Ontario rolls out new exam, attendance and finance rules for 2026-27 school year
The province of Ontario has introduced mandatory final written exams for most high-school courses, added attendance weighting to grades and required a financial-literacy test for graduation starting in the 2026-27 year.
Ontario’s education system is undergoing several reforms for the 2026-27 academic year. Paul Calandra disclosed that most high-school courses will now require a final written exam, weighted at 20% for Grades 9-10 and 25% for Grades 11-12 in core subjects, while non-core courses will combine exams with projects. Attendance and participation will be factored into final grades—15% for Grades 9-10 and 10% for senior grades, with penalties for more than two unexcused absences.
A new financial-literacy test must be passed by Grade 10 students, demanding at least a 70% score and offering multiple attempts. The government is also establishing student-and-family support offices in every school board to streamline parental concerns. Finally, a “back-to-basics” kindergarten curriculum will introduce more formal instruction in math, science and language alongside continued play-based learning.
Why it matters
These changes reshape assessment, attendance incentives and essential life-skill training for Ontario’s students.
In this story
