Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB)

1. School Board Overview
About the Ottawa Catholic School Board
The Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) is a publicly funded Catholic school board located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The Board provides education from Kindergarten through Grade 12 and operates more than 80 schools across the Ottawa region. OCSB follows the Ontario curriculum and is committed to academic achievement, student well-being, personal development, and inclusive school communities. Its educational approach emphasizes the development of essential skills, including critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, citizenship, and character.
As a Catholic school board, OCSB incorporates faith-based values into its educational philosophy and school environment. The Board welcomes students from different faiths, cultures, and backgrounds. International applicants are not required to be Catholic, although students are expected to respect the school’s educational environment and applicable religious education arrangements.
Through its International Student Program, OCSB welcomes eligible students from around the world who wish to experience Canadian elementary or secondary education.
Location — Ottawa, Canada’s Capital
Ottawa is Canada’s capital city, located in eastern Ontario. The city offers a combination of government institutions, museums, cultural attractions, parks, recreational facilities, and post-secondary educational institutions.
Ottawa’s English- and French-speaking communities provide opportunities for international students to experience Canada’s bilingual and multicultural environment. Major post-secondary institutions in the region include:
* University of Ottawa
* Carleton University
* Algonquin College
Studying in Ottawa can help international students become familiar with Canadian academic expectations, English-language instruction, and everyday life before pursuing post-secondary education.
Why Choose the Ottawa Catholic School Board?
Publicly Funded Ontario Education
OCSB delivers education based on Ontario’s provincial curriculum. Eligible secondary students may earn credits toward the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
Deep Learning Approach
OCSB emphasizes six global competencies:
* Citizenship
* Character
* Communication
* Critical Thinking
* Collaboration
* Creativity
These competencies help students develop the academic and interpersonal skills needed for future education and personal growth.
English Language Support
OCSB provides English as a Second Language (ESL) support to eligible students.
This allows English language learners to develop their language skills while adapting to an English-speaking academic environment.
Welcoming School Communities
The Board welcomes students from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. Schools emphasize respect, inclusion, well-being, and a sense of belonging.
Extracurricular Opportunities
Depending on the school, students may participate in sports, music, drama, visual arts, leadership activities, and community service.
Preparation for Post-Secondary Education
OCSB secondary schools offer courses designed to prepare students for different post-secondary pathways, including universities and colleges. Students can select courses based on their academic interests, graduation requirements, and future educational goals.

2. Schools & Academic Programs
Elementary Education
OCSB provides elementary education beginning in Kindergarten. The curriculum focuses on foundational academic knowledge, literacy, numeracy, communication, and personal development. Core learning areas include:
* English Language
* Mathematics
* Science and Technology
* Social Studies
* French as a Second Language
* Health and Physical Education
* The Arts
* Religious Education
English language learners may receive additional support according to their educational needs.
Intermediate Education — Grades 7 and 8
Grades 7 and 8 form the intermediate stage of education. Some intermediate programs operate within secondary school facilities, helping students prepare for the transition to high school. Students study subjects such as English, mathematics, science, history, geography, French, the arts, and physical education. The learning environment also encourages independence, time management, and collaboration.
Secondary Education — Grades 9 to 12
OCSB secondary schools follow the Ontario curriculum. Students complete compulsory and elective courses according to their academic pathway and graduation requirements. Representative subject areas include:
English and Humanities
* English
* History
* Geography
* Canadian and World Studies
* Social Sciences and Humanities
Mathematics and Science
* Mathematics
* Biology
* Chemistry
* Physics
* Science
* Technology
Business and Computing
* Business Studies
* Computer Studies
* Technological Education
Arts and Physical Education
* Visual Arts
* Music
* Drama
* Dance
* Health and Physical Education
Post-Secondary and Career Preparation
* Career Studies
* Civics and Citizenship
* University Preparation Courses
* College Preparation Courses
* Cooperative Education
Course availability varies by school, grade, and semester.
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
The Ontario Secondary School Diploma is awarded to students who satisfy the applicable provincial graduation requirements. Depending on the student’s entry year and applicable Ontario regulations, requirements may include:
* Compulsory credits;
* Elective credits;
* Literacy requirements;
* Community involvement hours;
* Online learning requirements, where applicable.
Ontario has introduced changes to graduation requirements in recent years, and students may be subject to different requirements depending on when they entered secondary school. International students who previously completed secondary education outside Canada may be assessed for equivalent credits. Credit recognition is determined by the school according to applicable policies and is not automatic.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
OCSB offers ESL programming and support for students whose first language is not English. ESL instruction helps students develop:
* Listening and speaking skills;
* Academic reading;
* Written communication;
* Vocabulary and grammar;
* Classroom participation;
* Academic language proficiency.
At the elementary level, language support may be provided according to student needs.
At the secondary level, ESL credit courses are available at designated schools.
Under Ontario diploma rules, eligible ESL or English Literacy Development credits may count toward certain compulsory English credit requirements. Students’ placement and language support are determined based on their educational background and assessed needs. Selected Secondary Schools Offering ESL. OCSB secondary schools identified as offering ESL support include:
* Holy Trinity Catholic High School
* Immaculata High School
* Lester B. Pearson Catholic High School
* St. Francis Xavier High School
* St. Matthew High School
* St. Mother Teresa High School
* St. Patrick’s High School
* St. Pius X High School
Applicants should confirm current ESL locations and course availability before applying.
Extracurricular Activities
OCSB schools offer opportunities for students to develop their interests outside the classroom.
Sports
Basketball, soccer, volleyball, badminton, swimming, track and field, hockey, skiing, and other activities.
Arts
Music, choir, drama, dance, visual arts, and school bands.
Leadership
Student councils, leadership programs, and school-based organizations.
Community Involvement
Volunteering, community projects, and other service activities. Extracurricular participation can help international students build friendships, practise English, and become more involved in school life.

3. International Student Admissions & Requirements
Eligible Grade Levels
OCSB’s International Student Program accepts eligible applicants from Kindergarten through Grade 12.
Grade placement depends on the student’s age, academic history, transcripts, and the Board’s assessment. Secondary applicants should also consider previous credits, English language proficiency, and their intended graduation timeline.
Admission Intakes
The main entry periods generally include:
* September Intake;
* February Intake, primarily for secondary students.
Actual intake availability depends on grade level, school capacity, and the Board’s current admission arrangements.
Academic Requirements
Applicants are generally required to submit recent school transcripts and relevant academic records. Applications are reviewed based on educational background, grade level, and available school placements.
Students seeking entry into Grade 11 or Grade 12 should carefully consider credit transfer, English language development, and graduation requirements.
Completion of the OSSD within a specific period cannot be guaranteed before an academic assessment.
English Language Requirements
OCSB provides ESL support for international students. Therefore, an IELTS or TOEFL score is not necessarily required for every applicant. However, students should have an appropriate level of academic readiness for their intended grade and educational goals.
Students with limited English proficiency may need additional time to meet course and graduation requirements. Those planning to apply to Canadian universities should begin preparing for senior-level academic courses and English language expectations well in advance.