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Ashbury College

Canada, Ottawa

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, French
Fees Fees not listed
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 865
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 1891
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), Canadian Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages English, French, Spanish
Typical class size 17
Strengths STEM, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, High School
Introduction

Ashbury College is an independent day and boarding school for Grades 3–12, on a 13‑acre campus in Ottawa, Ontario. It offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB DP) and an Ashbury program alongside the curriculum. The Ontario Secondary School Diploma is awarded with 30 course credits, 40 hours of community service, and the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test; the Ashbury Diploma adds required courses in French or another international language, physical education, arts, and world social studies, plus 60 hours of community service and nine terms of co‑curricular activities. A bilingual Ashbury Diploma is available with seven French credits. The school offers the IB Diploma or bilingual IB Diploma. Founded in 1891, Ashbury moved to Rockcliffe Park in 1910 and has expanded with facilities including Molson Library & Resource Centre, Centre for Science & Innovation with six labs, theatres, gym, and three boarding houses: Heather Gillin Residence, Matthews House, Maple Residence.

362 Mariposa Ave, Rockcliffe Park, ON K1M 0T3, Canada

The Essentials

Ashbury College has 865 pupils, typical class sizes of 17, instruction in English, French.

Location
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The campus is in a quiet, safe neighbourhood in Canada's capital. It is close to downtown Ottawa and near green spaces and cultural amenities. Ottawa is well serviced by an international airport (30 minutes from campus) and a train station (10 minutes from campus).

Stages
Junior School (Grades 3–8) and Senior School (Grades 9–12); Ashbury serves students from Grade 3 through Grade 12.

Type
Independent day and boarding school for students in Grades 3–12.

Pupil Nationality Mix
More than 60 countries represented.

Additional learning support
A multidisciplinary student support team includes a School Counsellor (MSW), a Nurse (RN), Learning Strategists, a Chapel and Life Skills Coordinator, and a Director of Student Success and Wellness; supports Learning Success, Social/Emotional Well-Being, and Physical Health.

Country affiliation
Canada
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Ashbury offers on-campus boarding in three dormitories: Heather Gillin Residence, Matthews House, and Maple Residence. Boarding students live in a residential community with peers from around the world, dine in the main dining room, and kitchens in each dormitory allow students to prepare snacks; an ESL Summer Boarding Program is also available.

Uniform Requirement
The school has a uniform program; uniforms are available through the Ashbury College Store.

Food Options
The on-campus dining room provides healthy, varied meals reflecting the cultural origins of the student body, with menus offering a wide range of options; kitchens in each boarding house allow students to prepare snacks.

House System
Ashbury's House System includes Dragons, Goblins, Hobbits and Wizards in the Junior School, and Woollcombe, New House, Alexander, and Connaught in the Senior School.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by a Board of Governors; the Ashbury College Foundation Board oversees charitable fundraising and endowment management. The Foundation is an Ontario not-for-profit corporation and registered charity.
Fees
Application and enrollment fees

- Application fee (non-refundable): CAD 250.
- One-time Enrollment Fee (non-refundable) payable upon acceptance:
- CAD 5,000 — Day students, Grades 4–9 (who do not require a study permit).
- CAD 5,000 — Boarding students entering Grade 9.
- CAD 8,500 — Day students, Grades 4–9 who require a study permit.
- CAD 8,500 — Day and Boarding students entering Grades 10–12.
The enrollment fee secures the student's place and is not an advance on tuition.
- Student security deposit (opens student account):
- CAD 600 for Day and Homestay students.
- CAD 1,000 for Boarding students.
The deposit is held on account and credited against outstanding charges when the student leaves (no interest paid).

Tuition — headline totals for the 2026–27 academic year

- Day student annual tuition: CAD 40,920.
- Boarding student annual tuition: CAD 87,660. Boarding tuition includes on-campus meals and the student health plan for boarders/homestay students; the Tuition Refund Plan (TRP) is included for boarding students.

Billing schedule and payment terms (standard school schedules and instalment structure)

- Payment plan options: Regular Plan (four scheduled payments) or Extended Plan (monthly instalments across the school year). The College posts specific payment dates and the available plan choices during enrollment.

