REVIEW OF Ontario Virtual School BY student, Sally Adawi

(5) Student Experience

My experience with Ontario Virtual School exceeded my expectations. I loved it more than I anticipated; there's nothing I'd change at all. The website is easy to navigate, as it is organized and clear. I had no difficulty figuring out what needed to be done, as someone who usually requires additional help. I was proud to have been able to self-navigate. The communication with my teacher was simple and professional, which I appreciated instead of having to wait for answers. The content is easy to follow, and the resources provided serve as excellent tools when needed. They hold strong academic values by keeping up reminders of academic penalties such as cheating, AI, etc. I've recommended Ontario Virtual School to anyone who's asked me for guidance.

The Best Part

The best part about being a student at this school is the resources available. When I ran into difficulties, not only was my teacher helpful and empathetic, but the board was as well. Very easy to contact, leaving you with accessible communication, which can be an obstacle when taking an online course.

Suggested Improvements

There's nothing I would improve about this school. Every time I try to think about a problem, nothing comes to mind. They've truly exceeded my expectations.

Hidden Details

Something that would surprise a new student at this school is that not everyone is evaluated the same. Every course contains a different test layout, depending on what you're learning. You shouldn't expect to have the same formatting and evaluations for different courses.

(5) School Leadership

I respect the school leaders at OVS, including the teachers, guidance counsellors, and administration. I believe they do an excellent job of supporting students academically and helping them stay on track with their courses. I especially appreciate that teachers are approachable and willing to answer questions when we need extra help. Specifically, during my experience, when I needed help with errors such as glitches in the system, everyone was helpful. Overall, I think the leadership at OVS is supportive, organized, and focused on helping students succeed.

(5) Teaching

I think the teachers at OVS ask a reasonable amount from students. The workload can sometimes be challenging, but I usually feel that the expectations are clear and manageable. Teachers provide detailed instructions and feedback, which makes it easier to understand what is expected and how I can improve. I also appreciate that OVS allows students to work at their own pace while still encouraging them to stay responsible and motivated. When my teachers talk about success, I think they mean more than just getting high grades. They want students to actually understand the material, complete their work independently, stay organized, and develop strong study habits. I think they see success as being prepared for university and future goals while also becoming a more confident and responsible student.

(5) Academics

Personally, I believe the academic work at OVS is just right. Some courses and assignments are challenging, but I think that is important because they push me to improve my understanding and develop better study habits. I also appreciate that OVS allows me to work at my own pace, which makes it easier to spend more time on topics I find difficult without feeling rushed. The material I am learning will be useful later in life because it is preparing me for university and helping me become more independent and responsible with my education. Even when I don't think I will directly use certain topics in my future career, they still help me develop skills such as critical thinking, time management, problem-solving, and communication. I feel that OVS provides a good academic foundation for my future.

(5) School Life

If I were giving a tour of OVS to a group of visitors, I would probably take them to the main area where students usually work and complete their courses first. I think this would give them a good idea of what the OVS experience is actually like. I would explain how the school is different from a traditional high school because students have more flexibility and independence with their learning. I would also show them the spaces where students can work, ask teachers for help, and take a break when needed. I think starting there would make the most sense because it would immediately show visitors the environment and atmosphere of the school. I would want them to see that OVS is a comfortable place to learn while still providing students with the support they need to succeed.

(5) Admissions

The admissions process at OVS was fairly straightforward and not too stressful overall. I remember being a little unsure about what to expect at first, but once I understood the steps, it became much easier. My advice to someone applying would be to read everything carefully, make sure all the required information is submitted, and ask questions if you are confused about anything. I also think it is important not to overthink the process. Looking back, I know now that there was no reason to be as nervous as I was. The process was mostly simple and manageable, and I felt more comfortable once everything was submitted and I knew what to expect.