Other Providers

Algonquin College has made the difficult decision to suspend the Academic Upgrading program at the Ottawa campus, and are not accepting new students. We encourage you to contact other local and online Literacy and Basic Skills providers or high school credit/equivalency providers for your next steps. We appreciate your understanding and wish you the best in your educational journey.

Below is a listing of local or online Literacy and Basic Skills providers and/or high school credit/equivalency options

Local or Online Literacy and Basic Skills Service Providers:

  1. ACE Distance courses – online
    • Can earn admission requirements to PSE certificate and diploma programs
    • Can earn Academic and Career Entrance or ACE certificate
  2. OCDSB Workplace Training and Academic Upgrading Program – 440 Albert Street
    • The Skills Upgrading program is for adult learners who have one of the following goals:
        • attending adult high school or college
        • finding employment
        • becoming more independent
  3. OCSB Literacy and Basic Skills – 893 Admiral Avenue Ottawa
    • Prepares learners for high school credit programs and advanced education and employment
    • Develop reading, writing and math skills
    • Learn and upgrade basic computer and technology skills
  4. ACElinks @ John Howard Society of Ottawa – 401 Bell Street South
    • ACElinks is an academic upgrading program, offered jointly by John Howard Society of Ottawa and Algonquin College.
    • Students can earn a high school equivalency diploma, called the ACE Certificate (similar to a GED), or upgrade individual subjects (English, Math or Computer Skills) to the grade 12 level.
    • ACElinks has greater flexibility to accommodate and support clients who are dealing with different personal challenges. They ask students to aim to attend at least half of their classes in person, but we also provide remote options.
    • For more information, please contact Angela McCanny mccanna@algonquincollege.com
  5. People, Words and Change – 404 McArthur Ave., Suite 202
    • https://pwc-ottawa.ca/
    • A free one-on-one, Literacy and Essential Skills program for adults in Ottawa, Ontario.
    • Volunteer tutors help adult learners reach their own goals – essential skills needed to find and keep a job, further their education, or read and write more independently
  6. ALSO Deaf Adult Upgrading Program – 405 McArthur Avenue
    • The language of instruction is ASL.
    • Upgrade reading, writing, math, computer and ASL skills
    • ALSO offers free digital literacy classes for Deaf adults, in-person and online
    • Learners can work towards their high school diploma.
  7. CNIB Deafblind Literacy Program – 1355 Bank Street – Suite 101
    • DBCS’s Skills Development Services provide inclusive literacy and basic skills instruction for adults who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision in Ontario.
    • Learners are placed in one-on-one or small group settings and are able to address a wide variety of learning goals, including employment, apprenticeship, post-secondary education, secondary school credits, and everyday skills that lead to greater independence.
    • The program operates year-round, features flexible scheduling, and is conducted using the student’s preferred communication method(s) to ensure an inclusive and accessible experience for all participants.

High School Credit/Equivalency Options:

  1. The Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) assessment for adults who:
  2. TVO ILC
  3. OCDSB Adult High School – 300 Rochester Street
    • https://adulths.ocdsb.ca/
    • Adult High School is a full-time regular high school that specializes in working with adults from a wide variety of backgrounds.
    • Classes run from Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 2:30 pm.
    • Offers ESL to help adult students need help to acquire English skills required for success in the workplace or in post-secondary education.
  4. OCSB St. Nicholas Adult High School – 893 Admiral Ave