- Typical Regular Plan schedule (example instalment dates used by the school): payments are due on Mar 1, May 15, Aug 15 and Nov 15; the Regular Plan divides annual tuition into three larger instalments followed by a smaller final instalment. Example instalment pattern under a Regular Plan (illustrative breakdown as used in the school's published payment schedules):
- First instalment (due Mar 1): one third of the larger portion of tuition.
- Second instalment (due May 15): equal to the first instalment.
- Third instalment (due Aug 15): equal to the first instalment.
- Final instalment (due Nov 15): remaining balance (smaller).
The school also offers an Extended Plan that spreads the balance into monthly payments (example: May 15 to Jan 15 in equal monthly amounts). Families must select a payment plan on the Enrollment Agreement and adhere to the specified payment dates; late or unpaid balances may incur interest and collection actions.

Boarding charges and what they cover

- Annual boarding tuition (headline): CAD 87,660. Boarding fees cover room, meals (including evening snacks), access to boarding-house facilities, and the student health insurance provided to boarders/homestay students. Additional boarding charges may appear on the monthly student account for incidental items such as dry cleaning, healthcare costs not covered by insurance, taxis and optional weekend excursions.

Other mandatory and typical additional costs

- Uniforms (Dress #1, Dress #2 and Phys Ed items): typical total range CAD 800–1,000 charged to student account depending on quantities purchased. The School Store lists individual uniform item prices and quantities.
- Lunch Meal Plan (Day and Homestay students; boarding food included in boarding fees): CAD 1,900 (charged to student account in September under the meal-plan arrangement). Snacks outside the plan are billed separately.
- Textbooks and e-books: typical range CAD 400–1,000 (supplier-dependent).
- Art program charge (in lieu of a textbook for some art courses): CAD 130–170.
- School fee (local transport, yearbook, photos, access card, lock, agenda): CAD 750 (standard school fee).
- Stationery and incidental supplies: approximately CAD 50–80.
- Math calculator (recommended model): approximately CAD 200.
- Music equipment rental (where applicable): CAD 180–220.
- IB program administrative fees (for students in the IB Diploma or individual IB courses):
- IB Diploma program fee (two-year Diploma): CAD 3,500 (invoiced as CAD 1,750 in Year 1 and CAD 1,750 in Year 2).
- Individual IB Standard Level course fee (two-year course): CAD 500 (CAD 250 Year 1 / CAD 250 Year 2).
- Individual IB Higher Level course fee (two-year course): CAD 1,250 (invoiced CAD 250 Year 1 / CAD 1,000 Year 2).
These IB fees are charged in addition to basic tuition.
- Transcripts and administrative service fees: Government-certified transcripts for international students CAD 125; other transcript requests typically CAD 8–35 plus shipping when applicable.
- Optional costs and trip/event charges vary by activity (co-curricular travel, team fees, theatre events, external exams, university application fees). Sibling discounts are offered for third and subsequent children (example credit: CAD 1,000 for a day student, CAD 2,000 for a boarding student credited on the student account).

Refunds, cancellations and the Tuition Refund Plan

- Enrollment Fee: non-refundable in all cases. Student security deposit is credited to the student account or applied to outstanding balances when the student leaves; remaining deposit balances for graduating students are refunded after the school year unless donated.
- Cancellation fees (charged when a family cancels an enrollment prior to the start of the school year) follow a staged schedule. Example cancellation amounts (illustrative timing tiers used in the published cancellation schedule):
- Between acceptance and up to April 1: Day CAD 6,000 / Boarder CAD 16,000.
- After April 1 up to June 15: Day CAD 14,000 / Boarder CAD 34,000.
- After June 15 up to July 15: Day CAD 20,000 / Boarder CAD 48,000.
- After July 15: full annual fees are payable.
Cancellation fees are separate from and are not covered by the Tuition Refund Plan.
- Tuition Refund Plan (TRP): an insurance-based plan that reimburses a percentage of tuition if a student withdraws or is dismissed after attending for at least 14 consecutive calendar days. TRP is included automatically for boarding and homestay students and for day students on the Extended Plan; it is optional for day students on the Regular Plan (a premium is charged to the student account if elected or required). Example TRP premium for Day students on the Regular Plan (example premium amount): CAD 508.95 (includes applicable tax). TRP does not cover forced school closings and does not cover cancellation fees that apply before coverage begins.

