Ontario College Collège Ontario
Empowering students with STEM Education and Project-based Learning!
About Us
- Ontario College/Collège Ontario (COC) is a private school duly registered with the Ontario Ministry of Education (BSID Number: 665571). Located in Toronto, Canada, we are dedicated to providing high-quality educational programs to students from around the world. Our offerings include English as a Second Language (ESL), English for Academic Purposes (EAP), the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), University Preparation (UP), and Advanced Placement (AP) credit courses. Studying at COC creates a clear pathway to university degrees in Canada, the USA, the UK, the Commonwealth, and the European Union. Our OSSD, UP, and AP programs provide a strong academic foundation through government-accredited curricula and rigorous language training—all delivered with personalized attention to meet individual student needs.
- At COC, you will benefit from our STEM education and project-based learning facilities, as well as our dedicated faculty and support staff, who are committed to helping you achieve your educational goals.
Discover Ontario College/Collège Ontario
Principal's Welcome
Welcome to Ontario College / Collège Ontario!
We understand that choosing the right school for your child is a crucial decision for your family. Our website provides information to help you determine if Ontario College / Collège Ontario (COC) is the best fit for your child’s high school education. We encourage you to review our mission, vision, and collective commitments, as well as the rest of our website, to make an informed decision. You are also welcome to contact our guidance counselors to schedule a visit to our school.
COC is a unique merit-based school that provides transformative education for high-achieving students. Deeply rooted in Canada’s multicultural traditions, we are committed to offering a well-rounded liberal arts and sciences education to promising young students from around the world. Our interdisciplinary, innovative, and collaborative STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) approach is driven by project-based, problem-solving, collaborative, exploratory, and experiential learning. This approach prepares students to excel in their university studies and careers, and to become leaders, innovators, lifelong learners, and globally competitive citizens of the 21st century and beyond.
COC offers quality ESL (English as a Second Language), EAP (English for Academic Purposes), OSSD (Ontario Secondary School Diploma), and UP (University Preparation) credit courses to international students in Grades 7 to 12. Supported by our STEM and AI education facilities, creative arts studios, and dedicated faculty and staff, studying at COC provides your child with a pathway to prestigious university degrees in Canada or the USA, opening doors to many new opportunities. Our qualified and caring faculty and staff deliver a tailored curriculum that establishes a fast-track pathway to university placement for international students. Our six featured university preparatory programs—UTSE (UT Science & Engineering Passport Program), TUBS (Canadian Top-5 University Business Schools Passport Program), ATUP (American Top-50 Universities Passport Program), UTEM (UT Elite Majors Passport Program), CTUP (Canadian Top-10 Universities Passport Program), and CTAU (Canadian Top Art Universities Passport Program)—offer exceptional learning and university placement opportunities for our students.
Our students greatly benefit from meticulously designed university-stream programs that promote citizenship, character, critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and effective communication. Working with our outstanding teachers and staff, our students continuously challenge themselves and pursue academic excellence in their university studies and future careers. They learn to persevere as socially responsible global citizens, to lead and serve in tomorrow’s society, and to dedicate their lives to the betterment of humanity.
We hope you find all the information you need on our website. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your options in more detail, please do not hesitate to contact us at:Tel: 416-836-4886, Email: principal@ontariocollege.ai.
Kind regards,
Andrew Jiang
Principal, Ontario College / Collège Ontario
Educational Vision and Philosophy
Educational Vision and Philosophy
Vision Statement
At Ontario College/Collège Ontario (COC), our vision is to cultivate leaders, innovators, and lifelong learners who are globally competitive and prepared to excel in university and their careers. We achieve this through an integrated, interdisciplinary STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) Education Approach. Our model combines rigorous inquiry, critical thinking, and project-based experiential learning to develop solutions for real-world problems. We are unwavering in our belief that this framework best maximizes each student's potential, ensuring their success in a rapidly evolving world.
The Board of Directors envisions Ontario College/Collège Ontario ascending to the highest echelons of liberal arts and sciences colleges, renowned for cultivating leaders and thinkers who will shape the future driven by the interaction of human and artificial intelligence.
Educational Philosophy
COC is dedicated to delivering a rigorous, internationally-minded education that merges a challenging curriculum with interdisciplinary, student-driven learning. We cultivate a culture of collaboration, creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking, with the goal of developing students into ethical leaders, problem-solvers, and innovators on both local and global stages. Our holistic approach nurtures students' intellectual pursuits, artistic and athletic talents, emotional well-being, and moral character. The entire COC community is committed to modeling the virtues of honesty, self-discipline, responsibility, and respect for the common good.
