Academic upgrading programs do not offer credits towards a high school diploma. Instead, they address specific skill needs as they relate to a specific employment or educational goal. So, you can use academic upgrading to get into the college program you want or to prepare for a particular job, but not to get your Grade 12 diploma.

Instead of dealing in credits, our program deals in skills and performance outcomes—we develop the reading, writing, math, computer and science skills you need to achieve your specific goal. In Ontario, these performance outcomes are measured in Levels 1 to 6, and the College’s program is geared to support students at Level 4 and up. Level 6 is most often referred to as ACE (Academic and Career Entry). Most learners in the AU classroom start around Level 4. They work through Levels 4 and 5 and those aiming for a college program take ACE-level courses, sometimes referred to as Level 6.

Academic upgrading is skills-based, not time-based, and it may be customized to include only those skills required for the program of choice. Returning students should plan to spend a full academic year in upgrading to be fully prepared for a post-secondary program.

The program runs 25 hours per week, Monday to Friday, starting at 8:30 in the morning. We accommodate childcare and work schedules by customizing the school commitment. Some learners may qualify for training support allowances to help with travel and childcare expenses.

We close for statutory holidays, two weeks at Christmas and the March Break. Our academic year is 37 weeks, starting just after Labour Day and running to early June. Students who do not complete their upgrading requirements may continue with us the following September.

All the students in an upgrading classroom are adults and in any given year, they range in age from 19 to 60-odd. The College and Job Preparation classroom seats 22 students. Based on the results of their entry assessment, students are assigned learning activities and complete them by working independently. Learners receive one-on-one coaching and feedback as needed to support their learning. One teacher is in the classroom at any given time and, generally, learners work at activities in the subject areas covered by that teacher. The classroom contains a lab of 11 computer work stations.

ACE (Academic and Career Entry)

ACE is a College Certificate program. Students who complete four ACE courses will receive the ACE certificate. Although it is not a Grade 12 diploma, it is accepted as an equivalent to a Grade 12 diploma by Colleges and Apprenticeship for purposes of admission. The range of courses offered through ACE is much more limited and focused on academic and essential skills achievement than a high school program. ACE is accepted as a Grade 12 equivalent by many employers, including the OPP and General Motors.

Students may opt to complete modified ACE courses, which will secure entry to their program of choice, but will not qualify them for an ACE Certificate.

Learners exit the program when they have attained the goal they set at entry.

Summer Session

KL Upgrading offers an 8-week Summer Session each year. It starts near the end of June and runs until mid-August, to help students prepare for a Fall program start. Generally, Summer Session focuses on Math, Sciences and Computers. Communications is not offered. The offering depends on sufficient enrolment, so call early if you are interested.