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Ontario high school planning involves three different questions: what a course teaches, which course comes next, and what a student needs to graduate. A course can count toward a diploma without satisfying the prerequisites for a particular university or college program. Use the school course calendar and official program requirements together.
Start with the current Grade 9 course codes
MTH1W is the de-streamed Grade 9 mathematics course introduced in 2021. MPM1D was the former academic course; it is not the current de-streamed course code. SNC1W is the de-streamed Grade 9 science course introduced in 2022. Older resources may still refer to SNC1D or SNC1P. Match a resource to the course actually shown on the student’s timetable.
How to read a course code
In MHF4U, the 4 identifies Grade 12 and U identifies university preparation. In SBI3C, the 3 identifies Grade 11 and C identifies college preparation. These labels describe course destinations; they do not by themselves establish admission to a particular postsecondary program.
Plan mathematics one prerequisite at a time
- A common university-preparation sequence is MTH1W, then MPM2D, then MCR3U, followed by senior mathematics. Other pathways exist.
- MHF4U, MCV4U and MDM4U serve different purposes. Check prerequisites and the courses accepted by each intended postsecondary program.
- Ask guidance about course availability, timetable conflicts and any alternative pathway before finalizing next year’s choices.
Science choices become more specialized
After Grade 9 science and the relevant Grade 10 preparation, students can investigate biology, chemistry and physics pathways. SBI3U, SCH3U and SPH3U are Grade 11 university-preparation courses; SBI4U, SCH4U and SPH4U are Grade 12 university-preparation courses. SCH4C and SPH4C are Grade 12 college-preparation courses, not Grade 11 alternatives.
Graduation requirements depend on the entry cohort
The OSSD requires 30 credits. Students who entered Grade 9 in 2024 or later generally need 17 compulsory and 13 optional credits; earlier cohorts generally need 18 compulsory and 12 optional credits. Students must also meet the literacy requirement and complete at least 40 community involvement hours. The literacy requirement has approved routes beyond passing the OSSLT.
The online-learning requirement applies to relevant cohorts, with an opt-out process. Students who entered Grade 9 in 2025–2026 or later also have a financial literacy graduation requirement completed through Grade 10 Career Studies, starting in 2026–2027. Review the official requirements with guidance for the student’s entry year, transfer credits and individual circumstances.
Separate EQAO mathematics from the literacy requirement
The Grade 9 EQAO mathematics assessment is connected to MTH1W. Under Ontario’s September 2026 update, it serves as the written exam for that course and contributes 20% of the final mark. The OSSLT assesses literacy; it is not a Grade 10 mathematics test. Ask the school about the student’s assessment arrangements and applicable literacy pathway.
A practical course-planning conversation
- Bring the current timetable, report card and recent marked work.
- List two or three possible destinations without treating an undecided student as committed to one pathway.
- Record each prerequisite and confirm it with the school.
- Choose one current skill gap to address, such as algebra, reading scientific graphs or explaining evidence.
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