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Académie de la Capitale

Canada, Ottawa

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The school at a glance
Instructs in French, English
Fees CA$200 - 32,480
Ages 4 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 35
Type Co-educational
Opened 1998
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), Bespoke Curriculum, Canadian Curriculum
Taught languages French, English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, German, Polish, Arabic
Typical class size 10
Strengths STEM, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies
Stages Early Years, Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, High School
Introduction

Académie de la Capitale is a micro‑school in Ottawa offering a JK–12 program with a bilingual (French and English) emphasis and a Canadian curriculum alongside the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. The school serves learners aged 4 to 18 and is affiliated with the Ontario Ministry of Education. Founded in 1998, it emphasizes inclusive access for students with diverse needs, including giftedness, dyslexia, and ASD. NCC Heritage Farm House campus on 3448 Richmond Road provides discovery spaces. Facilities include a STEM Maker Lab, a Media/Visual Art Workspace, a Music Room and a Martial Arts Dojo, all within grounds and nature trails. The IB PYP inquiry approach sits alongside a 3‑tier 21st‑century curriculum for Grades 7–12, delivered in French and English, plus options for third languages and the OSSD English track with a French Immersion certificate. After‑school clubs include chess, D&D and coding; AcadeMUN and i.S.T.E.A.M. camps expand learning beyond class.

3448 Richmond Rd, Ottawa, ON K2H 8H7, Canada

The Essentials

Académie de la Capitale has 35 pupils, typical class sizes of 10, instruction in French, English.

Location
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Campus address: 3448 Richmond Road, Ottawa, ON K2H 8H7. Directions and campus information are available via Google Maps.

Stages
IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) bilingual; Pre-Secondary Programme (Grades 7–8); Ontario Secondary School Diploma (Grades 9–12).

Type
Private micro-school.

Additional learning support
Differentiated instruction tailored to each student's exceptionality; SMILE Literacy Programme.

Country affiliation
Canada; affiliated with Ontario Ministry of Education.

School day structure
Campus/office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Formal AcadeCap attire is worn on Mondays, during school outings, and for special events. Casual AcadeCap attire is worn for the remainder of the week, with a designated sports uniform for physical education classes. A full rain gear set (waterproof boots, jacket, and pants) is required.

Food Options
Nutritious hot meals are prepared by a Cordon Bleu chef and offered through a hot meals program (Dial-a-Chef) from Tuesday through Friday. Dial-a-Chef accommodates allergies and religious dietary requests.

Governance and Ownership
Founding Director: Lucie Lalonde.
Fees

Annual tuition at Académie de la Capitale ranges from CAD 200 to CAD 32,480 for 2026/27.

Application fees and one‑time charges
- Application fee: USD/CAD $200.00 (one‑time, non‑refundable).
- Family membership fee: USD/CAD $3,500.00 (one‑time, non‑refundable; payable when the family accepts an invitation to join the school).
- International student administrative fee (for international enrolments): $1,700.00 (non‑refundable); an additional $4,040.00 applies if enrolment is processed through an external agency. A yearly student charge account fee of $975.00 applies to cover incidental activities and is payable at the start of the year.

