Choosing a high school in Ottawa means weighing academic rankings against program fit, catchment zones against specialized streams, and public options against private alternatives. Most families start with Fraser Institute scores and EQAO results, but the right school depends just as much on your child's learning style, interests, and day-to-day experience in the building. Understanding the fundamental differences between public and private schools can help frame your decision.
This guide ranks Ottawa's top public and private high schools for 2026, explains how admissions and specialized programs work, and walks you through the practical steps to find the best match for your student.
How we ranked the best high schools in Ottawa
Colonel By Secondary School consistently ranks as Ottawa's top public high school, known for its International Baccalaureate program. Lisgar Collegiate Institute and Nepean High School also appear among the city's strongest academic performers. On the private side, Ashbury College and Elmwood School offer specialized programs with smaller class sizes, while French-language options like École secondaire publique De La Salle provide strong bilingual pathways.
The rankings you'll see below pull from three main data sources. The Fraser Institute rating is essentially a report card based on how students perform on province-wide tests in literacy and math. EQAO scores—which stands for Education Quality and Accountability Office—are Ontario's standardized tests taken in Grades 9 and 10. University placement looks at how many graduates go on to post-secondary programs.
Data sources used in this ranking
- Fraser Institute rating: A school report card based on province-wide test results
- EQAO scores: Ontario's standardized literacy and math assessments taken in Grades 9 and 10 (Education Quality and Accountability Office)
- University placement: The share of graduates who go on to post-secondary programs
What "best" actually means for your family
Rankings can highlight academic performance, but the right school might be the one with the arts program your child loves, a French immersion stream, or a smaller school culture that helps them thrive. A high Fraser score tells you how students performed on standardized tests, yet it doesn't capture whether your child will feel supported, challenged in the right ways, or excited to show up each morning. Treat this list as a guide to options—then match those options to your student's strengths and needs.
Best public high schools in Ottawa Ontario
Ottawa's public secondary schools are served by two main boards, similar to Toronto's system but with distinct local characteristics. The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) is the English public secular board. The Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) is the English public Catholic board that integrates Catholic values into school life and programming. Below are top-ranked options based on a blend of Fraser Institute ratings, EQAO outcomes, and post-secondary pathways.
1. Lisgar Collegiate Institute
Located in downtown Ottawa, Lisgar is known for its rigorous academics, strong university placement, and a competitive academic culture. It has a long history as one of Ottawa's most recognized public schools and frequently ranks among the city's highest Fraser scores. Students benefit from a wide range of advanced math and science offerings alongside rich extracurriculars—debate, robotics, and athletics are all active. Standout feature: a reputation for excellence in math and science competitions.
2. Nepean High School
In Ottawa's west end, Nepean combines consistently strong Fraser ratings with well-rounded academics and excellent extracurricular choice. EQAO results are solid year after year, reflecting steady classroom performance. Families also value its strong community feel, with active clubs, arts, and athletics that keep students engaged.
3. Colonel By Secondary School
Colonel By is Ottawa's flagship International Baccalaureate (IB) school—IB is a globally recognized, rigorous pre-university curriculum. Admission is by application rather than catchment, drawing highly motivated students from across the city. The IB focus creates a challenging academic environment with strong results and university readiness.
4. Glebe Collegiate Institute
Centrally located near the Glebe neighbourhood, Glebe offers a balance of strong academics and a vibrant extracurricular scene. Sports, arts, and student leadership are prominent, and the school posts consistent Fraser rankings. Its diverse student body and wide program choice make it a flexible fit for many learners.
5. Canterbury High School
Canterbury is Ottawa's dedicated public arts high school, where students audition for specialized streams in visual art, music, drama, dance, and more. Academic courses still follow the Ontario curriculum, ensuring a complete secondary education. It's an excellent match for creatively driven students who want intensive arts training alongside academics.
6. Sir Robert Borden High School
Situated in Nepean, Sir Robert Borden is known for strong science and technology programming. It offers SHSM options (Specialist High Skills Major—an Ontario program that lets students earn sector-specific certifications while completing their diploma) and steady academic results. Students can explore applied and tech-focused pathways without sacrificing core academics.
7. Merivale High School
A solid west-end choice, Merivale offers a range of co-op and SHSM programs that blend hands-on learning with academic courses. It's a good fit for students who want practical, career-connected experiences in tandem with university- or college-bound pathways. Consistent results and diverse course offerings support a wide range of goals.
Best private secondary schools in Ottawa
In Ottawa, private schools charge tuition, are not tied to catchment zones, and often feature smaller classes or specialized curricula. They provide a different learning environment rather than a guaranteed "better" one—many Ottawa public schools also deliver excellent university outcomes.
