Graduation Requirements

Requirements for Ontario Secondary School Diploma

In order to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD):
1) Students must earn a minimum of 30 credits.
2) Students must also complete 40 hours of community involvement activities.
3) Students must successfully complete the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT).
4) Earn at least two (2) online learning credits.

40-Hour Community Involvement

The student is responsible for finding and completing 40 hours of volunteer work. The school will not be directly involved in finding volunteer placements for students or monitoring students while they are completing their volunteer work. More information can be found under here and under the "Volunteer & Community Involvement" tab on our site.

Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT)

All students must successfully complete the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test to receive their diploma. More information on the OSSLT can be found here.   

Two (2) Online Learning Credits 

All students will need to earn 2 online learning credits in order to receive their diploma, unless they have completed and submitted the Peel Online Learning Opt-Out Form to the guidance department. Copies are also available in the Guidance Office.

Pathway Programs and Planning

Our schools offer a variety of program options which provide a range of diverse and engaging learning opportunities, courses and programs, both inside and outside the classroom.

To help you think about your interests and ambitions, and where they can lead, all Peel District School Board students in grades 7 to12 have access to myBlueprint​. Using the online educational planning tool, students can begin the process of exploring education and career choices . 

If you're in grade 8 or in high school, you will select courses for the following school year. Each year, information is available to provide course descriptions, prerequisites and information about how to select courses. Talk to a guidance counsellor at your school or a teacher about your choice of courses.

Ontario Secondary School Certificate

The Ontario Secondary School Certificate will be granted on request to students who leave school before earning an Ontario Secondary School Diploma provided they have earned a minimum of 14 credits distributed as follows:

2 credits in English
1 credit in Canadian Geography or Canadian History
1 credit in Mathematics
1 credit in Science
1 credit in Health & Physical Education
1 credit in The Arts or Technological Education or Computer Studies
7 optional credits (credits selected by the student from available courses)