Can You Take Just One High School Course Online?

Sometimes, a student doesn't need to change schools. They just need one course.

Maybe your teen is missing a prerequisite for a college or university program. Maybe they want to improve a mark, recover a credit, or take a course that doesn't fit into their regular school schedule.

For Ontario students, taking one high school course online can provide a flexible way to meet an academic goal without changing their entire education plan.

With an online OSSD course, students can continue working toward their Ontario Secondary School Diploma while learning from home and managing their other commitments.

Why Would a Student Take One Online Course?

There are many reasons a student may need just one additional high school course.

For example, a Grade 12 student may discover that a university program requires a specific Grade 12 course they did not take. Rather than changing their entire timetable, they may be able to complete that course online.

Another student may have failed a course and need to recover the credit before graduation. Someone else may want to improve a mark to strengthen their application for a competitive college or university program.

Individual online courses can also be useful for students whose schedules don't fit neatly into a traditional school day.

A student athlete may have practices and competitions during regular school hours. A dancer may spend several evenings each week at the studio. A student who travels with family may need a learning option that can move with them.

In these situations, one online course can make a big difference.

What Can You Use One Online Course For?

An individual course can serve different academic purposes depending on the student's needs.

Completing a Prerequisite

Some post-secondary programs require specific high school courses.

For example, a student planning to apply to a program that requires a particular Grade 12 course may discover that the course isn't part of their current timetable. Taking it online may provide another option for completing the requirement.

Students should always check the admission requirements for their specific college or university program before choosing a course.

Recovering a Missing Credit

Students sometimes need to recover a credit because they were unsuccessful in a course or were unable to complete it.

An online course can give them another opportunity to complete the required work and continue toward their graduation goals.

Improving a Mark

A student may have completed a course but want to improve their grade.

For example, a student planning to apply to a competitive university program may decide they want to strengthen a particular mark. Taking an individual course online may give them an opportunity to work toward a stronger result.

Getting Ahead

Not every student takes an extra course because something went wrong.

Some students simply want to get ahead.

A Grade 10 student, for example, may want to complete an additional course before the following school year. Taking a course online can provide an opportunity to work toward another OSSD credit outside their regular school schedule.

Can You Take an Online Course While Attending Another School?

Students attending a publicly funded school may be able to take an individual course through an inspected private school at the same time. This can be helpful when a student's current school doesn't offer the course they need or when they need additional flexibility.

For example, a student might continue attending their regular high school while completing one additional OSSD course online. Before enrolling, families should speak with their current school and the online school to make sure the course fits the student's academic plan and understand how the credit will be recorded.

How Does an Individual Online Course Work?

Taking one online course doesn't mean your teen has to manage everything on their own.

An online course typically includes course materials, assignments, assessments, and academic support from a teacher.

At Aubrey Academy, students can take individual OSSD courses online with the flexibility to fit their coursework around school, work, athletics, family commitments, or other responsibilities. This gives students the flexibility to fit a course around school, work, athletics, family commitments, or other responsibilities.

For example, a student who needs one additional Grade 12 course may be able to work on that course around their existing school schedule rather than trying to rearrange their entire year.

You can browse Aubrey Academy's OSSD courses to see the courses available.

Can Online Courses Help Students Earn an OSSD?

Yes, students can earn OSSD credits through eligible courses offered by a Ministry-inspected private school authorized to grant OSSD credits.

The Ontario Secondary School Diploma has specific graduation requirements, so students should look at their existing credits and remaining requirements before choosing an additional course.

For a student who is missing one credit, the right course may help them move closer to completing those requirements.

For a student who is already on track to graduate, an additional course may instead be useful for a prerequisite or another academic goal.

If you're unsure what your teen needs, Aubrey Academy's OSSD and online high school services provide more information about the options available.

Who Might Benefit From One Online Course?

An individual online course can be a good option for many different students.

Students Who Need More Flexibility

A student may have a busy schedule because of competitive sports, dance, music, work, or other commitments.

For example, a competitive dancer may spend several hours each week training and performing. An online course can provide more flexibility around those commitments.

Aubrey Academy also supports students who need flexibility around athletics through its Student Athlete program.

Students Who Travel

Some families travel frequently or spend part of the year outside Ontario.

An online course can allow students to continue their studies while away, provided they have reliable internet access and meet the course requirements.

Students living outside Canada can also learn more about Aubrey Academy's options for international students.

Students Who Want to Improve Their Academic Options

Sometimes one course can open another door.

A student may discover that a program they want to apply to has a prerequisite they haven't completed. Instead of giving up on that option, they can look at whether completing the required course online is possible.

What Should Parents Check Before Enrolling?

Before choosing an individual online course, it's worth asking a few questions.

Does the course meet the student's academic goal?

Make sure the course matches the prerequisite, credit, or mark-upgrading goal the student has in mind.

Will the course provide an OSSD credit?

If the goal is an Ontario high school credit, confirm that the school is authorized to grant the credit.

Does the course fit the student's schedule?

Consider how much time your teen can realistically dedicate to the course alongside their other responsibilities.

What academic support is available?

Ask how students communicate with teachers and what support is available if they have questions or need help with their coursework.

If you have questions about enrollment, course options, or how online learning works, Aubrey Academy's FAQ is a helpful place to start.

One Course Can Make a Difference

Your teen doesn't always need to change their entire education plan to get the academic support they need.

Sometimes they need one course.

Whether they're completing a prerequisite, recovering a missing credit, upgrading a mark, or getting ahead, an individual online OSSD course can provide another option.

The key is finding a course that fits their academic goals, schedule, and future plans.

Ready to Find the Right Course?

If your teen needs just one high school course, Aubrey Academy offers flexible online OSSD courses that students can take from anywhere and complete at their own pace.

Browse Aubrey Academy's OSSD courses to find the course your student needs, or call/text (416) 998-3354 to speak with the team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take just one high school course online?

Yes. Students can take an individual online OSSD course without completing their entire high school education online. An individual course can be used for a prerequisite, credit recovery, mark improvement, or another academic goal.

Can I take an online course to upgrade my high school mark?

An individual online course may be an option for students who want to improve a mark. Students should discuss their specific academic situation and goals with the school before enrolling.

Can I take an online course to meet a college or university prerequisite?

Yes, an online OSSD course may be an option for completing a prerequisite. Students should always confirm the specific admission requirements of the college or university program they plan to apply to.