About Our Private Junior High School Program
Our junior high school program for grades 6-8 is shaping students into future leaders by providing academic excellence, character development, leadership opportunities, and physical education that actively prepares them for high school and beyond. Every day, our students engage in an environment that fosters intellectual growth, self-discipline, teamwork, and confidence while maintaining both competitive and recreational athletic experiences. With subject-specific teachers, an enriched physical education program, and immersive overnight field trips, our students are building a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success.
Our Academic Structure
Right now, our students benefit from specialized instruction in every subject. Instead of a single teacher covering multiple topics, they rotate between classrooms, learning from passionate educators who bring expertise to their fields.
Our Core Subjects
- English Language Arts (ELA): Our students strengthen their reading comprehension, essay writing, public speaking, and literary analysis skills.
- Mathematics: They master arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and problem-solving strategies to prepare for high school coursework.
- Science: Hands-on experiments, lab work, and inquiry-based learning in life, physical, and earth sciences bring concepts to life.
- Social Studies: History, geography, civics, and global awareness are explored through dynamic lessons.
- French: Our structured program supports learners at all levels. Students are placed in Core, Intermediate, or Advanced streams based on their proficiency, ensuring personalized instruction that enhances language acquisition and cultural understanding.
Our Enrichment Subjects
- Technology & Coding: Our students are introduced to basic programming, digital literacy, and online safety.
- Music, Drama, Art & Woodworking: Creativity thrives as students explore instrumental music, vocal and dramatic performances, painting, sculpture, and digital media.
- Health Education: Lessons on nutrition, mental health, and personal well-being equip them with essential life skills. Students will enjoy culinary experiences in our instructional kitchen to further their knowledge.
Our Essential Life Skills
- Time Management & Organization: Our students learn to balance responsibilities andmeet deadlines.
- Collaboration & Communication: Group projects and teamwork strengthen interpersonal skills.
- Resilience & Problem-Solving: Adaptability and confidence in facing challenges are nurtured.
- Technology & Digital Citizenship: Responsible and safe digital usage is a key focus.
Our Personal Growth Opportunities
- Entrepreneurship & Financial Literacy: Budgeting, saving, and economic principles
are explored. - Mindfulness & Mental Health Awareness: Coping strategies for stress and emotional
well-being are practiced.
Our thriving junior high school program is equipping students with the tools they need to excel in high school and beyond. Every day, our students grow through academic excellence, leadership development, a dynamic athletics program, enriched physical education, and life skills training. By participating in overnight trips, preparing for structured assessments, and engaging in both competitive and recreational athletic opportunities, our students are leaving junior high as confident, capable, and well-rounded individuals, ready to take on new challenges.
Resource Program
At St-Laurent Academy Private Elementary School in Ottawa, our Resource Program and team offers a warm and supportive environment for students to receive out-of-class instruction and guidance to supplement their regular curriculum. Students in the Resource Program receive both 1-1, focused, out-of-class and in-class support delivered by a specialist teacher using a variety of tools and assistive technology. The resource team also works very closely with outside agencies and classroom teachers to ensure that learning is accessible and engaging for all students. Our goal is to provide our resource students with the support and tools needed to build independence, confidence, and both academic and social success.
Barton System
St-Laurent Academy proudly implements the Barton Reading and Spelling Program to resolve issues concerning spelling, reading and writing. The Barton Reading and Spelling Program was initially develop address to learning struggles related to dyslexia. It is Orton Gillingham influenced, which is a structured language approach that is different in both what is taught (reading and spelling are taught as related subjects) and how it is taught (the methodology).
Our system is a multi-sensory, direct, explicit, structured and sequential program designed for intense intervention. The progress that we have witnessed firsthand implementing the Barton Reading and Spelling Program over the history of our school is astounding. For more information, testimonials and a demo, please visit www.BartonReading.com.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
St-Laurent Academy has an international student body and we recognize the importance of servicing our students who are new to our school, community and country, and whose first and even second language is not English.
