Boarding Life at Ashbury College

Grade	Boarding students as a percentage of total enrollment per grade
Ashbury College	Median of all other boarding schools
Gr. 9	10%	40%
Gr. 10	20%	48%
Gr. 11	28%	53%
Gr. 12	21%	60%

Grade	Boarding enrollment
Ashbury College	Median of all other boarding schools
Gr. 9	11	26
Gr. 10	27	28
Gr. 11	43	20
Gr. 12	28	11

Entry grade	Number of openings available: Boarding
Ashbury College	Median of all other boarding schools
Gr. 9	10 - 11	9
Gr. 10	10 - 13	8
Gr. 11	20 - 25	11
Gr. 12	0 - 1	8

Qualitative insights

These insights are based on conversations with parents, alumni, and school leadership. Handpicked and curated by our editor, they offer a close look at how the school is experienced and perceived by those who know it best.

There is a strong sense of community and supportive relationships.

Accounts from alumni and students describe Ashbury as a supportive environment where deep connections are forged, and mutual respect and authenticity are valued, creating a nurturing space appreciated by students and faculty alike.

Ashbury feels like a home away from home. It’s full of great people, and I’m proud to be part of it.

—Sahannah, student (see full discussion)

Ashbury College has been a formative chapter of my life and educational journey. When I look back at this time, I find myself deeply grateful for the experience I had there. I still recall my first day in boarding—hectic, new, strange, and full of amazing encounters. From my first day at Ashbury, I felt like a part of a larger community, bound by common living (in the case of boarding), learning, sports, and extracurriculars. Everyone I knew during my studentship found their good application at school and university. Among the prime things that captured my imagination when I first got to Ashbury was the level of motivation that my peers had. At Ashbury, everyone is reaching towards new heights, and yet I never saw those aspirations grow into rivalries or competition. Everyone tried their best at finding who they were and who they were going to become. The teachers were always by our side, supporting us on that journey.

—Artem Kalinin, alum (2022-2024) (see full review)

Ashbury had about 550 senior and 150 junior students. It felt like an extended family for me. The student body was friendly, academically motivated, and internationally-minded, with around half being international boarders. Respect was earned through initiative and collaboration. The most respected students were those engaged, kind, and willing to take responsibility. Students celebrated each other's accomplishments, whether academic, athletic, or artistic. I remember bonds forming across grades in clubs, dorms, and service projects, demonstrating a sense of shared values like integrity, curiosity, and empathy. There was a spirit for helping each other succeed, not stepping over each other to get ahead. Even though everyone had different interests and backgrounds, there was a core understanding that we were all there to grow, and that was powerful.

—Kristi Godkin, alum (2008-2019), Athlete - Golfer (see full review)

Ashbury really was a place where I could be more than just “the athlete” or “the student.” I was training at a high level in kayaking, but the school never made me feel like I had to choose between sport and academics. Teachers like Ms. MacGregor and Mr. Crerar would quietly adapt deadlines or arrange early morning study sessions before I left for competitions. The small gestures, like dorm friends leaving me good-luck notes before a race, are what I remember most. If I could change anything, it would be to create more structured peer-to-peer mentoring for students balancing intense commitments. Ashbury prepared me not only for university but also for the life of balancing priorities. New students should expect to be challenged but also cared for; there’s a real willingness here to meet you where you are.

—Toshka Beshara, alum (2012-2021), Research Assistant (see full review)

Looking back, Ashbury was a place that taught me as much about people as it did about academics. The IB Bilingual Diploma pushed me hard, but it was the responsibilities as Prefect, Alexander House Captain, and rugby captain that really shaped me. Leading 100+ students in house competitions wasn’t about winning only, but it was also about building trust and spirit. On the rugby field, the lessons were similar; supporting your teammates off the pitch mattered just as much as scoring on it. What I liked best was how the school allowed students to step into leadership roles and truly own them. If I could change anything, I’d say more cross-house events could have made the community even tighter. Ashbury prepared me for university and life by teaching discipline, collaboration, and how to stay grounded under pressure.

—Karl Hunger, alum (2016-2018), Mental Health & Community Support Worker, Professional Athlete (see full review)

The school's rich history and international focus set it apart.

Narratives from administrators and students highlight Ashbury's historical roots and evolution into an international school, blending Canadian and global orientations while celebrating bilingual education and serving a diverse diplomatic and local community.

Ashbury was established as a school in Ottawa in 1891, in what was then a very young national capital. Canada was formed as a country in 1867, so the capital was still developing. It was a school rooted in the British colonial tradition, and it has since evolved into an international school with a very diverse student population. Today, it serves the diplomatic community in Ottawa, an international boarding community, and local students from the greater Ottawa–Gatineau National Capital Region. The school is bilingual, with programming for students to either maintain or acquire the French language. We are an international school with a strong Canadian orientation that celebrates the resources of the nation’s capital.

