Best Schools in Ottawa Top Picks for Families 

Best Schools in Ottawa Top Picks for Families. Today, we’re diving into the best schools in Ottawa that are perfect for families. Whether you’re relocating to Ottawa or just looking for the best educational options for your kids, we’ve got you covered. These top picks offer excellent academics, supportive communities, and fantastic extracurricular programs. So, if you’re eager to find the perfect school for your family, stick around as we reveal the best schools in Ottawa. Let’s dive into some of Ottawa’s top schools, ideal for families considering a move or simply seeking outstanding educational opportunities for their children. All the ratings and rankings we’ll be talking about come from the Fraser Institute’s School Rankings. They base their evaluations on things like academic performance, graduation rates, and standardized test scores. But remember, these rankings are just one way to measure a school’s quality. A great school is about so much more than just academics—it’s about the lifestyle it offers, the relationships between students and teachers, and the overall community vibe. So, stick around as we dive into Ottawa’s top-rated schools and discover what makes each one special for your family.

So, let’s start off with the elementary school rankings. It’s important to know that the Fraser Institute School Rankings are divided within Ottawa by their original city names prior to the city amalgamation of 2001. Back then, areas like Cumberland, Gloucester, Goulburn, Kanata, Nepean, Osgoode, Ottawa, Rideau, Rockcliffe Park, Vanier, and West Carleton were all separate government entities. With the mega city amalgamation in 2001, these areas all came under what is now known as current day Ottawa. In the elementary category, the rankings include both elementary and middle schools, or ‘junior high schools’ for grades 7-8, so there’s a bit of a mixed bag of schools in this list.

Top 10 Elementary Schools

• Ahlul Bayt Islamic School 10

• W. Erskine Johnston Public School 9.9

• Elmdale Public School 9.6

• First Avenue Public School 9.3

• Woodroffe Avenue Public School 9.3

• Stephen Leacock Public School 8.9

• Sir Winston Churchill Public School 8.9

• St. Jerome Elementary School 8.8

• St Anne Elementary School 8.6

• St Rose of Lima Elementary School 8.6

Let’s kick things off with Ahlul Bayt Islamic School, which holds the top spot with a perfect score of 10. This school is located in Nepean and serves a wonderfully diverse community. It’s well-known for its emphasis on Islamic education alongside the standard curriculum, making it a great fit for families looking for a strong moral foundation. They offer Quranic studies, Arabic language classes, and foster a tight-knit community atmosphere. It’s a fantastic place for kids to grow both academically and spiritually.

Next, we have W. Erskine Johnston Public School in Kanata, which scored an impressive 9.9. This school is situated in the bustling suburb of Kanata, drawing many families from the tech industry. The school has a strong focus on STEM education, which is a huge plus if your kids are into science and technology. They also have fantastic extracurricular activities, including robotics and coding clubs, making it a dream for tech-savvy students.

Elmdale Public School, scoring 9.6, is nestled in the trendy Westboro – Welling West area. This school caters to a vibrant and diverse community. One of the standout features is its strong arts program, with music and visual arts playing a big part in the curriculum. The school actively engages with the community through various events, and the surrounding area is known for its family-friendly vibe and cultural scene, making it a great place to settle down.

In the historic Glebe neighbourhood, you’ll find First Avenue Public School with a score of 9.3. This school is perfect for families who value education and community involvement. It has a rich history and offers bilingual programs, which is a huge bonus. The level of parental involvement here is incredibly high, enhancing the overall learning experience and creating a supportive environment for students.

Woodroffe Avenue Public School, which also scored 9.3, is located near the Ottawa River in the Woodpark area. This school is known for its strong academic performance and excellent sports programs. The proximity to parks and the river is a big draw, providing great opportunities for outdoor education and activities. It’s a wonderful community for active families who enjoy spending time outdoors.

Stephen Leacock Public School in Kanata scored an 8.9 and is another excellent choice in the area. This school serves a rapidly growing suburban community and excels at integrating technology into the classroom. They offer a variety of clubs and sports teams, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience that makes it a popular choice among families.

In Nepean, Sir Winston Churchill Public School also scored 8.9. This school serves a large and diverse student body and is renowned for its inclusive environment. They provide strong support for students with special needs and have a variety of extracurricular programs, including sports, arts, and science clubs. It’s a great school if you’re looking for a place that values inclusivity and student support.

St. Jerome Elementary School in Riverside South scored an 8.8. This school is in a family-friendly community known for its new developments and growing population. They offer a comprehensive curriculum with a focus on community service and Catholic values. Their athletic programs are strong, and they encourage active parental involvement, making it a well-rounded choice for families.