Our Elementary ESL (English Second Language) Program is to provide our ESL students with the core, base knowledge of the English Language. Following the Ontario Ministry guidelines, we focus on building confidence, knowledge and application of language in 5 key areas: Speaking, Listening, Reading, Writing and Orientation. As our ESL students progress and succeed moving through the ESL levels/stages, we guide and support, with the goal of successfully integrating them into the full English, Ontario curriculum.
ESL facilitation occurs both within the core classroom, as well as in small groups with direct, specific instruction. Ensuring our ESL students also benefit from a variety of school wide activities, games, cultural outings and competitions, that encourage and make learning a new language fun, is core to the ESL program.
Philosophy
The underlying philosophy for our success lies in our ability to employ teachers who understand that learning is made easier, more exciting and more meaningful when concepts are reinforced by experiential, multi-sensory and differentiated approaches.
We recognize that students learn in many different ways and at varying speeds. To meet their diverse needs, students will learn through the following:
- STEM-Based Approaches
- Outdoor Education
- Field Trips
- Guest Experts
- Google Suite
- Learning Centers
- Games & Contests
- Exhibits and Experiments
- Team and Individual Focused Projects
Mission Statement
St-Laurent Academy is committed to working in partnership with our school community, including parents, students, and staff, with the expectation that all members uphold a respectful demeanor and embody school spirit in our collective pursuit of student success. Together, we aim to create a supportive and inclusive environment where every student can thrive academically and socially. Our collaborative efforts are geared towards nurturing a sense of belonging and celebrating the rich diversity of our international student population, enriching our broader Canadian community with global perspectives and values.
Vision
In customizing programs to each student's individual learning needs, our school incorporates a variety of differentiated instructional methods. Dedicated, passionate, core and specialist teachers work together to create a safe, dynamic and engaging environment which fosters self-confidence, mutual respect, and independence. At our school, the learning extends beyond the classroom; we engage the curiosity of each student and foster a life-long love of learning. Students are encouraged to reach their full potential and to become well-balanced, environmentally conscious citizens who will play a vital role in the future.
Athletics
We believe that physical activity benefits mind, body and spirit, and hope to inspire our students to make physical activity a part of their daily routine. Every day, our students participate in a robust athletics program that offers both competitive and recreational opportunities. Physical activity enhances student discipline, teamwork, and personal growth while fostering a love for fitness. Our school is a member of the Ottawa Independent Schools Athletic Association (OISAA) which offers our athletic teams the opportunity to compete against other schools. Physical Education has always been a pillar of St-Laurent Academy’s balanced philosophy of education. Our Competitive Sports Teams
- Our teams compete in basketball, soccer, volleyball, cross country, badminton and track and field, flag rugby, representing our school with pride.
- Our students receive structured coaching and participate in inter-school leagues and tournaments.
- Sportsmanship, resilience, and personal bests are top priorities.
- In house cardio and weight rooms are available for personal fitness goals and training.
Leadership and Character Building in Our Program
Our students are actively developing leadership skills and strong character traits. Through student council, peer mentoring, fundraising initiatives and service projects, they cultivate responsibility and empathy.
Our Leadership Opportunities
- Student Government: Our young leaders plan events, advocate for their peers, and make an impact.
- Peer Mentorship Programs: Older students guide younger peers, making the transition into junior high smoother.
Our Character Education
- Ethics and Morality Discussions: Integrity, empathy, and ethical decision-making are explored in engaging conversations.
- Conflict Resolution: Our students learn problem-solving strategies and emotional intelligence.
- Critical Thinking Skills: Students are taught to think critically, understanding bias and misinformation.
Our Overnight Field Trips: Building Confidence and Independence
Right now, our students are experiencing the excitement of overnight trips that shape their confidence and independence. These immersive experiences bring learning beyond the classroom. Students are offered two – three overnight trips per year, with a focus on building independence and furthering their feelings of belonging with their peers and teachers.
Our Assessments and Readiness for High School
Our students are currently preparing for the academic rigor of high school through structured assessments and skill-building initiatives.
Our Types of Assessments
- Semestered Exams: Our students demonstrate their progress and academic growth.
- Project-Based Assessments: Creativity and problem-solving are showcased through hands-on projects.
- Formative Assessments: Teachers design and administer various assessments in junior high students to gauge students’ knowledge, skills, and growth through unit tests, oral presentations, class discussions, observations etc.
Our High School Readiness Initiatives
- Study Skill Development: Note-taking, organization, and exam strategies are fine-tuned on a daily basis within the classroom.
- High School Transition: Our students learn about course selections and expectations.
- Career Exploration & Life Skills: Financial literacy, career pathways, and personal responsibility are introduced. St-Laurent Academy hosts a career day for students to further explore their future career opportunities.
Right now, our junior high students are gaining the skills they need to succeed both academically and personally.
Uniform Ordering
Our learning philosophy is centred on students who are happy, healthy, and active. As such, St-Laurent Academy is proud to be offering school uniforms for purchase in house, which focus on students remaining comfortable and active throughout the day.
Lunch Programs
Our lunch program is offered as an optional service to all our Elementary and High School students. A set menu is provided for each day, which includes a daily meal and snack. Our menues are created with the consultation of our in-house nutritionist.
Medication Forms
See the link below for access to our medical authorization and administration form.
Bus Service
Our school is pleased to offer convenient bus transportation for our families. We operate three 20-seat buses and one full-size 48-seat bus, providing morning and afternoon routes to and from Orleans, Barrhaven, Riverside South, Alta Vista, and the Glebe. This service ensures safe and reliable travel for our students, making your daily routine easier.
Interested in St-Laurent Academy?
St-Laurent Academy offers a continuous admissions process for daycare through high school. We believe that you should experience a school before you choose it. In order to enrol the school principal must first provide each family with an offer of admission. Please follow the link below to start your application process!
About Our Private Junior High School Program
Our junior high school program for grades 6-8 is shaping students into future leaders by providing academic excellence, character development, leadership opportunities, and physical education that actively prepares them for high school and beyond. Every day, our students engage in an environment that fosters intellectual growth, self-discipline, teamwork, and confidence while maintaining both competitive and recreational athletic experiences. With subject-specific teachers, an enriched physical education program, and immersive overnight field trips, our students are building a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success.
Our Academic Structure
Right now, our students benefit from specialized instruction in every subject. Instead of a single teacher covering multiple topics, they rotate between classrooms, learning from passionate educators who bring expertise to their fields.
Our Core Subjects
- English Language Arts (ELA): Our students strengthen their reading comprehension, essay writing, public speaking, and literary analysis skills.
- Mathematics: They master arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and problem-solving strategies to prepare for high school coursework.
- Science: Hands-on experiments, lab work, and inquiry-based learning in life, physical, and earth sciences bring concepts to life.
- Social Studies: History, geography, civics, and global awareness are explored through dynamic lessons.
- French: Our structured program supports learners at all levels. Students are placed in Core, Intermediate, or Advanced streams based on their proficiency, ensuring personalized instruction that enhances language acquisition and cultural understanding.
Our Enrichment Subjects
- Technology & Coding: Our students are introduced to basic programming, digital literacy, and online safety.
- Music, Drama, Art & Woodworking: Creativity thrives as students explore instrumental music, vocal and dramatic performances, painting, sculpture, and digital media.
- Health Education: Lessons on nutrition, mental health, and personal well-being equip them with essential life skills. Students will enjoy culinary experiences in our instructional kitchen to further their knowledge.
Our Essential Life Skills
- Time Management & Organization: Our students learn to balance responsibilities andmeet deadlines.
- Collaboration & Communication: Group projects and teamwork strengthen interpersonal skills.
- Resilience & Problem-Solving: Adaptability and confidence in facing challenges are nurtured.
- Technology & Digital Citizenship: Responsible and safe digital usage is a key focus.
Our Personal Growth Opportunities
- Entrepreneurship & Financial Literacy: Budgeting, saving, and economic principles
are explored. - Mindfulness & Mental Health Awareness: Coping strategies for stress and emotional
well-being are practiced.
