Preparing for Post-Secondary Education: A High School Student’s Checklist

Early Acceptance Success Starts Here!

At Aubrey Academy, we know how exciting (and nerve-wracking) it can be for high school students awaiting those early acceptance letters from colleges and universities. Getting into your dream program doesn’t happen by chance. It requires thoughtful preparation, strong academics, and strategic planning throughout high school. Whether you’re in Grade 9 or finishing Grade 12, this checklist will help set you on the right path to post-secondary success.

1. Know Your Program Requirements

The first step to early acceptance is understanding the specific admission requirements of your desired program or university.

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD): Ensure you are on track to meet the 30-credit requirement.

• Prerequisite Courses: Programs like Engineering, Health Sciences, or Business often have required Grade 12 courses. Start planning these as early as Grade 9.

• Grade Averages: Many competitive programs look for averages of 85% or higher for early acceptance.

Tip: Aubrey Academy’s small class sizes and focused learning environment can help students excel in required courses and improve their grades.

2. Choose the Right Courses to Boost Your Application

Private schools like Aubrey Academy offer flexibility in course selection, allowing students to align their credits with post-secondary goals.

• Focus on High-Impact Courses: Take courses like Grade 12 Advanced Functions, Biology, or Business Leadership if they align with your chosen field.

• Upgrade Credits: If you need to improve a grade to meet program requirements, consider retaking a course or enrolling in a summer course.

Did you know? At Aubrey Academy, students can fast-track credits or take additional courses to strengthen their applications.

3. Build a Strong Academic Record

Universities look for consistent academic performance.

• Start Early: Your Grade 11 and Grade 12 marks carry the most weight in admission decisions.

• Seek Support: Struggling in a subject? Private schools offer personalized attention to help students succeed.

Our certified teachers at Aubrey Academy work closely with students to ensure they meet—and exceed—academic expectations.

4. Highlight Extracurricular Activities and Leadership

A well-rounded application is about more than just grades. Many universities value leadership, community involvement, and extracurricular achievements.

• Join Clubs and Teams: Participate in activities that reflect your interests.

• Take Entrepreneurship Classes: Business courses like those offered at Aubrey Academy teach leadership and problem-solving skills.

• Volunteer Work: Highlight how you’ve contributed to your community.

5. Stay Organized with Application Deadlines

Early acceptance applications often have tighter deadlines, so staying organized is critical.

• Research Dates: Know when OUAC (Ontario Universities’ Application Centre) deadlines are for early and regular admissions.

• Prepare in Advance: Gather transcripts, reference letters, and personal statements well before due dates.

Aubrey Academy’s academic advisors help students stay on track and submit competitive applications on time.

6. Use Private School Advantages to Get Ahead

One of the main advantages of attending a private high school like Aubrey Academy is the ability to customize your education.

• Fast-Track Credits: Earn additional credits in a few weeks to graduate early or improve averages.

• Focused Learning: Benefit from smaller class sizes and one-on-one support.

• Flexible Scheduling: Enroll in courses during the school year or summer to align with your academic goals.

By choosing a private school, students gain the tools and flexibility they need to stand out in competitive post-secondary admissions.

Success Starts at Aubrey Academy

At Aubrey Academy, we pride ourselves on helping students achieve their post-secondary dreams. With personalized support, quality education, and flexible learning opportunities, our students are well-prepared to earn early acceptances to their top-choice programs.

Are you ready to secure your future? Enroll with Aubrey Academy today and let us help you achieve your academic goals!

Why Entrepreneurship is the Most Important Skill for Today’s Students

In today’s rapidly changing world, entrepreneurship is more than just starting a business - it’s a mindset that equips students with critical skills to navigate a dynamic global economy. At Aubrey Academy, we are proud to offer a new and exciting Grade 9 course, Building the Entrepreneurial Mindset (BEM1O), designed to foster creativity, resilience, and problem-solving skills in young learners. This innovative course aligns with the updated Ontario curriculum and provides students with the tools they need to thrive in their academic, personal, and professional lives.

What is “Building the Entrepreneurial Mindset”?

The Building the Entrepreneurial Mindset (BEM1O) course is part of the new Ontario curriculum for Grade 9 students, emphasizing the importance of entrepreneurship as a foundational skill. This course introduces students to the principles of entrepreneurship, such as innovation, financial literacy, and leadership, while encouraging them to think critically and act boldly.

Students will learn:

• How to Identify Opportunities: Spotting needs and gaps in the market.

