5 Essential Soft Skills Every High School Student Should Develop for Future Success
Educational Thought Leadership
How the Course Load for Ontario High School Students Affects Learning
February 28, 2025
High school in Ontario is meant to be a time of learning, growth, and preparation for the future. But for many students, it feels more like a never-ending cycle of assignments, tests, projects, and deadlines. Add extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, and the pressure to plan for post-secondary education, and suddenly, school becomes more overwhelming than enriching.
If you’re a parent of a high school student in Ontario, you’ve probably seen your child stay up late studying, rush to finish homework between activities, or feel stressed about keeping up. The reality is that many students are struggling—not because they lack intelligence or ambition, but because the system demands too much without providing enough support.
This article explores how the heavy course load in Ontario high schools affects students’ learning, well-being, and future success. More importantly, it highlights how Roots to Routes Academy offers a powerful solution: personalized mentorship, culturally affirming teaching, and an approach that helps Black students thrive academically and emotionally.
The Overwhelming Course Load: What Students Are Up Against
Ontario high school students must complete 30 credits to graduate, which means juggling multiple courses at once. Each course comes with homework, projects, tests, and exams. On top of that, students are expected to participate in extracurriculars, volunteer for 40 hours, and prepare for post-secondary education.
For many, the workload is crushing. Instead of genuinely learning, students are forced to memorize information just to pass tests. Instead of developing critical thinking skills, they are caught in a cycle of cramming and forgetting. And instead of enjoying school, many feel anxious, overworked, and exhausted.
This level of stress doesn’t just affect grades—it impacts mental health, confidence, and long-term success. Studies show that when students are overwhelmed, they are less likely to retain information, more prone to burnout, and at greater risk of falling behind.
Beyond the Classroom: The Hidden Struggles
Schoolwork isn’t the only challenge students face. Many have responsibilities beyond academics, such as:
- Extracurricular Activities – Sports, clubs, student leadership, and volunteering are expected but take up valuable time.
- Part-Time Jobs – Some students work to support themselves or their families, making it harder to focus on school.
- Social Pressures – Balancing friendships, family expectations, and personal identity can be overwhelming.
- Future Planning – Thinking about university, college, or careers while managing current coursework creates additional stress.
For Black students, these challenges are often amplified. Many attend schools that do not reflect their cultural identity or experiences. They may face unconscious biases, lack of representation in the curriculum, or be underestimated by teachers. These factors contribute to the feeling of being unsupported and misunderstood in the traditional school system.
How Roots to Routes Academy Supports Student Success
At Roots to Routes Academy, we understand that education is more than just passing courses—it’s about building confidence, mastering skills, and feeling empowered to achieve success.
Here’s how we do things differently:
- Personalized Learning Plans – Every student learns in their own way. We tailor study techniques to fit their needs, strengths, and goals.
- Mentorship from Black Educators – Representation matters. Our mentors understand the unique experiences of Black students and provide guidance beyond academics.
- Smaller Class Sizes – More attention, more interaction, and more support lead to better understanding and stronger academic performance.
- Culturally Affirming Curriculum – Learning should reflect students’ identities and experiences. We create a space where Black students can see themselves in what they learn and feel proud of who they are.
- Math Focused Approach – We specialize in math, ensuring students build strong foundations and develop the confidence they need to excel in STEM fields.
This is more than just tutoring—it’s an educational experience that ensures students don’t just survive high school but thrive in it.
The Power of Mentorship and Personalized Study Techniques
Most high school students receive little to no guidance on how to study effectively. Many are left to figure out time management, test-taking strategies, and career planning on their own.
At Roots to Routes Academy, mentorship is at the heart of what we do. Our educators help students:
- Develop time management strategies to handle course loads efficiently.
- Learn active study techniques that improve retention and understanding.
- Build confidence in subjects like math, where many students struggle.
- Receive career guidance that aligns with their interests and future aspirations.
With this level of support, students don’t just improve their grades—they gain lifelong skills that set them up for success beyond high school.
Why Parents Should Consider Alternative Education Support
If your child is struggling with Ontario’s high school course load, you are not alone. Traditional schools do not always provide the individualized support students need to excel.
Roots to Routes Academy offers a proven solution: a supportive, culturally affirming, and personalized approach that prioritizes your child’s success.
The reality is, students who get the right support now will have more opportunities later. The longer a student struggles in silence, the harder it becomes to catch up. Many parents wait until their child is on the brink of failing before seeking help—but by then, confidence is already shattered.
Conclusion
Every parent wants their child to succeed. But success isn’t just about getting through school—it’s about feeling supported, capable, and confident in their abilities. The truth is, Ontario’s education system isn’t designed for every student to thrive, and without extra support, many will struggle unnecessarily.
At Roots to Routes Academy, we believe every Black student deserves an education that empowers them. We provide the tools, mentorship, and guidance that traditional schools often lack. Our students don’t just improve their grades—they gain confidence, skills, and a community that uplifts them.
If you want your child to thrive—not just survive—in high school, now is the time to take action.
Spots at Roots to Routes Academy are limited, and enrollment fills up fast! Don’t wait until your child is struggling. Give them the support they deserve today.
