Nestled atop a scenic hill in Ottawa’s historic Barrhaven neighbourhood, this secondary school offers a vibrant environment for students in grades 9 through 12. The campus blends modern educational facilities with access to nearby community resources, fostering an inclusive atmosphere that supports academic growth and extracurricular engagement. Students benefit from proximity to the Walter Baker sports fields and the local public library, providing additional spaces for study, athletics, and recreation outside the classroom.
Named in honour of Lieutenant Colonel John Alexander McCrae, a distinguished Canadian physician and poet famed for authoring the war memorial poem "In Flanders Fields," the school carries a legacy of honour, dedication, and creative expression. This connection permeates the culture and spirit of the school community, inspiring students to pursue excellence in diverse fields.
📚 Academics and Specialized Programs
Dedicated to fostering both academic and personal success, the school offers comprehensive programming designed to meet the needs of a diverse student body. Advanced degree and enrichment programs are available, catering to motivated learners seeking challenging curricula that prepare them for post-secondary education and competitive career paths.
Students enjoy unique access to specialized athletic development through the school’s leadership role as the hub for the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board’s High-Performance Athlete Centre. This program integrates rigorous academic studies with tailored physical education, sport-specific training, and performance analysis.
Alongside core courses, physical education emphasizes personal development through a broad array of disciplines not commonly found in high schools, including aquatics, hockey, squash, and comprehensive fitness training. These offerings nurture well-rounded student-athletes and promote lifelong healthy lifestyles.
🎭 Arts and Creative Expression
The school embraces the arts as a vital component of holistic education, featuring dedicated programs in dance, drama, music, and visual arts. Students interested in theatrical arts begin with an introductory course designed to cultivate self-awareness and creativity through exploration of various dramatic forms such as Tableau and Chorus.
This curriculum guides learners through creating authentic characters and delivering engaging performances, progressing from small group exercises to larger ensemble presentations. The collaborative nature of these projects cultivates confidence, teamwork, and public speaking skills. Past theatrical productions have highlighted diverse genres and styles, enriching the cultural fabric of the school community.
🏅 Athletics and Extracurricular Opportunities
A thriving sports program offers a variety of competitive and recreational activities designed to engage students with varying interests and skill levels. Athletics teams include touch football, varsity girls rugby, tennis, field hockey, golf, curling, baseball, water polo, track and field, field lacrosse, swimming, and badminton.
These diverse options encourage participation, teamwork, and physical fitness, reinforcing the school’s commitment to developing both the mind and body. Supportive coaching and excellent facilities create an environment where student-athletes can excel and balance their academic and athletic pursuits effectively.
💡 Summary and Distinctive Strengths
Combining a rich historical legacy with a forward-thinking approach to education, this secondary school in Ottawa’s Barrhaven community stands out for its blend of academic rigor, artistic depth, and athletic excellence. Students benefit from personalized learning opportunities, advanced programming, and unique access to high-performance sport resources, all within a supportive and dynamic campus environment.
Whether pursuing creative arts, competitive sports, or challenging academics, learners find numerous pathways to develop their talents and prepare for future success. The school’s commitment to fostering confidence, creativity, and well-rounded growth shapes graduates ready to contribute meaningfully to their communities and beyond.
