"Virtual High School has been a trusted leader in online education since 2001. Students at VHS choose when and where to study, when to submit assignments, and when to write their online final exams. We recognize that no two learners are the same. With certified teachers, free online tutoring, dedicated student support teams, and an outstanding administrative staff, we stay focused on meeting the needs of each student to deliver the best in online secondary education."
Our student-centred support services help to provide an unparalleled educational experience. VHS teachers are trained to teach in an online environment, offer individualized attention to students, and provide invaluable feedback on all assignments. The VHS administrative team is available via phone, email, and live chat to answer questions and assist students in meeting personal deadlines. Our tutoring service gives students access to free academic coaching and homework help.
At VHS, we are committed to delivering high-quality course design that equips our students for success in post-secondary education and beyond. We take great pride in thoughtfully developing each course, which may mean not offering every possible subject. Our focus is on creating rigorous courses that challenge students to reach their full potential, ensuring they are well-prepared for the future. We do not prioritize easy grades; instead, we emphasize the development of time management, independent study skills, and a comprehensive, superior education.
The idea to create a fully online school began at the front of a biology classroom in 1995. Stephen Baker had his request for new textbooks for his Grade 11 Biology class denied so he turned to the internet to develop his very own digital content for his students.
On September 1, 2001, Virtual High School received its inspected private school status from the Ontario Ministry of Education. By June 24, 2002, VHS had issued its first official Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) credit. Like most great ventures, Mr. Baker operated the school out of his basement until eventually renovating a historic hotel in Bayfield, Ontario to house his school in 2011. Fast forward another decade and Virtual High School now has over 8,000 enrolments each year, in-house academic and administrative teams, more than 70 courses, and nearly 150 certified teachers.
Our school is ideal for self-motivated, independent learners who require flexibility in their education. Students who thrive in a self-paced environment, have diverse academic interests, and seek a supportive, engaging online community will benefit from our tailored approach. Additionally, those needing to resolve scheduling conflicts or accelerate their education will find VHS accommodating.
We might advise against choosing VHS for students who require constant in-person interaction and structured classroom settings to thrive academically, as our fully online format may not provide the face-to-face engagement they need. Additionally, students who struggle with self-motivation and time management might find the self-paced model challenging without the external structure of a traditional school. Families seeking extensive in-person extracurricular activities and social interactions might also find our virtual community lacking in this regard. While we offer robust support through certified teachers and online tutoring, the absence of a physical school environment may not be suitable for everyone. It is crucial for families to consider their child's learning preferences and needs before opting for our unique online educational model.
Virtual High School is popular among families because of its renowned reputation at post-secondary institutions across Canada and around the globe. Many VHS graduates attend major universities and colleges in Canada, so you can rest assured that VHS is a household name. After 20 years of developing and teaching courses online, VHS is unrivaled in terms of experience, credibility, and expertise.
We are well-known for our flexible model, our excellent service, and our engaging, rigorous courses.
We recognize that not all students learn in the same way, so we have produced courses with built-in accommodations that support a variety of student needs. VHS courses meet or exceed provincial accessibility standards and include text-to-speech capabilities. Instruction is differentiated, providing learning materials via text, video, multimedia assets, and interactive activities. Where possible, assessments allow students flexibility in the medium or format they use to present ideas.
The VHS learning experience comes with the unique opportunity to engage with students from across the world. We facilitate online community events to encourage students to connect with each other, offering them the chance to interact with people from different cultures, learn new skills, and share their passions.
Recently, we have enhanced our Fast Track courses to better support students with urgent timelines. These improvements include guaranteed 24-hour teacher response times, prioritized grading, and expedited report card processing. Additionally, we've expanded our course offerings to include specialized subjects such as Green Industries and the Skilled Trades and Building the Entrepreneurial Mindset, catering to diverse academic interests and future aspirations, thus enriching our educational offerings. Additionally, we have continued to improve our Online Tutoring service. This service allows students to book a time with a member of our Academic Team for personalized support and clarification on challenging concepts.
In the next five years, Virtual High School will continue to expand its course offerings, introducing new subjects and specialized pathways to meet the evolving interests and needs of students worldwide. We are also investing in enhanced digital tools, innovative multimedia course design, and additional extracurricular opportunities to strengthen student engagement and connection. Our focus will remain on improving accessibility and support systems, ensuring that every learner—regardless of location or circumstance—can thrive in our flexible, student-centred model. As education continues to evolve, VHS will stay at the forefront of online learning, preparing students for post-secondary success and lifelong growth.