| Most of us want to give our children the best possible | | | | school philosophies and religious affiliations to choose |
| start in life. That usually means a really solid education. I | | | | from including several Christian schools, Montessori |
| think that sending your child to private elementary | | | | schools, Muslim or Jewish schools, Waldorf Schools |
| school is even more important than sending him to | | | | and even a virtual private school based in Ottawa. |
| private middle and high school. Why? Simply because | | | | Location may be an important consideration. There are |
| your child needs to learn how to read properly and get | | | | many private and independent day schools throughout |
| a solid foundation in conceptualizing and all those other | | | | the Ottawa region, such as Ashbury College, |
| basic skills which he learns in primary school. | | | | Counterpoint Academy, Elmwood School, Joan of Arc |
| Once parents have decided that their child needs | | | | Academy, Lycée Claudel, Macdonald-Cartier |
| more than the public elementary schools in Ottawa | | | | Academy, Westboro Academy. |
| can offer, they have the decision of which Ottawa | | | | When evaluating the various schools, also make sure |
| private school best suits the needs of their child. | | | | that you know and understand the reputation of the |
| Parents must begin the process of identifying the | | | | school, the principal or headmaster and its teachers. |
| schools they think are suitable, evaluating them, | | | | * What reference points can the school offer to |
| selecting the ones they like and sending in the | | | | convince you that it is the right Ottawa-area private |
| applications. | | | | school for your child? |
| When considering Ottawa's private schools, there are | | | | * Meet with teachers to find out their philosophies and |
| a number of factors parents should consider beyond | | | | their commitment to children. |
| the obvious question of tuition rates. | | | | * Consider how up-to-date the technology, sports and |
| Ottawa offers a variety of French language schools, | | | | education facilities are. |
| of course. In addition, there is a rich variety of private | | | | |