Fee payment methods and terms

- Accepted payment methods: cheque, cash (limited), money order, post-dated cheques, online banking (set the school up as a payee and reference the student ID), pre-authorized debit plans, and credit card. A service fee applies to credit-card transactions (example service fee: 3.4% of the transaction). Families may arrange alternate payment schedules with Student Billing subject to approval by the Chief Financial Officer. The school offers international payment facilitation options for families living abroad (payment providers and details are available through the school's family payment resources). Interest and late-payment fees may be charged on overdue balances; accounts substantially past due may affect a student's enrollment status and access to transcripts.

How fees are presented on account statements

- Tuition is invoiced according to the selected payment plan and dates; additional mandatory and optional charges (meal plan, school fees, IB fees, uniform store charges, trip fees, incidental boarding charges) are posted to the student's account and billed on the monthly statement with payment due on receipt. Interest at the published monthly rate may apply to overdue amounts. Security deposits and sibling credits are posted to the account per the published billing rules.
Academics

Ashbury College teaches IB (DP), Canadian Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum.

Curriculum
The Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) is awarded with 30 course credits, 40 hours of community service, and the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test. Ashbury issues its own Ashbury Diploma with additional required courses in French or an international language, physical and health education, arts, and world social studies, plus 60 hours of community service and nine terms of co-curricular activities. A bilingual Ashbury Diploma is available for students who earn seven French credits (four Extended or Immersion French and three French-taught social science courses). The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) alongside Ontario qualifications; in Grades 11 and 12, students pursue IB courses in English with the option to complete the full IB Diploma or bilingual IB Diploma through the French program or a Language A option. In 2019, 34 students pursued the IB Diploma and 12 earned the IB bilingual Diploma, with the highest Diploma score of 42 and a Diploma pass rate of 97%.

Student Teacher Ratio
Average class size is 17.

Exam Results
IB Diploma outcomes: 34 full Diploma students and 12 bilingual Diploma recipients; the highest Diploma score was 42 and the Diploma pass rate was 97%. SAT mean results (2018–2019) were 1,296 total (ERW 643, Math 604); ACT mean results (2018–2019) were 30.

Higher Education Progression
The school reports a 100% university placement rate. Destinations include the University of Ottawa, McGill University, University of Toronto, Queen's University, and various U.S. universities (e.g., Amherst College, Harvard University).
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Ashbury College has a multidisciplinary team that guides students in their personal growth, health, and wellness. The team acts as a circle of care to address academic, social/emotional, and physical needs. Members include the School Counsellor (MSW), Nurse (RN), Learning Strategists, Chapel and Life Skills Coordinator, and Director of Student Success and Wellness. Learning Strategists support diverse learners with differentiated instruction and academic coaching, and individualized learning plans are designed for students with diagnosed learning exceptionalities to help them achieve their academic potential. Online support includes keep.meSAFE Mental Wellness, providing 24/7/365 access to counsellors in students' language and culture via the My SSP app.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Ashbury College recognizes the diversity of student learning needs. In both Junior and Senior School, teachers differentiate instruction and assessments to support all learners. Learning Strategists provide extra help, academic coaching, and support for executive functioning, studying, and general learning skills. Learning Strategists work with teachers to meet the needs of all learners. Individualized learning plans are designed for students with diagnosed learning exceptionalities to help them achieve their academic potential.

Mental Wellbeing
The school provides a School Counsellor (MSW) to support mental health and personal growth, offering a safe space for students to share their stories and to have needs assessed with brief counselling and external referrals when needed. The Life Skills and Chapel Coordinator delivers character education and provides pastoral care for students and families. Online support includes keep.meSAFE by guard.me, offering 24/7/365 access to counsellors in students' language via the My SSP app for Grades 8–12. The keep.meSAFE program is integrated with Guard.Me Insurance.

