Located in Ottawa and governed by the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB), Glebe Collegiate Institute stands out as one of the city’s largest and most dynamic secondary schools. Known for its vibrant community and rich history, this school offers an exceptional blend of academic excellence, cultural diversity, and extracurricular opportunities that nurture well-rounded student development.
📚 Academic Excellence and Programs
Serving students from grades 9 to 12, the school provides a comprehensive range of programs designed to meet diverse learning needs and interests. These include regular English courses, English as a Second Language (ESL), Extended French, French Immersion, and Gifted French Immersion programs. The school also offers an international language option in Spanish, enhancing global communication skills.
Specialized academic pathways include Co-operative Education, Bio-genetics, and a Technology Program featuring Communications and Design as well as Computer Engineering. Students can also take advantage of unique initiatives like the Non-Profit Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM), Credit Rescue and Credit Recovery programs, and various Student Success supports.
The school’s Language Program equips graduates with the ability to confidently engage with native speakers, foster continuous language improvement, and appreciate cultural diversity worldwide. This reflects a strong commitment to developing global citizens who value language acquisition as a vital skill.
🎨 Arts and Music Programs
The school boasts one of Ottawa’s finest music programs, renowned for its innovative and award-winning percussion ensemble, Offbeat, which creatively utilizes unconventional instruments such as trash cans, brooms, and water barrels. Glebe’s performing arts department enriches the community with exceptional drama and music productions, including improv teams that have twice reached the Canadian Improv Games National Finals.
Additionally, the vibrant Visual Arts, Drama, and Music programs (including Band, Vocal, Percussion, and Keyboard) offer students numerous opportunities for creative expression and skill development. The music department’s thriving international presence further emphasizes its reputation, with student ambassadors receiving accolades abroad for their outstanding teamwork and musicianship.
⚽ Clubs, Athletics, and Extracurricular Activities
With over 35 intramural and interscholastic sports, Glebe is frequently recognized as a leader in athletics, having been named “Sports School of the Year” multiple times in recent years. The school’s robotics team competes internationally in the US FIRST Robotics Competition and proudly secured the SKILLS Canada STEM & Controls championship in 2015.
Students can engage in an impressive variety of clubs and activities including camera, chess, ping-pong, Key Club, Amnesty International, anime, debating, international friendship, junior achievement, OSAID, and rowing. The environmental club is active in sustainability projects, earning prestigious awards for their community impact.
This lively array of extracurriculars supports a balanced and engaging student life, fostering leadership, collaboration, and personal growth inside and outside the classroom.
🏫 Facilities and Resources
Blending early 20th-century architectural charm with modern amenities, the campus has undergone extensive renovations, particularly within its science laboratories, making them some of the most advanced in the district. Noteworthy features include an underground swimming pool, a spacious auditorium with balcony seating, and a unique subbasement dedicated entirely to orchestral music practice and storage.
A small rooftop greenhouse offers a rare, hands-on learning environment for science enthusiasts. Technology access is robust, with Wi-Fi coverage throughout the building and multiple computer labs available to support both students and faculty. While the school maintains its historical aesthetic, ongoing efforts continue to enhance comfort and functionality.
🌟 Notable Alumni
The school’s alumni network includes many influential figures across various fields. Highlights include seven-time Grammy-winning singer Alanis Morissette, Hall of Fame hockey players Bill Cowley and Syd Howe, acclaimed concert pianist Angela Hewitt, respected author Brian Doyle, and prominent CBC news anchor Peter Mansbridge. Other distinguished graduates have made their mark in politics, literature, music, film, and sports, demonstrating the school’s broad impact on Canadian society.
💡 Study Tips for Success
Building effective study habits is essential for academic achievement. Celebrating small milestones through rewards can maintain motivation and encourage consistent effort. Actively engaging with material by asking reflective questions before, during, and after study sessions enhances understanding and retention.
Key questions to consider include: What am I about to learn? How does this fit within a larger context? Am I able to paraphrase and identify important concepts? What should I review next? Developing this mindful approach empowers students to maximize their learning potential.
In summary, this secondary institution in Ottawa offers a robust and diverse educational experience that balances strong academics, vibrant arts, competitive athletics, and comprehensive extracurricular activities. Its commitment to fostering curious, engaged, and culturally aware students makes it a highly respected choice for families seeking excellence in secondary education.
