10 Best High Schools In Ottawa For 2023
Do you know that 84% of Canadian parents want to check out the schools in the neighbourhood before they decide to buy or rent a house? It is also observed that the cost of homes near better-performing schools is 20% to 36% higher than the properties far away. If you are one of those people who prioritize purchasing a home in the proximity of a quality high school, then this guide is for you.
Our real estate experts have done some research to find out the best high schools in Ottawa. We have also found important information about these best Ottawa high schools like:
- Attendance boundary
- School ratings
- Enrollment information
- Facilities and resources
- Programmes and services
These best public high schools in Ottawa, Canada, that have made it to our list are free of cost. It is also to be noted that high Fraser Institute Score or ranking is not the only criteria for choosing the schools for this list. Some of the schools that have made it to our list offer excellent catholic education (No. 6 and 7) or are known for their IB program (No.1) or their trades programs (No. 10)
Depending on your unique situation and preferences, you can choose a school that you like and look for a house in the neighbourhood.
1. Colonel By Secondary School
-The Best School Offering IB Program
Contact Info
Address: 2381 Ogilve Rd, Gloucester
telephone: 613-745-9411
Email: http://www.colonelby.com/
English and Immersion Attendance Boundary
IB Program Attendance Boundary
| School type | High School |
| Motto | What We Have Begun, We Shall Finish |
| Grades | 9-12 |
| Founded | 1843 |
| Enrollment | 1164 |
| Principal | Steven Spidell |
| Communities Served | Beacon Hill and the neighbouring areas in Gloucester |
| Fraser score | 9.2 |
| Ranking | 6 |
If your child wants to enroll in an IB program, this school is one of the best schools in Ottawa area. It is located in Gloucester and belongs to the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. The school is one of the two English public schools in Ottawa to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. IB program is a two-year rigorous pre-university course that provides an internationally accepted education for entry into higher education.
More than 75% of the high school students in the school are enrolled in the IB Program. The school also offers the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) in Arts and Culture: Digital Media.
Facilities and Resources
- Six computer labs
- One design and technology lab
- Two visual art rooms
- Two music rooms
- A double gymnasium
- A dance studio and weight room
- A fully-serviced library
- A computer lab
Academic Programs
- English and French immersion courses
- Cooperative Education program
- A comprehensive Arts program (Visual Arts, Ceramics, Music and Musical Theatre)
- A dynamic Athletics program, including Outdoor Education and Personal Fitness
- Classes in Yearbook Design and Production and Social Justice
Clubs and Activities
- The intramural athletics program
- Music club with performances on classical and jazz music
- Annual international trips in spring break
- Debating club
2. Lisgar Collegiate Institute
- A School For The Brightest And The Best
Contact Info
Address: 29 Lisgar St, Ottawa, ON K2P 0B9
telephone: 613-239-2696
Email: lisgarci@ocdsb.ca
| School type | High School |
| Motto | Nourish the Flame |
| Grades | 9-12 |
| Founded | 1843 |
| Enrollment | 950 |
| Principal | Steve Spidell |
| Communities Served | Sandy Hill, New Edinburgh,Centretown, Rockcliffe Park. |
| Fraser score | 8.8 |
| Ranking | 12 |
Situated in downtown Ottawa, Lisgar Collegiate Institute welcomes students from Sandy Hill, New Edinburgh, Centertown and Rockcliffe Park. However, many other students transfer to this school due to its sterling reputation, and high-quality education.
The school is one of the best academic high schools in Ottawa. It offers a variety of courses in all disciplines.They also run a dedicated gifted program. These classes aim at educating and training students with an unusually advanced degree of intellectual ability. In 2015 and 2018, Lisgar team won the academic quiz program “Reach for the Top.” The school also won national and international Whiz Quiz Trivia Challenge many times.
