Our story
Where It All Began
The idea to create a fully online school began at the front of a biology classroom in 1995. Stephen Baker, a teacher at Goderich District Collegiate Institute in Huron County at the time, had his request for new textbooks for his Grade 11 Biology class denied. Never one to accept the status quo, Mr. Baker turned to the internet to develop his very own digital content for his students. As word spread about this new initiative, he was able to bring in other teachers, curriculum writers, content developers, and administrative staff to add more courses to the lineup.
On September 1, 2001, Virtual High School received its inspected private school status from the Ontario Ministry of Education. By June 24, 2002, VHS had issued its first official Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) credit. Like most great ventures, Mr. Baker operated the school out of his basement until eventually renovating a historic hotel in Bayfield, Ontario to house his school in 2011. Fast forward another decade and Virtual High School now has over 8,000 enrolments each year, in-house academic and administrative teams, more than 70 courses, and nearly 150 certified teachers.
Mission and Vision
Mission
To create a better world where every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Vision
At Virtual High School, we prepare students for post-secondary success. We deliver flexible online courses that accommodate and respond to individual learner needs. Our innovative approach to education fosters the skills, qualities, and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. We are committed to upholding a culture that champions healthy, inclusive communities and encourages responsibility, respect, integrity, perseverance, and innovation.
A. Excellence in Education
We aspire to be a global leader in online secondary education. With rigorous academic standards, an experienced team of certified teachers, and outstanding administrative support, we stay focused on delivering the highest quality of education to our students. At VHS, we believe that teacher development supports student success. We are dedicated to providing opportunities for our teachers to connect, collaborate, and learn from one another.
B. Diversity and Inclusion
With students from over 120 countries, we are strengthened by the wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives among our student body. As supporters of individuality and acceptance, we are committed to expanding our awareness and understanding of issues related to inclusion and equity. We aim to celebrate and listen to the diversity of voices within our school community.
Core Values
The five chambers found near an apple’s core grow seeds that hold incredible potential. At Virtual High School, we aim to have our school community demonstrate five specific core values: responsibility, respect, integrity, perseverance, and innovation. Whether you are a student, teacher, or administrator, these five life skills will benefit you, our community, and the world beyond.
Responsibility
The value of responsibility calls people to complete their duties to the best of their ability.
Students of VHS act responsibly when they do the following:
- Put a strong effort into their work
- Ask questions and use feedback to improve their understanding
Staff and teachers of VHS act responsibly when they do the following:
- Create content that is interesting and prepares students for the future
- Help students improve their knowledge and skills by providing valuable feedback
Respect
The value of respect calls everyone to treat others positively and appreciate the abilities, qualities, and achievements of others.
Students of VHS act respectfully when they do the following:
- Communicate with others in a positive, kind manner
- Recognize others’ successes and support others in times of need
Staff and teachers of VHS act respectfully when they do the following:
- Provide inclusive learning opportunities that allow all students to learn and grow
- Model kind, caring interactions to students
Integrity
The value of integrity calls people to act in honest, trustworthy, and respectful ways.
Students of VHS act with integrity when they do the following:
- Complete their work using their own ideas and knowledge
- Take pride in the work they complete
Staff and teachers of VHS act with integrity when they do the following:
- Provide resources on how to show academic honesty
- Encourage students to use critical and creative thinking strategies
- Provide accurate, supportive, and honest feedback to nurture positive development
Perseverance
The value of perseverance calls people to put in the effort necessary to reach their goals, even if there are challenges on their way to success.
Students of VHS demonstrate perseverance when they do the following:
- Set challenging goals and work to reach them
- Believe in their ability to reach their goals and continue improving
Staff and teachers of VHS demonstrate perseverance when they do the following:
- Demonstrate that challenges are another opportunity to continue to learn
- Hold students to high standards to help them reach their fullest potential
Innovation
The value of innovation calls people to be creative in how they solve problems and discover new knowledge.
Students of VHS demonstrate innovation when they do the following:
- Learn about and use new technologies
- Use new strategies to solve problems and maximize their learning and success
Staff and teachers of VHS demonstrate innovation when they do the following:
- Provide chances for students to develop and apply 21st century skills
- Engage students through innovative approaches to learning
- Remove barriers for students to support their learning
