6 best private schools in Ottawa, Ontario 2024

Ottawa is the capital of Canada and Canadian education. In Ottawa, the foreign students can find many different educational programs to suit student’s taste. Studying in Ottawa is characterized by a modern approach to the process, new manuals, excellent equipment and the involvement of qualified specialists. Below the list of reasons for studying in TOP private schools in Ottawa:

• The most comfortable and safe city in Canada
• Opportunity to improve language skills in English and French
• High standard of living
• Galleries, theatres and museums
• Beautiful tourist city
• Comfortable location.

There are many schools on the territory of the city — both public and private. There is a friendly, calm atmosphere in all schools; each student has the right to his own opinion and self-expression.

Bilingual Programs in Top Private Schools in Ottawa

• Dual-Language Instruction: In most leading private schools in Ottawa, instruction is offered in both official Canadian languages, English and French.

• Advanced Placement Opportunities: These schools offer Advanced Placement programs, allowing students to study certain subjects at an advanced level. Graduates of these programs often have a competitive edge when applying to prestigious universities in Canada and abroad.

• Prestigious Rankings: The breadth of in-depth study options directly correlates with a school's ranking and the prestige of its educational programs.

Assessment and Feedback in Private Education

• Comprehensive Evaluation: Each subject's final grade comprises written assignments, individual projects, and final exams, with academic performance measured as a percentage.

• Performance-Based Progression: To advance to the next grade, students generally need a minimum of 50%. Exceptionally high achievers may be exempt from certain exams.

• Preparation for Higher Education: The focus, particularly in senior classes, is on ensuring students are well-prepared for university admissions.

• Regular Parental Updates: Parents receive frequent reports on their child's progress and behavior, a hallmark of Ottawa's private schools.

Arnold I. Szepesi

Global Direct Sales Manager in EHL Hospitality Business School

What does make Canadian schools special? Why do parents from all over the world choose Canada primary and secondary schools for their children?

First of all, it is a high level of education, which is recognized throughout the world. Canada is the most educated country on the planet, so the culture of education is at the highest level here. All schools in Canada - public, private, independent - follow a provincial curriculum, and all educators are required to hold a teaching degree and certification. All these factors convince families that no matter which school they choose, their children will receive a first-class education.

• Considerations When Choosing a School: Factors include the school's prestige, accommodation options, catering (usually full board), registration fees, costs of textbooks and uniforms, and extracurricular activities.

• Tuition Range: Annual fees at private schools in Ottawa generally fall between 12,000 CAD and 70,000 CAD. International students often have additional accommodation expenses, averaging around 11,000 CAD per year.

• Comfortable Living Spaces: Accommodations are well-furnished, typically for 1-2 students, with 24-hour supervision.

• Diverse Extracurriculars: Students engage in sports, arts, and outdoor activities like hockey, skiing, and survival hiking, fostering well-rounded development.

• Admissions Open to Various Levels: Applications are welcomed from primary, middle, and senior students, both at the start of the academic year and mid-year.

• Subject Selection Autonomy: High school students choose their subjects in line with the mandatory curriculum and their educational goals.

• Document Preparation: Prospective students should prepare an application form, payment receipt, academic records, passport copy, registration and school forms, and teacher recommendations.

• Language Proficiency Proof: Certificates demonstrating language skills are often required.

• Additional Admission Steps: May include a motivation letter, interviews (in-person or via Skype), standardized tests like the SSAT or CAT, essays, or internal exams.

In conclusion, private schools in Ottawa offer a distinguished bilingual education, with rigorous academic programs, comprehensive assessment methods, and diverse extracurricular opportunities. These schools, known for their top-tier education and nurturing environment, are an excellent choice for families seeking the best in private education for their children.