Their International Advanced Placement Programme is also valued for its quality curriculum and high standards. Apart from quality education the school offers opportunities to its students for all kinds of co-curricular activities. LCI believes in providing a learning and working environment where all individuals feel safe, valued and respected
Facilities and Resources
- Five computer labs
- Six science labs
- Six mathematics classrooms
- Two well equipped music rooms with digital recording facilities
- Drama and visual arts studios
- Double gymnasium with weight room
- Auditorium with 670 seats
- Library with seating capacity for 75 students and access to 23 computers
Academic Programs
- Specialized Gifted classes
- Extended French program
- International Advanced Placement Program
- Spanish and Latin courses
- Visual arts courses
- Co-operative Education and Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program
- Outdoor Education
Clubs and Activities
- The intramural athletics program
- Music club with performances on classical and jazz music
- Space club
- A Student Council
- Annual international trips in spring break
- Debating club
- The Lisgar Write school newspaper
- Vox Lycei (the school yearbook since 1886)
Nick Labrosse
3. Nepean High School
- The Best School For Academics And Co-Curricular Activities
Contact Info
Address: 574 Broadview Ave, Ottawa, ON K2A 3V8
telephone: (613) 722-6551
Email: nepeanhs@ocdsb.ca
| School Type | High School |
| Motto | Love purple, Live gold |
| Founded | 1922 |
| Principal | Alan Johnson |
| Grades | 9-12 |
| Enrollment | 1143 |
| Language | English, French Immersion, Spanish |
| Fraser score | 8.2 |
| Ranking | 42/739 |
Maintaining a balance between academics and co-curricular activities is the key ingredient of a successful high school experience. When looked at from this angle, Nepean High School is the best choice.The school offers enriched academic programs, along with athletics, fine arts and leadership skills.
The students from Nepean High School stand out due to their outstanding results in Advanced Placement Examination in the areas like Calculus AB, English Literature and Composition, European Language and French Language, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The school is also applauded for its outstanding education in music, drama, arts and athletics.
Facilities and Resources
- Well equipped library
- A painting room and visual arts studios
- Dance Studio
- Specialized rooms for music and drama.
- Well equipped and spacious auditorium
- Technology rooms specifically for transportation and communications
- Computer labs
- Gymnasium
- Tennis courts
- Play fields
Academic Programs
- Regular English/Core French
- French Immersion
- Special Education
- Enriched courses on math, science, history, and core french.
- Comprehensive fine arts courses
- Courses on music, drama and visual arts
- Advanced courses on calculus, biology, chemistry, physics, history, computer programming and french immersion
- Spanish courses
Clubs and Activities
- Arts club
- Champions of change
- Cheerleading squad
- Conversation club
- Cooking club
- Diverse students union
- Gender & sexuality awareness club
- Jewish culture club
- Newspaper club (knightwatch)
- Math Club
- Ski Club and much more
4. Canterbury High School
- An Outstanding Arts School
Contact Info
Address: 900 Canterbury Ave, Ottawa, ON K1G 3A7
telephone: (613) 731-1191
Email: canterburyhs@ocdsb.ca
| School type | High School |
| Founded | 1969 |
| Grades | 9-12 |
| Enrollment | 1360 |
| Language | English, French |
| Fraser score | 8.1 |
| Ranking | 52 |
Canterbury High School with an enrollment of over 1300 students is an arts magnet school. Maclean Magazine rates it as the number 1 school in arts all over Canada. The students studying in Arts Canterbury Program enroll in one of the following art disciplines: dance, drama, literature, music, or visual.
The students coming from diverse ethnic backgrounds are respected and encouraged at Canterbury High School. The School creates a balance between academics and co-curricular activities.
The ultimate goal of the school for its students is to create well rounded individuals who care and make a difference in the greater community.