Tuition fees by programme / year group (full details per programme and common payment splits)
- IB Primary Years Programme — Kindergarten (Kinder) options:
- Kinder Option A (10 months, school year only): $22,420.00 if enrolled on or before the early deadline; $24,253.00 if enrolled after that deadline. Per‑month equivalent (10 months): $2,242.00 or $2,425.30 respectively. Payments are normally collected monthly (see Billing schedule).
- Kinder Option B (10 months + AcadeCamp summer sessions): $25,085.00 if enrolled on or before the early deadline; $26,920.00 if enrolled after. Per‑month equivalent (10 months): $2,508.50 or $2,692.00 respectively.
- IB Primary Years Programme — Grades 1 to 6 (PYP / PYP Next):
- Standard tuition: $21,450.00 if enrolled on or before the early deadline; $23,285.00 if enrolled after that deadline. Per‑month equivalent (10 months): $2,145.00 or $2,328.50 respectively. For international students in this cohort the posted full‑time tuition and a two‑payment schedule are used (see International section).
- Pre‑Secondary School Programme (PSSP) and Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) — Grades 7 to 12:
- Domestic tuition: $23,390.00 if enrolled on or before the early deadline; $25,221.50 if enrolled after that deadline. Per‑month equivalent (10 months): $2,339.00 or $2,522.15 respectively.
- International students (per child, full‑time examples and two‑payment splits):
- International IB PYP Next (Kinder) — Full year: $23,440.00. Two‑payment schedule shown: On or before Aug 15: $14,064.00; Jan 15: $9,376.00.
- International IB PYP Next (10 months + AcadeCamp) — Full year: $26,105.00. Two‑payment schedule: On or before Aug 15: $15,663.00; Jan 15: $10,442.00.
- International IB PYP Next (Ages 6–Grade 6) — Full year: $23,875.00. Two‑payment schedule: On or before Aug 15: $14,325.00; Jan 15: $9,550.00.
- International PSSP / OSSD (Grades 7–12) — Full year: $25,815.00. Two‑payment schedule: On or before Aug 15: $15,489.00; Jan 15: $10,326.00.
- Sibling discount: 10% tuition discount when a sibling also attends.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Domestic (non‑international) standard payment method: delivery of post‑dated cheques dated the 1st of each month covering the contract period (first cheque dated the contract submission date) or, upon approval by Finance, payment by e‑Transfer to finance@acadecap.org using the password acadecapfees. Payments by e‑Transfer are due by the 1st of each month. Tuition is typically allocated across the 10‑month school session unless an alternative schedule is specifically approved by Finance. A $50.00 surcharge applies to any dishonoured cheque; a 2% interest applies to late payments. Accounts in arrears may lead to interruption of student access until resolved.
- International students: the school publishes a two‑payment schedule for full‑year international tuition (examples: amounts due on or before Aug 15 and Jan 15 as listed per programme). Certain international‑specific fees (Application, Family Membership, International Student Fee and Yearly Student Charge) must be paid in full together with the first tuition installment before an official Letter of Acceptance is issued. Tuition deadlines for late enrolments may require payment in full by an earlier date (specified in the enrolment terms).

Boarding fees
- Boarding is not offered; there are no boarding fees. The school operates as a day micro‑school model and fees reflect day programmes and optional supervision services.

Other costs and optional fees
- Supervision (before/after school) options and costs vary by programme:
- PYP Next optional supervision: Option A (a.m. and p.m.) $3,105.00/year ($1,035.00/trimester); Option B (a.m. or p.m.) $1,552.50/year ($517.50/trimester).
- PSSP supervision: Option A (a.m. and p.m.) $975.00/year ($325.00/trimester); Option B (a.m. or p.m.) $487.50/year ($162.50/trimester). Drop‑ins before 8:30 am or after 4:30 pm are subject to a $25 fee; late pick‑up after 5:30 pm is $25 per incident. Supervision fees are non‑refundable.
- Special programmes (non‑refundable unless specifically stated):
- ESL/FSL Sheltering and Support Programme: $4,250.00 per year.
- SMILE (Systematic Multisensory Intensive Literacy Education) programme: $4,250.00 per year.
- Classroom Individualized Support (CIS): $9,500.00 per year; if one‑to‑one specialist support is required, an additional hourly rate of $40.00 applies.
- Meals: students Grade 1 and up may participate in the lunch programme (external caterer) with payments made to the caterer; Monday pizza lunch options and other meal programmes are charged separately as published. The cost of uniforms is the family's responsibility. Additional optional activity fees (water polo, ski lessons/lift, out‑of‑school sport trips, end‑of‑year trips, transportation not tied to a unit of inquiry, and certain enrichment activities) may apply.

Refund and withdrawal terms
- Commitment: enrolment indicates commitment for the full academic year; staffing and other commitments are made for the full 10‑month period and parents/guardians are liable for the account balance from the date specified in the enrolment contract. Written notice of withdrawal is required (30 days).
- Voluntary withdrawal, expulsion for cause, or irreconcilable disagreement occurring before 11:59 pm on June 30: the school retains 25% of the total tuition fees and any other contracted services; any refund due will be processed on the date published in the admissions schedule. Written notice of withdrawal is mandatory to qualify for any refund.
- Withdrawal, expulsion or termination after 12:00 am on July 1: the school is entitled to the total tuition fees payable (no refund). The Board may, at its discretion, approve an installment plan or, in compassionate circumstances, reduce or eliminate the non‑refundable portion.

Fee payment options (accepted methods and penalties)
- Accepted payment methods stated in the school's fee policies: post‑dated cheques (dated the 1st of each month) or e‑Transfer to finance@acadecap.org using the password acadecapfees (e‑Transfer requires Finance approval in some cases). International payment schedules generally use two installments with specified due dates. No routine credit‑card payment option is listed in the published fee documents. A $50.00 fee is charged for any dishonoured cheque; 2% interest applies to late payments. Accounts in arrears may result in interruption of access to the school's programmes.
Academics

Académie de la Capitale teaches IB (PYP), Bespoke Curriculum, Canadian Curriculum for students aged 4 to 18.

