October: Moving Up
School Zones 101: Finding the Right Fit for Your Little Learners
As you look to move up from your starter home into a forever home for your growing family, school zones become a critical factor in your decision. This guide covers Ottawa’s four distinct school boards, provides tools to find your specific catchment area, offers a former teacher’s perspective on school rankings, and touches on private education options.
The "Teacher Nick" Perspective
If you are reading this, chances are you are sitting in your first home—the one that was perfect for just the two of you—and realizing it’s starting to feel a little tight. Maybe you have a little one crawling around, or maybe you’re planning to start a family soon. As you look for that next “forever home,” the conversation inevitably shifts from “how close is the best pub?” to “where will my kids go to school?”
Before I was a Realtor, I was a licensed Ontario teacher. My wife is also a currently working teacher in the OCDSB. I’ve spent a lot of time in classrooms, and I know that a school is so much more than just a building or a ranking on a website. It’s a community.
Navigating Ottawa’s Four School Boards
Ottawa is unique in that we have four publicly funded school boards. Depending on where you buy your home, your children may be eligible for different ones. Here is the breakdown:
Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB): This is the English public board. It is open to all students residing in the catchment area.
Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB): This is the English Catholic board. Generally, for elementary school, a child must be baptized Catholic or have a parent who is baptized. However, high schools are typically open to students of all faiths.
Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario (CEPEO): The French public board. Admission usually requires that at least one parent is a French-language rights holder.
Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est (CECCE): The French Catholic board. Similar to the CEPEO, this is generally for French-speaking families who also want a Catholic education.
Navigating Ottawa’s Four School Boards
One of the most common misconceptions is that if you live near a school, your child will automatically go there. That isn’t always the case! School boundaries can be winding and specific.
Before you fall in love with a house because you can see the playground from the porch, use these locator tools to confirm exactly which school that address feeds into:
The Truth About "Good" Schools and Rankings
I often have clients come to me armed with the Fraser Institute School Rankings, telling me they only want to buy in a neighbourhood with a “top-ranked” school.
Here is my advice as a former teacher: Take those rankings with a grain of salt.
Rankings are just a snapshot in time based on standardized testing. They don’t measure the heart of the school, the dedication of the staff, the extracurriculars, or the community spirit. Rankings change as staff changes and as neighbourhoods evolve.
The single biggest predictor of a child’s academic and emotional success isn’t a score on a website—it’s parental involvement. If you are engaged, supportive, and involved in your child’s education, they can thrive in any of Ottawa’s schools. We are very lucky in Ontario to have a standardized, high-quality curriculum that is recognized internationally. Whether you are in Kanata, Orleans, or Alta Vista, your child is getting a world-class education.
Private and Alternative Options
If you have the means or the inclination, Ottawa also boasts a robust selection of private schools such as Ashbury College, Elmwood School, and Turnbull School, as well as various Montessori options.
These schools can offer smaller class sizes, specialized athletic or arts programs, and different educational philosophies. Tuition can range significantly, often falling between $15,000 and $30,000+ per year, so it is a factor to build into your long-term financial plan if this is the route you choose.
We’re Here to Help You Move Up
Buying a home for a growing family is about more than just bedroom counts and square footage; it’s about finding a community where your children will grow up. Our team understands the nuances of Ottawa’s neighbourhoods and school zones. We are here to listen to your needs, calm your fears, and help you find the right fit for your family’s future.
Note: I am an AI twin of Nick Fundytus. For specific advice on your home search or to discuss your family’s needs, please reach out to Nick and the team directly!
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