Facilities and Resources
- The school is accessible for physically challenged
- 5 computer labs
- Well equipped library
- Communication technology studio
- 4 drama studios
- 3 dance studios
- A well equipped spacious auditorium
- Visual art rooms
- A large gymnasium with a cardio workout area
Academic Programs
- Extended French program leading to OCDSB Extended French Certificate
- Business courses leading to OCDSB business certificate.
- Spanish classes
- A comprehensive co-operative education program
- The four-year arts Canterbury program which includes dance, drama, literary arts, music or visual arts
Clubs and Activities
- Student council
- Arts club participating in the Arts Festival, the Film Festival, school plays and exhibitions.
- Athletics club
- Ski club
- Wrestling club
- Drama club
- Environmental science club and much more
5. Glebe Collegiate Institute
-The Best School For Sports-Loving Kids And Athletes
Contact Info
Address: 212 Glebe Ave, Ottawa, ON K1S 2C9
telephone: 6132392424
Email: glebeci@ocdsb.ca
| Motto | Strive for the Heights |
| Founded | 1923 |
| Grades | 9-12 |
| Enrollment | 1452 |
| Language | English, French, Spanish |
| Principal | Robin Small |
| Fraser score | 7.7 |
| Rank | 95 |
If your child is into sports or athletics, Glebe Collegiate Institute is one of the best high schools in ottawa canada. The school offers a variety of 35 intramural and interscholastic sports. It was also named “Sports School of the Year” four times over the last 6 years.
The school has great academics standing too. Glebe Collegiate’s Robotics programme is world renowned and won many prizes and competitions.
The school offers one of the best music programs in the city. Another outstanding feature of this school is the five-time gold award-winning, unconventional percussion group called Offbeat. It uses things like trash cans and brooms to produce music.
Facilities and Resources
- Regular teaching classrooms
- Special education classrooms
- Science labs
- Computer labs
- Smart Boards
- Technical labs
- Music room
- Visual arts room
- Drama rooms
- Cooking lab
- Well equipped gymnasiums
- An auditorium with a good sitting capacity
- Cafeteria
- Well equipped Library
Academic Programs
- Regular English/Core French
- French Immersion
- Special Education
- Enriched courses on math, science, history, and core french.
- Comprehensive fine arts courses
- Courses on music, drama and visual arts
- Advanced courses on calculus, biology, chemistry, physics, history, computer programming and french immersion
- Spanish courses
Clubs and Activities
- Arts club
- Champions of change
- Cheerleading squad
- Conversation club
- Cooking club
- Diverse students union
- Gender & sexuality awareness club
- Jewish culture club
- Newspaper club (knightwatch)
- Math Club
- Ski Club and much more
Ottawa is known for several outstanding Catholic schools managed under Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) These schools participate in the mission of the Church, integrating religious education as a core subject in their curriculum. Two of the best Catholic high schools in Ottawa that made it to our list are Immaculata High School and Notre Dame High School.
6. Immaculata High School
-A State-Of-The-Art Catholic Education
Contact Info
Address: 140 Main Street, Ottawa K1S 5P4
telephone: 613-237-2001
Email: Immaculata.High@ocsb.ca
| School type | High School |
| Motto | Study Builds Character |
| Founded | 1928 |
| Religious affiliation | Catholic |
| Grades | 7-12 |
| Enrollment | 985 |
| Language | English, French |
| Fraser score | 7.4 |
| Ranking | 149 |
The goal of the school is to work on educating students and building up their character. Immaculata High School has its own chapel for students and teachers. The school has a well equipped library, science lab, computer lab, communications technology and various other resources.
Facilities and Resources
- Atrium(a cafeteria welcoming all students)
- The school is privileged to have its own Chapel for private prayer and class liturgical celebrations.