• Creative Problem-Solving: Finding innovative solutions to real-world challenges.

• Financial Literacy: Understanding budgeting, investing, and managing resources.

• Collaboration and Communication: Working effectively with teams and pitching ideas confidently.

The goal of this course is not only to prepare students for potential business ventures but to develop transferable skills they can use in any career or life situation.

Why is Entrepreneurship Important for Today’s Students?

1. Preparing for a Changing Job Market

The job market is evolving rapidly, with technology and automation replacing traditional roles. The World Economic Forum reports that critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving will be among the most in-demand skills in the coming years.

Entrepreneurship cultivates these competencies by encouraging students to think outside the box, adapt to change, and take initiative. For instance, a Grade 9 student might work on a class project to design an eco-friendly product, teaching them how to balance innovation with sustainability—a skillset increasingly valued by employers.

2. Building Resilience and Adaptability

Entrepreneurship teaches students to embrace failure as a learning opportunity. In the BEM1O course, students tackle challenges like launching a hypothetical business, experiencing setbacks, and reworking their strategies. This hands-on approach builds resilience, an essential trait for success in any field.

For example, consider how young entrepreneurs like Ryan Kaji, the creator of Ryan’s World, turned a simple idea into a multimillion-dollar brand. His journey started with curiosity, creativity, and the willingness to learn—traits this course aims to instill.

3. Encouraging Financial Literacy

Understanding money management is crucial for personal and professional success. The BEM1O course introduces students to the basics of budgeting, investing, and financial planning, skills they will use throughout their lives.

Real-life examples like Kylie Jenner, who built a billion-dollar beauty empire by starting with a modest budget and scaling strategically, highlight how financial literacy and an entrepreneurial mindset can lead to remarkable achievements.

4. Empowering Leadership and Collaboration

In entrepreneurial ventures, leadership and teamwork are key. Students in BEM1O will participate in group projects, such as creating a business plan or developing a marketing strategy. These activities teach them how to lead, collaborate, and communicate effectively—skills that are invaluable whether they run their own business or work within an organization.

Real-World Applications of Entrepreneurial Skills

Entrepreneurial skills go beyond starting a business. Here’s how students can use these abilities in various fields:

• Technology: A student interested in coding could create an app to address a community problem, turning a hobby into a career.

• Healthcare: Future healthcare professionals can use entrepreneurial skills to develop innovative solutions for patient care or start their own clinics.

• Environmental Sustainability: Students passionate about the environment might launch initiatives like zero-waste stores or renewable energy projects.

Why Take This Course in Grade 9?

Grade 9 is a critical time for students to begin exploring their interests and building foundational skills. By introducing entrepreneurship early, the Building the Entrepreneurial Mindset course empowers students to:

• Discover Their Strengths: Identify talents and interests they can develop further in high school and beyond.

• Build Confidence: Early exposure to entrepreneurial challenges helps students gain confidence in their abilities.

• Make Informed Choices: Equip students with knowledge that helps them select future courses and career pathways.

This course is open to all Grade 9 students, regardless of prior business experience, making it an excellent introduction to the world of entrepreneurship.

How Aubrey Academy Supports Future Entrepreneurs

At Aubrey Academy, we recognize that every student has unique potential. Our BEM1O course is designed to nurture creativity and critical thinking in a supportive and flexible online environment. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Experienced Educators: Our certified teachers bring real-world experience to the classroom, inspiring students with practical knowledge and examples.

• Interactive Learning: Through engaging projects and activities, students develop skills in a hands-on way.

• Tailored Support: Small class sizes ensure personalized attention and guidance for each student.

Enroll Today and Start Building Your Future

Entrepreneurship is not just a skill—it’s a mindset that can shape a student’s future. By taking the Building the Entrepreneurial Mindset (BEM1O) course at Aubrey Academy, Grade 9 students gain the tools they need to succeed in high school, post-secondary education, and the workforce.

Ready to empower your child with the skills of tomorrow? Contact us today to learn more about our courses and how we can support your student’s journey.

Contact Information:

• Email: info@aubreyacademy.ca

• Phone: (647) 963-6030

• Website: www.aubreyacademy.ca

Let’s build the entrepreneurial leaders of tomorrow, starting today.

How Aubrey Academy Helps Students Earn Their OSSD Online

The Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) is a significant milestone for students in Ontario, symbolizing their readiness for post-secondary education or the workforce. It is not just a certificate—it is a testament to the knowledge, skills, and competencies they’ve developed. With recent updates to the OSSD requirements, it is important for students and parents to understand how Aubrey Academy supports learners in meeting these standards through a flexible, online format aligned with the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum.

