Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)

The Lakehead Adult Education Centre (LAEC) offers a wide-range of high school credits through e-learning, self-study, and distance education. Quality secondary school self-study credits are offered in all pathways (workplace, college or university). All credits offered lead to the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and/or post-secondary entrance requirements. Mature students (18 yrs+) are eligible to earn credits through the Mature Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (M-PLAR) process. Achieving Your High School Diploma Frequently asked questions:

When can I start?

Registration is continuous and ongoing.

How long will it take to finish the course(s)?

As with any other provincially mandated course, each course consists of 110 hours of work for each credit. Our recommendation is for students to complete 1 credit within an eight-week timeframe.

Do you have deadlines for the courses?

Yes, deadlines are based on the student's goal. For students wishing to complete courses in June, the deadline to complete the coursework is May 25, and the exam(s) must be completed June 7 (for the current school year). For students taking courses for post-secondary purposes, it is recommended that the student check with the post-secondary institutions they are applying to, as their deadlines may differ from those of LAEC.

Do you offer a summer session?

Yes, LAEC is open for 6 weeks in the summer.

Are there any school closures?

Yes, LAEC is closed for one week at the end of June in order to prepare for the summer session; as well, there is a 2-week shutdown which occurs in the middle of August which allows us to prepare for year-end reporting.

Is attendance mandatory?

No, the courses offered are independent study and offered through e-learning.

Do you have teachers who can help me?

Yes, LAEC has qualified teachers on staff to assist students with their coursework. Each teacher has office hours at the school and is also available via email and through our online courses.

What does it cost?

There is no cost.

Is this an actual high school diploma?

Yes, Lakehead Adult Education Centre is part of the Lakehead District School Board, and only offers the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. It is NOT an equivalency.

How will I know how many credits I need?

The Lakehead Adult Education Centre Guidance Counsellor will review your transcript and make recommendations.

What do I need to bring with me to register?

You need to bring a copy of your transcript from your most recent high school, and a piece of ID.

Do you do maturity evaluations?

Yes, the Lakehead Adult Education Centre Guidance Counsellor will assess your transcript and advise on a student's options for a maturity evaluation.

Can I go to college or university after completing the diploma through LAEC?

Yes, the majority of our students pursue post-secondary schooling after they complete their diploma.The Guidance Counsellor can advise on specific credits a student will need, depending on the program they want to pursue.

What if I'm already a graduate?

Can I take more courses for pre-requisites for college and university? Yes, students are welcome to take credits after they graduate. Some students choose to do so to improve their grades, or to earn the credits they need for a specific program at college or university. Courses: Grade 11: Business Studies Entrepreneurship: Introduction to Accounting BAI3E1 - Workplace Prep - Online English: English ENG3U - University Prep - Online English ENG3C - College Prep - Online FNMI Studies: Aboriginal Beliefs, Values, and Aspirations NBV3E - Workplace Prep - Online Health & Physical Education: Health for Life PPZ3C - College Prep - Online - available February 2018 Mathematics: Functions MCR3U - University Prep - Online Mathematics for Work and Everyday Life MEL3E - Workplace Prep - Online, Correspondence - available February 2018 Science: Biology SBI3C - College Prep - Online Biology SBI3U - University Prep - Online Chemistry SCH3U - University Prep - Online Physics SPH3U - University Prep - Online Social Sciences & Humanities: Parenting HPC3O - Open - Online Grade 12: English English ENG4U - University Prep - Online English ENG4C - College Prep - Online English ENG4E - Workplace Prep - Online Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course OLC4O - Open - Online Mathematics: Advanced Functions MHF4U - University Prep - Online Mathematics of Data Management MDM4U - University Prep - Online Foundations for College Mathematics MAP4C - College Prep - Online Mathematics for College Technology MCT4C - College Prep - Online Mathematics for Work and Everyday Life MEL4E - Workplace Prep - Online Science: Biology SBI4U - University Prep - Online Chemistry SCH4U - University Prep - Online Chemistry SCH4C - College Prep - Online Physics SPH4U - University Prep - Online Social Sciences & Humanities: Personal Life Management HIP4O - Open - Online - available February 2018