6 best private schools in Ottawa, Ontario 2025

Bilingual Programs in Top Private Schools in Ottawa

• Dual-Language Instruction: In most prestigious private schools, studying is conducted in English and French, which have a status of official languages in Canada.

• Advanced Placement Opportunities: Students are provided with an excellent opportunity to attend Advanced Placement programs, aimed at studying certain subjects at an in-depth level. Upon completing studies, graduates usually have a competitive advantage when entering universities in Canada and abroad. 

• Prestigious Rankings: The wide range of in-depth study options directly correlates with a school's ranking and the effectiveness 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: Educational process in senior classes makes an emphasis on providing students with effective pre-university preparation.

• 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: Prior to selecting a school, take into account the following factors such as the ranking of educational institutions, accommodation options, catering (usually full board), registration fees, costs of educational materials and uniforms, and diversity of extracurricular activities.

• Tuition Range: On average, tuition fees at private schools in Ottawa vary from 12,000 CAD to 70,000 CAD per academic year. 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, contributing to comprehensive 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.

Private schools in Ottawa offer a bilingual education, which is recognized worldwide. When entering, foreign students are guaranteed effective academic programs, comprehensive assessment methods, and diverse extracurricular activities. These schools, known for their top-tier education and nurturing environment, are an excellent choice for families, who want to send their child to top educational institutions.