Our thriving junior high school program is equipping students with the tools they need to excel in high school and beyond. Every day, our students grow through academic excellence, leadership development, a dynamic athletics program, enriched physical education, and life skills training. By participating in overnight trips, preparing for structured assessments, and engaging in both competitive and recreational athletic opportunities, our students are leaving junior high as confident, capable, and well-rounded individuals, ready to take on new challenges.
Resource Program
At St-Laurent Academy Private Elementary School in Ottawa, our Resource Program and team offers a warm and supportive environment for students to receive out-of-class instruction and guidance to supplement their regular curriculum. Students in the Resource Program receive both 1-1, focused, out-of-class and in-class support delivered by a specialist teacher using a variety of tools and assistive technology. The resource team also works very closely with outside agencies and classroom teachers to ensure that learning is accessible and engaging for all students. Our goal is to provide our resource students with the support and tools needed to build independence, confidence, and both academic and social success.
Barton System
St-Laurent Academy proudly implements the Barton Reading and Spelling Program to resolve issues concerning spelling, reading and writing. The Barton Reading and Spelling Program was initially develop address to learning struggles related to dyslexia. It is Orton Gillingham influenced, which is a structured language approach that is different in both what is taught (reading and spelling are taught as related subjects) and how it is taught (the methodology).
Our system is a multi-sensory, direct, explicit, structured and sequential program designed for intense intervention. The progress that we have witnessed firsthand implementing the Barton Reading and Spelling Program over the history of our school is astounding. For more information, testimonials and a demo, please visit www.BartonReading.com.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
St-Laurent Academy has an international student body and we recognize the importance of servicing our students who are new to our school, community and country, and whose first and even second language is not English.
Our Elementary ESL (English Second Language) Program is to provide our ESL students with the core, base knowledge of the English Language. Following the Ontario Ministry guidelines, we focus on building confidence, knowledge and application of language in 5 key areas: Speaking, Listening, Reading, Writing and Orientation. As our ESL students progress and succeed moving through the ESL levels/stages, we guide and support, with the goal of successfully integrating them into the full English, Ontario curriculum.
ESL facilitation occurs both within the core classroom, as well as in small groups with direct, specific instruction. Ensuring our ESL students also benefit from a variety of school wide activities, games, cultural outings and competitions, that encourage and make learning a new language fun, is core to the ESL program.
Philosophy
The underlying philosophy for our success lies in our ability to employ teachers who understand that learning is made easier, more exciting and more meaningful when concepts are reinforced by experiential, multi-sensory and differentiated approaches.
We recognize that students learn in many different ways and at varying speeds. To meet their diverse needs, students will learn through the following:
- STEM-Based Approaches
- Outdoor Education
- Field Trips
- Guest Experts
- Google Suite
- Learning Centers
- Games & Contests
- Exhibits and Experiments
- Team and Individual Focused Projects
Mission Statement
St-Laurent Academy is committed to working in partnership with our school community, including parents, students, and staff, with the expectation that all members uphold a respectful demeanor and embody school spirit in our collective pursuit of student success. Together, we aim to create a supportive and inclusive environment where every student can thrive academically and socially. Our collaborative efforts are geared towards nurturing a sense of belonging and celebrating the rich diversity of our international student population, enriching our broader Canadian community with global perspectives and values.
Vision
In customizing programs to each student's individual learning needs, our school incorporates a variety of differentiated instructional methods. Dedicated, passionate, core and specialist teachers work together to create a safe, dynamic and engaging environment which fosters self-confidence, mutual respect, and independence. At our school, the learning extends beyond the classroom; we engage the curiosity of each student and foster a life-long love of learning. Students are encouraged to reach their full potential and to become well-balanced, environmentally conscious citizens who will play a vital role in the future.
Athletics
We believe that physical activity benefits mind, body and spirit, and hope to inspire our students to make physical activity a part of their daily routine. Every day, our students participate in a robust athletics program that offers both competitive and recreational opportunities. Physical activity enhances student discipline, teamwork, and personal growth while fostering a love for fitness. Our school is a member of the Ottawa Independent Schools Athletic Association (OISAA) which offers our athletic teams the opportunity to compete against other schools. Physical Education has always been a pillar of St-Laurent Academy’s balanced philosophy of education. Our Competitive Sports Teams
- Our teams compete in basketball, soccer, volleyball, cross country, badminton and track and field, flag rugby, representing our school with pride.
