REVIEW OF Ontario Virtual School BY student, Ariel Leibel

(5) Student Experience

I attended OVS for Grade 9 English and Grade 11 College Functions. I chose to attend OVS because traditional classroom instruction wasn’t working for me. I have ADHD and Autism, and my day school teachers were not accommodating my needs or supporting my IEP. By attending OVS, I was able to take responsibility for my learning and work at my own pace. This meant I could watch lessons late at night or on weekends and rewatch them if I didn’t understand something. I could print the slides for review and highlight important information—there was no need to take notes in a traditional way. This approach helped me stay focused and on track. Whenever I needed clarification on homework or assignments, my teachers responded within 48 hours with detailed and clear instructions. If I still needed extra help, 1:1 virtual tutoring was available. The teachers were very supportive and never frustrated with my questions or learning needs. I have recommended OVS to several families and friends who are struggling with the traditional school setting. OVS can change how you view learning, improve your study skills, and explicitly teach you the steps needed to become a confident and effective learner.

(5) School Leadership

OVS is supported by exceptional administrative leadership that is dedicated to student success. The leadership team is quick to address parent concerns, providing prompt and thoughtful responses to emails and inquiries. They actively reach out to families to offer support and ensure that students receive the resources they need to thrive. This proactive approach fosters a strong partnership between parents, students, and staff, creating a positive and responsive learning environment. Their commitment to open communication and timely assistance demonstrates a genuine investment in student achievement and well-being, making OVS a supportive and trustworthy educational choice for families.

(5) Teaching

At OVS, teachers consistently take the time to support my learning needs by recognizing and addressing my learning disabilities with patience and understanding. They are always willing to answer my questions and provide clear, thoughtful explanations, ensuring I fully understand the material. Assignments are often simplified or reworded to help me better grasp what is expected, which reduces confusion and allows me to focus on learning. The teachers also provide consistent, encouraging feedback, highlighting where I’m doing well, such as in effort, creativity, or problem-solving, while also offering specific, constructive advice on how I can improve. This balanced approach helps build my confidence and keeps me motivated. Their willingness to adapt instruction and provide individualized support has made a significant difference in my academic progress. I feel valued and supported, knowing that my teachers are genuinely committed to my success and personal growth.

(5) Academics

OVS offers an inclusive academic environment where assignments and tasks are thoughtfully designed to support all types of learners. Each assignment is structured with clear guidelines and rubrics, ensuring students know exactly what is expected, while still allowing flexibility in how they demonstrate their knowledge. Whether through writing, visuals, presentations, or other creative methods, students can choose the approach that best suits their individual learning needs. In courses like Math and English, there are multiple ways to solve problems or complete assignments, reinforcing that these are not teacher-centered courses, but student-driven ones. This flexibility fosters creativity, critical thinking, and a strong sense of ownership over the learning process. OVS makes it clear that academic achievement reflects the effort and engagement each student puts in. The program is both challenging and supportive, offering every student the tools and opportunities to succeed on their terms, regardless of learning style or background.

(5) School Life

It’s difficult to comment on the traditional concept of "student life" at OVS, as it is a fully virtual school with no physical campus. However, OVS has made a strong and intentional effort to foster a sense of community and connection among its students. Since I began in Grade 9, the school has consistently listened to student feedback and expanded its offerings to promote engagement and interaction. They’ve created an online commons where students can share their learning, collaborate, and connect across courses. Class-specific chat rooms allow students to discuss readings, debate ideas, and participate in meaningful academic conversations. OVS has also introduced gamification elements, where students can compete in fun, knowledge-based challenges that make learning more engaging and interactive. These thoughtful initiatives help OVS stand out among online programs, demonstrating that virtual education can be both academically rigorous and socially enriching. OVS continues to explore innovative ways to make online learning dynamic, interactive, and community-driven.

(5) Admissions

Applying to OVS is straightforward and accessible. Students can easily enroll in high school courses by completing a simple online form and submitting proof of prerequisites, such as a recent report card. OVS offers a wide range of courses, giving students the option to enroll in individual classes or pursue a full-time schedule. At approximately $600 per course, OVS is an affordable alternative to private school, especially for families whose needs aren't being met by the public system. The admissions process is efficient and student-friendly, making it easy to start learning quickly. The combination of affordability, flexibility, and academic quality makes OVS an excellent choice for personalized online education.