Written by Rachel Hopper
Ottawa is an amazing city with lots to offer a young family. From tons of employment opportunities, a vibrant arts and culture scene and plenty of parks and natural amenities, there are endless opportunities for you and your family to thrive. If you already live here or are looking at calling Ottawa home in the future, it is certainly beneficial to check out the city’s top schools before purchasing a new property.
Our team has compiled a list of the highest ranked public elementary schools in the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, as well as detail on their catchment. We understand the best education for your children is of the utmost importance. Our team is here to help you set them on the right path towards stellar education and success for years to come.
#4- Hopewell Avenue Public School
Fraser Institute Rating: 8/10
Neighbourhood: Old Ottawa South
Nestled between the Rideau River and Rideau canal, Old Ottawa South has a close proximity to urban life with a small town feel. Famous for historic brick homes, parks, shops and more, this neighbourhood is perfect for the urbanite who likes to stay grounded through nature.
Hopewell Avenue Public School began as a community school in the 1800s as a one-room log building. Over the past 200 years, the school has now been expanded and updated to accommodate over 850 students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8.
Academic Programs
50/50 English/French two year kindergarten program
Grade 1-8 Regular English Program
Grade 1-8 Early French Immersion Program
Grade 4-8 Middle French Immersion Program
Behaviour Intervention Program
Facilities & Resources
Library Resource Centre
Computer technology in each classroom
One computer lab
Three gyms and an exercise room
Music room with practice rooms
Music writing studio equipped with technology
Two science labs
Glebe Parents’ Day Care on site
Catchment Map
Average Home Prices within Catchment
Av. Detached
Sold Price - $1,229,105
4 bed 3 bath
Sold in 12 days
Av. Semi-Detached
Sold Price - $1,042,875
3 bed 2 bath
Sold in 24 days
Av. Condo
Sold Price $1,194,063
(High average due to several luxury sales; there are more affordable options in a much lower price range)
2 bed 2 bath
Sold in 65 days
#3- Rockliffe Park Public School
Fraser Institute Rating: 8.2/10
Neighbourhood: Rockliffe Park
Known as one of the most historic residential neighbourhoods in Ottawa, Rockcliffe Park is the perfect place to raise a family. Here you will find beautiful character homes, luscious parks, outdoor and indoor recreation, restaurants and shops all within walking distance. Despite the quiet and charming lifestyle in Rockliffe Park, it is conveniently only a short distance from downtown and also home to a number of embassies and diplomatic families from all over the globe.
Rockliffe Park Public School opened its doors in 1941, and is named after its adjacent neighbourhood, rich in history, character and charm. The school is a JK-6 dual track school that accommodates 435 students, representing over 20 countries and languages, with three quarters of students enrolled in the French immersion program. Students are encouraged to strive for academic excellence, physical fitness, an appreciation for the arts and a respect for the environment. RPPS provides a learning environment where dedicated staff, parents and the community work together to develop responsible, productive citizens of the world.
Academic Programs
Kindergarten (JK/SK) - 50% English and 50% French instruction
Regular English with Core French – Grade 1 to Grade 6
Early French Immersion – Grade 1 to Grade 6
Regular English students - Core French instruction 200 minutes per week
Early French Immersion - Grade 1 receives 300 minutes of English Math instruction per week
Early French Immersion – Grades 2-3 receive 600 minutes of English per week (Language Arts & Math)
Early French Immersion – Grade 4-6 receive 600 minutes of English per week (Language Arts & Math
Facilities & Resources
Wheelchair Access
A library/resource center
Computer technology in every class
Two gyms
A soccer pitch and running track
A primary play structure
A fenced in Kindergarten yard and play structure
Catchment Map
Average Home Prices within Catchment
Av. Detached
Sold Price - $1,552,668
4 bed 3 bath
Sold in 32 days
Av. Semi-Detached
Sold Price - $882,125
3 bed 3 bath
Sold in 23 days
Av. Condo
Sold Price $649,487
2 bed 2 bath
Sold in 15 days
#2- Devonshire Community Public School
Fraser Institute Rating: 8.3/10
Neighbourhood: Hintonburg
One of the oldest neighbourhoods in Ottawa, Hintonburg is rich with history and culture. Considered Ottawa’s Art District, this community is lively, tight-knit and speckled with endless local businesses and attractions. Walking distance to both Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway & Westboro Beach, your family will never run out of places to explore.
Devonshire Community Public School is a single stream Early French Immersion School with the mission to provide each child with the opportunity to achieve his or her potential and become fluent in a second language. The school highly values the notions of family and community and its relatively small size helps children feel a warm welcome. The school is home to 418 students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6.
Academic Programs
Single‐track Early French Immersion
JK‐Regular English Program
SK to Grade 6 ‐ Early French Immersion
SK and Grade 1 ‐ 100% French programs
Clubs & Activities
Skating
Soccer and volleyball teams
Yoga
Guitar Lessons
Cross‐country running/track and field teams
Spirit days
School concerts/plays
Milk program/Pizza program
Ski Club
Knitting Club
Bilingual choir
Newspaper club (The Dragon)
Cultural presentations
Dance, drama and environmental clubs
Public speaking
Winter carnival
Twinning with Makina Baptist School
Catchment Map
Average Home Price within Catchment
Av. Detached
Sold Price - $916,393
4 bed 2 bath
Sold in 15 days
Av. Semi-Detached
Sold Price - $924,968
3 bed 3 bath
Sold in 14 days
Av. Condo
Sold Price $596,404
2 bed 2 bath
Sold in 43 days
#1- Elmdale Public School
Fraser Institute Rating: 8.9/10
Neighbourhood: Westboro
One of the most unique, safe, diverse and trendy neighbourhoods, Westboro boasts welcoming outdoor spaces, boutiques and shops for all interests. Within walking distance of schools, libraries, shops, child-friendly dining spots, recreation facilities, and even Westboro Beach, this scenic area just might be the perfect place to raise a family.
Elmdale Public School was built in 1928 and is nestled in a quiet and safe residential neighbourhood. Several expansions and upgrades over the years have enabled the school to house 506 students, all enrolled in the Early French Immersion program. With a mission to create a safe environment that supports and inspires learning and a sense of community, this school has a number of second and third generation families in attendance.
Academic Programs
Early French Immersion Program (SK-6)
Booster programs
ESL Programs
Clubs & Activities
Primary Choir
Interscholastic soccer, basketball, volleyball, cross country and track and field
Kids Marathon participation
Outdoor skating at Fisher Park
Music Monday Celebration and year end Talent Show
Art and Literacy Café showcasing student Art and Writing
Annual Bookfest
Fun Fair
Fundraising for charitable organizations
‘recycling elves’
Character Club
Craft Club led by parent volunteers
Reading clubs
Clubs and activities vary according to seasons, interest and availability of the space.
They are advertised on the PA system and usually also included on the Family Website.
Catchment Map
Average Home Prices within Catchment
Av. Detached
Sold Price - $1,207,100
3 bed 2 bath
Sold in 8 days
Av. Semi-Detached
Sold Price - $1,118,657
3 bed 3 bath
Sold in 18 days
Av. Condo
Sold Price $542,962
2 bed 2 bath
Sold in 19 days