Students concerned over changes at Ottawa’s Adult High School

Students and staff at Ottawa’s Adult High School are worried about changes to how the curriculum will be delivered. CTV’s Peter Szperling reports.

Students at Ottawa’s Adult High School are nervous and concerned about upcoming changes to how curriculum will be delivered next fall.

The school board is moving students over the age of 21 to a “continuing education model,” from what is currently a typical daily structure you’d see at other high schools, according to a document sent to staff and shared with CTV News Ottawa.

“Effective September 2026, the delivery model for students over the age of 21 at the Adult High School will transition to an in-person Continuing Education Adult Day School register,” the document says.

What that means for day-to-day learning and the high school experience isn’t entirely clear.

“They don’t clearly outline what next year is going to look like,” says Fatima-Zahra Kajji, a 34-year-old student.

“By making these changes to adults in high school, they are single handedly breaking a cornerstone.”

Kajji says she’s completing her studies at the Adult High School this year and has already been accepted to uOttawa this fall, but she’s concerned for future students.

“It’s not just a stepping stone. It’s a community,” she said.

Other students are also wondering what the changes will mean.

“Not many details of how that would affect my education in the future and my ability to go to university,” says student Brianna LeBlanc.

“Many students are immigrants or people trying to rebuild their lives,” says student Belal Gulafghan.

“So, if they reduce the program or change it, move it to online, many students will struggle to graduate.”

The Ontario Secondary Teachers’ Federation tells CTV News Ottawa that moving to the in-person continuing education model will impact students and the type of support they’ll have access to.

“What resources and services will be provided to students is still a question,” says Stephanie Kirkey, president of OSSTF District 25.

“The funding formula by the province does not allow as much funding for students over 21 as for our students under 21 and so we believe that’s a primary driver for some of the decisions that are being made.”

She says she’s also concerned about teaching jobs being lost.

“We’re losing some contract teacher positions. Not sure what the impacts will be for other staff who are in the building,” says Kirkey.

“Not sure how much supports students will receive in this new model. And going forward from that, just the loss of transparency and voice and decision making around the school.

Kirkey thinks there may be details coming from the school board soon.

In a statement sent to CTV News on Thursday afternoon, the general manager of communications and public relations with the Ottawa Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) said Adult High School will change from a semester-based system to a 9-week “quadmester” system.

“This change aligns with provincial Continuing Education standards and will expand access by providing four start dates each year, giving students more flexibility to begin their studies,” Diane Pernari wrote.

According to Pernari, classes will continue in-person and “essential student supports will remain in place.”

Pernari also says a “small number” of teachers will be relocated to secondary schools within the district.

“They will be replaced by other qualified teachers to ensure a continuity of education and in a manner that helps support classrooms across the district. We are working with union leadership to ensure a fair and supported transition for all affected staff,” Pernari wrote.

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