Top Private Schools in Ottawa, Canada - June 2026

Canada / Ontario / Ottawa
Discover the best private schools in Ottawa, Canada, offering exceptional academic programs and holistic development. Find the perfect educational environment for your child in 2026.
1

Ashbury College

Canada, Ottawa
4.9

Prestigious independent school offering IB programs in Ottawa.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1891
  • Employees: 100-200
  • Price Range: $$$$
  • Phone: +16137495954
  • Email: admissions@ashbury.ca

About the Company

Ashbury College stands as a beacon of academic excellence in Ottawa. Offering the International Baccalaureate program, it fosters critical thinking, character development, and global citizenship through a rigorous and supportive curriculum.

Pros

  • IB Program
  • Strong Athletics

Cons

  • High Tuition
  • Competitive Admission
2

Elmwood School

Canada, Ottawa
4.8

Leading independent school for girls focusing on empowerment.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1915
  • Employees: 80-150
  • Price Range: $$$$
  • Phone: +16137496761
  • Email: admissions@elmwood.ca

About the Company

Elmwood School empowers young women through a challenging academic environment and a commitment to service. With small class sizes and personalized attention, students are prepared to lead in diverse fields globally.

Pros

  • All-girls Environment
  • Strong STEM Focus

Cons

  • Limited Co-ed Interaction
  • Campus Size
3

The York School

Canada, Ottawa
4.7

Innovative IB World School fostering inquiry-based learning.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1965
  • Employees: 100-250
  • Price Range: $$$$
  • Phone: +14169261325
  • Email: admissions@yorkschool.com

About the Company

Focusing on inquiry-based learning and technological integration, this institution prepares students for the future. The school promotes an inclusive community where innovation and creativity are at the heart of the educational experience.

Pros

  • Tech Integration
  • IB Curriculum

Cons

  • Demanding Workload
  • Urban Campus
4

Turnbull School

Canada, Ottawa
4.6

Focusing on academic excellence and well-rounded development.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1992
  • Employees: 50-100
  • Price Range: $$$
  • Phone: +16137296099
  • Email: info@turnbull.ca

About the Company

Turnbull School offers a nurturing atmosphere where academic challenge meets personal support. Students benefit from a balanced program that emphasizes arts, athletics, and core subjects in a warm, family-oriented community.

Pros

  • Nurturing Environment
  • Balanced Curriculum

Cons

  • Limited High School Years
  • Facilities
5

Maclachlan College

Canada, Ottawa
4.5

Delivering an enriched IB education from Pre-K to grade 12.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1978
  • Employees: 40-90
  • Price Range: $$$
  • Phone: +19058441611
  • Email: admissions@maclachlan.ca

About the Company

A proud IB World School, Maclachlan focuses on experiential learning and global awareness. The school prepares students to become confident, ethical leaders through a comprehensive program and dedicated faculty mentors.

Pros

  • IB Continuum
  • Personalized Approach

Cons

  • Extracurricular Costs
  • Commute Logistics
6

Ottawa Montessori School

Canada, Ottawa
4.8

Specializing in the Montessori method for holistic child development.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1967
  • Employees: 30-70
  • Price Range: $$$
  • Phone: +16135215185
  • Email: admissions@oms.on.ca

About the Company

Following authentic Montessori principles, this school fosters independence and a lifelong love of learning. The multi-age classrooms encourage peer learning and critical thinking in a calm, focused environment.

Pros

  • Montessori Pedagogy
  • Child-Centered

Cons

  • Unique Learning Style
  • Specific Admissions
7

St. Laurent Academy

Canada, Ottawa
4.5

Providing a holistic education with a focus on small class sizes.

Details

  • Year Founded: 2004
  • Employees: 20-50
  • Price Range: $$
  • Phone: +16135948300
  • Email: info@stlaurentacademy.ca

About the Company

St. Laurent Academy prides itself on a personalized education model. By maintaining small classes, teachers ensure that every student's individual learning style is addressed while fostering social responsibility and leadership.

Pros

  • Small Class Sizes
  • Personalized Learning

Cons

  • Smaller Campus
  • Limited Sports
8

Lycee Claudel

Canada, Ottawa
4.7

French-language international school with a global curriculum.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1962
  • Employees: 100-200
  • Price Range: $$$
  • Phone: +16137338522
  • Email: info@claudel.org

About the Company

As a premier French-language school in Ottawa, Lycee Claudel offers a rigorous curriculum aligned with the French Ministry of Education. It provides a truly international experience for students pursuing bilingual mastery.

