How good are Pre-OSSD bridging programs for non-native speakers?
English is my second language and my previous school system was quite different from Canadian curriculum. I'm worried I'll struggle with Grade 11/12 OSSD courses right away. Are Pre-OSSD or preparatory programs effective, or just extra cost?
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Pre-OSSD programs are genuinely useful if your foundation needs strengthening – especially in academic English, essay writing, research skills, or catching up on math/science concepts expected in Ontario. They act as a bridge so you don't start advanced courses feeling lost and risking low grades or repeats. From what I've seen, students who complete a solid prep program first usually perform much better and finish the diploma faster overall. Toronto Imperial School's Pre-OSSD Program is built specifically for international students in that situation: it covers English for academic purposes, study strategies, core subject refreshers, and eases you into the Ontario system before moving to regular credits. Details on structure, duration, and transition to full OSSD are here: https://torontoimperial.com/pre-ossd-program/ One friend did it in one semester and then sailed through Grade 12 courses with A's and B's. If you skip prep and jump in unprepared, you might end up spending more time and money fixing failed credits. It's not for everyone with strong English already, but for most ESL/international students, it's a worthwhile investment.