Our School
St. Matthew's Catholic High School is a grade 7-12 Special Education high school in the heart of Cornwall, Ontario.
Our school is equipped with two Administrators (Principal, and Vice-Principal), a Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT), Special Education Classroom Teachers (SECTs), Education Assistants (EAs), and a full-time Student Support Worker (SSW).
At SMCSS, we offer our grade 7/8 students an alternative learning environment where smaller class sizes allow students to learn by doing. Our Special Education Classroom Teachers (SECTs) are able to focus on the individual strengths and needs of the students, to close the gaps, and to promote a learning environment where everyone belongs. Through the use of technology, the universal design for learning (UDL), small/whole group instructions and Individual Education Plans (IEPs), students are being motivated to learn with relevant and current resources.
Our grade 9-12 students receive daily instruction in the regular classroom, where smaller class sizes allow our SECTs to address and support the unique learning needs of all students. In addition, we offer a Workplace Preparation Program (WPP) that allows a small group of students to receive explicit and direct: Literacy, Numeracy, and Social/Life Skill instruction, necessary for their future, for a portion of their day while also participating in classes/courses with their peers.
All secondary students are working towards one of two pathways: an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or an Ontario Secondary School Certificate (OSSC).
DUAL CREDIT
Dual Credit programs allow eligible students in high school to take college courses or Level 1 apprenticeship training that counts towards both:
- their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
- a postsecondary certificate, diploma, degree or a Certificate of Apprenticeship
Senior students are encouraged to participate in the Ontario Dual Credit Program.
Benefits of dual credit programs
Participating in a dual credit program can help you:
- complete your high school diploma (OSSD)
- transition successfully to college or an apprenticeship program
- increase your awareness of the college and apprenticeship pathways
- plan next steps after high school
Examples of some Dual Credit courses that our students have participated in:
- Exploration of Trades and Technology
- Gas Shielded Semi-Arc Welding
- Environmental Studies
- Developmental Psychology
- Engine Systems
- Film Studies
Please contact the Guidance Office for more information.
SHSM
Within each pathway, St Matt's offers Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) through our Hospitality & Tourism, and Construction Programs.
The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) is a specialized high school program that allows students to earn their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and focus their learning on a specific economic sector at the same time.
Students develop skills for their future careers, graduate high school with industry certifications and training and earn an SHSM seal on their high school diploma.
To complete a SHSM, students need to:
- complete a specific bundle of 8-10 courses in the student’s selected field
- earn industry certifications like first aid and CPR qualifications
- gain on-the-job skills through cooperative education placements
When students complete a SHSM, they will get:
- a high school diploma with an embossed SHSM seal
- an SHSM record that has details of credit bundle, certifications, placements and other experiences
- formal recognition on their Ontario Student Transcript
St. Matthew offers 2 SHSM pathways:
- Construction
- Hospitality and Tourism

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is a specialized program in high school that allows you to explore apprenticeship and consider careers in the skilled trades, generally starting in Grade 11 or Grade 12 through the cooperative education program.
For more information:
- OYAP
- Student Booklet
- QR Code: