Last Updated: December 26, 2025
Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions Ottawa families face, and understanding the city’s diverse educational landscape is the first step.
Ottawa’s schools in 2025 span four major school boards, dozens of private options, and specialized programs that fit different learning styles. Whether you’re looking for top-ranked academics, French immersion programs, faith-based education, or specialized curricula, there are strong options across the city. This guide breaks down rankings, neighbourhood considerations, and practical steps to help you narrow down the right fit for your family.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Ottawa’s best schools include top-ranked options across four public school boards plus excellent private schools. French immersion is widely available, neighbourhood choice matters, and registration typically opens in February for September enrollment.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📚 School Boards | 4 public boards (English/French, Public/Catholic) |
| 🏫 Total Schools | 400+ public schools in Ottawa |
| 🇫🇷 French Immersion | Available in most schools, early enrollment essential |
| 💰 Private Schools | 15+ options, tuition $8,000-$30,000/year |
| 📝 Registration | Typically February-March for fall enrollment |
| 🏠 Catchment | Residence determines school assignment |
Understanding Ottawa’s School System
Ottawa offers four public school boards plus private options for families
Ottawa families have access to four publicly-funded school boards, each offering distinct educational approaches and language options.
The Four Public School Boards
Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB)
- English public schools
- Largest board in Ottawa with 145+ schools
- Offers French immersion starting in Grade 1 or Grade 4
- Secular education
Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB)
- English Catholic schools
- 85+ schools across Ottawa
- Faith-based education with religious instruction
- French immersion available
Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario (CEPEO)
- French-language public schools
- For families with French language rights
- Complete French education (not immersion)
- Secular education
Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est (CECCE)
- French Catholic schools
- For families with French language rights
- Faith-based French education
- Largest French Catholic board in Ontario
Choosing Between Boards
| Factor | Public | Catholic | French |
|---|---|---|---|
| Religion | Secular | Catholic instruction | Varies |
| Language | English + immersion | English + immersion | French |
| Eligibility | All residents | Catholic families* | French rights holders |
| French | Immersion option | Immersion option | Native instruction |
*Non-Catholic families may enroll, but priority given to Catholic families
Top Public Elementary Schools
Ottawa’s elementary schools offer strong academic foundations
Based on Fraser Institute rankings, EQAO scores, and community reputation, here are Ottawa’s top-performing public elementary schools.
OCDSB Top Elementary Schools
| School | Area | Grades | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rockcliffe Park Public | Rockcliffe | K-6 | Top Fraser ranking, affluent area |
| Hopewell Avenue | Alta Vista | K-6 | Strong academics, French immersion |
| Mutchmor | The Glebe | K-6 | High demand, strong community |
| First Avenue | The Glebe | K-6 | Excellent reputation |
| Elgin Street | Centretown | K-6 | Downtown location |
| Devonshire | Westboro | K-6 | Popular in west end |
| W.E. Chicken | Barrhaven | K-6 | Growing suburban school |
OCSB Top Elementary Schools
| School | Area | Grades | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. George | The Glebe | K-8 | High Fraser ranking |
| Corpus Christi | Knoxdale-Merivale | K-8 | Strong academic record |
| St. Emily | Hunt Club | K-8 | Excellent EQAO scores |
| Our Lady of Wisdom | Orleans | K-8 | East end top performer |
| Good Shepherd | Barrhaven | K-8 | Growing community |
What Makes a “Good” School?
Consider factors beyond rankings:
- EQAO scores: Provincial standardized testing (Grades 3, 6)
- Class sizes: Smaller often means more attention
- Special programs: Arts, STEM, athletics
- Community involvement: Parent engagement
- Facilities: Library, gym, outdoor spaces
- Before/after care: Available on-site?
Top Public High Schools
Ottawa’s high schools offer diverse programs and pathways
Ottawa’s secondary schools offer diverse programming from specialized academies to comprehensive community schools.
OCDSB Top High Schools
| School | Area | Grades | Specialty Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colonel By Secondary | Gloucester | 7-12 | IB Programme, top academics |
| Lisgar Collegiate | Centretown | 9-12 | Historic, strong academics, Gifted |
| Earl of March | Kanata | 9-12 | Arts Canterbury, IB |
| John McCrae Secondary | Barrhaven | 9-12 | IB, strong athletics |
| Longfields-Davidson Heights | Barrhaven | 7-12 | Growing, diverse programs |
| Glebe Collegiate | The Glebe | 9-12 | Arts, location |
| Bell High School | Nepean | 9-12 | IB, sports |
OCSB Top High Schools
| School | Area | Grades | Specialty Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notre Dame High School | Orleans | 9-12 | Strong academics, athletics |
| St. Mark High School | Manotick | 9-12 | Growing, sports |
| Immaculata High School | Ottawa East | 9-12 | Historic, arts |
| St. Matthew High School | Orleans | 9-12 | Large, comprehensive |
| St. Patrick’s High School | Nepean | 9-12 | Traditional, faith-focused |
Specialized Programs
International Baccalaureate (IB):
- Colonel By, Earl of March, John McCrae, Bell
- Rigorous academic program
- Application required
Gifted Programs:
- Lisgar Collegiate (secondary)
- Formal identification required
- Enriched curriculum
Arts Canterbury:
- Earl of March (dance, drama, music, visual arts)
- Audition required
Best Catholic Schools
Ottawa Catholic schools combine academics with faith-based education
The Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) offers education rooted in Catholic values while maintaining strong academic standards.
Elementary Highlights
Top-rated OCSB elementary schools include:
- St. George (Glebe): Consistently high rankings, strong community
- Corpus Christi (Knoxdale): Excellent EQAO performance
- St. Pius X (Alta Vista): Long-standing reputation
- Holy Trinity (Kanata): Newer school, strong results
- St. Anne (Orleans): East end excellence
Secondary Highlights
Notable Catholic high schools:
- Notre Dame (Orleans): Largest OCSB high school, diverse programs
- Immaculata (Ottawa East): Historic school, strong arts
- St. Patrick’s (Nepean): Traditional values, community focused
- St. Paul (Kanata): West end option
Catholic School Eligibility
To attend OCSB schools, at least one of these must apply:
- Child is Catholic
- Parent/guardian is Catholic
- Child’s parent/guardian is a Catholic school supporter
Non-Catholic families can apply but may be placed on a waitlist if space is limited.
French Immersion Options
French immersion programs offer bilingual education from an early age
French immersion is hugely popular in Ottawa, with many schools offering this bilingual pathway.
Types of French Programs
Early French Immersion (Grade 1 start)
- 100% French instruction in early grades
- Gradual English introduction
- Most popular option
- Highest demand, register early
Middle French Immersion (Grade 4 start)
- Starts later but achieves similar outcomes
- 80% French instruction initially
- Good option if early wasn’t available
- Less competitive entry
Extended French
- 50% French instruction
- Good bilingual foundation
- Available at select schools
Core French
- Mandatory French classes only
- All Ontario students receive this
- 40 minutes daily minimum
Top French Immersion Schools
OCDSB French Immersion:
- Mutchmor PS (Glebe)
- Hopewell Avenue PS (Alta Vista)
- D. Roy Kennedy PS (Orleans)
- A. Lorne Cassidy (Stittsville)
OCSB French Immersion:
- St. George (Glebe)
- Corpus Christi (Knoxdale)
- Our Lady of Victory (Westboro)
French Immersion Tips
- Register early: Demand exceeds supply at popular schools
- February deadlines: Mark your calendar for registration
- Transportation: May not be to your nearest school
- Commitment: Encourage French at home too
- Francophone alternatives: Consider CEPEO/CECCE if eligible
Top Private Schools
Ottawa’s private schools offer alternative educational approaches
Ottawa offers numerous private school options ranging from traditional prep schools to alternative pedagogies.
Leading Private Schools
| School | Grades | Tuition (approx.) | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashbury College | 4-12 | $25,000-$30,000 | IB, boarding option |
| Elmwood School | K-12 | $20,000-$25,000 | All-girls, IB |
| Turnbull School | Pre-K-8 | $15,000-$20,000 | Individual approach |
| Fern Hill School | Pre-K-8 | $12,000-$18,000 | Classical education |
| The Element | K-6 | $12,000-$15,000 | Project-based learning |
| Joan of Arc Academy | K-12 | $8,000-$12,000 | Catholic, traditional |
| Ottawa Waldorf School | Pre-K-8 | $12,000-$16,000 | Waldorf pedagogy |
| Ottawa Montessori | Pre-K-6 | $10,000-$15,000 | Montessori method |
Ashbury College
Ottawa’s premier private school:
- Co-ed, Grades 4-12
- International Baccalaureate program
- Boarding and day students
- Strong athletics and arts
- Beautiful Rockcliffe campus
- Significant financial aid available
Elmwood School
Leading all-girls school:
- JK to Grade 12
- IB World School
- STEM focus alongside arts
- Small class sizes
- New Denver location
What Private Schools Offer
Consider private if seeking:
- Smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students)
- Specialized pedagogies (Montessori, Waldorf, IB)
- Single-sex education
- Religious instruction (various faiths)
- Specific learning support
- Enhanced extracurricular programs
Best Neighbourhoods for Schools
School quality varies by neighbourhood in Ottawa
Your neighbourhood significantly impacts school options in Ottawa, as most public schools operate on catchment areas.
Top Neighbourhoods for Families
The Glebe
- Schools: Mutchmor, First Avenue, Glebe Collegiate
- Reputation: Highly sought after, engaged parents
- Housing: Expensive, older homes
- Vibe: Urban, walkable, family-oriented
Alta Vista
- Schools: Hopewell Avenue, Rideau High School
- Reputation: Strong French immersion, diverse
- Housing: Mid-range, mix of styles
- Vibe: Established, multicultural
Rockcliffe Park
- Schools: Rockcliffe Park PS, Ashbury College
- Reputation: Elite, highest rankings
- Housing: Very expensive
- Vibe: Exclusive, diplomatic community
Westboro
- Schools: Devonshire, Broadview, Churchill
- Reputation: Popular, trendy area
- Housing: Expensive, competitive
- Vibe: Hip, young families
Orleans
- Schools: Many options, growing
- Reputation: Diverse, newer schools
- Housing: More affordable, suburban
- Vibe: Family-oriented, bilingual
Barrhaven
- Schools: John McCrae, W.E. Chicken, many new schools
- Reputation: Growing rapidly, strong schools
- Housing: Affordable, new builds
- Vibe: Suburban, families
Neighbourhood Considerations
When choosing where to live for schools:
- Research specific school boundaries
- Visit schools before buying a home
- Consider transportation and commute
- Look at community resources
- Factor in before/after care options
- Consider high school pathways
How to Choose the Right School
Finding the right school requires research and reflection
With so many options, here’s a framework for making this important decision.
Step 1: Define Your Priorities
Ask yourself:
- Public or private?
- English or French instruction?
- Religious education important?
- Academic intensity preference?
- Proximity and transportation needs?
- Special programming needs?
- Before/after care requirements?
Step 2: Research Options
Online resources:
- Fraser Institute Report Card (rankings)
- EQAO results (provincial testing)
- School websites and social media
- Parent review sites
- School board websites
In-person research:
- Attend open houses
- Book school tours
- Talk to current parents
- Visit at drop-off/pick-up times
- Observe the neighbourhood
Step 3: Visit Schools
When visiting, look for:
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Student engagement
- Teacher enthusiasm
- Facility condition
- Display of student work
- Diverse activities
- Safety measures
Questions to Ask
- What is the school’s teaching philosophy?
- How are struggling students supported?
- What enrichment is available for advanced learners?
- What extracurricular activities are offered?
- How is parent communication handled?
- What is the homework policy?
- How are behavioral issues addressed?
Registration Process & Deadlines
Understanding the registration process ensures you don’t miss deadlines
Each school board has specific registration procedures and timelines.
