Reach Ahead (Gr. 8) Students – Admission Requirements
Looking to get a head start on high school? The Reach Ahead program at Royal Ontario Academy provides a fantastic opportunity for 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 students who excel at independent learning, require flexible schedules, and are eager to challenge themselves academically.
How can the Reach Ahead program benefit Grade 8 students?
- Reduce academic load in Grade 9: By completing a mandatory course in advance, students can lighten their academic workload during their first year of high school, reducing stress and allowing for better time management.
- Ease the transition to high school: Reach Ahead helps students smoothly transition from elementary to secondary school, familiarizing them with the expectations and structure of high school courses.
- Recognize and prepare for academic rigor: Students can experience the increased challenge of high school courses early, preparing them for the demands of secondary education.
- Greater flexibility in course selection: Completing a compulsory course before starting Grade 9 provides more freedom to choose electives, allowing students to enrich their high school experience by focusing on subjects that interest them.
- Challenging coursework: For students who find their current classroom material too easy, the Reach Ahead program offers more advanced material to stimulate curiosity and enhance learning.
- Flexible credit distribution: High-performance athletes, frequent travelers, or students with other commitments can spread out their Grade 9 credits over a longer period to better manage their time.
- Transition for out-of-province students: Students coming from other countries or provinces can use this program to get accustomed to the Ontario curriculum before beginning in-person classes.
- Flexible exam scheduling: Royal Ontario Academy courses allow students to take exams at their own pace, choosing when and where to complete them.
- Meet OSSD online requirements: Since the Ontario Ministry of Education requires students to complete two online credits to earn the OSSD, all courses at Royal Ontario Academy count toward this requirement, offering flexibility in course timing and selection.
Students interested in applying for the Reach Ahead program must submit a request to our Principal for review.
