Ontario schools are implementing the most significant education overhaul in years as more than two million students prepare to return to classrooms. The 2026-2027 school year brings sweeping changes affecting standardized testing, attendance policies, and how final grades are calculated across the province.
The Ontario Ministry of Education describes these reforms as a return to “getting back to the basics” of classroom learning. Officials say the changes aim to support teachers while giving parents and guardians greater confidence in the education system. Students returning on September 8 will encounter a dramatically different academic landscape.
Standardized Testing Overhaul for Secondary Students
The most dramatic shift affects high school students across Ontario. The province now requires uniform assessment standards regardless of which school or school board students attend. This means written exams will become mandatory components of most secondary courses.
For students in Grades 9 and 10, final exams will account for 20 per cent of their course marks. Grades 11 and 12 students face even higher stakes, with exams counting for 25 per cent of their final grades. All written final exams must occur during the designated exam period.
This standardization ensures that Ontario high schoolers are evaluated using the same rigorous criteria. The province believes this approach will better prepare students for post-secondary education and career challenges ahead.
Attendance and Participation Now Count Toward Grades
Education Minister Paul Calandra announced in spring that student absenteeism had been “creeping up” before the COVID-19 pandemic and has not returned to normal levels. Teachers reported significant classroom challenges when students frequently miss classes.
“I hear from teachers that this causes a lot of challenges in the classroom when a student is coming in and out of the classroom. There is no consistency in that.”
Under the new system, attendance and participation will count for 15 per cent of final grades in Grades 9 and 10. For Grades 11 and 12, this component represents 10 per cent of the final mark. Students with excused absences will not face penalties under these rules.
Understanding the New Attendance Grading Criteria
The Ministry of Education released detailed assessment criteria explaining how attendance grades work. A “Level 4” student—the highest grade—misses only 0 to 2.5 per cent of classes, translating to two or fewer absences per semester for unexcused reasons.
Level 4 students actively participate in class discussions, contribute ideas, ask relevant questions, and demonstrate positive leadership. They respect contributions from classmates and help foster a positive classroom culture.
Conversely, a “Below Level 1” student—the lowest grade—misses more than 10 per cent of classes without valid excuses, approximately nine classes per semester. These students do not participate in discussions, contribute ideas, or help create positive learning environments.
“The old system, 100 per cent of that mark in some instances was based on course work. A student did not need to participate. This is an important change. It absolutely reflects what teachers and high school teachers have told me would help them get better management of their classroom and would help prepare their students for the real world.”
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EQAO Math Test Now Counts for 20 Per Cent of Grade 9 Marks
Starting this school year, the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) test will account for 20 per cent of a Grade 9 student’s final math grade. This represents a significant shift from previous years when the test served primarily as an assessment tool.
In December 2025, Minister Calandra stated that recent EQAO data showed inadequate progress in reading, writing, and “especially” math. The decision to weight the test more heavily came after concerning results showing 42 per cent of Grade 9 students struggled with mathematics.
Calandra had delayed releasing test results in the fall due to these disappointing numbers. The new policy aims to motivate students to take the standardized assessment seriously while providing clearer benchmarks for academic progress.
What Parents and Students Should Know Moving Forward
These Ontario education changes represent the province’s commitment to higher academic standards. The Ministry of Education emphasized that reforms focus on setting clear expectations, providing practical skills, and supporting both parents and teachers.
For immigrant families and newcomers to Canada, understanding these changes is particularly important. The new system places greater emphasis on consistent attendance, active classroom participation, and exam performance—factors that may differ from educational systems in other countries.
Parents should discuss these changes with their children before the September 8 return date. Understanding that attendance directly affects grades may help families prioritize school attendance and develop stronger organizational habits.
Teachers across Ontario reportedly supported many of these reforms. The new structure gives educators clearer tools for classroom management while ensuring students understand that participation matters beyond simply completing assignments.
The provincial government believes these comprehensive changes will better prepare Ontario students for success in higher education and the workforce. As the 2026-2027 school year begins, families should stay informed about how these policies apply to their specific schools and grade levels.
How much do final exams count toward grades in Ontario high schools?
For Grades 9 and 10, written exams count for 20 per cent of final course marks. For Grades 11 and 12, exams account for 25 per cent of the final grade.
What percentage of grades comes from attendance and participation?
Attendance and participation count for 15 per cent of final grades in Grades 9 and 10, and 10 per cent in Grades 11 and 12. Students with excused absences are not penalized.
How does the EQAO test affect Grade 9 math grades?
The EQAO test now accounts for 20 per cent of a Grade 9 student’s final math grade, making it a significant component of their overall assessment.
When do Ontario students return to school for 2026-2027?
Ontario students return to classrooms on September 8, when the new education policies take effect for the 2026-2027 school year.
What defines a “Level 4” student under the new attendance policy?
A Level 4 student misses only 0 to 2.5 per cent of classes (two or fewer per semester for unexcused absences), actively participates in discussions, asks questions, and contributes to a positive classroom culture.
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