Academics · OSSD
The Ontario Secondary School Diploma
An internationally respected credential that gives students priority access to the world's leading universities — earned through steady, well-supported progress rather than a single exam.
Why the OSSD
A credential the world respects
Priority admission across Canada
As Ontario students, THIA graduates receive priority consideration at every Canadian university — Ontario is home to 80%+ of the country's top institutions.
A stronger U.S. application
Many leading U.S. universities waive the SAT for Ontario-diploma students, and local-student standing sharpens your competitive edge.
Recognised worldwide
Like A-Level and IB, the OSSD is an internationally recognised secondary credential accepted by universities across the UK, Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore.
STEM Excellence
Strength in mathematics, computer science & AI
THIA is a STEM-forward academy. Our students place in Canada's premier mathematics and robotics competitions, and our campus is an authorised centre for the exams and contests that matter.
Mathematics
First in North York in the Waterloo (CEMC) Pascal, Cayley and Fermat mathematics contests.
Computer Science
A dedicated coding and computer-science stream, from introductory programming to advanced study.
Robotics & AI
WRO World Robot Olympiad gold, backed by an in-house robotics & programming training centre.
Competitions
- ◆Waterloo CEMC — Pascal · Cayley · Fermat (first in North York, mathematics)
- ◆WRO World Robot Olympiad — gold medal (robotics & AI)
- ◆Sir Isaac Newton Physics Contest & Canadian Physics Olympiad
- ◆DECA business competition — provincial finalists
- ◆Polar Expression writing contest — work archived by the Ottawa Library
Designated Examination & Competition Centres
A Fairer Measure
Continuous assessment, not a single exam
A student's grade reflects a full year of work — assignments, essays, quizzes, presentations and exams — so ability is measured from every angle.
Global Pathways
One diploma, five destinations
The OSSD opens competitive, well-trodden routes to universities across five regions.
Canada
- ◆University of Toronto — 87 avg
- ◆Most universities — 70–85 avg
- ◆High local-admission rates
United States
- ◆SAT waived at many schools
- ◆Local-student standing
- ◆Clear competitive advantage
United Kingdom
- ◆Oxford 90+ / Cambridge 95+
- ◆Top universities 75–85
- ◆No foundation or A-Level needed
Australia
- ◆Sydney 77–91
- ◆Melbourne 76–93
- ◆High OSSD-pathway admission
Hong Kong & Singapore
- ◆IELTS/TOEFL waived at some
- ◆Grade-12 English accepted
- ◆Access to top universities
Curriculum
A rich course of study, Grade 9–12
Grade 9
- MPM1D Principles of Mathematics
- SNC1D Science
- ENG / ESL English
- GLS1O Learning Strategies
- CGC1P Geography of Canada
Grade 10
- MPM2D Principles of Mathematics
- SNC2D Science
- ENG2D English
- CHC2P Canadian History
- BBI2O Introduction to Business
Grade 11
- MCR3U Functions
- SCH3U Chemistry
- ENG3U English
- ICS3U Introduction to Computer Science
- BMX3E Marketing
Grade 12
- MHF4U Advanced Functions
- MCV4U Calculus & Vectors
- ENG4U English
- BOH4U Business Leadership
- BBB4M International Business
A selection of courses; full offerings vary by year and pathway.
Flexible Entry
Credit conversion — graduate on your timeline
Prior study transfers into the 30 credits required for an OSSD, so students from any starting point graduate in one to four years.
| Prior study | Credits transferred | Credits remaining | Time to graduate |
|---|---|---|---|
| After Grade 8 | 0 | 30 | 4 years |
| After Grade 9 | 8 | 22 | 3 years |
| After Grade 10 | 16 | 17 | 2 years |
| After Grade 11 | 24 | 6–8 | 1 year |
| After Grade 12 | 24 | 6–8 | 1 year |
Find the pathway that fits
Our academic advisors will map a personal plan — from credit conversion to a university offer. Let's start the conversation.