—Norman Southward, Head of School (see full interview)

Ashbury is unique in having a strong international orientation where academics are at the center of everything we do. We have a strong academic program that leads to post-secondary studies at universities in Canada, the United States, Europe, and beyond. In addition, the broader school experience includes co-curricular and extracurricular programs that are embedded into school life. About a third of our high school students live on campus, and the day-to-day life of the school extends well beyond 3:30 p.m. Both day and boarding students benefit from that fuller school experience.

—Norman Southward, Head of School (see full interview)

Ottawa offers many educational options, with publicly funded and private schools on both sides of the river in Ontario and Quebec. Ashbury distinguishes itself with its long history, strong academic program, and rich co-curricular life. Students who board here enjoy the benefits of a spacious, beautiful campus in a vibrant neighborhood, with access to all the facilities and opportunities the city provides. Families seeking a day school in the National Capital Region or an international boarding experience that prepares students for university in Canada or abroad will find Ashbury a vibrant and diverse school community with a long-standing tradition of international education and bilingual opportunities.

—Norman Southward, Head of School (see full interview)

The inclusive environment supports diverse interests.

Insights and conversations from the Ashbury community, including students and alumni, emphasize the diversity of student backgrounds, interests, and collaborations, highlighting a balance of academics, arts, and athletics with respect and inclusion that fosters a sense of belonging and personal growth.

It was incredibly diverse, not just from a cultural sense but also from an interest perspective. It was unique because we had boarders, which gave us a lot of exposure to different cultures and students from different countries. Everyone valued academics very heavily, but people were also athletically inclined or musically talented. We all had the chance to go to provincials or city championships, and Ashbury was supportive of that. Friends who weren’t into sports pursued music, band, orchestra, or competitions. Others excelled in debate or the arts. Whatever you wanted to pursue, there was an area to do that.

—Jasmine Mussani, alum (see full interview)

Ashbury’s student body is diverse in background, in interests, and in ambition. What really stood out to me was how multifaceted people were. You’d have a varsity athlete who also plays violin or a math whiz who’s obsessed with visual arts. The culture respected balance and curiosity, not just straight academic success. There was a mix of boarding and day students, and I always felt like there was space for everyone. People mostly got along, and when there were issues, they were dealt with directly. Respect, effort, and authenticity were what really earned social capital. The school encouraged respect and authenticity. You didn’t have to “fit a mould” to feel like you belonged. There were strong bonds across grades, and the dynamic was mostly inclusive. It felt like a place where people gave each other space to grow.

—James Goldberg, alum (2019-2023), Tutor (see full review)

Ashbury’s student body is diverse in every sense, from backgrounds, interests, and all the way up to personalities. What stands out most to me is that respect was given to students who were authentic, no matter what they excelled at. I had friends who were top debaters, others who were passionate about the arts, and some who just quietly showed up and worked hard. Boarding and day students mixed naturally; there wasn’t a divide. People were curious about each other’s lives, which created a collaborative environment rather than a competitive one. We came from all over the world, but shared values like respect, dedication, and empathy made it easy to connect. It’s the kind of environment where you can learn from your peers as much as from your teachers.

—Toshka Beshara, alum (2012-2021), Research Assistant (see full review)

Campus life is vibrant and balanced with wellness and city access.

Descriptive insights from students and alumni convey that Ashbury’s campus environment is lively yet structured, with a focus on wellness and engagement, enhanced by its strategic location in Ottawa offering cultural and recreational opportunities that contribute significantly to student life.

Life at Ashbury felt busy, but in the best way. Between schoolwork, clubs, and social events, there was always something going on. The campus had this quiet but energized rhythm to it, which was productive without being overwhelming. I enjoyed the structure because it gave me clarity, and I also appreciated how wellness and downtime were built into the school’s approach. Most students were pretty engaged. Were there stressful periods? For sure, especially around IB deadlines, but there was also laughter in the dining hall, movie nights in dorms, and late-night study jams that turned into impromptu jam sessions. Days were full, but there was always something to look forward to: club meetings, sports games, coffeehouse nights. Dorm life had its ups and downs, but the rhythm of school gave it balance.