Curriculum
The school uses competency-based curricula and offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP).

Student Teacher Ratio
Small class sizes with a low student-to-teacher ratio.

Higher Education Progression
Post-secondary progression includes admittance to programs and universities and to colleges of choice with scholarships, based on mastery of Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) course content.

Gifted and Talented
We shape our approach around each student's exceptionality with differentiated learning experiences to help students reach their full potential.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school supports social and emotional learning through Body and Mind. The IB PYP PSPE course helps children maintain a healthy and social lifestyle, with explicit teaching about relationships and how we interact with others. Jiu Jitsu classes foster focus, discipline, emotional regulation, and social‑emotional development by promoting respect, resilience, and self‑control. The school's values—Inclusion, Differentiation, Rigour, and International Kindness—nurture empathy, respect, and collaboration across ages.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school recognizes exceptionalities and supports students with gifts and learning differences, including giftedness, dyslexia, and ASD. Differentiated instruction adapts the environment, programmes, and activities to individual abilities so that concepts and core competencies are mastered. Targeted supports are described for learners on the autism spectrum, ESL/FLS learners, visually impaired or blind learners, fine‑motor differences, and mobility needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The ESL and/or FLS Learner receives tailored support in English and/or French as a second language, focusing on academic success, integration into the new environment, and navigating different cultures.

Mental Wellbeing
PSPE links physical health with mental wellbeing by teaching healthy lifestyles, teamwork, empathy, and resilience. Outdoor learning spaces provide daily opportunities for exploration and collaboration, while activities such as Jiu Jitsu contribute to emotional regulation, focus, and self‑control.
Parent Experience

History
Académie de la Capitale was founded in 1998 to provide internationally recognized education for all learners, including those with exceptionalities such as giftedness, dyslexia, and ASD. In 2008, the school relocated to 1010 Morrison Drive, Suite 200, Ottawa, introducing an i STEAM Maker Lab and an open-concept, multi-age layout to foster collaboration across ages. In 2024, the school moved to 3448 Richmond Road, Ottawa, to the NCC Heritage Farm House campus designed for purposeful dynamic learning in a micro-school setting. Académie de la Capitale provides a rigorous, tailored bilingual and/or English education from JK to Grade 12, with IB PYP inquiry-based learning across i STEAM, Visual and Performing Arts, the Humanities, International Languages and PSPE, and a 3-tier 21st Century Learning Curriculum implemented from Grade 7 to 12. Founding Director is Ms. Lucie Lalonde, who has 27+ years in leadership and 45+ years in teaching, and the leadership team includes Dr. Bruno Riel as Academic Advisor, IB PYP Coordinator Daniella Jacques, and Admission and Community Liaison Kara Jenkins.

Community
The school's values are Inclusion, Differentiation, Rigour, and International Kindness, guiding interactions across ages and cultures. The NCC Heritage Farm House campus at 3448 Richmond Road features a STEM Maker Lab, a Media and Visual Art Workspace, a Music Room and a Martial Arts Dojo, with ample green space, biking and hiking trails, and sports fields to support diverse activities. Open House events invite families to learn about Ottawa's bilingual IB PYP and Ontario Secondary School Diploma pathways, including an Open House on March 21, 2026, along with events like a Science Fair in Action and Orange Shirt Day reflecting Truth and Reconciliation. The school emphasizes learning as a community effort, describing collaboration among alumni, students, coders, teachers and administrators in its ongoing initiatives.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The NCC Heritage Farm House, at 3448 Richmond Road, is AcadeCap's new campus. It is designed to be inviting, stimulating, and capable of provoking curiosity, problem-solving, and discovery. The learning environment supports indoor and outdoor discovery and collaboration across ages. The campus includes a STEM Maker Lab, a Media and Visual Art Workspace, a Music Room, and a Martial Arts Dojo, all set within ample treed green space with biking and hiking nature trails and a sports field.

Sports Facilities
Facilities for physical activity include a Martial Arts Dojo and a sports field on campus. The campus sits in a tree-lined area with access to nature trails for outdoor activity.

Academic Facilities
The campus features a STEM Maker Lab, a Media and Visual Art Workspace, a Music Room, and a Martial Arts Dojo. A language and arts program includes Visual Art, Media Art, Music, and Drama, with options for third language study. In the IB PYP, instruction is delivered in French and English, with both languages as primary. An annual musical theatre production showcases student artistry.