What Is the OSSD?

The OSSD is awarded to students who meet specific criteria set by the Ontario Ministry of Education. These criteria include earning a set number of compulsory and elective credits, completing community involvement activities, and demonstrating literacy competency.

How Aubrey Academy Supports Students in Earning Their OSSD Online

At Aubrey Academy, we are proud to offer a fully online pathway to earning the OSSD. Our approach combines flexibility with a commitment to academic excellence, ensuring that students meet all Ministry requirements while learning at their own pace.

1. Ministry-Approved Curriculum

Our courses are designed to meet the learning expectations outlined by the Ontario Ministry of Education. Some examples include:

• English (ENG1D): Develop literacy, critical thinking, and communication skills through diverse and engaging content.

• Mathematics (MTH1W): Build problem-solving and analytical skills, with a focus on real-world applications.

• Business Studies – Building the Entrepreneurial Mindset (BEM1O): Foster entrepreneurial skills, innovative thinking, and financial literacy, aligning with the new STEM-related course group requirement.

2. Flexible Scheduling and Accessibility

Aubrey Academy’s online platform allows students to study anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re balancing extracurricular activities, part-time work, or personal commitments, our flexible learning environment ensures you stay on track to earn your OSSD.

3. Small Class Sizes and Personalized Support

With small class sizes, students receive individualized attention from our certified teachers. Through one-on-one virtual meetings, emails, and interactive discussions, our educators are always available to help students succeed.

4. Support for the OSSLT and Community Involvement

We provide resources and practice exams to help students excel on the OSSLT. For those who need an alternative, we also offer the OSSLC. Additionally, our guidance counselors assist students in finding meaningful volunteer opportunities to fulfill their 40-hour community involvement requirement.

5. Continuous Assessment and Skill Development

Our assessments are designed to reflect Ministry standards, using a combination of assignments, quizzes, projects, and exams to ensure students master the material.

Why Choose Aubrey Academy?

1. Accredited and Inspected: Aubrey Academy operates as an inspected private school, ensuring all courses meet Ministry standards.

2. Customizable Learning Paths: Whether you want to accelerate your learning, retake courses, or balance studies with other commitments, we can tailor a plan to suit your needs.

3. Future-Ready Education: Our courses prepare students for post-secondary education or careers by emphasizing critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovative learning approaches.

Updated Requirements for Students Entering Grade 9 in 2024–2025

Starting with the 2024–2025 academic year, new requirements apply to Grade 9 students entering high school. These include:

• 17 Compulsory Credits:

• 4 Credits in English

• 3 Credits in Mathematics (1 each in Grade 9, Grade 10, and Grade 11/12)

• 2 Credits in Science

• 1 Credit in Technological Education (to be completed in Grade 9 or 10)

• 1 Credit in Canadian History

• 1 Credit in Canadian Geography

• 1 Credit in the Arts

• 1 Credit in Health and Physical Education

• 1 Credit in French as a Second Language

• 0.5 Credit in Career Studies

• 0.5 Credit in Civics and Citizenship

• 1 Additional Credit from a STEM-related course group (e.g., Business Studies, Science, Math, or Technology).

• 13 Optional Credits: Students can choose from a wide range of courses to explore personal interests or career aspirations.

• 40 Hours of Community Involvement Activities: Encourages civic engagement and giving back to the community.

• Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT): Students must pass this provincial assessment, or they can fulfill the requirement by completing the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OSSLC).

Requirements for Students Who Entered Grade 9 Prior to 2024–2025

For students who began high school before 2024–2025, the requirements include 18 compulsory credits and 12 optional credits, with additional requirements for completing one credit each from three specified groups in the arts, physical education, business, and technology.

These updates reflect the Ontario Ministry of Education’s commitment to modernizing the curriculum, emphasizing technological education, and providing students with skills for a rapidly evolving world.

Start Your Journey Today

At Aubrey Academy, we are committed to empowering students to achieve their academic and personal goals. Our online learning environment is designed to provide the flexibility, support, and quality education students need to succeed.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you earn your OSSD online!

• Email: info@aubreyacademy.ca

• Phone: (647) 963-6030

• Website: www.aubreyacademy.ca

Let Aubrey Academy guide you on your journey to earning your OSSD and preparing for a bright future!