At Possibilities, we believe that supporting neurodiverse learners takes collaboration between families, schools, and community professionals. Our School Spotlight series highlights private schools that offer inclusive learning environments, specialized programs, and individualized supports designed to meet a range of developmental and learning needs. These features help parents explore private school education options and connect with schools that align with their child’s strengths and support needs.
What Makes the Ontario Virtual School Unique?
Quoted by Vinay Aggarwal – School Administrator
“OVS is led by former public-school teachers dedicated to the belief that every student can succeed with the right support. Every decision we make is driven by one guiding principle: doing what’s best for the student.”
Program offerings:
- Over 170 courses offered
- Virtual Middle School – Grade 6-8
- Virtual High School – Grade 9 – 12
- Part time and full-time options
- Online High School for Adults
- Offer English, French Immersion, ESL, and some international language courses.
- Authorized “Reach Ahead” school for students to take up to 3 Grade 9 credits in their Grade 8 year.
- Summer courses
- Support At-Risk Students
- Flexible schedule for Elite Athletes
How Ontario Virtual School supports neurodiverse learners ?
- All courses and lessons delivered with: Audio, visual, kinesthetic components
- Multimedia enhancements within the lessons.
- Double time for all tests and other testing accommodations available
- Test samples available for students to use to prepare and practice for test taking
- Course timelines – Students have up to a year to complete a course.
- Courses can be put on hold if students need to take a break from their studies for whatever reason.
- Draft digital drop boxes: Available to have teacher review assignments prior to final submissions.
- Accept IEPs – and support the best of their ability- Many accommodations are weaved into the classes for all students including extra time on tests and exams and flexible assignment submissions.
- Practice tests and exams, with answer keys provided for all math and science courses.
Specialized Supports/Programs offered
- Special AI student Planner – lays out target dates to break down assignments for students to keep them on track and to meet deadlines and due dates.
- Parent portal – to help parents monitor their child’s progress in the background – due dates, login in times, outstanding assignments or work.
- Bursary program available
- Guidance team support 7 days a week – full-fledged Guidance team – free one-on-one live guidance calls. The Guidance department helps support understanding graduation requirements, help with course selection, answers post-secondary application questions, mental health concerns, including social or emotional support.
- Live Tutoring – Math and Science
- Office is open 7 days a week – Students can get support at any day of the week.
- Email responses are required within 24 hours
- 48 hour marking time – rich, authentic feedback given by teachers
Outside the classroom
- Book club
- Gamification – incentives and rewards for completing quizzes and tasks – Students gain points towards a potential gift card and other rewards.
- OVS is awarding 20k in scholarships and bursaries to students yearly.
