Choosing a school in Canada can feel like the most stressful part of moving with children. Websites rarely convey what daily life is truly like, and each family has different priorities. This guide focuses on practical questions and a simple decision process — especially for families planning a move to Ottawa.
First: Clarify What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before you compare schools, establish your non-negotiables. Most decision errors come from comparing everything at once without a clear priority list.
- Commute: how long you drive each day matters more than you might expect.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: the language your child is exposed to all day.
- Support: learning support, ESL assistance, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: structure, discipline, and how communication happens.
How to Decide Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expatriate families:
A simple process
- Shortlist by location first. In Ottawa, traffic can turn a “good” school into a daily struggle.
- Confirm availability and admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Inquire about the classroom reality. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Inquire about support. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Schedule one visit (or virtual tour) per finalist. Rely on what you observe rather than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after your visit. It helps avoid the “everything feels the same” problem.
Questions Worth Asking About Schools
These questions tend to reveal more than generic “tell me about your program” discussions:
- What is the typical class size for this age?
- How do you handle new students mid-year?
- How do teachers communicate with parents (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does the day actually look like (start/end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support kids who are anxious or adjusting to a new country?
- What is the policy for language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you handle heat/indoor/outdoor time in hotter months?
Costs and Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
Choosing a school isn't only about tuition. Consider the complete daily cost.
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the daily routine matters more.
- Ignoring commute time: it affects sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same everywhere: it doesn’t.
- Not asking about support: transitions are real for kids.
- Waiting too long: admissions timelines can be tighter than expected.
Key Takeaway
The ideal school is typically the one that aligns with your family’s actual schedule—its location, the support available, and everyday ease for your child—not the one that boasts the slickest advertising.
If you’d like help prioritizing for Ottawa (commute, routines, questions to ask), get in touch — or call +1 613 555 0123.