Choosing the right diploma can shape a student’s academic and career path. The Ontario Secondary School
Diploma (OSSD), A-Levels, and the International Baccalaureate (IB) each have their merits — but they differ
significantly. OSSD offers a flexible, credit-based system that evaluates students through assignments and
projects across two years. A-Levels focus on depth in three to four subjects with high-stakes final exams. The IB
combines six subjects with a core curriculum that includes Theory of Knowledge and a mandatory extended
essay. Where OSSD excels is adaptability. It allows students to build their transcript strategically, and in the case
of KingstonXR, to do so remotely with full teacher support. Most importantly, OSSD graduates apply to Canadian
universities as local students, often without needing SAT, IELTS, or A-Level equivalents.