Recognizing the unique, multi-faceted nature of each student, we employ a diverse range of pedagogical strategies. Our multimodal approach includes Socratic learning, blended and project-based learning, AI-assisted instruction, and differentiated teaching. This ensures we address varied learning styles and maximize every student's growth, while fostering intercultural understanding and global citizenship.
Our supportive and stimulating environment, characterized by a low student-to-teacher ratio, is designed to foster both intellectual and personal growth. We believe learning extends beyond the classroom, offering opportunities such as:
- Internships with local and international organizations
- Field studies and community service projects
- Faculty-supervised research
- Mentorship and off-campus academic advising
- Extracurricular clubs and interest groups
Ultimately, we aim to inspire in our students a lasting sense of wonder, a passion for learning, and the courage to pursue their goals with integrity.
Central to our philosophy is the STEAM Education Model, which uses Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics as integrated access points for inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking. By integrating the arts—including liberal arts, design-thinking, and language arts—as essential components of innovation, STEAM fosters creativity, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and the persistence to solve complex problems.
Distinguishing Features of the COC Curriculum:
- Interdisciplinary STEAM Approach: A rigorous, technology-enhanced curriculum focused on real-world problem-solving through inquiry, critical thinking, and project-based learning.
- World Youth Leadership Development Program: Intensive summer and winter camps designed to develop core leadership skills, public speaking, research, character, and intercultural communication.
- Writing and Communications Focus: A commitment to developing proficient writers and confident public speakers who can communicate effectively across multiple media.
- Faculty-Supervised Research & Business Programs: Project-based learning in Science, Engineering, and Business that emphasizes teamwork, conceptual development, and practical application of skills.
- External Partnerships & Advancement: Access to academic and cultural resources at other institutions, with opportunities for advanced students to take undergraduate AP courses at colleges and universities across the Greater Toronto Area.
- Off-Campus Mentorship: Connecting students with professionals in engineering, technology, and business to provide real-world insight and guidance.
- Extracurricular Study-Interest Clubs: Promoting intellectual curiosity, moral reasoning, and personal growth beyond the core curriculum.
- After-School Enrichment: Offering electives in science, math, and technology to deepen student engagement.
Implementing the STEAM Model:
The STEAM model is founded on deep experiential inquiry, with curiosity, exploration, and collaboration at its core. Its hands-on, reality-based lessons are designed for diverse learners, fostering divergent thinking and knowledge application. To ensure its effectiveness, COC has meticulously redesigned its curriculum and invested in professional development. Key implementation efforts include:
- Collaborative teacher planning across disciplines.
- Adjusted scheduling to support new teaching methods.
- Ongoing professional development in STEAM practices.
- Strategic curriculum mapping and assessment design.
- Alignment of standards with seamless lesson implementation.
Mission Statement
The mission of Ontario College / Collège Ontario (COC) is to discover and cultivate promising young minds from across Canada and the globe, empowering them to realize their highest moral, intellectual, and physical potential. This is achieved through holistic STEAM education, inquiry-driven and project-based learning.
As a university preparatory institution rooted in the liberal arts and sciences, we offer a rigorous international curriculum designed to foster a lifelong commitment to truth, integrity, and creativity. Our programs are carefully structured to develop not only interdisciplinary proficiency in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics but also the essential virtues of perseverance, resilience, and a conscience for noble endeavours.
We forge and refine agile critical thinkers and innovative problem-solvers. By emphasizing core competencies in knowledge application, intercultural communication, professional collaboration, and self-directed learning, we prepare them for the demands of the world's leading universities.
True to our STEAM and project-based learning ethos, we are dedicated to nurturing creative, competent, compassionate, and conscientious global citizens. We endow our graduates with professional competence, resilient character, and global vision necessary to navigate our dynamic international society, preparing them not only to meet future challenges but also to lead and serve with distinction.
College Motto
The Board of Directors of Ontario College/Collège Ontario (COC) has adopted the Latin motto "Tenacitas, Integritas et Veritas"—meaning "Tenacity, Integrity, and Truth"—to embody the institution’s core values. These principles guide COC’s commitment to fostering excellence, independence, and a passion for learning among students and faculty. The college aims to cultivate well-rounded individuals with a global outlook, emphasizing unity of knowledge and action, honesty, perseverance, innovation, and moral integrity.