Safeguarding
Ashbury College uses a circle of care led by a multidisciplinary team to capture student needs, including the School Counsellor, Nurse, Learning Strategists, Chapel and Life Skills Coordinator, and Director of Student Success and Wellness. The School Counsellor assesses needs, provides brief counselling, and refers to external resources when needed. The Life Skills and Chapel Coordinator provides pastoral care and life-skills guidance through a non-denominational Chapel Program. Keep.meSAFE mental wellness support provides 24/7/365 access to counsellors in multiple languages via the My SSP app. A on-campus Wellness Center nurse supports students' physical health, contributing to safeguarding and well-being.
Parent Experience

History
Ashbury College was founded in 1891 by George Penrose Woollcombe, who served as Ashbury's Headmaster for 42 years. It began as a three-room boys' school on Wellington Street in downtown Ottawa and moved to its current 13-acre Rockcliffe Park location in 1910. The school expanded over the decades: a 1972 addition accommodated more than 300 students, and in 1982 girls were enrolled for the first time in the senior school. A gymnasium was added in 1985, the Napier Wing opened in 1994 to house the Junior School, and further facilities such as the Ashbury theatre and computer labs followed. The Heather Gillin Residence for girls opened in 1999, and subsequent expansions included Maclaren Hall in 2004, the Maple boutique residence in 2016, and the Centre for Science and Innovation with new university-level labs in 2019.

Community
Ashbury is committed to inclusivity and pluralism; in the summer of 2020 the pluralism project engaged more than 80 students, staff, alumni and parents across five design teams to foster an inclusive school community aligned with the motto Probitas, Virtus, Comitas — Honesty, Courage and Kindness. The Chapel program is non-denominational and provides a space for reflection on issues such as diversity, equity and inclusion, with weekly gatherings led by the Chapel Coordinator. Every Monday the school gathers for Assembly to learn about upcoming events and celebrate achievements. The school uses a House System with four Junior School houses (Dragons, Goblins, Hobbits and Wizards) and four Senior School houses (Woollcombe, New House, Alexander and Connaught), with house points and friendly competitions.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Ashbury Parents' Guild promotes connections among members of the Ashbury community by organizing events and initiatives that build community and raise multifaceted support for the school, guided by Ashbury's Mission and strategic plan. The Ashbury Parents' Guild Executive includes a Chair, Vice-Chair, Past Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and Communications; Ex-Officio non-voting invitees include the Head of School and the PAG President. The Guild roster includes members such as Nausheen Anis, Patience Bayab, Karen Carriere, Julie Corbett, and others. The Ashbury Board of Governors and the Foundation Board oversee governance alongside the Guild, underscoring structured parent involvement in school life. The Guild's mandate is to promote sustained parent and community involvement through PAG activities and collaborations with the school.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Ashbury College sits on a 13-acre campus in Ottawa. The Molson Library and Resource Centre is a recently renovated, bright and adaptable space with flexible seating and study areas, and it houses the IT helpdesk, the University Counseling program offices, and the Student Success Centre. The Centre for Science & Innovation is a three-storey facility with six labs and a 40% increase in teaching areas, bringing senior science classrooms together with multidisciplinary spaces. On campus, the Learning Commons Library, a theatre, and gym facilities support a range of academic and activity needs. The boarding houses are Heather Gillin Residence, Matthews House, and Maple Residence, with a modern dining room in the main building and kitchens in each boarding house.

Sports Facilities
Indoor athletic facilities on campus include a New Gymnasium and an Anderson Gym. The campus map marks a Gym area within Rhodes Hall as part of the athletic facilities. The campus sits on a 13-acre site that provides outdoor space for activities.

Academic Facilities
Centre for Science & Innovation offers six labs and a 40% increase in teaching space, with senior science classrooms grouped with multidisciplinary spaces and university-calibre laboratories. The Molson Library and Resource Centre houses the IT helpdesk, University Counseling offices, and the Student Success Centre, and provides updated, flexible study spaces. The library space is bright, open, and technologically adaptable with various seating and study areas. The Learning Commons Library is located in Rhodes Hall as part of the campus library facilities.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Weekend Activities provide boarding students opportunities to participate in local events and experiences around Ottawa. The ESL Summer Boarding Program offers English language instruction during the day and social or cultural activities in the evenings and weekends. Capital Adventure Camp runs on the Ashbury campus (July 6–10, 2026) for students in Grades 6 to 8, with activities across the National Capital Region.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers a wide variety of co-curricular activities each year. Academic options include robotics, the Yearbook Editorial Team, and clubs such as Model United Nations, Reach for the Top Club, World Affairs Club, and Speech and Debate Club. The program mirrors the IB Diploma Programme's creativity, activity and service (CAS) through athletics, arts and community service. Students participate in a diverse range of clubs across Fall, Winter and Spring terms.

