FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

What is Open World School?

Open World School (OWS) is a fully accredited Canadian online high school offering courses that lead to the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). We are founded, owned and operated by certified teachers.  Our flexible, student-centered approach allows students to study at their own pace, from anywhere in the world, while earning credits that are recognized by post-secondary institutions and employers globally. 

How long will I spend on each course?

Most courses take 110 hours to complete.

How long do I have to complete the course?

This is up to you.  You can complete it in a month or a year?

When can I start?

Register, choose your course(s) and start today.

Do I have to login at a specific time?

You can study on your own schedule. There are no set class times or live lectures that you’re required to attend at specific hours (unless occasionally a teacher offers an optional live help session, but that’s not mandatory). Open World School courses are asynchronous, meaning all the content is available for you to access 24/7. You can log in whenever it suits you – be it early morning, afternoon, or late at night – and progress through the lessons. This school was started for students with busy schedules, jobs, or other activities or who simply concentrate better at certain times of day. You’re in control of your study schedule, so you can fit your schooling around your life, not the other way around.

What documents do I need to upload?

The two items are on the ‘Full Registration’ that will be sent to you once you register.  One document proves who you are and the other shows your academic credentials.  (A list of options will be listed on the form.)

Will I have access to my teachers?

Yes.  This is a school.  You will be assigned to a teacher’s class, just like in a regular school.

What if I need help?

You are not on your own.  One our government certified teachers is assigned to you to answer questions, grade your work, and provide feedback and guidance. If you need help or don’t understand something, you can contact your teacher through the course messaging system or email at any time. Teachers usually respond promptly (often within one business day). They can clarify lesson content, give extra examples, or help you get unstuck on an assignment. In some cases, teachers might schedule a one-on-one phone call or online meeting if needed to explain difficult concepts. Our teachers are there to support your learning, just like in a regular classroom – the only difference is you’ll communicate online. We pride ourselves on being responsive and supportive, so you’re never left feeling stranded.

What can I expect from my courses?

Open World School courses are straightforward and user-friendly. Once you register, you’ll receive login access to our online learning platform. Inside the course, you’ll find organized lessons, readings, videos, and practice activities for each unit of the course. You work through the material at your own pace. Assignments and unit tests are completed online – you might type responses directly into the platform or upload documents/projects for your teacher to grade. Throughout the course, you’ll receive feedback and grades from your teacher on those assignments. When you’ve completed all the units and feel ready, you’ll write the final assessment (often a proctored exam or sometimes a final project). Essentially, it mirrors a regular class but in in an online format: you have lessons and homework, just without the physical classroom. The key difference is you get to set the timetable – you decide when to study and submit work, as long as it’s within the allowed course duration.

Can I take more than one course at a time?

Yes — you’re welcome to take multiple courses at the same time. We know some students like to move through their studies more quickly or work on two subjects simultaneously (such as completing a math and an English credit together). You can enroll in more than one OWS course at once, but keep in mind that each course requires consistent effort, so it’s important to manage your workload and stay on top of assignments. Because our courses are self-paced, some students choose to complete one course before starting another, while others comfortably handle two or more at the same time. It ultimately comes down to your schedule, motivation, and organizational skills. Whatever approach you choose, we’re here to support you.

Can I retake or upgrade a high school course to try to improve my grade?

Yes — upgrading is one of the major advantages of studying through OWS. If you’ve already taken a course and want to improve your grade, you can enrol in the same course with us to work toward a higher mark. Many students choose this option to raise their overall average for college or university applications or to meet specific program requirements. When you retake a course at OWS, you complete the curriculum again with all assignments and assessments, giving you a fresh start to strengthen both your understanding and your grade. After finishing, you’ll receive a new mark from OWS, and you can use the higher grade on your transcript for admissions purposes. Universities will typically see that you repeated the course, but they generally consider your best performance. Upgrading online is especially helpful because it lets you focus on the areas you found challenging and move at your own pace. Just make sure you allow enough time for the upgraded grade to be issued before application deadlines. We’re here to support you in achieving your academic goals.

Can I get an Ontario Secondary School Diploma?

Yes.  If you take the required courses you will be eligible for this.

Will this course count in my home province if it is not Ontario?

