Ontario Implements Mandatory Exams and Attendance Grading for 2026-2027
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New provincial policies shift high school assessment toward written exams and attendance metrics while introducing a 'back-to-basics' kindergarten curriculum.
Ontario has introduced significant policy changes for the 2026-2027 school year aimed at increasing academic rigor and consistency in student evaluation, according to reporting from CBC Toronto.
Education Minister Paul Calandra announced that mandatory final written exams are now required for most high school courses. For students in Grades 9 and 10, these exams account for 20% of final marks in core subjects, including math, science, and English. In Grades 11 and 12, the weight increases to 25% for core subjects. While workplace preparation, special education, and co-op courses are exempt from written exams, they still require non-written final evaluations.
Attendance and participation will now directly impact final grades. CBC Toronto reports that these metrics will account for 15% of the final mark in Grades 9 and 10, and 10% for upper-year students. Students with more than two unexcused absences are ineligible for the full percentage. Calandra told The Canadian Press that Ontario's high school attendance rates have been among the lowest in Canada, stating that education should be the priority for students.
Additional changes include a new financial literacy graduation requirement for Grade 10 students in Career Studies (GLC2O), who must score at least 70% on a standardized evaluation. Furthermore, the province is implementing a "back-to-basics" kindergarten curriculum that prioritizes academic requirements in language, science, and math over previous play-based learning models.
To address parental concerns, the province is opening student and family support offices across all 72 school boards. Calandra stated these offices provide a clear escalation path for complex issues that cannot be resolved by a principal or teacher.