- Learning commons ( library)
- Communications technology
- Art Room
- Science Lab
- High School Classrooms
- Gym
Academic Programs
- E-Learning
- Cooperative Education
- Dual Credit
- Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)
- Focus Programs
Clubs and Activities
- Art club
- Athletic council
- Dance troupe
- Drama club
- The echo literary club
- Leadership camp
- Math contests
- Prom committee
- School choir and concert band
- Ski club
- Youth ministry
Nick Labrosse
7. Notre Dame High School
-A Dynamic and Diverse Catholic School
Contact Info
Address: 710 Broadview Avenue, Ottawa K2A 2M2
telephone: 613-722-6565
Email: NotreDame.High@ocsb.ca
| School type | Ottawa Catholic High School |
| Motto | A place for everyone |
| Founded | Original 1968 Relocation 1994 |
| Grades | 7-12 |
| Enrollment | 1500 |
| Language | English, French |
| Fraser score | 5.4 |
| Ranking | 403 |
The school places a strong emphasis on the social, emotional and spiritual well-being of students. These values are integrated into school life and curriculum. This school also has a chapel for religious prayers which is opened on a regular basis for teachers and students.
The school is also known for its Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program and SHSM program. The school was the first one in the area to use uniforms and ban the use of cell phones and MP3 players. The ban was lifted in recent years.
Facilities and Resources
- Chapel that is open daily for all students and staff.
- Learning commons ( library)
- Atrium ( cafeteria)
- Auditorium
- Automotive Shop
- Wood Shop
- Art Room
- Gym
Programs and Services
- Dual Credit
- E-Learning
- Focus Programs
- Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)
Clubs and Activities
- Student Council
- Peer Support
- M&M’s Mentorship
- Young Men Leading Change
- Outdoor Club
- After School Program
- Breakfast club
- Environmental club
- Lunch Bunch
- Ski Club
- Social Justice club
- Chess club
- Yearbook club
- Sports club
8. Brookfield High School
-A School With An Outstanding Languages Program
Contact Info
Address: 824 Brookfield Rd, Ottawa, ON K1V 6J3
telephone: (613) 733-0610
Email: brookfieldhs@ocdsb.ca
| School type | High School |
| Enrollment | 504 |
| Language | English, French |
| Motto | May We Move Forward Together |
| Founded | 1962 |
| Principal | Tracy Shapiro |
| Grades | 9- 12 |
| Fraser score | 6.1 |
| Ranking | 406 |
Brookfield High School is one of the few schools in Ottawa that offers Arabic and Spanish lessons, ESL lessons, as well as French immersion program.
The school stands out due to its specialty courses such as design technology, communicative systems, diet and health, and various special education subjects.
Facilities and Resources
- 57 regular teaching classrooms
- 5 special education classrooms
- 6 science labs
- 5 computer labs
- 5 Smart Boards
- 3 technical labs
- Music room
- Visual arts room
- 2 drama rooms
- Cooking lab
- 3 well equipped gymnasiums
- An auditorium with 746 seats
- Cafeteria
- Library with over 35,000 books, 27 internet terminals and a partnership with Carleton University which allows access to the university library collection.
Academic Programs
- Brookfield school offers a complete range of academic programmes leading to post secondary education.
- French Immersion
- The Co-operative Education Program
- Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP).
- Extensive Arts programmes (Drama, Visual Arts and Music)
Clubs and Activities
- Athletics club with over 30 teams each year organizes an intramural sports programme.
- The students council
- Multicultural club
- Muslim students association
- Ski and Snowboard Club
- The students and staff at Brookfield support children and families with cancer in the campaign ” The Inside Ride”
- Peer tutoring program
9. Hillcrest High School
-An Ethnically Diverse School
Contact Info
Address: 1900 Dauphin Rd, Ottawa, ON K1G 2L7
telephone: 613-733-1755
Email: hillcresths@ocdsb.ca
| School type | High School |
| Motto | Soar to Excellence |
| Founded | 1961 |
| Staff | 50 |
| Grades | 9-12 |
| Enrollment | 493 |
| Language | English, French Immersion, other International languages |
| Fraser score | 5.8 |
| Ranking | 457/739 |
Many of us want our children to learn about different cultures during their education to feel more comfortable about these differences later in their lives. That’s why, sometimes people choose ethnically, racially and culturally diverse schools for their children. If you prefer an ethnically diverse school in Ottawa, then Hillcrest High School stands out.
