Why Oshawa Students Struggle with Grade 12 Math (And How to Fix It Before Exams)

If you’ve spent an evening at your kitchen table in North Oshawa watching your teenager stare blankly at a Calculus textbook, you aren’t alone. Between Advanced Functions and Data Management, the Ontario math curriculum gets notoriously steep in Grade 11 and 12.

At Merit School, we’ve noticed a pattern: most students don’t struggle because they lack "math brains." They struggle because they are trying to memorize formulas instead of understanding the logic behind them.

The "Oshawa Gap" in Math Education With local competition for programs at Ontario Tech University and Trent University Durham heating up, math grades are the ultimate gatekeeper. Whether your child is at O'Neill CVI or Maxwell Heights, the pressure to maintain a 90+ average is real.

Our Approach: Cognitive Mastery We don’t just provide "homework help." We use a concept-based learning model that builds cognitive strength. This means when a student hits a "trick question" on a Grade 12 exam, they don't panic—they think. From Pre-K foundations to Advanced Functions, our Oshawa-based tutors focus on:

• Breaking down the "Why" behind the "How."

• Building mental math agility.

• Preparing specifically for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) requirements.

Stop the Math Stress Today Don't wait for the mid-term report card to realize there is a problem. Book a free math assessment at our Taunton Road location and let’s turn that frustration into a university acceptance letter.