Rooted in a commitment to bilingual education, Académie Westboro Academy is a private, independent elementary and middle school operating as a not-for-profit institution under the leadership of Head of School Timothy Peters. The Ottawa-based school offers a French-English curriculum aimed at fostering fluency and cultural literacy. By integrating the Ontario English curriculum with Québec’s French first language program, students benefit from learning environments that encourage language mastery and academic achievement. The school maintains a small familial community with a maximum student enrollment of 176, featuring an average class size of 17 and a staff-to-student ratio of 9:1.
Comprehensive Curriculum from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8
From Junior Kindergarten through Grade 8, students experience a structured academic program that prioritizes intellectual growth, creativity, and social-emotional development. The learning model features alternating English and French homerooms starting in Grade 1 and full-day French in Junior and Senior Kindergarten. The curriculum is organized across distinct stages, including Junior and Senior Kindergarten, the Grades 1-3 Primary Program, the Grades 4-6 Junior Program, and the Middle School Matrix Program for Grades 7 and 8. Specialist instruction is provided in Music, Art, Science, and Health and Physical Education.
The Middle School Matrix Program offers student choice in concentrations such as Robotics, Advanced Mathematics, Music, Visual Arts, and Critical Thinking, alongside secondary preparation courses and personalized mentorship. Across all grade levels, early learners are introduced to French language skills alongside foundational concepts, while older students engage with a curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and personal excellence to prepare them for secondary education and beyond.
Celebrating Diversity and Global Awareness
The school community embraces multiculturalism through events such as an annual International Week, which is dedicated to exploring global cultures through music, cuisine, geography, religion, and political perspectives. This experience fosters respect, curiosity, and empathy, providing students with a well-rounded worldview. A communal international food buffet serves as a culmination of this celebration, bringing together families and staff. Additionally, students participate in the EcoSchools Canada program to build environmental awareness.
Dedicated Support and Enrichment
Recognizing the diverse needs of each student, the academy employs both French and English teachers who provide personalized support, including French Resource and Learning Support. Whether students require academic challenges or extra assistance, educators tailor instruction to nurture potential. Beyond the classroom, students have access to before and after school programs, junior and senior choirs, a school orchestra band, and athletic opportunities through the Ottawa Independent Schools Athletic Association.
Students also engage in active leadership opportunities, including the Student Council, House Captains, Admission Ambassadors, Learning Buddies, the Pride Leadership Club, and the Eco Club.
Guidance for Parental Involvement and Admissions
Fostering organizational habits at home is emphasized as a component of student success, with parents encouraged to assist children in managing school materials and assignments to build consistent routines. Admissions are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, with priority given to Round 1 applicants by November 15th. The admissions process includes a visit or tour, an application package with supporting documents and a $150 application fee, and an assessment visit consisting of a morning visit for Junior Kindergarten, Senior Kindergarten, and Grade 1, and a full day for Grades 2 through 8.
Mission and School Community
Guided by the mission to develop independent, bilingual critical thinkers in preparation for lifelong learning, Académie Westboro Academy combines the Ontario and Québec curricula within a bilingual setting. The integration of language instruction, tailored support, specialist classes, and cultural exploration provides an educational atmosphere focused on academic development and community engagement.
Fostering effective study habits is a gradual process that supports long-term academic growth, particularly in rigorous bilingual environments where learners manage diverse linguistic and subject-specific workloads. Establishing a consistent daily routine helps students transition smoothly from the school day to independent learning at home. Designating a quiet, organized space free from distractions allows learners to focus more deeply on assignments and reading tasks. Breaking larger projects into smaller, manageable steps encourages steady progress and reduces feelings of overwhelm. Furthermore, incorporating short, regular review sessions rather than last-minute cramming aids information retention and conceptual understanding. Encouraging children to actively engage with the material through summarizing, questioning, or teaching concepts to others reinforces comprehension. When families and educators work together to reinforce these organizational skills and time management strategies, students build the resilience and autonomy needed to navigate complex academic challenges successfully across both languages and throughout their educational journey.