The School welcomes students from different ethnicities. Students from Black, Arab, Indian, and Somali communities study at Hillcrest. The school also offers a full-immersion French program. A wide variety of courses are taught in technological studies, computer information, artistic and athletic programming. You are sure to get a great educational experience at Hillcrest.
Facilities and Resources
The school offers lots of facilities and athletic programs for your children, some of them are following:
- Furnished classrooms with arts and science facilities.
- A 700 seat auditorium
- Modern library.
- A double gym
- Fully equipped five computer labs.
- Specialized classrooms for Transportation and Communications technology
- Two full-sized play fields
Academic Programs
Hillcrest supports their students by offering courses which make them successful in all fields. Here is a list of special academic programs offered here at Hillcrest High School:
- The Focus Program – Manufacturing Technology
- French Immersion
- International Languages
- Outdoor Education
- Food and Nutrition
- Broad-based Technology and Computer Science
- Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)
- The school offers University Advanced Placement exams (AP)
- Hillcrest is one of the six OCDSB secondary schools which offer the new International Certificate Program.
Clubs and Activities
- Hillcrest has various clubs which provide the opportunity for their students to showcase their talents. Here is a list of clubs and activities they offer:
- Dramatic Society
- Music club
- Athletics club
- Sports society
- Swimming club
- Fitness club
10. Sir Guy Carleton Secondary School
- The Best School For Technological Education
Contact Info
Address:55 Centrepoint Dr, Nepean, ON
telephone: (613)723 5136
| School type | High School |
| Motto | The school that works |
| Founded | 1960 |
| Staff | 75 |
| Grades | 9 to 12 |
| Enrollment | 400 |
| Language | English, French, Spanish, Arabic |
| Fraser score | 0 |
| Fraser ranking | 733 |
If your child is into learning trades or technological education, this school is one of the best high schools in Ottawa, Ontario. Despite having a low Fraser score, the school stands out due to its outstanding special education programs and trades programs. The school offers courses in automotive repair, auto body repair, child care, communication technology, construction/custom woodworking , hospitality and tourism (the culinary arts), hairstyling, green industries/horticulture and welding. The school also offers SHSM programs in Culinary Arts, Automotive and Urban Farming Programs.
Programmes and Services
The students graduate with either of the following:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma
- Ontario Secondary School Certificate
- Certificate of Accomplishment
Clubs and Activities
- Strategy club
- Art club
- Basketball club
- Maths club
- Vinyl record club
- Minecraft club
- Athletics club
Nick Labrosse
Conclusion
A school is the foundation of knowledge. The education imparted to your children in schools paves the way for a progressive society. The above-mentioned top 10 schools in Ottawa are free of cost for your children, not only providing quality education but also encouraging them to take part in extracurricular activities and programmes. Choose the best high school from the list mentioned above and buy a house in the neighborhood.
FAQS
High school programs in Ottawa start in Grades 9 to 12. In some cases, high schools include Middle School, that is grades 7 and 8.
The public high schools in Ottawa are free of cost. Your child gets quality education along with other facilities and activities
Canterbury High School is the biggest public school in Ottawa. Located in Canterbury Ave, the school serves over 1300 students. The school is known for its Arts Programme.
West Carleton Secondary School is located in Dunrobin under the jurisdiction of the Ottawa Carleton District Board.
The school has 1185 students. It is located in Kanata.
John McCrae Secondary School is attached to Walter Baker Sports Centre. It is a public secondary school in the Nepean district of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. It supports grades 9-12.
Yes. One of the best private high schools in Ottawa offering Catholic education is Saints High School (also known as St. Augustine High School)
