Skipping class now costs marks in Ontario high schools: what students and parents need to know
Skipping class now costs marks in Ontario high schools. Attendance and participation are 15% of the final grade in Grades 9 and 10, 10% in 11 and 12. Miss more than about 2 classes a semester without an excuse and you lose top marks on that part.
Topics: Community
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Ontario's new high school attendance rule is now part of report cards in Windsor-Essex, and it is starting conversations in local schools.
What the rule says
Starting in the 2026-27 school year, the Ministry of Education says final grades in high school reflect attendance and participation. That part is worth 15 per cent of the final course grade in Grades 9 and 10 and 10 per cent in Grades 11 and 12.
The ministry's assessment criteria tie the mark to unexcused absences. A student who misses about two or fewer classes a semester without an excuse can reach Level 4 (80 to 100 per cent) on that part. About 2.5 to 4.5 missed classes fits Level 3, about 5 to 7 fits Level 2, and about 7.5 to 9 fits Level 1. More than about 9 falls below Level 1. The criteria also look at participation, such as contributing ideas and asking questions.
What doesn't count against you
Excused absences do not lower the mark. The ministry says these can include illness, unavoidable circumstances such as bad weather, and approved absences such as cultural days and holy days.
What local boards say
Superintendents with the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board and the Greater Essex County District School Board told CBC News that parents should report every absence, with a note or the board's digital app, and that families who want to question an absence marked unexcused can contact school administration. Students at Kennedy Collegiate told CBC they were split on the rule.