Elucidations and Latin Mottos
The Latin terms "Integritas," "Tenacitas," and "Veritas" are central to COC’s emblem, each reflecting a foundational virtue:
- Tenacitas (Tenacity): Derived from the Latin tenāx ("holding fast"), it signifies steadfast persistence and unwavering determination in pursuing goals or principles.
- Integritas (Integrity): Rooted in integer ("complete" or "whole"), it denotes moral soundness, purity, and adherence to ethical principles.
- Veritas (Truth): Stemming from vērus ("true"), it represents truthfulness and reality. In Roman mythology, Veritas, daughter of Saturn, symbolizes truth, echoed in proverbs like "in vino veritas" (in wine, truth) and "veritas vincit" (truth prevails).
Together, these mottos underscore COC’s dedication to cultivating tenacity, integrity, and truth in its students.
Why Choose Ontario College/Collège Ontario?
- Integrated Curriculum & Systematic Administration: We deliver a cohesive, well-structured, and interdisciplinary STEAM education through a systematically administered framework.
- Dedicated Form Teachers & Guidance Counselors: Our form teachers and professional guidance counselors implement programs of study that seamlessly integrate traditional education models with modern credit systems and project-based learning.
- Academic Mentorship & Support Programs: We provide targeted tutoring, mentoring, and academic intervention programs designed to foster students’ intellectual, spiritual, and physical development.
- Innovative & Customized Curriculum: Our unique interdisciplinary approach integrates the official OSSD program with elements of international IB and AP curricula. This core is enriched by our own advanced courses, all tailored to meet the diverse needs of our student body.
- Character Building & Holistic Development: We emphasize character building as a cornerstone of our commitment to each student's holistic growth.
- Pathways to Top Universities: We offer reliable and accelerated pathways to leading universities in Canada and the United States, ensuring students are well-prepared for higher education.
- Proven University Placement Record: Our students consistently achieve placements at excellent universities, a testament to the quality of our programs and support.
- Personalized Learning Environment: Small class sizes guarantee personalized attention, allowing us to cater to the individual needs of each learner.
- Ongoing Parent Partnership: We maintain regular communication with parents and guardians, keeping them fully informed of their child’s academic progress and character development.
- A Community of Self-Paced Learners: The college fosters a community of committed learners who are encouraged and supported to progress at their own pace.
- Safe, Secure, & Globally-Minded Environment: We provide a safe, secure, and friendly learning atmosphere that integrates international curricula and perspectives.
- Visionary & Experienced Leadership: Our strong leadership team is guided by globally advanced educational visions and missions, ensuring a forward-thinking approach.
Why Choose Canada, Ontario, and Toronto for Your Studies?
For international students, the choice of a study destination is a pivotal decision. By choosing Canada—and more specifically, the province of Ontario and the city of Toronto—students gain a cumulative set of advantages that are unmatched by other popular destinations.
1. Why Choose Canada Over the USA, UK, or Australia?
International students increasingly prefer Canada because it uniquely combines world-class education with a clear path to a prosperous and secure future.
- Higher Value, Lower Cost: Canada offers education from globally ranked universities at a significantly more affordable tuition cost than the United States, United Kingdom, or Australia.
- A Clear Path to Permanent Residence: Unlike many other countries, Canada provides a straightforward roadmap from student to permanent resident. This begins with the opportunity to work off-campus, continues with a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) valid for up to three years, and leads to permanent residence through programs like the Canadian Experience Class.
- A Launchpad to the Entire North American Market: For those who become Canadian citizens, the NAFTA (TN) visa provides a unique advantage: the ability to work professionally in the United States, opening doors to the entire North American economy.
- Safety and Quality of Life: Canada offers a clean environment, safe cities, and a world-class medical and social security system, providing peace of mind for students and their families.
2. Why Choose Ontario Over Other Provinces (Like BC or Quebec)?
While all of Canada offers advantages, Ontario stands out as the country’s economic and innovative powerhouse.
- The High-Tech and Economic Engine: Ontario is the largest IT hub in North America outside of Silicon Valley and generates over 37% of Canada’s GDP. This provides internship and job opportunities that are more abundant and higher-paying than in other provinces.
- Globally Renowned Universities: Ontario is home to a powerful network of world-renowned institutions, including the University of Toronto, the University of Waterloo, and McMaster University, whose degrees are recognized and respected globally.
- Unmatched Cultural Diversity: As the province where more than half of all new immigrants settle, Ontario offers the most vibrant and diverse cultural experience in Canada, making it easy for international students to feel at home.
3. Why Choose the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)?
Toronto is not just a city; it is Canada’s premier hub for education, finance, and technology, offering students the ultimate environment to launch their careers.
- King of High-Tech and Finance: As Canada’s economic engine, Toronto offers more higher-paying jobs in high-tech, banking, and finance than any other Canadian city. It maximizes your chances of securing an internship at a major company and building a high-paying career.
- Canada's Largest Education Hub: With institutions like the University of Toronto and York University, Toronto has the strongest concentration of post-secondary education, research, and innovation in the country.
- A World-Class, Livable City: Toronto combines vibrant career prospects with an efficient and affordable public transit system, a wide variety of accommodation options, and a famously friendly, multicultural atmosphere that makes it one of the world's most livable cities.
Top Achievers
Each academic year, a group of exceptional students is named to the top honor rolls at Ontario College/Collège Ontario (COC) during the Spring Session. The information was compiled by the Principal, Dean, Registrar, and other members of the Academic Council to acknowledge and congratulate these outstanding students on achieving top academic honours at COC.
The Board of Directors of COC created the Top Achievers Foundation to inspire and empower students to embrace opportunities for high achievement. Through real-world practice projects, extracurricular activities, after-school education, and coaching in STEAM, sports such as fencing, hockey, basketball, soccer, and Chinese kung fu, as well as financial literacy and mentorship from professional association leaders, the Top Achievers Foundation prepares students for success in university and beyond.
At COC, we want to see all of our students succeed after high school graduation and help provide them with the resources to do so. Ninety-five percent of our students go on to attend world-class Canadian and American universities. Our alumni include business entrepreneurs, corporate professionals, engineers, technologists in all high-tech industries, accounting and finance professionals, athletes, teachers, administrators, leaders of charitable organizations, government officials, and more.
Our Top Achievers alumni have attended:
University of Toronto
Western University
McMaster University
University of Waterloo
McGill University
Queen's University
University of British Columbia
Harvard University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Stanford University
Oxford University
Cambridge University
University of Melbourne
University of Sydney
Australian National University (ANU)
Monash University
Honor Roll and Ontario Scholars
Honor Roll
Award of Academic Achievement and Excellence
Students are eligible for an Honor Roll award if they achieve an average of 90% or higher.
Students with an average of 95% or higher will receive Honours with Distinction.
Only courses with a percentage grade are considered in Honor Roll calculations. Averages are calculated as follows:
- Grade 9: Based on the average of 8 credits:
- Five compulsory subjects: English Language Arts, Social Studies, Mathematics, Physical Education, and Science.
- The best three optional credits at the Grade 9 level.
- Grade 10: Based on the average of 8 credits:
- Five compulsory subjects: English Language Arts, Geography, Physical Education, Science, and the higher of the two Mathematics marks at the Grade 10 level.
- Regular Program Students: The best three optional credits at the Grade 10 level.
- Grade 11: Based on the average of 6 credits:
- Regular Program Students:
a) Compulsory subjects: the best English Language Arts and Mathematics marks at the Grade 11 level, and History at the Grade 12 level.
b) The best three optional credits at the Grade 11 level.
- Regular Program Students:
- Grade 12: Based on the average of 5 credits:
- Regular Program Students:
a) Compulsory subjects: the best English Language Arts and Mathematics marks at the Grade 12 level.
b) The best three optional credits at the Grade 12 level.
- Regular Program Students:
Honour Roll Award Policy
- Only courses with a percentage grade are used in Honor Roll calculations.
- Each course may be used only once in a student’s average, regardless of the grade level at which it was taken.
- Only courses at the student’s current grade level are considered for Honor Roll purposes, even if taken earlier. For example, a Grade 11 course taken in Grade 10 will only be included when the student is in Grade 11; similarly, a Grade 11 course taken in Grade 12 will not be used in the Grade 12 average.
- To be eligible for Honor Roll, students must be enrolled in a full-time course load for the academic year:
- Grades 9 and 10: minimum of 8 courses
- Grades 11 and 12: minimum of 6 courses
- Students transferring to Ontario College/Collège Ontario will be considered for Honor Roll on an individual basis.
- The academic year for Honor Roll calculation runs from July to June.
