The YMCA Academy is a Ministry of Education-inspected middle and high school. All programs and courses offered at The Academy comply with provincial curriculum standards. Students graduating from The Academy’s high school program will earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), Ontario Secondary School Certificate (OSSC), or Certificate of Accomplishment.
The Academy’s current course offerings are listed on the Schedules and Calendar page.
Middle School
Our grade 6 to 8 program balances traditional academic disciplines with social/emotional wellness. Our timetable includes time for developing reading and writing skills, investigating Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), exploring individual interests through project based learning, and integrating mindfulness practices.
Junior Panel
In Grade 9 and 10 students may choose from a variety of courses at the Applied (P), Open (O), and Locally Developed (L) levels.
Senior Panel
In Grade 11 and 12 students may choose from a variety of courses at the College/University Preparation (M), College Preparation (C), Workplace Preparation (E), and Open (O) levels. Credits in the senior panel have possible subject streams developed to meet students’ educational and career goals (college or a bridging program, an apprenticeship, or the workplace).
Course Catalogue
Each year, Academy teachers and staff create a customized schedule, featuring a full complement of compulsory courses, a wide variety of elective courses, and even customized courses exclusive to the school. Use the search tool below to browse a catalogue of our high school courses.
| Course Code | Course Name | Subject | Grade | Stream |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PAF1O | Healthy Living and Personal and Fitness Activities | Health and Physical Education | 9 | Open |
| PLF4M | Recreation and Healthy Active Living Leadership | Health and Physical Education | 12 | College/University Preparation |
| PPL1O | Healthy Active Living Education | Health and Physical Education | 9 | Open |
| PPL2O | Healthy Active Living Education | Health and Physical Education | 10 | Open |
| PPL3O | Healthy Active Living Education | Health and Physical Education | 11 | Open |
This list represents all of the courses the Academy has offered in the past few academic years. Not all courses are offered every year. For details, contact us.
High School Diploma and Certificate Requirements
There are three options when looking at levels of recognition when completing secondary school: the Ontario Secondary School Diploma; the Ontario Secondary School Certificate; and a Certificate of Accomplishment.
Compulsory credits:
- 4 credits in English (1 credit per grade)*
- 3 credits in mathematics (1 credit in Grade 11 or 12)
- 2 credits in science
- 1 credit in Canadian history
- 1 credit in Canadian geography
- 1 credit in the arts
- 1 credit in health and physical education
- 1 credit in French as a second language
- 0.5 credit in career studies
- 0.5 credit in civics
Plus one credit from each of the following groups:
Group 1:
- English or French as a second language**
- a Native language
- a classical or an international language
- social sciences and the humanities
- Canadian and world studies
- guidance and career education
- cooperative education***
Group 2:
- health and physical education
- the arts
- business studies
- French as a second language**
- cooperative education***
Group 3:
- science (Grade 11 or 12)
- technological education
- French as a second language**
- computer studies
- cooperative education***
In addition to the compulsory credits, students must complete:
- 12 optional credits†
- 40 hours of community involvement activities^
- the provincial literacy requirement
* A maximum of 3 credits in English as a second language (ESL) or English literacy development (ELD) may be counted towards the 4 compulsory credits in English, but the fourth must be a credit earned for a Grade 12 compulsory English course.
**In groups 1, 2, and 3, a maximum of 2 credits in French as a second language can count as compulsory credits, one from group 1 and one from either group 2 or group 3.
*** A maximum of 2 credits in cooperative education can count as compulsory credits.
† The 12 optional credits may include up to 4 credits earned through approved dual credit courses.
^ For details about this requirement, download the Community Hours/Activities Manual. To log community involvement hours, complete the Community Hours Form.
Source: "What do you need to graduate?" - Ontario Ministry of Education
Compulsory Credits:
- 2 English credits
- 1 Mathematics credit
- 1 Science credit
- 1 Canadian History or Canadian Geography credit
- 1 Health & Physical Education credit
- 1 Arts or Technological Education credit
Plus 7 Elective Credits
A formal statement recognizing a student’s level of accomplishment in secondary school.