By
Nick Labrosse
Do you know that 84% of Canadian parents want to check out the schools in the neighbourhood before they decide to buy or rent a house? It’s also observed that the cost of homes near better-performing schools is 20% to 36% higher than properties further away. If you’re one of those people who prioritise purchasing a home in proximity to a quality high school, then this updated guide is for you.
Our real estate experts have conducted comprehensive research to find the best high schools in Ottawa using the latest Fraser Institute Report Card on Ontario’s Secondary Schools 2024, which now evaluates 746 schools (up from 739 in 2023) based on eight academic indicators derived from province-wide test results.
Important Information About These Rankings:
These best public high schools in Ottawa, Canada, that have made it to our list are free of cost. It’s important to note that high Fraser Institute scores or rankings aren’t the only criteria for choosing schools for this list. Some schools excel in Catholic education, others are renowned for their IB programmes, and some offer exceptional trades programmes.
Depending on your unique situation and preferences, you can choose a school that suits your family and look for a house in the neighbourhood.
Fraser Ranking: 9.1 (Rank #4 in Ontario, #1 in Ottawa)
Address: 2381 Ogilvie Road, Ottawa, ON K1J 7N4
Phone: 613-745-9411
Principal: Trevor Grills
Enrolment: 1,090 (2023-2024)
Attendance Boundary: English & Immersion Grades 9-12 | IB Programme Boundary
If your child wants to enroll in an IB program, this school is one of the best schools in Ottawa area. It is located in Gloucester and belongs to the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. The school is one of the two English public schools in Ottawa to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. IB program is a two-year rigorous pre-university course that provides an internationally accepted education for entry into higher education.
More than 75% of the high school students in the school are enrolled in the IB Program. The school also offers the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) in Arts and Culture: Digital Media.
Fraser Ranking: 8.8 (Rank #12 in Ontario, historically #1 in Ottawa)
Address: 29 Lisgar Street, Ottawa, ON K2P 0B9
Phone: 613-239-2696
Email: lisgarci@ocdsb.ca
Principal: Current Administration Team
Enrolment: 950 students
Attendance Boundary: English & Immersion Grades 9-12
Lisgar Collegiate Institute, established in 1843, stands as Ottawa’s oldest and most prestigious secondary school. Located in downtown Ottawa by the Rideau Canal, this Gothic Revival limestone building has maintained a 178-year tradition of academic excellence. Situated near Parliament Hill, Lisgar serves students from Sandy Hill, New Edinburgh, Centretown, and Rockcliffe Park, though many students transfer due to its sterling reputation.
Fraser Ranking: 8.4 (Improved from 8.2)
Address: 574 Broadview Avenue, Ottawa, ON K2A 3V8
Phone: 613-722-6551
Email: nepeanhs@ocdsb.ca
Principal: Tracy Shapiro
Vice-Principals: Janice Isaac, Balazs Fazakas
Enrolment: 1,240 (2023-2024)
Attendance Boundary: English & Immersion Grades 9-12
Nepean High School, established in 1922, has built a remarkable 100+ year legacy of educational excellence in Ottawa’s Westboro neighbourhood. Known for maintaining an ideal balance between rigorous academics and comprehensive co-curricular activities, NHS boasts that 94% of graduates pursue higher education, with 53% achieving Ontario Scholar status.
Fraser Ranking: 8.1 (Maintained position)
Address: 900 Canterbury Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1G 3A7
Phone: 613-731-1191
Email: canterburyhs@ocdsb.ca
Principal: Current Administration Team
Enrolment: 1,140 (2023-2024)
Attendance Boundary: General Programme Catchment Area (Arts Programme: City-wide audition-based admission)
Canterbury High School stands as Canada’s #1 arts high school according to Maclean’s Magazine, offering both a comprehensive academic programme and the prestigious Arts Canterbury Programme established in 1983. Located in Ottawa’s southeast sector, this 55-year-old institution serves over 1,100 students through a unique combination of neighbourhood academic programming and specialised arts education that draws talented students from across the Ottawa-Gatineau region.
Fraser Ranking: 7.7 (Rank #95)
Address: 212 Glebe Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 2C9
Phone: 613-239-2424
Email: glebeci@ocdsb.ca
Principal: Robin Small
Enrolment: 1,452 students
Attendance Boundary: Contact OCDSB for current boundary information
If your child is passionate about sports or athletics, Glebe Collegiate Institute is one of the best high schools in Ottawa. The school offers 35 intramural and interscholastic sports and was named “Sports School of the Year” four times over the last six years. Beyond athletics, Glebe maintains strong academic standing and offers one of the best music programmes in the city.
Ottawa is known for several outstanding Catholic schools managed under Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) These schools participate in the mission of the Church, integrating religious education as a core subject in their curriculum. Two of the best Catholic high schools in Ottawa that made it to our list are Immaculata High School and Notre Dame High School.