Extra Curricular Facilities
After-school clubs include chess, Dungeons & Dragons, sewing, fine arts or media art, and coding. Noon-hour clubs include Natural History, outdoor activities and sports such as Ultimate Frisbee, lacrosse, soccer, and more, with AcadeMUN also offered. Extended Learning provides outings and travel as experiential extensions to the curriculum, and DELF preparation is available. The school runs eight-week bilingual i.S.T.E.A.M. summer camps: AcadeCamp Kinders, AcadeCamp, AcadeCoders Jr., and AcadeCoders, with a 9:00–4:00 daily schedule and optional before/after care.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
AcadeCap delivers a bilingual International Baccalaureate framework beginning in the Primary Years Programme (PYP), conducted in French and English. The PSSP (Grades 7–8) is offered either in English only or with about 40% French instruction, reflecting a transitional bilingual model. The Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) is delivered in English for Grades 9–12, with the option to earn a French Immersion Certificate. The program emphasizes inquiry-based learning and differentiation, connected with iSTEAM to integrate STEM, arts, languages, and social studies through IB units.

Arts & Creative
An arts program includes Visual Art, Media Art, Music, and Drama integrated with the IB PYP and PSSP. Students participate in drama activities such as play writing, improv, storytelling, public speaking, and have opportunities to perform in school events. There is an annual musical theatre production and a Vernissage showcasing student artwork. Music instruction includes violin and keyboard in group settings and ensemble performances, supporting creative expression and collaboration.

Cultural & Language
French and English are used as languages of instruction in the IB PYP, with third language options available (Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, German, Polish, or Arabic) depending on demand; DELF examinations can be prepared for by students. The PSSP includes English instruction with possible French instruction, and the OSSD is delivered in English with a French Immersion Certificate option. The school celebrates linguistic and cultural diversity within its community.

Social & Hobbies
Sports and outdoor learning are central to student life, with an Athletik program and opportunities for basketball, soccer, and ultimate frisbee, as well as cross-country skiing and hiking in the surrounding environment. The Body and Mind program includes Jiu-Jitsu for Kindergarten through Grade 8, building physical strength, focus, discipline, and social-emotional skills. Outdoor learning spaces, including a treed green-space used as a living classroom, support creative problem-solving and collaborative play.

Leadership & Professional
The school is led by Founding Director Lucie Lalonde, who has 25+ years in leadership and 45+ years in teaching. The Academic Advisor is Dr. Bruno Riel, with 25+ years in teaching and 18+ years in leadership roles. The IB PYP Coordinator is Daniella Jacques, an AcadeCap alumna with 6+ years in leadership, and the Admissions and Community Liaison is Kara Jenkins with 14+ years in administration. The campus leadership team includes experienced educators who guide the IB PYP, pre-secondary, and OSSD programmes.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Personal, social, and physical education (PSPE) is integrated across the IB PYP and senior programs to promote a healthy, active lifestyle and positive relationships. Dynamic physical activities include fitness conditioning, yoga-inspired training, Jiu-Jitsu, basketball, soccer, and track and field, with integrated nutrition education. Outdoor learning spaces serve as living classrooms, offering nature-based exploration and opportunities for teamwork, resilience, and leadership in both indoor and outdoor settings.
Languages

Language Provision
Language of instruction in IB PYP is French and English, with both languages considered primary. A third language is offered from Grade 1 onward (primarily Spanish, with options including Mandarin, Cantonese, German, Polish, or Arabic, depending on demand and teacher availability). The PSSP (Grades 7–8) is offered in English only or with 40% French instruction, reflecting a transitional bilingual education model. The Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) is delivered in English with the option to earn a French Immersion Certificate; DELF examinations can be prepared for starting in Grade 3.

Bilingual Teaching
The school teaches in English and French, with both languages treated as primary languages.
Admissions

Admissions
Attend a Campus Tour or an Open House. Request a school tour or attend a scheduled Open House to explore our facilities and meet our educators. This is an opportunity for prospective students and parents to experience our micro school environment.

Start the Application & Schedule a Visit Day. Request the application documentation, complete it and schedule a day of visit for your child.

Participate in an Interview. After obtaining feedback on the visit day, an interview with our team will be scheduled to review the visit day observation and assessment, discuss your child, collect additional information, and answer any questions.

Review & Decision. The admissions committee will review your application, the visit day assessment and admissions interview. You will be notified of the decision by the specified deadline.

Proceed with Enrollment. Upon receiving letter of acceptance, complete the enrollment contract. Receive details on school year logistics and the start date for your child.

Scholarships
Scholarships: The Overall Academic Achievement awards include a tuition scholarship for the following year. The Transcending Borders award and the Founding Director's Award also confer tuition scholarships.
School Events
The school has not added events
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