Structured, supportive, and accessible online secondary education
Canadian Online Learning Academy is preparing structured, accessible, teacher-supported Ontario curriculum secondary courses, subject to Ministry authorization.
Why COLA was created
COLA was created to make structured, well-supported Ontario curriculum learning more accessible. The proposed initial program is intentionally limited to six individual Grade 9–11 courses; COLA will not offer Grade 12 courses, act as a student's primary OSR-holding school, or issue an OSSD during its initial year.
We set out to build an online school around structure and support rather than convenience alone: fixed milestones, real feedback, and a program built directly from Ontario curriculum policy from day one.
Where we are today
Canadian Online Learning Academy has submitted a Notice of Intention to Operate to the Ontario Ministry of Education and is completing the required Ministry registration and inspection process.
Mission
To provide structured, accessible, teacher-supported Ontario curriculum secondary courses, subject to Ministry authorization.
Vision
A future where students can access carefully developed Ontario curriculum courses with clear expectations, responsive teaching, and meaningful feedback.
Educational philosophy
Structure creates freedom: clear milestones and direct teacher feedback let students learn independently without losing rigour or accountability.
Our values
"We started COLA because students deserve structured online learning with responsive teaching, meaningful feedback, and personal support. I am grateful to every family considering our proposed courses as we complete the Ministry inspection process."
Sarah Abbas, Founder and Principal
Sarah Abbas is the Founder and Principal of Canadian Online Learning Academy. She is an Ontario Certified Teacher with Intermediate and Senior qualifications in French as a Second Language and Social Sciences–General, and extensive experience teaching and supporting students in Ontario curriculum-based educational programs.
Sarah holds a Master of Science in Education in Secondary Teaching from Niagara University, a Master of Professional Education in International and Comparative Education from Western University, and an Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Toronto. She has also completed specialized studies in French education through the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto.
Throughout her career, Sarah has taught English, French, mathematics, science, geography, humanities, and business-related subjects. Her experience includes curriculum development, online instruction, supporting English language learners, accommodating students with Individual Education Plans, and providing individualized academic intervention.
Before entering the classroom full-time, Sarah served as an Education Officer at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, where she developed and delivered civic education programs. This experience strengthened her commitment to helping students understand Canadian government, citizenship, leadership, and their role within their communities.
Sarah founded Canadian Online Learning Academy because she believes online education should offer more than access to digital course materials. Students should have access to tailored instruction, timely assistance, meaningful feedback, and responsive teachers who are available to support them throughout their learning.
Her vision is to create an online school where students are known as individuals, where instruction can be adapted to their needs, and where they are never left to navigate difficult coursework alone. Canadian Online Learning Academy was established to combine the flexibility of online learning with the guidance, accountability, and personal support students need to succeed.
As Principal, Sarah is committed to maintaining strong academic standards, employing qualified educators, and creating a responsive learning environment in which students feel supported, challenged, and prepared for future academic and professional success.
Dr. Ihab Elbarnashawy
Vice-Principal & Senior Science Educator
Dr. Ihab Elbarnashawy is a Registered Pharmacist and Ontario Certified Teacher who is also certified to teach in British Columbia and Nunavut. He brings senior-level science expertise and a strong professional background in health sciences to Canadian Online Learning Academy.
He completed the Senior Chemistry Additional Basic Qualification at Queen's University and further leadership studies focused on Grades 11–12 science at Queen's University.
As Vice-Principal and Senior Science Educator, Dr. Elbarnashawy supports academic leadership and science-program planning.
School: Canadian Online Learning Academy
Principal: Sarah Abbas
Legal owner / sole proprietor: Sarah Ibrahim Abbas
Address: 4 Townley Crescent, Brampton, Ontario L6Z 4S7
Telephone: 416-948-6557
Email: admin@canadianonlinelearningacademy.com
Our teachers
COLA courses are taught by qualified educators selected for subject expertise and experience supporting independent learners. Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) certification, where held, is identified in each teacher's individual biography, published as our teaching team is finalized.