Build academic foundations
Develop research, note-taking, academic writing and presentation skills alongside subject knowledge.
GRADES 9–12 · KING CAMPUS
Durham Academy Secondary School.
Ontario secondary education with individual academic guidance. A school day shaped by focused study, hands-on projects and the people who know you.
900 King St E · Oshawa, Ontario
9–12Secondary grades
OSSDOntario secondary diploma
2Academic terms
LEARNING AT DURHAM
A serious education. A personal approach.
Durham Academy follows the Ontario secondary curriculum, with an emphasis on STEM, academic skills and preparation for post-secondary study. Course planning begins with the student’s interests and previous learning. Published school-day hours are 8:45 a.m.–3:45 p.m.
Put ideas into practice
Science Fair, applied-science workshops and project presentations create opportunities to explain, test and improve ideas.
Plan with a person
Discuss course choices and prerequisites one to one, with family conversations and additional academic help along the way.
UNIVERSITY PLANNING AT DURHAM ACADEMY
From school to university.
Individual course planning. Programme research. Application guidance. Explore the possibilities with a teacher who knows you.
Explore university guidance
UNDERSTANDING ONTARIO HIGH SCHOOL
The OSSD, explained.
The Ontario Secondary School Diploma brings together course credits, literacy and learning beyond the classroom. Start with the essentials, then build an individual plan with guidance.
30
course credits
Required for the Ontario diploma
17 compulsory13 optional
Transfer students need an individual credit review. The principal assesses equivalent credits and remaining requirements, including community involvement and online learning.
40hours
Community involvement
Learning to contribute is part of the diploma. Guidance helps you understand eligible activities and keep a record of your participation. For students transferring from outside Ontario after two or more years of secondary school, the principal determines the community-involvement hours required.
Literacy & online learning
Students must meet the provincial literacy requirement. Ontario also requires two online-learning credits for the applicable cohorts, with an opt-out or exemption process. Discuss the route that applies to your situation with guidance.
The financial literacy requirement
Beginning in 2026–27, the financial literacy requirement is part of Grade 10 Career Studies for students who entered Grade 9 in 2025–26 or later. Students need at least 70% on the required modules; exemptions apply in specified circumstances. Check the current provincial guidance with your school.
UNIVERSITY & COLLEGE GUIDANCE
A plan that starts with the student.
Joe Doyle works one to one with students on course choices, prerequisites and the next stage of education. Planning develops through conversations with the student, teachers and family.
01Start with your interests
Talk about the subjects you enjoy, the work you want to explore and your previous studies. This is the starting point for a course plan.
02Choose courses with a purpose
Look at programme prerequisites early. Review course choices with guidance so that your high-school studies support the options you want to keep open.
03Research, apply, prepare
Compare universities and colleges, review application requirements and explore scholarship opportunities. Keep the student and family part of the conversation.
04Build independence along the way
Academic writing, presentations, research and study habits matter after the offer arrives, too. Preparation is part of everyday learning.
BEYOND THE TIMETABLE
Room for more than lessons.
The school’s gym, outdoor activities, science projects and conversations between classes are part of the experience. Participation helps students become known beyond their marks.
SEE IT FOR YOURSELF
Come for a visit. Stay for a school day.
- Meet teachers and ask about courses
- See classrooms and shared spaces
- Discuss a school-day visit by arrangement
More moments from school.
School storiesADMISSIONS, STEP BY STEP
Let’s make the next step clear.
A conversation comes first. The admissions team will explain the requirements and available places for your child’s intended intake.
- 01
Meet the school
Share the student’s current grade, interests, school background and intended start date. Local families can request a visit; overseas families can begin with an online conversation.
- 02
Review the learning pathway
Discuss previous courses, credit assessment and English-language needs. Ask the team for the documents and academic information required for an individual review.
- 03
Confirm the full arrangements
Confirm course availability, the school year’s fees, the timetable and the next steps with admissions. A school-day visit may be arranged with the team.
- 04
Prepare for the first day
After the school confirms the offer and enrolment arrangements, work through the preparation checklist with your named school contact.
FAMILY QUESTIONS
Before you apply.
Can students join from another school system?
Begin with a review of the student’s previous studies and intended start date. Admissions and academic guidance can explain the assessment and any credit review needed for a proposed pathway.
What English-language support is available?
Discuss the student’s English-language needs with admissions before applying. Ask which support is available for the intended intake and how it fits with the student’s course plan.
What will the full cost be?
Published tuition information is available on the fees page. International families should request a written quote covering tuition, accommodation and any additional services for the specific school year.
Can we meet the team before deciding?
Yes. Contact admissions to ask about a personal meeting, campus visit or online conversation. A prospective student’s school-day visit can be discussed with the team.
DURHAM ACADEMY SECONDARY SCHOOL
Your next conversation starts here.
Tell us about your child. We’ll help you understand the next steps.
Talk to admissionsInformation for international families