Compare 5 international schools in Ottawa, Canada. Filter by curriculum, fees (average CAD 18,430), location, and more to find the right international school now.
International schools in Ottawa sit alongside a robust public and French-language system, so families can choose from International Baccalaureate programmes, Ontario-curriculum independent schools and French or bilingual pathways depending on the school. Several independent schools in the city are authorised to teach one or more IB programmes, while the Ottawa public boards run French-immersion streams and host IB at the secondary level. Annual fees vary widely: smaller independent and bilingual day schools commonly sit in the mid-teens of thousands of Canadian dollars per year, while long-established independent day or boarding options can reach around C$40,000 and above; public-board international-student tuition is charged separately on a semester basis. Admissions to independent schools typically follow an autumn/winter calendar for September entry, whereas public-board and international-student enrolment follows board-specific deadlines, so relocating families should allow several weeks to a few months for applications, deposits and study-permit arrangements.
What different curricula will my child find in Ottawa’s international-school sector?
You will commonly see the International Baccalaureate (PYP, MYP, DP) offered at independent and some public secondary schools, the Ontario curriculum used by local independent schools, and the French national curriculum at a dedicated French international school. Schools may combine curricula with bilingual programmes or immersion streams, so check whether a school’s programme is authorised (for example, IB authorisation) or follows the Ontario or French diploma pathway.
How much should we budget for school fees?
Tuition in Ottawa’s private and international sector varies a great deal; many day schools charge in the mid-teens of thousands of Canadian dollars per year, while some independent day or boarding schools list headline tuition around C$40,000 or more. Public boards also charge separate tuition for international students, usually billed by semester, which is substantially lower than most independent school full-year fees.
When should we apply if we’re relocating and want September entry?
Independent schools commonly open applications in the autumn with many deadlines in November - December and decisions issued through the winter for September entry; when offers arrive families are normally asked to confirm with a deposit within days or weeks. Public-board enrolment and international-student applications follow the board’s published calendar and can require separate arrival paperwork, so start both school and study-permit steps at least two to three months before your planned move.
Are there French-language and bilingual options in Ottawa?
Yes - Ottawa has extensive French-immersion and bilingual programmes in the public boards and at least one full French international school that follows the French national curriculum, so families can find both partial and fully French pathways. If bilingual education is important, check how much of the school day is taught in French versus English and whether the school awards a French-immersion certificate or a French baccalauréat.
What should relocating parents look for when comparing international schools?
Focus on curriculum fit (what diploma or programme your child needs), language of instruction and transition supports (ESL/ELL or French support), school location and transport, and the admissions and fee schedules including deposits and refund policies. Also ask about newcomer orientation, student welfare and how the school supports study-permit and guardian requirements if you are coming from abroad; these practical details often determine how smoothly the move goes.
