Our unique OSSLT Preparation Program is designed to help students pass the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT).
Worried about passing the OSSLT?
This free lunch/after-school program is designed to help prepare students for the required OSSLT exam. Students who need help, or who do not feel comfortable with the academics needed to pass the test, can register for additional help.
What is OSSLT?
OSSLT stands for the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test. The OSSLT measures if students are meeting the minimum standard for literacy across all subjects as outlined in the Ontario curriculum, up to the end of Grade 9. Successful completion of the literacy test is a requirement to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
Important
Students MUST pass the OSSLT to graduate high school. The minimum required mark to pass is 75%.
If you would like help, talk to your Principal or Guidance Counsellor about the lunch/after-school OSSLT Preparation Program and get the help you need!
How to Get Started
The lunch/after-school OSSLT Preparation Program is 8-12 sessions long. Classes run twice weekly, are typically 1 hour long, and run outside the regular school day. This program is often offered at HWDSB secondary schools between October/November and February/March. Please contact your school/your child’s school for the details about the program.
Together, we can help provide students the skills and confidence needed to pass the OSSLT.
Lunch/after-school student improvement programs are dependent upon securing sufficient student enrolment.
What to expect
Additional information, including a video titled What to Expect on the OSSLT and a practice test, can be found at Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT).
How are we doing so far?
Our Continuing Education Student Improvement Programs have tremendous success with improving the academic skills of struggling students. Parents, students and instructors all concur that the lunch/after-school student programs work effectively.
What do people say about our programs?
“Excellent program; highly effective.” -Parent
“I have more confidence; I can do the work; I am not nervous now.” -Student
Contact
Barbara Robson (she/her)
Specialist, Continuing Education Secondary Programs, Progressions and Summer School
Phone: 905-561-2190
e-mail: [email protected]
We help you – help students!
OSSLT Prep Courses are FREE!
Continuing Education Literacy/Numeracy Programs are funded by the Ontario Ministry of Education. They support the regular, day school curriculum by offering lunch, after-school or summer instruction that is explicit, focused and targeted so that students can improve their literacy and numeracy skills in an innovative environment.
Principals and Vice-Principals, along with staff, work closely with Continuing Education to determine how to take advantage of these valued learning opportunities for our HWDSB students.
Continuing Education offers thanks and appreciation to all HWDSB educators who access the numerous modules and wishes them continued success as we strive for improved student performance and positive relationships together.
Updated on Thursday, November 27, 2025.