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In Ottawa, schools go beyond the standard Ontario curriculum to offer a wide range of specialized programs designed to support different learning styles, talents, and future goals. These programs not only enrich students' educational experience but also reflect each school's unique values and focus areas — whether academic excellence, hands-on learning, or the development of artistic or athletic talents.

So, when choosing a school, parents should look beyond just rankings and commute time. It's just as important to find a school that offers programs aligned with your child's interests, strengths, and personal growth path — a place where they'll not only learn, but thrive.

International Baccalaureate (IB): A Global Standard

Some Ottawa schools — both English and French — offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program, a prestigious, globally recognized academic framework. The IB program consists of four levels:

a. PYP (Primary Years Program)

b. MYP (Middle Years Program)

c. DP (Diploma Program)

d. CP (Career-related Program)

Each level builds upon the previous one, providing a comprehensive education framework.

Advanced Placement (AP): Get Ahead in High School

Another popular option is Advanced Placement (AP), a program developed by the College Board in the United States. It allows high school students to take college-level courses and exams in over 40 subjects — including Calculus, Physics, Biology, History, Economics, Art, and more.

Students who score well can earn university credits in advance, potentially reducing their course load later. Each school offers a different number and variety of AP subjects based on their capacity and student interest. Parents can check a school's website or contact the office to learn more about their specific AP offerings.

STEM Education: Science, Tech, Engineering & Math in Action

Many Ottawa schools are also committed to strengthening STEM education, integrating science, technology, engineering, and math into real-world learning. Through programs like robotics, coding, lab science, and design challenges, students develop logical thinking, creativity, and hands-on problem-solving skills.

Some notable competitions include:

a. The CEMC Math Competition (by the University of Waterloo)

b. The Canadian Computing Competition (CCC)

c. The Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF)

These competitions can provide valuable experience and recognition for students.

Arts & Athletics: For Talented Creatives and Future Champions

Arts and sports are another vital part of education in many Ottawa schools. Some schools offer special admissions or programs tailored to students with specific talents.

a. John McCrae Secondary School has a High Performance Athlete Program that helps elite athletes balance training and academics through personalized scheduling and online coursework.

b. Canterbury High School is known for its Fine Arts Program, which provides in-depth study opportunities in dance, drama, literary arts, music, and visual arts.

These programs offer specialized training and support for students with exceptional talents.

Beyond these signature programs, many schools offer a wide range of extracurricular options like choir, band, dance, and theater, as well as highly competitive school teams in hockey, rugby, soccer, basketball, track and field, and more. These programs give students with different passions and strengths a chance to shine and build confidence through performance and teamwork.

Choosing the Right Fit

The variety and quality of specialized programs in Ottawa's schools are a key indicator of the city's strong educational ecosystem. As a parent, learning about a school's offerings — and understanding the application requirements and entry pathways — can help you make a smart, personalized choice for your child.

Think beyond the classroom: the right program can become the key that unlocks your child's future.