5 Things to think about before dropping Ontario high school math
Okay so let’s be honest, we see this EVERY year: Within 2 weeks of September, students get a bad test score and decide that maybe it’s better if they just drop their non-essential math courses. At the end of the day, it’s important to do what’s best for each individual student, but knowledge is power and we find that there isn’t a lot of accessible information out there when it comes to the Ontario math curriculum, so we wanted to share five things to consider before dropping high school math in Ontario. 📚🧮🍁
1. Know the facts
In Ontario, in order to graduate, kids need to complete Grade 9 math, Grade 10 math and Grade 11 math. Streaming in Ontario starts in Grade 10, which means that all kids are required to take the same Grade 9 math course, but in Grade 10, there are different math courses available for those who plan to take something math-related in university and those who aren’t!
2. University and College Requirements
Many universities and colleges have math prerequisites for admission into certain programs. Not taking high school math could limit your child's future academic and career options. Even if your child isn't planning a math-intensive career, having a strong math foundation opens doors, and our advice is to take a look at some of the programs your child might be considering down the road, and to see what the program requirements are. For example, some Psychology programs require Grade 12 math and some don’t, depending on the university. If this feels like a daunting task, speak to your school’s guidance counsellor or enlist the help of a good math tutoring service to help you figure out which math course your child actually needs to take!
3. Mental health
Math is important but no subject is more important than mental health. While we believe that absolutely everyone can be successful at math and even enjoy it, at some point you need to decide if you’re sacrificing too much just for the sake of hanging onto math. Only you can make this decision but a good math tutoring service can help you determine what it would take to continue taking math through high school and whether it’s worth it or not, so reach out for help because the decision can be daunting!
4. Building Grit and Resilience
Let's be real – math can be challenging. But facing challenges head-on builds grit and resilience. Overcoming obstacles in high school math teaches your child the art of perseverance and the beauty of conquering difficulties, a lesson that extends far beyond the classroom, and that’s not nothing!
5. Know your pathways
Choosing which Grade 10 Ontario math, Grade 11 Ontario math and even Ontario Grade 12 math to take, can be confusing. Do you take Grade 11 Functions or Functions and Applications? Do you take Grade 12 Advanced Functions, Calculus or Data Management?! It’s really important to know which math is necessary for your future endeavours and there is a lot of misinformation out there so make sure you speak to a professional (a good math tutor or a good guidance counsellor) before making your decision!
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Parents, I get it – the decision to drop Ontario math as soon as possible seem appealing at first, but make sure to take the time to have an open and honest conversation with your child about their goals, passions, and aspirations. Understand their concerns and fears, and together, explore how math can be a tool to empower them, not hold them back.
In the grand tapestry of education, math weaves a thread that connects diverse skills and opportunities. So before you bid adieu to high school math, remember that it's not just about numbers; it's about embracing challenges, nurturing potential, and preparing your child to thrive in a world that's brimming with possibilities 🌟📊🔍
Vanessa Vakharia is the author of 𝑀𝒶𝓉𝒽 𝐻𝒶𝒸𝓀𝓈 + 𝑀𝒶𝓉𝒽 𝐻𝒶𝒸𝓀𝓈 𝟚 , the host of the Math Therapy podcast, and the founder of The Math Guru tutoring studio.