Province Introduces New High School Graduation Requirements for a Stronger Ontario Diploma

Ontario is refreshing the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) requirements, marking the first update in 25 years.

A new graduation requirement will emphasize literacy and financial literacy skills. Additionally, the government is launching career coaching for Grade 9 and Grade 10 students to explore STEM and skilled trades careers, backed by an investment of up to $14 million in 2024-2025 to get the program off the ground.

Beginning in 2025, students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their proficiency in financial literacy as part of their Grade 10 math curriculum. Achieving a score of 70 percent or higher will signify fulfillment of the financial literacy graduation requirement, ensuring that students are well-prepared to manage household budgets, save for future goals such as homeownership, make informed investment choices, and safeguard themselves against financial scams.

Moreover, recognizing the importance of foundational math skills in shaping financial literacy, the province will integrate EQAO Grade 9 Math scores into a student’s final mark.