When it comes to Ottawa’s best schools in 2026, there are many names like Colonel By Secondary School, Lisgar Collegiate Institute, and Canterbury High School that come to mind. Do you know about the 2026 Best Private Schools in Ottawa County? You may check this blog to learn about Ottawa’s best schools in 2026!
2026 Best Private Schools in Ottawa
Here’s a breakdown of the 2026 Best Private Schools in Ottawa County.
Colonel By Secondary School
Colonel By Secondary School (CBSS) in Ottawa, Canada, is well-known for its demanding International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program and STEM emphasis. It provides students with a demanding, internationally recognized education that prepares them for university, emphasizing academics, critical thinking, and leadership within a diverse, inclusive environment with strong community support. Through its rigorous curriculum, extracurricular activities like sports and the arts, and a culture of achievement, it cultivates well-rounded students and is known for its academic prowess.
Lisgar Collegiate Institute
The oldest high school in Ottawa, Lisgar Collegiate Institute (LCI), was founded in 1874 and is renowned for its talented program, strong academics, and rich history. It is housed in a unique Gothic Revival limestone edifice near the Rideau Canal. The Institute produced well-known graduates like Matthew Perry, Adrienne Clarkson, and Peter Jennings, and offers university, college, and open-level courses for grades 9–12. It has several facilities, including labs, music rooms, studios, and a gym.
Canterbury High School
Canterbury High School is not a single institution; rather, it refers to a number of well-known institutions, such as Canterbury School in Connecticut, which is a coeducational boarding/day school with a Catholic heritage; Canterbury Boys High School in Sydney, which emphasizes diversity and responsibility; Canterbury Girls High School in New South Wales, which has a strong academic record; and Canterbury High School in Montgomery, Alabama, which is a coeducational, rural option. In general, these schools offer solid academics with distinctive cultures, ranging from arts-focused (Canterbury, Ottawa) to traditional (Canterbury, CT), albeit you must identify which one to give a true perspective.
Earl of March Secondary School
Part of the OCDSB, Earl of March Secondary School (EOM) in Ottawa, Canada, is a highly regarded public school (Grades 7–12) that draws families to its Kanata Lakes catchment area because of its stellar reputation, tech resources like Chromebooks, and extensive arts/business programs. It is well-known for its strong academics, including AP and French Immersion, diverse extracurriculars (Arts, Athletics, Business), and emphasis on a safe, challenging environment.
Ashbury College
Ashbury College, an esteemed coeducational Anglican day and boarding school (Grades 4–12) in Ottawa, Canada, is renowned for its demanding coursework, IB World School accreditation, 100% university placement, and strong emphasis on character development (honesty, courage, kindness). It prepares well-rounded graduates for prestigious colleges across the globe by providing a diverse, international setting with small classes that foster leadership, global citizenship, and personal development through a wide range of extracurricular activities.
Elmwood School
The term “Elmwood School” refers to a number of educational institutions, but it frequently highlights the Canadian independent girls’ school in Ottawa that is renowned for its IB continuum, Apple Distinguished status, and emphasis on self-assured female leaders, or a UK specialist school that emphasizes a peaceful, rights-based environment for diverse learners; another Elmwood in New Zealand is a Normal School (teacher training); and a public K–9 Mandarin bilingual school in Edmonton, Canada, with a variety of missions ranging from general education to specialized programs.
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