One of the things that I like the most in Canada is that most kids go to the school nearest to their homes. These are often within walking distance, but the students can also use bikes or take the school bus. It’s easier and stress-free.
Who wants to drive for half an hour or more to take their kids to school every day? Well, that’s what many people do in my home country because you can register your kids in any school you want to, even if it’s located far from your house. I used to drive for an hour or so to get to my kids’ school. Insane!
So in Canada, it’s important to know where the good schools are so you can plan where to live if you want your children to go to a particular school.
In this post, I am going to point out the best elementary schools, and the neighborhoods where they are located.
This information I’m providing is based on the ranking made by the Fraser Institute. This institution makes its ranking based on province-wide test results in reading, writing, and math skills for elementary schools, and test results in math and Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) results for high school.
10. Ecole Elementaire Catholique Roger Saint-Denis. (8.3 out of 10)
This school, located in Kanata, belongs to the Conseil des Ecoles Catholiques du Centre-Est, so the main language of instruction is French. Its mission is to develop a passion for learning and to build on the Franco-Ontarian identity.
One highlight of this school is that it follows a philosophy known as Soutien au comportement positif (SCP). This system, created in the United States, is based on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, which emphasizes the importance of teaching and rewarding positive behavior.
Address: 186 Croissant Barrow, Katimavik, Kanata-Sud
Kanata, K2L 2C7
Phone: 613-521-3815
https://roger-saint-denis.ecolecatholique.ca/
9. St Cecilia Catholic School. (8.4 out of 10)
St. Cecilia Catholic School is located in Nepean and belongs to the Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB). The main language of instruction is English. It promotes responsibility, respect, civility and academic excellence in a safe learning environment.
This school is a certified Gold Eco School, which encourages litter free lunches and the recycling of paper, products, cans and glass. It aims at promoting a responsible and caring attitude toward the planet.
Address: 3490 Cambrian Rd. Nepean, ON K2J 0V1
Phone: (613) 692-6164
8. St Gregory Elementary School. (8.5 of 10)
Belonging to the Ottawa Catholic School Board, St Gregory aims to ensure that the teaching and Catholic values are integrated into all aspects of school life.
This school, located in Nepean, is also a Gold-certified Eco School. It offers French instruction beginning in Junior Kindergarten and as well an extended-day child care program.
Address: 148 Meadowlands Drive West. Nepean, K2G 2S5
Phone: 613-224-3011
7. Adrianne Clarkson Elementary School (8.6 out of 10)
This school is located in Nepean and belongs to the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. It offers Regular English, Early French Immersion, and Middle French Immersion Programs.
It provides a positive learning environment and a strong sense of community amongst its multi-cultural student body. There’s a wide range of languages spoken among its students, such as Arabic, Mandarin, Hindi, Urdu, and Vietnamese.
Address: 170 Stoneway Drive, Nepean, K2G 6R2
Phone: (613) 825-8600
https://adrienneclarksones.ocdsb.ca/
6. Roland Michener Public School. (8.6 out of 10).
This school, located in Kanata, has 165 students. It’s part of the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) and provides an inclusive learning environment that respects diversity and equity, and is committed to student learning and well-being.
Due to its small size, the children benefit from having many opportunities to participate in multi-aged group activities, which contributes to its strong sense of a welcoming community.
Address: 100 Penfield Dr. Kanata, K2K 1M2
Phone: (613) 592-2126
https://rolandmichenerps.ocdsb.ca/
5. Convent Glen Catholic School (8.8 out of 10)
This school, located in Orleans, belongs to the Ottawa Catholic School Board. English is the main language of instruction.
Convent Glen is very active in activities that support the environment. They compost, recycle with black and blue boxes, collect used batteries, and this year they are promoting litter free lunches at least once a week.
It offers an extended day program before and after the school day for children from Kindergarten to Grade 6.
Address: 6212 Jeanne d’Arc Boulevard. Orléans,K1C 2M4
Phone: 613-824-8541
4. Elmdale Public School. (8.9 out of 10)
Elmdale Public School is located in Ottawa in the Kitchissippi ward and belongs to the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. The school has a long tradition of active parent involvement through volunteering in classrooms, participating in school council committees, fundraising events, and supporting extracurricular activities.
Last year, hundreds of volunteers contributed approximately 7,000 hours of support to benefit the 515 students in the school. The school council raised over $38,000, which was distributed to support various activities and initiatives.
Address: 49 Iona St, Ottawa, K1Y 3L9
Phone: (613) 728-4653
3. W. Erskine Johnston Public School. (9.2 out of 10)
This school is situated in the neighborhood of Beaverbrook in North Kanata. It has approximately 670 students and it’s part of the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. Its students represent many countries and many speak languages from nations such as South Korea, Russia, China, Vietnam, India, Iran, Grenada, Albania, Romania, and Greece.
Among its facilities, one can find computer technology in every classroom, SMART Boards, a library equipped with a mini-computer laboratory, a gymnasium with change rooms and shower facilities, a large playground with a play structure, and a soccer field.
Address: 50 Varley Dr, Kanata, K2K 1G7
Phone: (613) 592-4492
https://werskinejohnstonps.ocdsb.ca/
2. Stephen Leacock Public School (9.4 out of 10)
This school is also part of the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. It’s located in the Beaverbrook community in Kanata. It has 510 students and offers an Early French Immersion Centre that welcomes students from kindergarten to grade 6. The goal of this program is that the students can communicate and interact with growing confidence in French.
Address: 25 Leacock Dr, Kanata, K2K 1S2
Phone: (613) 592-2261
https://stephenleacockps.ocdsb.ca/
1. Ahlul Bayt Islamic School. (10) Ottawa
Ahlul-Bayt Islamic School is a private not-for-profit school that follows the Ontario academic curriculum from JK to Grade 8.
Its main goal is to ensure academic excellence in an Islamic atmosphere and a quality learning environment to build and develop an integrated Islamic identity.
This school has ranked among the top schools with the best academic results in Ottawa. Among its strengths, it mentions “private school discipline,” Arabic language classes taught by native speakers, Islamic studies, and French as a second language.
Address: 3025 Albion Road, North, Ottawa, K1V 9V9
Phone: 613-526-0774
I hope this post is useful if you’re looking for the best school that suits your child’s profile and interests. If you have some experience regarding the schools listed here, please feel free to leave a comment. Take care.
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