Looking to get a head start on high school? Join the Reach Ahead Program at Royal Ontario Academy. It is perfect for ambitious Grade 8 students (or those entering the summer before Grade 9) to take up to three secondary school credits. With approval from both Royal Ontario Academy and the student’s primary school, this program is ideal for those who thrive in independent learning, need flexible schedules, and are eager to challenge themselves academically.

What is a Reach Ahead Program?

A Reach Ahead Program is an educational program that allows students to earn credits for a higher grade level before officially starting it. It targets students transitioning from elementary school to high school (currently in Grade 8 or entering the summer before Grade 9). These programs allow students to complete a graduation requirement early, such as a physical education or civics credit. By participating, students lighten their future course loads and gain familiarity with a new school environment.

How Can the Reach Ahead Program Benefit Grade 8 Students?

• Reduce Academic Load in Grade 9
  Completing a mandatory course in advance allows students to ease their workload in their first year of high school, reducing stress and enabling better time management.
• Smooth Transition to High SchoolThe Reach Ahead Program bridges the gap between elementary and secondary school, helping students adapt to high school expectations, course structures, and academic routines.
• Prepare for Academic Rigor
  By tackling high school-level material early, students gain a better understanding of the challenges ahead and develop confidence in handling more demanding coursework.
• Enhanced Flexibility in Course Selection
  Completing a compulsory course before starting Grade 9 opens up more opportunities to select electives, allowing students to pursue subjects they’re passionate about and enriching their high school experience.
• Advanced Learning Opportunities
  For students who find their current classroom material too easy, Reach Ahead provides access to more advanced coursework, keeping them engaged and curious.
• Flexible Credit Distribution
  High-performance athletes, frequent travelers, or students with other time commitments can benefit from spreading out their Grade 9 credits, making it easier to balance academics with extracurricular activities.
• Familiarization for Out-of-Province Students
  Students transferring from other provinces or countries can use this program to get acquainted with Ontario’s curriculum and teaching style before attending high school in person.
• Flexible Exam Scheduling
  Royal Ontario Academy’s flexible approach lets students schedule exams at their convenience, offering a stress-free introduction to high school assessments.
• Fulfill OSSD Online Requirements
  The Ontario Ministry of Education mandates two online credits for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). All Royal Ontario Academy courses meet this requirement, providing students with greater flexibility in course timing and selection.

How to Apply

Students interested in the Reach Ahead Program must submit a request to Royal Ontario Academy’s Principal for review. Once approved, students can register and begin their journey toward high school success.

The Reach Ahead Program is not just a head start—it’s a leap forward. Prepare, excel, and embrace the future with Royal Ontario Academy.

Examples of Reach Ahead Learning Experiences

Reach Ahead experiences are structured career exploration and post-secondary exposure activities that help SHSM students plan their education and career pathways. A Reach Ahead activity includes:

• Participate in interviews with a professional working in a career pathway or industry sector of interest
• Explore skilled trades and career options by visiting an approved apprenticeship training delivery agent or apprenticeship program provider
• Interview a current college or university student enrolled in a related diploma or degree program
• Attend college or university classes aligned with the student’s SHSM sector or field of interest to gain real classroom exposure
• Participate in industry-led conferences, seminars, or professional workshops within the student’s SHSM sector
• Complete a dual credit course that allows the student to earn both secondary school and post-secondary credits simultaneously

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) Do Reach Ahead credits count toward the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)?

Yes. Reach Ahead credits are official high school credits. Once the Reach Ahead Program is completed, they are recorded on your Ontario Student Transcript (OST) required for graduation.

2) Who is eligible to participate in the Reach Ahead Program?

The program is specifically designed for Grade 8 students. You can begin a course during your Grade 8 school year or in the summer months before you officially start Grade 9.

3) Do these courses satisfy the new Ontario graduation requirements?

Yes. Since the courses are delivered online, they count toward the mandatory two-credit online learning requirement. Additionally, students starting Grade 9 in 2024 or later can use Reach Ahead to complete the new compulsory Technological Education credit early.

4) How many credits can I earn through Reach Ahead?

At Royal Ontario Academy, students can earn up to three secondary school credits before entering Grade 9. This allows you to significantly lighten your first-year workload or make room for more elective subjects later in high school.