High School Readiness

The transition from Grade 8 to Grade 9 is one of the most important moments in a student’s academic life. Ontario’s high school curriculum raises expectations significantly, and success in the Grade 9 year—particularly in English, Math, Science, and French—sets the foundation for every pathway that follows. These four courses anchor the Grade 9 program, and early performance in them influences student confidence, self-belief, and long-term academic options.

To support students and families through this transition, Northern Ivey offers High School Readiness Courses created by experienced Ontario educators. These courses help parents and students work together to understand curriculum expectations, strengthen essential skills, and prepare for the increased demands of high school—ensuring students enter Grade 9 feeling confident and capable.

Why Grade 9 Preparation Matters More Than Ever

With Ontario now fully de-streamed in Grade 9, all students—regardless of background or past performance—are placed in the same academic courses. This model promotes equity but also raises the stakes:
students who struggle early may limit their future pathway options, even if they have the potential for more advanced programs.

Strong performance in Grade 9 is critical because:

Students must choose their streamed Grade 10 courses soon after completing Grade 9
Grade 9 marks influence student confidence and willingness to take more rigorous academic pathways
Early gaps in skills (especially in Math and English) become harder to close later
Course choices in Grade 10 affect Grade 11 and 12 eligibility, which impact postsecondary programs
Students who do well in Grade 9 feel more motivated, engaged, and prepared for long-term success

In short:
Grade 9 is the launching point. Students who enter prepared have access to more pathways, more confidence, and more opportunities.

Our readiness courses ensure students build that foundation before the high-school demands begin.

Understanding De-Streaming and Grade 10 Pathways

Ontario’s de-streaming applies fully to Grade 9, including:

English (ENL1W)
Math (MTH1W)
Science (SNC1W)
Geography (CGC1W)
French (FSF1W/FEF1W/FIF1W)
Arts, Phys Ed, and Technology

However, streaming returns in Grade 10 for most subjects.

Grade 10 Math – Still De-streamed

There is only one Grade 10 Math course (MPM2D).

Other Grade 10 Subjects – Streamed Again

Students must choose Academic or Applied for:

English
Science
French
History

These Grade 10 choices shape Grade 11 and 12 pathways, which in turn shape university, college, apprenticeship, and workplace program eligibility.

This means students—and parents—must understand the implications of Grade 9 performance and the importance of mastering foundational skills early on.

The Core 4 Readiness Courses

Each readiness course builds the groundwork students need for success in the de-streamed Grade 9 program—while helping parents understand expectations and how to support learning at home.

• Grade 9 English Readiness
Reading, writing, communication, and analytical thinking.

• Grade 9 Math Readiness
Numeracy, algebra foundations, proportional reasoning, and problem solving.

• Grade 9 Science Readiness
Biology, chemistry, physics fundamentals, and scientific inquiry.

• Grade 9 French Readiness
Vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, and practical language skills.

Why Choose Northern Ivey?

Our High School Readiness courses are:

✔ Developed by experienced Ontario educators
✔ Aligned with current curriculum and de-streaming expectations
✔ Designed for students and parents to complete together
✔ Focused on academic confidence, independence, and long-term readiness
✔ Built to support the decisions that begin in Grade 9 and shape the next four years

We don’t just review content—we help families understand the entire high school landscape so they can make informed, confident choices.

Get Ready for Grade 9—Together

By enrolling in our Core 4 Readiness Courses, students build the foundation needed to succeed in Ontario’s de-streamed Grade 9 program—and parents gain the knowledge to guide them through the decisions that follow. Students who enter Grade 9 prepared unlock more pathways, more opportunities, and more long-term success.

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