
Not every student follows the same path. CNA's flexible delivery models are designed to accommodate the unique schedules, goals, and learning needs of diverse students.
Balance your creative practice with your academics. Whether you're preparing a portfolio for OCAD University, pursuing a theatre audition season, or building a music career — CNA's self-paced online model lets you schedule coursework around rehearsals, studio time, and auditions.
Train and compete without sacrificing your education. CNA's online OSSD program is designed for student-athletes balancing intensive training schedules, travel for competitions, and the academic requirements for NCAA, U SPORTS, and Canadian university eligibility.
Every student deserves a learning environment that works for them. CNA supports students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) by providing accommodations that remove barriers to learning — from extended time to alternative assessment formats.
Sources: Ontario Ministry of Education — Special Education in Ontario, Kindergarten to Grade 12: Policy and Resource Guide (2017); Ontario Ministry of Education — Growing Success: Assessment, Evaluation, and Reporting in Ontario Schools (2010); NCAA Eligibility Center — Core Course Requirements for International Students.
HOW IT WORK
Select Full OSSD, Dual Diploma, or Credit Top-Up based on your academic goals and timeline.
Complete the online application with your transcripts. Our admissions team responds within 2 business days.
Work with an academic counsellor to choose courses that match your goals, prerequisites, and university ambitions.
Receive LMS access within 1 business day. Study at your own pace with Ontario-certified teacher support.
WHICH PATHWAY IS RIGHT FOR ME?
A side-by-side look at what each pathway offers, so you can make an informed decision.
Swipe horizontally to compare all pathways.
| Feature | Full OSSD Diploma | Dual Diploma | Credit Top-Up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credits Earned | 30 credits (full diploma) | 6-10 additional credits | 1+ credits (your choice) |
| Timeline | 2-4 years | 1-2 years | 4 weeks to 12 months per course |
| Best For | Students seeking a complete Ontario diploma | Students earning a home-country diploma simultaneously | Students needing specific credits or prerequisites |
| University Recognition | Full OSSD — globally recognised | Dual credential — competitive advantage | Individual credits — supplement any transcript |
| Learning Mode | eSchool, Day School, or Homestay | eSchool (online) | eSchool (online) |
| Credit Transfer | PLAR evaluation included | Full credit transfer evaluation | Not applicable |
| Start Date | Rolling intake (Sep/Jan/May/Jul) | Rolling intake | Start anytime |
| Pricing | From CAD $299/course (eSchool) | From CAD $299/course (eSchool) | From CAD $299/course |
COMMON QUESTIONS
Yes. Every OSSD credit you earn through CNA counts toward a full diploma. If you start with Credit Top-Up and later decide to pursue the full OSSD, all completed credits transfer seamlessly. Just inform your academic counsellor and they will help you transition.
CONTINUE EXPLORING
Browse related subjects. Confirm your course sequence with Guidance.
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