PLAR - Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
What is PLAR?
PLAR is a process that helps mature students obtain recognition for learning outside of formal education settings. PLAR is available to mature students who entered an Ontario high school after 1999, or would like to graduate under the new OSSD (Ontario Secondary School Diploma) requirements. You could receive help as a mature student to obtain recognition. PLAR focuses on what adults know and can do. You could be granted up to 26 of the 30 credits needed for an OSSD through the PLAR process. The last four grade 11 or 12 credits cannot be granted. They must be earned through formal education; taking a day class or correspondence course.
Who is Eligible?
- At least 18 years old on or before December 31 of the school year
- Enrolled in a Secondary School Credit program for the purpose of obtaining an OSSD
- Have been out of school for a period of at least one year before returning as an adult
- May be new to the Ontario Secondary School system as of February 1, 2004, and who are working towards the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) under OSS or OS diploma requirements
CREDIT FOR LEARNING AND EXPERIENCE OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM
If you are 18 years and older, have less than 26 credits, and have been out of Secondary School for at least one year you may qualify for Maturity Credits. We acknowledge that since you have been out of school, you have gained knowledge or skills from the workplace, life experiences or other training, and you may be eligible for additional credit(s).
If you entered the Ontario high school system before September 1999, and are following the requirements for the OSSD (1984-1999) or the SSGD (prior to 1984), you may be eligible to apply for Maturity Credits. For this, you will need to submit proof of employment, family commitments and amount of time out of school, along with a $30 processing fee.
GUIDANCE SERVICES
The following guidance services are available for St. Louis students registered in credit programs:
- Guidance consultation required before registering for all St. Louis courses
- Academic and Career planning and counselling
- Assistance with college and university applications
- Determining Secondary School Diploma requirements
- Out-of-province, or out-of-country document evaluation for students enrolled at St. Louis
- Evaluation for Maturity Credits or PLAR applications for students enrolled at St. Louis