- Our students receive structured coaching and participate in inter-school leagues and tournaments.
- Sportsmanship, resilience, and personal bests are top priorities.
- In house cardio and weight rooms are available for personal fitness goals and training.
Leadership and Character Building in Our Program
Our students are actively developing leadership skills and strong character traits. Through student council, peer mentoring, fundraising initiatives and service projects, they cultivate responsibility and empathy.
Our Leadership Opportunities
- Student Government: Our young leaders plan events, advocate for their peers, and make an impact.
- Peer Mentorship Programs: Older students guide younger peers, making the transition into junior high smoother.
Our Character Education
- Ethics and Morality Discussions: Integrity, empathy, and ethical decision-making are explored in engaging conversations.
- Conflict Resolution: Our students learn problem-solving strategies and emotional intelligence.
- Critical Thinking Skills: Students are taught to think critically, understanding bias and misinformation.
Our Overnight Field Trips: Building Confidence and Independence
Right now, our students are experiencing the excitement of overnight trips that shape their confidence and independence. These immersive experiences bring learning beyond the classroom. Students are offered two – three overnight trips per year, with a focus on building independence and furthering their feelings of belonging with their peers and teachers.
Our Assessments and Readiness for High School
Our students are currently preparing for the academic rigor of high school through structured assessments and skill-building initiatives.
Our Types of Assessments
- Semestered Exams: Our students demonstrate their progress and academic growth.
- Project-Based Assessments: Creativity and problem-solving are showcased through hands-on projects.
- Formative Assessments: Teachers design and administer various assessments in junior high students to gauge students’ knowledge, skills, and growth through unit tests, oral presentations, class discussions, observations etc.
Our High School Readiness Initiatives
- Study Skill Development: Note-taking, organization, and exam strategies are fine-tuned on a daily basis within the classroom.
- High School Transition: Our students learn about course selections and expectations.
- Career Exploration & Life Skills: Financial literacy, career pathways, and personal responsibility are introduced. St-Laurent Academy hosts a career day for students to further explore their future career opportunities.
Right now, our junior high students are gaining the skills they need to succeed both academically and personally.
Uniform Ordering
Our learning philosophy is centred on students who are happy, healthy, and active. As such, St-Laurent Academy is proud to be offering school uniforms for purchase in house, which focus on students remaining comfortable and active throughout the day.
Lunch Programs
Our lunch program is offered as an optional service to all our Elementary and High School students. A set menu is provided for each day, which includes a daily meal and snack. Our menues are created with the consultation of our in-house nutritionist.
Medication Forms
See the link below for access to our medical authorization and administration form.
Bus Service
Our school is pleased to offer convenient bus transportation for our families. We operate three 20-seat buses and one full-size 48-seat bus, providing morning and afternoon routes to and from Orleans, Barrhaven, Riverside South, Alta Vista, and the Glebe. This service ensures safe and reliable travel for our students, making your daily routine easier.
Interested in St-Laurent Academy?
St-Laurent Academy offers a continuous admissions process for daycare through high school. We believe that you should experience a school before you choose it. In order to enrol the school principal must first provide each family with an offer of admission. Please follow the link below to start your application process!
Our Approach to Learning
At St-Laurent Academy, school takes on a whole different meaning for students as they become fully engaged in all subjects - school becomes fun and rewarding! Making learning fun starts with differentiated instruction that meets students where they are, ensuring everyone feels challenged and supported. By using varied assessments and hands-on learning activities, students stay engaged and can demonstrate understanding in creative, meaningful ways. With the guidance of experienced teachers, each lesson becomes an opportunity to inspire curiosity, build confidence, and spark a love of learning.
Social Studies
Science
Computer Technology
Physical Education
Character Development & Social Skills
English & Math
Art, Drama, Vocal & Instrumental Music
French
Contact Us
We'd love to hear from you
Please send us a message for general inquiries, or to schedule a visit to our locations. We look forward to hearing from you!