1. Ashbury College
One of Ottawa's most established independent schools, Ashbury offers day and boarding options and is co-educational in Grades 4–12. It's known for strong university placement, an IB program, and a structured, supportive academic environment. Tuition is a significant investment, with financial aid available for some families.
2. Elmwood School
Elmwood is an all-girls school from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12, emphasizing leadership, confidence, and global engagement. The IB Diploma program and strong university outcomes are key strengths. Families appreciate its close-knit, community-oriented culture and robust extracurriculars.
3. Lycée Claudel
Lycée Claudel is a French-language private school offering the French Baccalaureate—a national curriculum and diploma from France recognized internationally. It's ideal for francophone families or those seeking a rigorous French or bilingual education. Graduates are well positioned for universities in Canada and abroad.
4. Turnbull School
Turnbull is a smaller independent school known for a personalized approach and low student-to-teacher ratios. Students benefit from close relationships, individualized attention, and a nurturing academic setting. It suits learners who thrive in a calm, supportive environment with strong foundational skills.
Key differences between Ottawa's public and private high schools
Many parents wonder which system is right after seeing both lists. The biggest differences are structural—how you get in, how programs run, and how schools are funded.
Both systems produce strong university-bound graduates within Canada's educational framework. The right choice depends on your child's learning style, desired programs, location, and your family's priorities.
Specialized programs at high schools in Ottawa Canada
Some of Ottawa's best learning opportunities sit inside schools that don't always top overall rankings. Below are program types you'll find across the city, with brief explanations for first-time readers.
International Baccalaureate
The IB Diploma Programme is a two-year pre-university curriculum in Grades 11–12, recognized by universities worldwide. Students take six subjects, complete an extended essay, engage in Creativity-Activity-Service (CAS), and write external exams. In Ottawa, Colonel By and Ashbury College offer IB pathways. It's strong preparation for competitive university programs, with IB students seeing 22% higher acceptance rates than the average.
Advanced Placement
AP (Advanced Placement) lets students take university-level courses and exams in high school, potentially earning credit or advanced standing at universities. Several Ottawa public schools offer AP courses in subjects like calculus, sciences, and history. Unlike IB's full-diploma model, AP is taken course-by-course, allowing students to specialize where they're strongest.
French immersion and bilingual programs
Given Ottawa's proximity to Quebec and federal institutions, French is a practical asset. Many OCDSB and OCSB schools offer extended or late French immersion streams that students can continue through Grade 12. A French immersion certificate can strengthen university applications and open doors in Ottawa's bilingual job market, where bilingual employees earn 5% to 20% more than unilingual counterparts.
SHSM and co-op pathways
The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) bundles sector-focused courses, industry certifications, and co-op placements into a student's Ontario diploma. Co-op provides credit-earning work experience aligned with career interests. The pathways are great for students who want applied, career-connected learning while keeping post-secondary options open.
How to choose the right high school in Ottawa for your child
Use a simple process to narrow choices and find the best everyday fit for your student.
1. Check your catchment zone first
Most public high school placements in Ottawa are based on your home address. Start by using the OCDSB or OCSB school locator tools to see which school your child is automatically eligible to attend.
2. Research specialized programs your child qualifies for
Some programs, like the IB at Colonel By or the arts streams at Canterbury, accept students citywide through applications or auditions. Explore options early to see if they match your child's strengths and interests.
3. Visit the school before deciding
Attend open houses and, if possible, arrange a tour. Talk with current students or parents for on-the-ground perspective. The feel of the school community matters as much as its ranking.
4. Plan academic support before the school year starts
Even in strong schools, new subjects and higher expectations can be challenging, especially in Grades 9–10. Lining up support ahead of time builds confidence and keeps small gaps from becoming bigger hurdles—high school tutoring can help address specific challenges before they grow.
Supporting your child's success at any Ottawa high school
The school your child attends is just one part of their success—daily support, routines, and confidence matter just as much. If you decide extra help would be useful, TutorLyft is one resource Ottawa families use for targeted support without long-term commitments.
- One-on-one attention: Tutoring bridges the gap between classroom teaching and your child's specific questions
- Flexible scheduling: Sessions can fit around classes, sports, and extracurriculars
- Subject-specific help: From Grade 10 math to Grade 11 chemistry or essay writing, tutors focus on what your child needs right now
- Online or in-person: Ottawa students can choose the format that works best
If your child needs extra support at any of Ottawa's schools, find a tutor on TutorLyft—no subscription required.
