Located in the vibrant Lansdowne Park area of Ottawa, the school offers a dynamic urban setting that encourages students to engage with their community while benefiting from a focused and supportive learning environment. Since relocating here in 2015 to meet the region’s demand for a dedicated Montessori high school program, the campus continues to foster a spirit of collaboration and independence. The school’s close-knit community promotes authentic connections among students, faculty, and families, emphasizing shared values of curiosity, innovation, and lifelong learning.
📚 Academic Excellence and Curriculum
With a curriculum rooted in Montessori principles, this high school emphasizes academic curiosity and rigor, nurturing students’ intellectual growth through authentic and meaningful learning experiences. The program integrates hands-on activities and project-based learning, preparing adolescents not only for academic success but for real-life challenges beyond the classroom. Students explore a range of disciplines including humanities, sciences, and the arts, supported by an interdisciplinary approach that encourages critical thinking and creativity.
Central to the curriculum is the cultivation of self-directed learning, empowering students to take ownership of their education while developing strong organizational and problem-solving skills. Faculty members serve as guides and mentors, creating a prepared environment where adolescents can experience “flow” — deep, focused engagement in their studies and projects, fully aligned with their individual interests and strengths.
💡 Unique Programs and Experiences
An integral part of the school’s educational philosophy is the Urban Adventure Trip, a student-led overnight excursion outside Ottawa early in the school year. This innovative program combines community building with practical lessons in teamwork, budgeting, and real-world planning. Students are tasked with designing every aspect of the trip—transportation, meals, activities—while rigorously meeting curriculum goals. This immersive experience fosters leadership, responsibility, and creative problem-solving in a supportive setting.
The school also offers an enriching Business and Entrepreneurship program, where students collaborate to launch small ventures, such as baking and selling goods. This hands-on activity teaches essential skills in economics, production, and teamwork, all while fostering self-reliance and independence, vital for adolescent development.
Another signature initiative is the Cooking Program, which encourages students to engage with nutrition through preparing whole, scratch-made meals. Inspired by wilderness experiences where trying new foods is essential, the program challenges students to embrace diverse tastes and healthy habits. Beginning with side dishes and advancing to full meal preparation, this hands-on learning is enriched by food handling workshops and nutritional guidance, nurturing a holistic awareness of wellness.
🎨 Sports, Arts, and Extracurricular Activities
Students benefit from a rich variety of extracurricular offerings that promote physical health, artistic expression, and personal growth. Athletic options include tennis, volleyball, skiing, swimming, golf, soccer, basketball, skating, and dance—catering to a wide range of interests and skill levels. Participation in sports fosters teamwork, resilience, and a balanced lifestyle.
On the arts front, the school provides comprehensive programs in music, visual arts, dance, media arts, and drama. These creative outlets are essential for developing self-expression and innovative thinking, complementing the school’s academic rigor with opportunities for emotional and social development.
🌟 Leadership and Educational Philosophy
Guided by experienced leadership, the school is under the direction of Sarah Wheeler with Carrie Whalen as Head of School. Their vision emphasizes education as preparation for life, weaving core values such as academic curiosity, authentic learning, and innovation into every aspect of the student experience. The team is committed to helping adolescents develop into confident, self-motivated learners who are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of the modern world.
✅ Summary: Nurturing Independent, Engaged Learners
Blending Montessori principles with a forward-thinking academic approach, this Ottawa-based high school stands out for its unique combination of rigorous academics, experiential learning, and strong community ties. From student-led trips and entrepreneurial initiatives to comprehensive arts and sports programs, the school cultivates adaptability, innovation, and personal responsibility. Adolescents are encouraged to explore their passions deeply, develop practical skills, and grow into resilient, engaged citizens ready to contribute thoughtfully to society.