—James Goldberg, alum (2019-2023), Tutor (see full review)

There is a wide variety of activities that students are encouraged to participate in. The system is based on three pillars: Club Associations, Sports, and Student Governance. The schedule is organized so that Wednesday is the shortest school day (classes last approximately 45 minutes instead of the usual 90 minutes). The time after classes is allotted for two club blocks. The clubs are usually fixed for the year, and participating in one means attending its meetings once a week. In my two years at Ashbury, I was involved in four different clubs: Investment Club, Blazer Magazine (Editorial Board), La Clash Newspaper, and TEDx. Each one catered perfectly to my interests in creative writing, global economy, and financial markets, offering me an immersive experience. As is the case with voluntary interest-based associations, clubs are never competitive. Everyone is part of the same team, so curiosity is a greater force than any kind of ambition.

—Artem Kalinin, alum (2022-2024) (see full review)

I enjoyed every day at Ashbury, and there are many reasons for that. First of all, I loved studying and learning new material. It was even more enjoyable because I always felt supported in the classroom and could ask clarifying questions. Misunderstanding was always seen as part of the learning process, rewarded through genuine inquiry rather than penalized in any way. There is more, however. What mattered to me greatly was that other students were as engaged as I was in studying. Additionally, the student body had interests diverse enough that no one would feel lonely or isolated in their microcosm. Ashbury has a stellar house system. From snarky asides and mock rivalries to genuine competitions, at least once a week, it built an unforgettable atmosphere that made student life fun and engaging.

—Artem Kalinin, alum (2022-2024) (see full review)

Life at Ashbury was busy for me, but of course in a good way. My days were full of classes, training, meals with friends, and study sessions, but there was always a sense of purpose. The dorms felt like a second home, especially because of the small routines we built together, like watching a show after study hall. The school supported wellbeing with access to counsellors and wellness programming, which really mattered during high-stress times. Most students were happy to be there, even when we were stressed about assignments or events. If I could improve one thing, it would be adding more quiet social spaces for downtime. The balance between structure and freedom was one of Ashbury’s strengths, so it taught us independence without ever feeling like we were on our own.

—Toshka Beshara, alum (2012-2021), Research Assistant (see full review)

Life at Ashbury was busy in the best way. Between academics, sports, and house activities, there was always something happening. I loved the balance, structured schedules, but enough freedom to make your own choices. Dorm life was lively, with late-night study sessions turning into conversations that lasted hours. Rugby practices and matches brought the team together, but so did small moments like shared meals or cheering on friends at other events. Stress was definitely part of the experience, especially during IB exam season, but there was a strong support system. Teachers, house staff, and peers all helped you keep perspective. Most students were genuinely happy to be there, and that energy made the days fly by. Ashbury gave me a sense of belonging that’s hard to replicate.

—Karl Hunger, alum (2016-2018), Mental Health & Community Support Worker, Professional Athlete (see full review)

Being in Ottawa gave us access to a vibrant, historic city without losing the feeling of a really close school community. We had chances to visit museums, attend events, and participate in city-wide sports competitions. Most of the time, the campus had everything we needed, but the occasional trip downtown was a great change of pace. The location also made it easy for boarding students to travel home during breaks.

—Karl Hunger, alum (2016-2018), Mental Health & Community Support Worker, Professional Athlete (see full review)

Situated between the historic neighbourhoods of Lindenlea and Rockcliffe Park, Ashbury College sits at the heart of Ottawa’s international and diplomatic communities—Rockcliffe Park hosts a number of ambassadorial residences. Both neighbourhoods are green, walkable, and extremely safe. The school is located at the terminus of the 6th Bus Route, connecting Rockcliffe Park with Greenboro via Downtown and the Glebe. Beechwood Avenue is a short, 10-minute walk from the school, with Buses 7, 9, and 20 regularly stopping there, ensuring excellent connectivity. While school life is concentrated on campus, a few classes and clubs include experiential components. For instance, Blazer Magazine had designated “inspirational walks” around Rockcliffe Park that editors and writers took together to spur imagination. Skiing training took place in the nearby park and occasionally before competitions in Gatineau Provincial Park. Similarly, in Grade 11, in the Theory of Knowledge class, we went to the National Arts Centre in Downtown Ottawa to watch a production of an Indigenous play about the Mohawk people. Thanks to its location, school life at Ashbury is highly mobile. As a boarding student, I recall regular outings to ByWard Market, Rideau Centre, Lansdowne, and the Glebe that my friends and I undertook on weekends, not to mention the numerous activities organized across the city during long weekend breaks.

—Artem Kalinin, alum (2022-2024) (see full review)

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Boarding Life

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Facts and analysis

Boarding Population

Breakdown by grade

Why it matters

Boarding grades

Breakdown by grade

Why it matters

ENTRY GRADES FOR BOARDING

Breakdown by grade

Why it matters

Qualitative insights

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