Located in the scenic Rockcliffe Park neighborhood of Ottawa, this distinguished private day school offers a nurturing all-girls learning environment that fosters both academic achievement and personal growth. With a student body of approximately 400 young learners aged 4 to 18, the school maintains an intimate atmosphere where the average class size is just 12, ensuring personalized attention and strong student-teacher connections. A dedicated faculty-to-student ratio of 7:1 facilitates active engagement, meaningful feedback, and a supportive community culture.
Traditions rooted in Commonwealth educational values enrich the school experience, featuring formal roles for senior students, designated houses fostering camaraderie, and a proud uniform policy that cultivates a sense of belonging and discipline. The school’s vibrant campus life includes various cultural, leadership, and extracurricular activities designed to empower students to develop confidence, collaboration skills, and a global mindset.
📚 Academic Excellence and Curriculum
This IB World School is renowned for its comprehensive International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum, being the first in North America validated to deliver all three IB programs: the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for early learners aged 3–12, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students 11–16, and the Diploma Programme (DP) for senior students preparing for post-secondary education. This holistic curriculum structure sharpens critical thinking, inquiry-based learning, and interdisciplinary understanding, equipping students to excel locally and internationally.
The school consistently exceeds Ontario Ministry of Education standards while embedding global perspectives and innovative teaching methodologies. Students benefit from enriched academic experiences through outdoor learning excursions, guest lecturers, and tailored co-curricular offerings that connect classroom knowledge with real-world applications. Strong language programs emphasize bilingual fluency, with certifications available for proficiency in both English and French, alongside opportunities to study Spanish, Latin, and Mandarin.
💡 Innovative Technology Integration
Demonstrating leadership in educational technology, the school was an early adopter of a one-to-one laptop program in its senior grades. Every student in Grades 9 through 12, along with faculty members, is equipped with personal devices to enhance digital learning, research, and collaboration. Classrooms are often equipped with SMART Boards, fostering interactive lessons and dynamic presentations. Younger students utilize well-resourced computer labs to build foundational digital literacy, preparing them to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven academic and professional landscape.
⚽ Athletics and Extracurricular Activities
A broad spectrum of competitive and recreational sports encourages physical health, teamwork, and leadership. Students can participate in alpine skiing, badminton, basketball, cross-country, field hockey, golf, handball, rowing, rugby, soccer, snowboarding, swimming, tennis, touch football, track and field, ultimate frisbee, and volleyball. The school’s athletic program promotes not only physical development but also resilience, strategic thinking, and school spirit.
Beyond athletics, students engage in rich co-curricular programs that span arts, leadership, community service, and global citizenship, ensuring a well-rounded education that extends beyond academics and fosters personal excellence.
🌐 Global Connections and Alumni Success
Commitment to international collaboration and cultural exchange is reflected in partnerships with sister schools across three continents, including institutions in Lesotho, Australia, and New Zealand. These relationships nurture global awareness and open doors to cross-cultural learning experiences, even if student exchanges occur infrequently.
Graduates of the school enjoy a strong track record of acceptance into prestigious universities both within Canada and internationally, including institutions in the United States and the United Kingdom. Each year, more than 80% of alumni earn significant scholarships, highlighting the school’s effectiveness in preparing students for competitive post-secondary opportunities. Notable scholarships awarded to past students include those from Carleton University, McGill University, University of Ottawa, Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation, and St. Lawrence University. The school’s dedication to academic rigor and personal development consistently results in high achievement levels, with entire graduating classes earning Ontario Scholar status.
🎓 Leadership and Vision
Under the leadership of Head of School James Whitehouse since 2019, the faculty draws on decades of international and diverse educational experience to cultivate an environment where students become moral, informed, and critical thinkers. The school’s emphasis on quality standards in girls’ education fosters resilience, intellectual curiosity, and ethical citizenship, empowering students to become leaders both locally and globally.
🔑 Summary
Combining the rigor of the International Baccalaureate curriculum with personalized attention, innovative technology, and a rich tradition of excellence, this Ottawa-based girls’ school stands out as a premier institution for academic and personal development. Its multicultural, bilingual environment, broad athletic and extracurricular offerings, and strong global partnerships equip students with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in today’s interconnected world. Graduates leave well-prepared to pursue higher education and meaningful careers, supported by a legacy of scholarship success and lifelong community belonging.
