Seeing Jeffrey still stressed by academics and hearing that the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) gives an
advantage for Canadian university applications, she started exploring that path. She found that some friends’ kids
graduated from Hong Kong international schools with Canadian passports but couldn’t get into their desired programs
in Canadian universities because those schools didn’t offer OSSD, which Canadian universities prioritize.
After digging deeper, Susan discovered some schools offering OSSD weren’t certified by Ontario’s Ministry of Education,
so their diplomas weren’t recognized. She carefully shortlisted certified schools, including Ontario eSchool (OeS),
which confirmed via email with local universities that OeS graduates had been accepted by many universities.
Susan also noted, "OeS provides live online classes instead of just recorded lessons, and they have a Hong Kong
office for easy support."
Switching from a physical school to an online one was a bold move. Jeffrey admitted he was worried at first and unsure
if online classes would help him learn better. But seeing his mom’s serious research and the recognized OSSD credential
convinced him it was worth a try. "At least I tried, and I won’t lose anything," he said.
After switching to OeS with a “give it a try” attitude, Jeffrey first experienced a more relaxed learning life. "Classes are mainly
in the morning and evening, with shorter hours, giving me more time for exercise and rest, which naturally eased my stress
and benefited my mental and physical health."
Moreover, since OSSD assessments focus mainly on assignments and school exams only count for 30% of the grade, Jeffrey
avoided the pressure of "one exam deciding everything." "I find the OSSD curriculum more detailed and easier to understand."
OeS also offers flexible class arrangements, giving students enough time to complete assignments and chances to redo or r
evise if the first attempt isn’t perfect.
This step-by-step, encouraging learning style boosted Jeffrey’s confidence and made him more proactive. When facing academic
difficulties, he actively asks teachers or OeS staff for help. "These two years have improved my organization, time management,
and independent learning skills, making me more confident to face future challenges.
Some parents might worry that online schools lack campus life and don’t fully support student growth. But Jeffrey feels OeS’s shorter
class hours give him more time to enjoy activities he likes, such as scouting and taekwondo, which help build discipline and sports
skills. "The flexible schedule lets me lead my scout team, meet members of all ages, gain different learning experiences, and
stay socially active."
After completing OeS, Jeffrey applied to both local and Canadian universities with his results and got offers from several, including
the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, and the University of Hong Kong. Some programs even included popular
cooperative education (CO-OP) internships — a big win all around.
Looking back, Susan is glad she didn’t let others’ doubts shake her. After careful research, she made a bold choice and discovered
education isn’t a one-way street. "The less-traveled path can also be the right one!
