As Canada’s capital and a center of political and cultural convergence, Ottawa is also recognized for its diverse and high-performing secondary education system. Beyond government offices and international diplomacy, the city’s public and Catholic schools have become vital contributors to civic development, economic opportunity, and intellectual growth. In particular, a group of high schools consistently achieves strong academic results, meaningful extracurricular participation, and high rankings on evaluative measures like the Fraser Institute’s annual school report card.
This article presents an overview of ten Ottawa high schools widely regarded for their quality. Through a lens that considers geography, school governance, curriculum design, and community context, it explores the elements that influence performance. Each profile considers how leadership, academic innovation, and community engagement help sustain these schools’ achievements, including their outcomes on provincial assessments.
Table of Contents:
- Nepean High School
- Canterbury High School
- Lisgar Collegiate Institute
- École Secondaire Catholique Paul-Desmarais
- Glebe Collegiate Institute
- St. Paul High School
- De La Salle Public High School
- Collège Catholique Samuel-Genest
- Cairine Wilson Secondary School
- St. Pius X High School
1. Nepean High School
Located in Westboro and operated by the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB), Nepean High School offers Advanced Placement (AP) programming and a wide range of extracurricular activities. The school was established in 1922 and has since become a long-standing institution in Ottawa’s public education landscape.
Westboro is a middle- to upper-income neighborhood characterized by a high proportion of university-educated residents and professionals. The school serves this catchment area and has historically maintained a strong academic record.
2. Canterbury High School
Canterbury High School, founded in 1969 and located in the Alta Vista area, functions as the OCDSB’s specialized arts high school. Admission to its arts programs in dance, music, drama, literary arts, and visual arts is based on portfolio or audition.
The school draws students from across the city and serves a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds. Its programming combines intensive arts training with standard academic coursework, and the school maintains a citywide reputation for artistic and academic engagement.
3. Lisgar Collegiate Institute
Lisgar Collegiate Institute was established in 1843 and is located near Ottawa’s downtown core. It is one of the oldest public high schools in the city and offers an enriched curriculum, including Advanced Placement courses.
The school is situated in a central, urban environment and serves students from various socio-economic backgrounds. Its academic reputation is supported by long-standing traditions, competitive extracurriculars, and a strong emphasis on core subjects like mathematics, science, and humanities.
4. École Secondaire Catholique Paul-Desmarais
École Secondaire Catholique Paul-Desmarais opened in 2015 and is located in Stittsville. It is part of the Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est (CECCE) and offers French-language Catholic education with an emphasis on technology integration and leadership development.
The school serves a growing suburban population, primarily from middle-income families. As a newer institution, it features modern facilities and continues to expand its enrollment base as the surrounding community develops.
5. Glebe Collegiate Institute
Glebe Collegiate Institute is located in the Glebe neighborhood and was established in 1922. The school is part of the OCDSB and offers programs including French Immersion, English as a Second Language (ESL), music, and a variety of clubs and activities.
The Glebe neighborhood is socio-economically diverse and includes a mix of residential housing, commercial zones, and government offices. The school draws from this varied demographic and provides a comprehensive education to a wide range of students.
6. St. Paul High School
St. Paul High School, operated by the Ottawa Catholic School Board, serves the city’s west end. The school offers a combination of academic programming, Catholic spiritual education, and community service opportunities. It includes Advanced Placement courses and various extracurricular programs.
Established in 1978, St. Paul High School serves neighborhoods with mixed socio-economic profiles and provides support for students with diverse educational needs.
7. De La Salle Public High School
De La Salle Public High School is located in Lowertown and is part of the French-language public board (Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario). It offers both general academic programming and specialized arts training through its Centre d’excellence artistique de l’Ontario.
The school was established in 1971 as a public institution and admits students from across Ottawa. Lowertown is an economically mixed area with a high percentage of new Canadians, and the school reflects this diversity.
8. Collège Catholique Samuel-Genest
Collège Catholique Samuel-Genest is located in Carson Grove and is part of the CECCE. It offers French-language Catholic education and is recognized for its science, health, and technology programs. Uniforms are required, and the school emphasizes structure and discipline.
The school was founded in 1979 and serves students from neighborhoods throughout the city, including both middle-income and working-class communities.
9. Cairine Wilson Secondary School
Cairine Wilson Secondary School, founded in 1975, is located in Orleans and belongs to the OCDSB. It offers French Immersion, co-operative education, and Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programs in various sectors.
The school serves a largely suburban population, drawing students from a stable, middle-income demographic. It is known for its focus on student well-being and career readiness.
10. St. Pius X High School
St. Pius X High School is located near the intersection of Fisher Avenue and Baseline Road and is part of the Ottawa Catholic School Board. It offers university preparation courses, technical programs, and Catholic religious education.
The school opened in 1958 and serves a mix of students from central and western parts of Ottawa. Its catchment includes a range of income levels, and the school supports academic pathways for both post-secondary and skilled trades destinations.
Conclusion
Ottawa’s top-performing high schools reflect the city’s geographic diversity, institutional variety, and educational strengths. Whether emphasizing the arts, sciences, faith, or technical education, these schools provide a range of pathways that meet the needs of a broad student population.
Their performance on evaluations such as the Fraser Institute’s school rankings points to consistent delivery of curriculum, staff dedication, and strong school cultures. For families and educators, these profiles highlight the structural elements and community contexts that shape educational outcomes in one of Canada’s most dynamic urban settings.