Over in Barrhaven, St. Anne Elementary School scored an 8.6. This school serves a diverse and expanding community and is well-known for its excellent French immersion program. They place a strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy, and offer a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports and arts programs, which makes it a fantastic place for kids to learn and grow.

Finally, St. Rose of Lima Elementary School in Orléans also scored an 8.6. Situated in the vibrant suburb of Orléans, this school emphasizes a well-rounded education with strong academic programs. They have a variety of extracurricular activities and a robust community involvement, making it a central part of the local neighbourhood and a great place for families.

Top 10 High Schools

• Colonel By 9.5

• Earl of March 9

• Merivale 8.6

• All Saints 8.5

• St. Joseph 8.4

• Nepean 8.4

• Lisgar 8.3

• A.Y. Jackson 8.2

• St. Mark 8.0

• John McRae 7.9

Let’s start with Colonel By Secondary School, which tops the list with a score of 9.5. Located in the Beacon Hill area, this school is renowned for its International Baccalaureate (IB) program, attracting students from across the city who are eager to challenge themselves academically. The IB program is rigorous and globally recognized, preparing students exceptionally well for university. The school also boasts a strong sense of community and numerous extracurricular activities, making it a great all-around choice.

Next, we have Earl of March Secondary School in Kanata, scoring a solid 9. This school serves a vibrant community, including many families involved in the tech industry. Earl of March is known for its excellent academic programs and a wide array of extracurricular activities. From sports teams to arts and music programs, there’s something for every student here. The school’s commitment to fostering a supportive and engaging environment is a big draw for families.

Merivale High School, my old high school, scoring 8.6, is situated in Nepean. It’s a school that prides itself on diversity and inclusivity. Merivale offers a variety of programs to cater to different student interests and needs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses. The school’s strong emphasis on academic achievement is complemented by its vibrant arts and sports programs, creating a well-rounded experience for students.

In the heart of Kanata, All Saints High School earned an 8.5. This school is known for its robust Catholic values and commitment to community service. All Saints offers a broad curriculum with strong academic and extracurricular programs, including a well-regarded arts department and competitive sports teams. The supportive community atmosphere here makes it a welcoming place for students and their families.

St. Joseph High School, with a score of 8.4, is located in Barrhaven. This Catholic school is known for its strong academic programs and emphasis on moral education. St. Joseph offers a variety of clubs and sports teams, encouraging students to engage in their interests and develop new skills. The school’s focus on community and service creates a nurturing environment for its students.

Nepean High School also scored 8.4 and is located in the west end of Ottawa. This school has a rich history and a reputation for academic excellence. Nepean High offers a wide range of programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and a robust arts curriculum. The school’s active student body participates in numerous clubs and sports, fostering a dynamic and engaging school culture.

Lisgar Collegiate Institute, with a score of 8.3, is one of Ottawa’s oldest and most prestigious schools, located in the downtown area. Lisgar is known for its strong academic programs, particularly in the sciences and humanities. The school offers a range of extracurricular activities, including music, drama, and sports, and has a storied history of producing well-rounded graduates.

A.Y. Jackson Secondary School in Kanata scored 8.2. This school serves a diverse community and is known for its inclusive environment and strong academic programs. A.Y. Jackson offers a variety of clubs, sports teams, and special programs, including an esteemed arts program. The school’s commitment to fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment makes it a popular choice among families.

St. Mark High School, earning a score of 8.0, is located in Manotick. This Catholic high school offers a strong academic curriculum alongside its commitment to faith-based education. St. Mark is known for its welcoming community and a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports teams and arts programs. The school’s focus on character development and academic achievement makes it a great place for students.

Lastly, we have John McCrae Secondary School in Barrhaven, scoring 7.9. This school offers a wide range of programs, including an International Certificate Program and strong arts and sports departments. John McCrae is known for its inclusive environment and active student body, with numerous clubs and activities that cater to a variety of interests. The supportive and dynamic community here is perfect for students looking to explore their passions.

There you have it— Fraser Institute’s top-ranking schools in Ottawa. From the rigorous academics of Colonel By and the vibrant community at Earl of March, to the inclusive environments at Merivale and John McCrae, each of these schools offers something unique for your family’s educational journey. It’s important to remember that Ottawa has great schools all across the city, ready to accommodate any family that relocates here. Ultimately, choosing a school is about more than just rankings; it’s about finding the right fit for your child’s needs and interests. We hope this guide helps you explore the fantastic educational opportunities Ottawa has to offer.

And if you are thinking of relocating to Ottawa feel free to reach out to us. Give us a call – shoot us a text – send us an email – or even wrap it in a bow and send it first class because we got your back when moving to Ottawa or anywhere across Canada.

You can learn more about the city of Ottawa by visiting its official website: https://ottawa.ca/en.

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