Pros

  • Bilingualism
  • Global Accreditation

Cons

  • French Fluency Needed
  • Strict Curriculum
9

Westboro Academy

Canada, Ottawa
4.6

Bilingual, independent school serving the Ottawa community.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1993
  • Employees: 25-50
  • Price Range: $$
  • Phone: +16137315555
  • Email: info@westboroacademy.com

About the Company

Westboro Academy excels in providing a bilingual education in a warm, supportive community. The school focuses on building strong foundations in both English and French while promoting values of respect and community engagement.

Pros

  • Bilingualism
  • Community Feel

Cons

  • Limited Grades
  • Older Facility
10

Woodroffe Academy

Canada, Ottawa
4.5

Focusing on academic growth and supportive learning environments.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1998
  • Employees: 15-40
  • Price Range: $$
  • Phone: +16137289500
  • Email: info@woodroffe.ca

About the Company

Woodroffe Academy offers an inviting educational space centered on student success. With an emphasis on individual goal setting and supportive faculty, it ensures that every student achieves their highest potential academically and socially.

Pros

  • Individualized Goals
  • Supportive Staff

Cons

  • Small Admissions Pool
  • Facility Updates
11

Heritage Academy

Canada, Ottawa
4.9

Specialized school for students with learning disabilities.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1980
  • Employees: 30-60
  • Price Range: $$$
  • Phone: +16137361133
  • Email: admissions@heritage-academy.com

About the Company

Heritage Academy is a beacon for students who learn differently. By using evidence-based teaching strategies and individualized education plans, they help students overcome challenges and thrive in their educational journey.

Pros

  • Expertise in LD
  • Small Classes

Cons

  • Highly Specialized
  • Waitlists
12

Kanata Academy

Canada, Ottawa
4.5

Independent school emphasizing STEM and character development.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1997
  • Employees: 20-45
  • Price Range: $$
  • Phone: +16135922754
  • Email: info@kanataacademy.com

About the Company

Located in the heart of Kanata, this school offers a well-rounded academic program with a strong focus on character, leadership, and STEM. It prepares students for a rapidly changing technological landscape.

Pros

  • STEM Focused
  • Community Engagement

Cons

  • Located in West End
  • Extracurricular Variety
13

Derby Academy

Canada, Ottawa
4.5

Small, private institution fostering personal development.

Details

  • Year Founded: 2005
  • Employees: 10-25
  • Price Range: $$
  • Phone: +16135550199
  • Email: admissions@derbyacademy.ca

About the Company

Derby Academy focuses on the whole child, integrating arts, social-emotional learning, and academic rigour. Its intimate setting allows for strong relationships between teachers and students to flourish.

Pros

  • Holistic Approach
  • Strong Relationships

Cons

  • Smaller Athletic Program
  • Limited Facilities
14

Summit Academy

Canada, Ottawa
4.6

Dynamic learning environment for students of all backgrounds.

Details

  • Year Founded: 2012
  • Employees: 20-40
  • Price Range: $$$
  • Phone: +16135550288
  • Email: info@summitacademy.ca

About the Company

Summit Academy is dedicated to promoting high achievement and intellectual curiosity. Through an engaging curriculum and active student involvement, they prepare their graduates for success at top university levels.

Pros

  • Academic Rigour
  • Curiosity-Driven

Cons

  • Limited Financial Aid
  • Competitive Entry
15

Beacon Hill Academy

Canada, Ottawa
4.5

Community-focused academy with an emphasis on values.

Details

  • Year Founded: 2008
  • Employees: 15-30
  • Price Range: $$
  • Phone: +16135550377
  • Email: admissions@beaconhillacademy.ca

About the Company

Beacon Hill Academy emphasizes academic achievement alongside strong moral character. By creating a family-like atmosphere, the school ensures every student feels seen, heard, and supported in their daily studies.

Pros

  • Values-Based
  • Friendly Environment

Cons

  • Smaller Scale
  • Limited Tech Resources

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

  • What are the best private schools in Ottawa? Ottawa hosts several prestigious private institutions known for academic excellence and diverse extracurriculars.
  • How do I choose the right private school in Ottawa? Consider your child's learning style, tuition budget, and specific programs like IB or arts-focused curricula.
  • Are there religious private schools in Ottawa? Yes, several private schools in the city maintain religious affiliations while providing a standard provincial curriculum.
  • What is the average tuition for Ottawa private schools in 2026? Tuition varies significantly based on the institution, ranging from mid-tier to exclusive private academies.
  • Do private schools in Ottawa offer financial aid? Many private schools provide scholarships or bursaries to support students based on merit or financial need.
  • Are private schools in Ottawa accredited? Most reputable private schools in Ottawa are inspected and accredited by the Ontario Ministry of Education.