Arts & Creative
The school offers extensive arts and creative opportunities. Art Portfolio is listed as a Fall activity, with Robotics and the Yearbook Editorial Team also categorized under Art/Creativity. In Winter, Theatre Ashbury – Crew and Theatre Ashbury – Performing are offered, and in Spring there are Art Outside and The InnoLab Design Group. Choir and Dance Club are among the performing and creative offerings.

Cultural & Language
The school supports language and cultural engagement through Full Year clubs such as French Club (Les Curieux – club francophile) and Spanish Club. International affairs are represented by Model United Nations and World Affairs Club, with the Internationalism Council coordinating international engagement.

Social & Hobbies
The school offers a broad slate of social and hobby clubs. Examples include Chess Club, Blazer Magazine Club and Editorial, Coding Club, Dance Club, Media Club and Reach for the Top Club.

Community & Service
The school includes Community Service as a standing co-curricular element, with activities such as Community Service and TEDx. Other service-oriented groups include Community Engagement Council, EcoAction Club and HOSA.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership opportunities are provided through multiple councils and committees. Alexander House Council, Connaught House Council, New House Council and Grade 9 Council are part of term leadership structures, alongside Prefect/Captain Council. Grad Committee, Mentors and Student Admissions Committee also feature as student leadership and professional development roles.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The school emphasizes wellbeing through athletics and fitness, offering competitive and recreational programs in Fall, Winter and Spring. Fall athletic options include cross country running, soccer, volleyball, field hockey and more; Winter includes ski, badminton, basketball and swimming; Spring includes baseball, rugby and track and field. Recreational options include Fitness & Yoga, Morning Fitness and Outdoor Adventure, plus activities such as Rock Climbing and Table Tennis.
Languages

Language Provision
English and French are the languages associated with the bilingual diploma. A dual language program exists within the IB Diploma, enabling study in English, French, Spanish or another international language. The IB Diploma is offered in alignment with the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), allowing students to earn both the OSSD and the IB Diploma.

Bilingual Teaching
The school offers a bilingual diploma in French and English. For the IB Diploma Programme there is a dual language program in English, French, Spanish or another international language. The IB studies are aligned with the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), enabling students to earn both the OSSD and the IB Diploma.

Immersion Programs
ESL Summer Boarding Program provides English language immersion. During the day, students receive classroom instruction in reading, writing, listening, speaking, socio-cultural competence, and media literacy. In the evenings and weekends, they explore the National Capital Region and apply their English skills. This program is ideal for students who have some basic English and want to immerse themselves in an English environment and complete a final exam.
Admissions

Admissions
Senior School admissions accept day and boarding students. Applications are accepted year-round, but the day program is competitive, so apply early for entry the following September. Space is limited for Grades 10 and 11, and offers are made dependent on space; Grade 12 intake is rare. Boarding admissions are available for Grades 9–11.

Junior School intake years are Grades 3, 4, 6, and 7. Applications for Grades 5 and 8 are kept on file in case places become available. The first round of admissions is held in December for families applying in October or November; from January, rolling admissions review applications as space becomes available. Early applications are encouraged to maximize chances, and a limited number of positions exist for the French Social Studies homeroom in Grade 7.

Rolling admissions begin in January each year. Applications can be submitted any time once the process opens; once an application is complete, the Admissions committee reviews it for fit and, if a vacancy exists, offers the place. Decisions are typically provided within one week of a complete application, and families are encouraged to expedite the process due to limited positions.

Boarding admissions are welcome for Grades 9–11. Boarding spaces operate under rolling admissions, but spaces are usually filled by March of each year. This aligns with the overall admissions approach for day students.

Financial information includes an Enrollment Fee upon acceptance and Tuition for the 2026–27 year, with Day students paying 40,920 CAD and Boarding students 87,660 CAD. Custodianship, visas and insurance are coordinated with partner organizations, and guard.me provides insurance options.

Scholarships
Ashbury offers Merit Awards and Bursaries. Bursaries are need-based and awarded to students with demonstrated financial need, scholastic achievement, good character and a capacity to contribute to the school; endowment funds are reserved for bursary recipients in Grades 7–12. Merit awards are competitive and awarded to less than 5% of new students.
School Events
The school has not added events
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