OCDSB Registration
Kindergarten/New Students:
- Online registration opens February
- Required documents: proof of age, proof of address
- Immunization records to public health
- School year begins September
French Immersion:
- Early French Immersion: Register in February for Grade 1 entry
- Spots fill quickly at popular schools
- Lottery may be used if oversubscribed
OCSB Registration
Requirements:
- Baptismal certificate (Catholic students)
- Proof of address
- Birth certificate or passport
- Immunization records
Timeline similar to OCDSB
Private School Registration
Typical timeline:
- Fall: Open houses and tours
- Winter: Application deadlines (January-March)
- Spring: Admissions decisions
- Deposits due upon acceptance
Application components:
- Application form and fee ($50-$200)
- School records/transcripts
- Teacher recommendations
- Student interview/assessment
- Parent interview
Required Documents Checklist
For most registrations:
- Child’s birth certificate or passport
- Proof of address (utility bill, lease)
- Immunization records (or exemption)
- Previous school records (if applicable)
- Custody documents (if applicable)
- Baptismal certificate (Catholic schools)
- Proof of Canadian citizenship/immigration status
FAQ
Q: What is the best public school in Ottawa?
Based on Fraser Institute rankings and EQAO scores, Rockcliffe Park Public School and Colonel By Secondary School consistently rank among Ottawa’s top public schools. However, “best” depends on your child’s needs, location, and educational priorities.
Q: When should I register for French immersion in Ottawa?
Registration for Early French Immersion (Grade 1 entry) typically opens in February. Popular schools fill quickly, so register as soon as registration opens. Check your school board website for exact dates.
Q: How much does private school cost in Ottawa?
Ottawa private school tuition ranges from approximately $8,000 to $30,000 per year depending on the school and grade level. Ashbury College and Elmwood School are among the most expensive, while some religious schools offer more affordable options. Financial aid is available at many schools.
Q: Can non-Catholic students attend Catholic schools in Ottawa?
Yes, non-Catholic students can attend Ottawa Catholic School Board schools, but Catholic students receive priority. Space availability varies by school. Non-Catholic students participate in religious education classes.
Q: What is the difference between French immersion and French schools?
French immersion teaches French as a second language to English-speaking students. French schools (CEPEO, CECCE) provide education entirely in French for students with French language rights (francophone families).
Q: How do school catchment areas work in Ottawa?
Your home address determines which public school your child attends. Boundaries are set by school boards. You can request a different school, but there’s no guarantee of acceptance. French immersion may have different boundaries.
Q: When does kindergarten registration start in Ottawa?
Kindergarten registration typically opens in February for September enrollment. Children turning 4 by December 31 are eligible for Junior Kindergarten. Check board websites for specific dates.
Q: Are Ottawa schools good?
Ottawa schools generally rank well provincially and nationally. The city offers diverse options across four public boards plus private schools. EQAO scores and Fraser Institute rankings show many Ottawa schools performing above provincial averages.
Q: What specialized programs do Ottawa schools offer?
Ottawa schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB), Gifted programs, Arts Canterbury, French immersion, Extended French, STEM programs, and various academies. Availability varies by school and board.
Q: How do I find out my catchment school in Ottawa?
Visit your school board’s website and use their “Find My School” tool. Enter your address to see which schools serve your area. OCDSB, OCSB, CEPEO, and CECCE all have online lookup tools.
Q: Is kindergarten full-day in Ottawa?
Yes, Ontario offers full-day kindergarten for 4 and 5-year-olds. Junior Kindergarten (JK) begins at age 4, and Senior Kindergarten (SK) at age 5. The program includes both play-based learning and academic preparation.
Q: What is the best neighbourhood in Ottawa for schools?
The Glebe, Rockcliffe Park, Alta Vista, and Westboro consistently have top-rated schools. However, excellent schools exist throughout Ottawa. Consider your commute, budget, and lifestyle alongside school quality.
Final Summary
Ottawa’s educational landscape offers exceptional choices for every family. From top-ranked public schools in neighbourhoods like the Glebe and Rockcliffe to Catholic education options, French immersion pathways, and prestigious private schools, the capital region provides diverse opportunities for student success.
Key takeaways:
- Research early: Start looking a year before enrollment
- Visit schools: Rankings don’t tell the whole story
- Register on time: French immersion fills fast
- Consider location: Your address determines public school options
- Look beyond rankings: School culture and fit matter
Whether your priority is academic rigor, French bilingualism, faith-based education, or a specialized learning approach, Ottawa has a school that can help your child thrive.
Sources: Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, Ottawa Catholic School Board, Fraser Institute, EQAO, Ontario Ministry of Education
