Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) Requirements

What you need to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma depends on the year you started Grade 9.

If you started Grade 9 in 2023 or in prior years, you must earn:

• 18  compulsory credits

• 12 optional credits

• the literacy requirement  (OSSLT)

• at least 2 online learning credits (see below if you wish to opt-out)

If you started Grade 9 in 2024 or in later years you must earn:

• 17 compulsory credits

• 13 optional credits

• the literacy requirement (OSSLT)

• at least 2 online learning credits (see below if you wish to opt-out)

Everyone needs 40 hours of community involvement activities (volunteering) to get their high school diploma.

English language learners: You may count up to 3 credits in English as a second language (ESL) or English Literacy Development (ELD) towards the 4 compulsory credits in English. It does not matter what year you started Grade 9.

Your fourth credit must be a Grade 12 compulsory English course.

Want more information? Check out the Government of Ontario website

2025-2026 Course Selection Timelines (CLOSED FOR 2025-2026)

Grades 9, 10, 11 and returning Grade 12 students must complete and submit their course selection in Xello between 

FEBRUARY 10 - 28, 2025.

Course selection is completed in  Xello which can be found on the OCDSB Student Portal. Click on the Course Planner button to select courses.  

More information about high school course selection can be found on the OCDSB Student Guide for Course Selections page.

Students and their parent/guardians are encouraged to take time to review course options together, research post-secondary pathways, and ask teachers or guidance counsellors for advice to make the best possible course choices.

 If you would like to chat with your Guidance Counsellor about Course Selections, please make sure you have done the following before coming to your guidance appointment:

• Reviewed the slides posted  below (How to Access Xello & Complete Course Selections, CHS Electives and grade-specific slideshows) and carefully read the email sent by Ms Peeling on February 5th, 2025.

• Started building your Course Planner in Xello

Canterbury Programs/Courses requiring a Separate or Supplemental Application for 2025/2026 

1. Link Crew Leadership (IDC3O and IDC4U)   

Add Link Crew, Grade 11 (IDC3O) or Link Crew, Grade 12 (IDC4U) in your Course Planner in Xello.  

○ After course selection has closed, students who selected the course will be invited to join the CHS Link Crew 2025-2026 Google Classroom to access and complete the application process. 

2. Outdoor Education (PAD3O) - Expression of Interest due by:  February 28th, 2025

To express interest in registering for Outdoor Ed (PAD3O), you must add PAD3O to your Xello Course Planner AND fill in the Outdoor Ed Google Form. Please note that this course is offered outside of the timetable. This course is open to students entering grade 10, 11 or 12; priority will be given to students entering grade 11 and 12. (If you are currently in Grade 9, you will need to contact your Guidance Counsellor to add PAD3O to your Course Planner as a 9th course.) 

3. TGG4MU - Yearbook & Web Magazine Production, Grade 12

Students must be have successfully completed TGG3MU in order to apply to take TGG4MU. 

○ After the Course Selection period closes, students who select TGG4MU in the Course Selection will be invited to complete a Google Form application in order to be considered for this course.

4. Cooperative Education (1CO3AD or 1CO4PD) 

Students who select 2-credit Co-op (1CO3AD) or full-day Co-op (1CO4PD) in their Course Planner in Xello will receive a link to the Co-op Google Form after the Course Selection period closes to provide additional information to our Co-op teacher regarding placement interests.

Students in French Immersion may be able to complete their Coop in French and have it count as a French credit.

5. SHSM Programs (Business, Arts & Culture, or other):  

Add the SHSM program of interest in your Course Planner in Xello.   Follow up with your Guidance Counsellor after you have completed a  SHSM application.

6. International Certificate Program (ICP): 

Contact your Guidance Counsellor for more information about how to apply and to review your course selection to ensure you have the required course components.