Ontario Graduation Requirements

Niagara Catholic has one of the highest graduation rates in Ontario. Our four-year graduation rate of (rate) for students is second in Ontario among English-language school boards, and (where) in Ontario among all 72 English and French school boards.

The Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) will be awarded to students who successfully complete 30 credits including 18 compulsory credits and 12 optional credits. Such credits will be based on the discipline specific expectations and assessment policies as set out in the provincial curriculum policy documents.

This includes:

  • 4 credits in Religion
  • 4 credits in English
  • 3 credits in Mathematics
  • 2 credits in Science
  • 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

In addition to the compulsory credits, students must also successfully complete 40 hours of Christian Community Service. Eligible activities are in our Christian Community Service Administrative Operational Procedures

The Ontario Secondary School Certificate (OSSC) will be granted, on request, to students who are leaving secondary school upon reaching the age of 18 without having met the requirements for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

To be granted an OSSC, a student must have earned a minimum of 14 credits, distributed as follows.

Seven required compulsory credits:

  • 2 credits in English
  • 1 credit in Mathematics
  • 1 credit in Science
  • 1 credit in Canadian History or Canadian Geography
  • 1 credit in Health and Physical Education
  • 1 credit in the Arts, Computer Studies, or Technological Education

Seven optional credits.