Fraser Ranking: 7.4 (Rank #149)
Address: 140 Main Street, Ottawa, ON K1S 5P4
Phone: 613-237-2001
Email: Immaculata.High@ocsb.ca
Principal: Current Administration Team
Enrolment: 985 students
Grades: 7-12
Religious Affiliation: Catholic
Attendance Boundary: Contact Ottawa Catholic School Board
Immaculata High School is committed to providing state-of-the-art Catholic education with a focus on building character alongside academic excellence. The school integrates religious education as a core component of its curriculum and provides a faith-based learning environment for students in Grades 7-12.
Fraser Ranking: 5.4 (Rank #403)
Address: 710 Broadview Avenue, Ottawa, ON K2A 2M2
Phone: 613-722-6565
Email: NotreDame.High@ocsb.ca
Principal: Current Administration Team
Enrolment: 1,500 students
Grades: 7-12
Religious Affiliation: Catholic
Attendance Boundary: Contact Ottawa Catholic School Board
Notre Dame High School places strong emphasis on the social, emotional, and spiritual well-being of students, integrating these values into school life and curriculum. Known for its Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Programme and SHSM programme, the school serves a diverse community with inclusive Catholic education.
Fraser Ranking: 6.1 (Rank #406)
Address: 824 Brookfield Road, Ottawa, ON K1V 6J3
Phone: 613-733-0610
Email: brookfieldhs@ocdsb.ca
Principal: Tracy Shapiro
Enrolment: 504 students
Grades: 9-12
Attendance Boundary: Contact OCDSB for boundary information
Brookfield High School is one of the few schools in Ottawa that offers Arabic and Spanish lessons, ESL programmes, as well as French immersion. The school stands out for its specialty courses in design technology, communications systems, diet and health, and various special education subjects.
Fraser Ranking: 5.8 (Rank #457/739)
Address: 1900 Dauphin Road, Ottawa, ON K1G 2L7
Phone: 613-733-1755
Email: hillcresths@ocdsb.ca
Principal: Current Administration Team
Enrolment: 493 students
Grades: 9-12
Attendance Boundary: Contact OCDSB for boundary information
Hillcrest High School welcomes students from diverse ethnic backgrounds, including Black, Arab, Indian, and Somali communities. The school offers full French immersion programmes and a wide variety of courses in technological studies, computer information, and artistic and athletic programming, providing excellent educational experiences in a multicultural environment.
Fraser Ranking: Not rated (Due to specialised focus)
Address: 55 Centrepointe Drive, Nepean, ON K2G 6B1
Phone: 613-723-5136
Principal: Current Administration Team
Enrolment: 400 students
Grades: 9-12
Attendance Boundary: Contact OCDSB for boundary information
Sir Guy Carleton Secondary School is renowned for its outstanding special education programmes and trades programmes. Despite not having a Fraser score due to its specialised focus, the school excels in preparing students for skilled trades and technological careers through comprehensive hands-on learning experiences.
While Fraser Institute rankings provide valuable academic performance indicators, consider factors such as:
Some schools require:
The Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (OSTA) provides:
Choose the best high school from the list mentioned above and consider purchasing a home in the neighbourhood to ensure your child receives the education that best matches their interests, abilities, and future goals.
Read More About Nick
A school is the foundation of knowledge. The education provided to your children in schools paves the way for a progressive society. The above-mentioned top 10 schools in Ottawa are free of cost for your children, providing not only quality education but also encouraging participation in extracurricular activities and programmes.
High school programmes in Ottawa typically serve Grades 9-12. Some schools, particularly Catholic institutions like Immaculata and Notre Dame, also include Grades 7-8 as middle school years.
Yes, public high schools in Ottawa are free of cost. Your child receives quality education along with access to facilities and activities at no charge. Some optional programmes or activities may have associated fees.
Canterbury High School is one of the largest public schools in Ottawa, serving over 1,140 students. Located on Canterbury Avenue, the school is renowned for its Arts Programme.
West Carleton Secondary School is located in Dunrobin under the jurisdiction of the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board.
Earl of March Secondary School has approximately 1,185 students and is located in Kanata.
John McCrae Secondary School is attached to Walter Baker Sports Centre. It’s a public secondary school in the Nepean district of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, supporting Grades 9-12.
Yes, one of the best private high schools in Ottawa offering Catholic education is Saints High School (also known as St. Augustine High School).
Applications for specialised programmes typically open in November-December. Contact schools directly for specific requirements, audition processes, and deadlines. The OCDSB website provides detailed information about application procedures.
Yes, through the Ottawa International Student Programme and OCENET. International students pay tuition fees and must meet specific admission requirements.
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Ottawa, ON, K4A 3W3
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