Ontario High School Courses Decoded: From Grade 9 to Grade 12
July 21, 2026
From de-streamed courses in Grade 9 to university and college preparation courses in Grades 11 and 12, Ontario's course structure is designed to help students prepare for their future.
Here's how it works.
A Typical Four-Year High School Plan
Many students follow a four-year pathway that looks like this:
| Grade | Recommended Credits |
| Grade 9 | 8 credits |
| Grade 10 | 8 credits |
| Grade 11 | 8 credits |
| Grade 12 | 6 credits |
Grade 9 De-Streamed Courses
In Ontario, Grade 9 courses are de-streamed. Grade 9 focuses on building foundational knowledge and skills while giving students time to explore their interests.
What does de-streamed mean?
Students take the same course regardless of whether they may eventually pursue college, university, apprenticeship training, or another post-secondary pathway.
Most Grade 9 courses use a de-streamed (W) designation.
Examples include:
Some courses, such as French (FSF1D), may have prerequisite requirements based on a student's previous learning experience.
Students may also encounter Open (O) courses, which are available to all students and focus on broadening knowledge and skills in a particular subject area.
Grade 10: Academic and Applied Courses
Grade 10 introduces more choice, with some subjects offered in either Academic (D) or Applied (P) pathways.
Academic Courses (D)
Academic courses focus on theory, analysis, and critical thinking. Students are expected to explore concepts in greater depth and make connections between ideas.
Examples include:
Applied Courses (P)
Applied courses focus on practical applications and real-world learning while covering the same overall curriculum expectations.
Examples include:
Grade 11 and Grade 12: Choosing a Destination-Based Pathway
In the senior grades, students begin focusing on courses that support their post-secondary plans.
University Preparation (U)
University Preparation courses are specifically designed for students who wish to attend university. They are also accepted by many Ontario college programs.
Examples include:
College Preparation
College Preparation courses are designed for students planning to attend college programs.
Examples include:
University/College Preparation (M)
University/College Preparation courses prepare students for either university or college pathways.
Examples include:
Other Pathways
Some Ontario schools also offer Workplace Preparation (E) courses, which focus on developing practical skills and knowledge for direct entry into the workforce or certain apprenticeship pathways.
Locally Developed courses may also be available in some schools and provide additional support for students working toward specific educational goals.
Planning for University Admission
Students considering university should pay close attention to their Grade 11 and Grade 12 course selections.
Most Ontario universities require applicants to complete a minimum of six Grade 12 U or M courses as part of their admission requirements.
Many programs also have specific prerequisites, such as Grade 12 English, Advanced Functions, Calculus and Vectors, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.
Because admission requirements vary by institution and program, students should review requirements early and consult with their guidance counsellor when planning their pathway.
Choosing the Right Pathway
There is no single "best" pathway for every student.
When selecting courses, students should consider:
- Their learning style and academic strengths
- Their interests and future plans
- Any prerequisite requirements for future courses
- Recommendations from teachers and guidance cousellors
The goal is to choose courses that provide the right level of challenge while supporting future success.
Choosing a pathway helps students plan for future opportunities, but it doesn't lock them into a single direction. Students often take a mix of university, college, and mixed-level courses depending on their strengths, interests, and post-secondary goals.
As goals evolve, course plans can too. With thoughtful planning and the right prerequisites, students may be able to adjust their pathway along the way.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to have your entire future figured out in Grade 9!
By understanding how de-streamed, academic, applied, and destination-based courses fit together, students and parents can approach course planning with confidence and make informed decisions about the future.
If you have questions about course selection, our Guidance team is here to help.