Almost all of our courses are transferable to other provinces.  See the chart under the “Students – Out of Province” page. (click here)

Do I need to buy textbooks?

No, you will not have to buy textbooks — all essential material is provided on our online platform. Each course includes digital lessons, readings, and resources that fully address the curriculum expectations. Generally, everything you need is built into the course, from articles and videos to practice activities. However, a few courses (particularly some English classes) may require you to get a novel or play, similar to what you’d expect in a traditional school; these are usually easy to find at libraries or bookstores. Any specific items you’ll need — such as a certain calculator, software, or book — will be clearly outlined in the course description or syllabus so you can plan ahead.  We make materials accessible by providing PDFs or links whenever possible. Other than a computer and internet connection (and maybe some paper for notes), there’s very little you’ll need to purchase.

Can I get an Ontario Secondary School Diploma?

Yes.  If you take the required courses you will be eligible for this.

Are credits earned from Open World School recognized by colleges and universities in Canada?

Yes — credits earned through Open World School (OWS) are fully recognized by colleges and universities across Canada, just like any other Ontario high school credit. As an accredited Ontario school, the courses you complete with us count as official OSSD credits, and post-secondary institutions treat them the same as credits from any public or private high school. Many of our students and graduates have successfully used OWS credits on their transcripts when applying to colleges and universities in Ontario and throughout Canada. After finishing a course, you’ll receive an official report card, and the credit can be added to your Ontario Student Transcript. You can feel confident that your OWS credits are valid, accepted, and fully recognized.

Are OWS courses and diplomas recognized internationally outside of Canada?

Yes — the Ontario Secondary School Diploma is widely recognized and respected internationally. Many universities and institutions around the world are familiar with the OSSD, as it is a standard Canadian high school qualification.  While each institution or country may have its own admission requirements—such as standardized tests for U.S. colleges or credential evaluations for certain international universities—the OSSD itself is an official Canadian high school diploma and is accepted as valid proof of graduation. If you plan to study abroad, it’s always a good idea to review the specific entry requirements of the universities you’re considering. We can also provide supporting documents, such as course descriptions or syllabi, if they are needed for your application. In short, your OWS education is globally recognized, though it’s wise to check for any additional requirements for your destination school.

What technology or equipment do I need?

You won’t need any complicated technology to study online — just a few basic tools. Here’s what we recommend:

Computer or Device: A desktop or laptop will give you the smoothest experience. Tablets work for most course tasks, though certain features are easier to use on a computer. A smartphone can help you check lessons or emails, but it’s not ideal for completing full assignments.

Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is essential since all coursework is online. High-speed broadband (cable or DSL) is best for streaming videos and loading content quickly. Slower connections will still work, but pages may take longer to load.

Web Browser: Use a current version of a browser like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge. Our platform runs entirely in the browser, so you won’t need to install any special programs.

Software: Basic tools such as a PDF reader (like Adobe Acrobat) and a word processor (Microsoft Word, Google Docs, etc.) will help you view documents and complete assignments. If a course requires any additional software — for example, a free code editor or spreadsheet program — we’ll outline that in the course instructions. Most required tools are free or commonly available.

Webcam and Microphone: These aren’t usually needed for everyday coursework, but a webcam may be required for specific situations, such as online proctored exams. Many laptops already include both, so you’ll likely have what you need.

In short, if you have a regular computer with internet access, you’re ready to go. No specialized or high-end equipment is necessary — our platform is designed to be accessible with simple, everyday technology.

Can I use my cell phone to access courses?

Yes — you can access our learning platform on tablets and smartphones, and many course activities will work smoothly on those devices. You can easily read lessons, watch videos, and check grades from a mobile device. However, for assignments, quizzes, and tests, we strongly recommend using a desktop or laptop. A larger screen and physical keyboard make it much easier to type, navigate, and view content properly. Some interactive features or formatting may also display more accurately on a full-size computer. So while a tablet or phone is great for convenience and quick study sessions on the go, you’ll want access to a computer for more involved tasks and final assessments. Think of mobile devices as helpful for reviewing material, while your main coursework — like writing essays and completing evaluations — is best done on a computer to avoid technical issues.

Other questions?

Contact: info@openworldschool.ca