Ontario Scholar
Policy/Program Memorandum 53
Requirements
A student may be designated an Ontario Scholar if they meet both of the following criteria:
- Achieve an aggregate of at least 480 marks in any combination of ministry-approved courses that total six credits, as defined by Ontario Secondary Schools, Grades 9 to 12: Program and Diploma Requirements, 1999 (OSS) and/or *Ontario Schools, Intermediate and Senior Divisions (Grades 7–12/OACs): Program and Diploma Requirements, rev. ed., 1989* (OSIS).
- Be recommended by the school principal for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) in either the current or previous school year.
Ministry-approved courses include:
- Any Grade 12 university preparation, university/college preparation, college preparation, workplace preparation, or open courses authorized under OSS, including ministry-approved locally developed courses.
- Cooperative education courses related to the above.
- Dual credit courses in college-delivered programs approved by the ministry.
- Any Ontario Academic Courses (OACs) authorized under OSIS.
Conditions of Award
- A candidate’s mark in each course shall be multiplied by the credit value of the course.
- If a student earns more than six credits in eligible courses, the highest marks will be used.
- Standing in either English (for English-language schools) or English for French-language schools may be counted, but not both.
- Standing in either French as a second language or français may be counted, but not both.
- A student previously designated an Ontario Scholar is not eligible for a second award.
- Courses do not need to be completed in a single school year to qualify.
- Standing obtained at a conservatory or school of music—as outlined in Policy/Program Memorandum No. 133, “Music Certificates Accepted for Credits,” January 5, 2004; or in OSS or OSIS appendices—may be considered if the student achieves an average of 80% or higher in courses taken during the academic school year (September to June).
- Students must have completed a full-time course load for the school year to be eligible.
Reporting of Ontario Scholars to the Ministry
Principals must indicate Ontario Scholar recipients when submitting students’ final marks to OnSIS, including students who qualify through summer school attendance.
Ontario Scholar Certificate
A student designated an Ontario Scholar will receive an Ontario Scholar certificate.
Student Recognition
Principal's List
The Principal's List Award holds a significant place within the student recognition program at Ontario College/Collège Ontario, hereafter referred to as COC. As a prestigious honor, the Principal's List celebrates the remarkable achievements of dedicated students across various domains, including academics, sports, arts, and other contributions to the COC community. This accolade is bestowed upon students who maintain an average GPA of 96% or higher, with no individual grade falling below 80% throughout the current academic year.
Congratulations to the students named to the Principal's List for the current academic year!
Your achievement of securing one of the top ten averages for your respective grades this past year is truly commendable. Your dedication and hard work have rightfully earned you this esteemed recognition. The entire COC community applauds your accomplishments and perseverance in the pursuit of academic excellence.
Featured Graduates
Every graduating class has its own unique stories of the obstacles, hardships, and adversities that were overcome to achieve the triumph of earning an OSSD Diploma and credits, as well as securing placement in world-renowned universities.
Here, we spotlight ten of these exceptional graduates and congratulate the entire Class of [Current Academic Year]!
Testimonials
Testimonials from students and parents provide authentic, real-life evidence of the experiences students have had at COC and the extent to which the school has helped them achieve their educational goals. Such feedback shares their individual journeys in a way that is both unique and relatable, which can resonate deeply with prospective students who are exploring paths to achieve similar educational and career objectives. Sharing these real stories builds social proof and reinforces the credibility of COC as a worthy choice and a catalyst for successful intellectual growth and future career development.
Below are some examples of text and video testimonials from students, parents, and alumni of COC, who candidly share their insights about their study and life experiences at the school.
Career Opportunities
Join Our Team at Ontario College / Collège Ontario!
Ontario College / Collège Ontario is seeking dynamic staff and faculty to join our high-performing team. As experts in liberal arts and sciences education, all positions support our mission: to graduate students of character who are poised to become leaders and difference-makers in our community, nationally, and globally.
We offer a progressive, high-support working environment that values diversity and embraces a rich mix of talents, backgrounds, and experiences. Our positive work culture encourages professional growth opportunities and community involvement.
Join our close-knit community, which brings more than 30 years of experience to liberal arts and sciences education. We offer a highly attractive compensation and benefits package for all employees, and extensive professional development opportunities.
If you’re interested in exploring a career opportunity with us, we invite you to apply for one of the following positions:
Title of Position Type of Employment Application Closing Date Job Posting Date
Capturing moments at Ontario College/Collège Ontario
