Grade 10 in Ontario: Course Planning, Academic Growth, and University Readiness

Grade 10 is more than just a stepping stone — it’s a turning point. While Grade 9 introduces you to high school life, Grade 10 starts shaping your academic direction. The decisions you make this year will influence which Grade 11 and 12 courses you can take, and those will determine which post-secondary programs you’re eligible for.

If you're thinking about university, whether in business, sciences, engineering, arts, or health, Grade 10 is when you begin laying the groundwork. Here’s how to make smart choices now — and how Myls Tutoring can help guide you every step of the way.

Why Grade 10 Matters More Than You Might Think

This is the year when your academic choices begin to affect your long-term goals. Most of the courses you take will lead directly to Grade 11 options — and some of those Grade 11 courses are prerequisites for your Grade 12 university-level classes.

Grade 10 is also when you write the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT). You’ll need to pass it to graduate, so it's a great time to strengthen your reading and writing skills.

It’s a year to build academic confidence, discover your strengths, and start thinking more seriously about what you might want to pursue after high school.

Which Grade 10 Courses Are Most Important?

Most Grade 10 students continue with their core academic subjects while starting to explore their interests through electives. Here are the key courses to pay attention to:

📘 English (ENG2D – Academic English)

• A core subject every year until Grade 12
• Builds reading, essay writing, and communication skills
• Leads into ENG3U and eventually ENG4U, both needed for university

➗ Math (MPM2D – Academic Math)

• A stepping stone to MCR3U (Functions) in Grade 11
• Functions and Calculus are required for programs in business, engineering, science, and computer science

🔬 Science (SNC2D – Academic Science)

• Prepares you for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in Grades 11 and 12
• These are essential for health sciences, life sciences, engineering, and more

🌎 History (CHC2D – Canadian History)

• A compulsory subject in Grade 10
• Builds research and critical thinking skills useful for social sciences or law

🧭 Civics & Careers (CHV2O & GLC2O)

• Half-credit mandatory courses that help you explore personal interests, values, and career options
• These also introduce basic knowledge of government, decision-making, and future planning

🎨 Electives (1–2 depending on your school)

• BBI2O (Intro to Business): Great for students curious about finance, entrepreneurship, or marketing
• ICS2O (Computer Studies): Strong choice for future coders, engineers, or game designers
• AVI2O/ADA2O/AMU2O: Visual Arts, Drama, or Music to build creativity and confidence
• FSF2D (French): Keeps the door open for bilingual programs or French-language university options

By taking Academic-level courses in core subjects and exploring electives that interest you, you keep your options open and build a strong foundation for what’s ahead.

What Should You Be Thinking About Now?

Grade 10 is the perfect time to get strategic. You don’t need to know your career yet, but it’s smart to start narrowing down your interests. Think about what you enjoy most, what subjects you’re good at, and what you might want to pursue after high school.

It’s also a great time to get involved in extracurriculars. Try out clubs, join a team, volunteer in your community, or participate in school events. These experiences will not only help you grow as a person — they’ll strengthen your future university applications, too.

How Grade 10 Choices Impact University Planning

The courses you choose this year determine what you're allowed to take in Grade 11. If you want to study engineering, for example, you’ll need Calculus in Grade 12 — and that path starts with Academic Math in Grade 10. If you’re thinking about medicine or nursing, you’ll need Chemistry and Biology in senior grades — which means you’ll need strong marks in Science this year.

Even though universities don’t consider your Grade 10 marks for admission, the choices you make now shape what your transcript looks like in Grades 11 and 12. Getting ahead now means fewer surprises later.

How Myls Tutoring Supports Grade 10 Students

At Myls Tutoring, we help students build not just academic skills, but long-term confidence. Grade 10 is about getting serious, and we’re here to help you do it right.

Myls Tutoring offers:

• One-on-one tutoring support in English, Math, and Science to strengthen your GPA
• Reading and writing coaching to prepare you for the OSSLT
• Elective-specific help, including Business, Computer Studies, and Academic English
• Personalized course planning advice to prepare for Grade 11 and 12
• Time management and organization support
• Academic mentorship that helps students stay focused and motivated

Our tutors are experts in Ontario curriculum and understand how to help you succeed — whether you're trying to boost your marks, prepare for future courses, or start exploring what comes after high school.

Start Building Toward Your Future

Grade 10 may feel like it’s still “early,” but it’s a key chapter in your high school story. By making smart choices now — and having the right support — you’ll be better prepared to take on the challenges and opportunities of the senior years.

💬 Not sure which courses or electives are best for your goals? We’ve got you.
📚 Join Myls Tutoring and book your trial lesson today!

Build your foundation now — and set yourself up for long-term success.