REVIEW OF Ashbury College BY Alum, James Goldberg ('23)

(5) Overall Experience

Ashbury was a place where I felt both pushed and supported in equal measure. What stands out most is the balance between structure and independence, something that made a big difference in preparing me for Cornell. I was someone who always had a strong interest in engineering and tech, and Ashbury gave me the space and resources to explore that without boxing me in. I could be the robotics guy and run student council events, all in the same week. The thing I liked best was probably how accessible the teachers were. I had mentors who’d sit with me during lunch to go over project ideas or help me find competitions to enter. They treated my curiosity seriously. If I could change anything, maybe more space for hands-on STEM experimentation would’ve helped. Labs were great, but as someone who likes to tinker, I wanted more unsupervised design time. Ashbury definitely prepared me for the next step, especially in how to manage workload and advocate for myself. Prospective students should expect to be held to high expectations but not left to figure it all out alone. That mix of rigour and relationship is rare.

(5) School Leadership

The administration at Ashbury was present and generally respected. I remember Mr. Allin taking time to speak with us after assemblies or checking in when the student council was running an initiative. There was a formal tone to leadership, but not in a cold or disconnected way. It helped that leadership didn’t shy away from tough conversations, whether it was mental health or social justice, they faced issues head-on. They weren’t perfect, and not every policy landed perfectly with students, but there was a sense that they cared about doing things with integrity. They communicated clearly and kept parents in the loop without making students feel like they were being micromanaged. It was a professional but human approach.

(5) Teaching

Ashbury’s teaching was one of its strongest features. Teachers had clear expertise but weren’t rigid as they adapted to how students learned best. I remember Mr. McKelvie turning calculus into something close to a strategy game, which honestly helped me get it in a way I never expected. And Ms. Chaudhry’s enthusiasm for science made even routine labs feel important. The dynamic between teachers and students was respectful, often collaborative. You could challenge ideas, suggest projects, and they’d engage with that. Feedback wasn’t just grades; it came with thoughtful suggestions, encouragement, and sometimes real excitement. I didn’t just learn content; I learned how to learn, and that’s been a massive help in university. Teachers helped me push beyond the surface and encouraged exploration. I felt genuinely supported, especially in IB subjects. Their mentorship shaped how I approach learning today.

(5) Academics

The academic culture at Ashbury is serious, but not cutthroat. Students are driven, but collaboration is encouraged over competition. There were times when the IB workload felt intense, but teachers provided the scaffolding to handle it from check-ins, manageable deadlines, and a genuine understanding that students have lives beyond the textbook. Ashbury’s strength is how well-rounded the academic experience is. You’re encouraged to pursue your interests deeply, but also to try courses outside your comfort zone. I took Economics and Computer Science in the same term, and those cross-disciplinary experiences shaped how I think now as an engineering student. I left Ashbury with the confidence to handle high-pressure academic environments and the mindset to approach problems creatively. The mix of courses let me explore STEM deeply while still trying things like economics and politics. That interdisciplinary blend helped prepare me for engineering at Cornell.

(4.5) Extracurriculars

I was heavily involved in the robotics club, student council, and several sustainability initiatives. One of my favourite memories was leading a tech literacy workshop for younger students. It was cool seeing something I’d built being used to teach others. Extracurriculars at Ashbury felt meaningful, not just for a good resume or application. There’s definitely space to go deep into your passion, but also to explore something random just for fun, like debate club, improv, environmental action groups, and coding meetups. The school makes it easy to jump in, no matter your skill level.

(5) Students

Ashbury’s student body is diverse in background, in interests, and in ambition. What really stood out to me was how multifaceted people were. You’d have a varsity athlete who also plays violin or a math whiz who’s obsessed with visual arts. The culture respected balance and curiosity, not just straight academic success. There was a mix of boarding and day students, and I always felt like there was space for everyone. People mostly got along, and when there were issues, they were dealt with directly. Respect, effort, and authenticity were what really earned social capital. The school encouraged respect and authenticity. You didn’t have to “fit a mould” to feel like you belonged. There were strong bonds across grades, and the dynamic was mostly inclusive. It felt like a place where people gave each other space to grow.

(4.5) School Life

Life at Ashbury felt busy, but in the best way. Between schoolwork, clubs, and social events, there was always something going on. The campus had this quiet but energized rhythm to it, which was productive without being overwhelming. I enjoyed the structure because it gave me clarity, and I also appreciated how wellness and downtime were built into the school’s approach. Most students were pretty engaged. Were there stressful periods? For sure, especially around IB deadlines, but there was also laughter in the dining hall, movie nights in dorms, and late-night study jams that turned into impromptu jam sessions. Days were full, but there was always something to look forward to: club meetings, sports games, coffeehouse nights. Dorm life had its ups and downs, but the rhythm of school gave it balance.

(4.5) Community

Ashbury’s community sticks with you. I still keep in touch with classmates from the robotics team, and I’ve been surprised at how often the alumni network pops up, whether it’s LinkedIn messages or shared opportunities. The school does a good job of making parents feel welcome, too. My parents always appreciated how involved they could be, and they appreciated how looped-in they were, even though I was pretty independent also even if we lived outside Ottawa. There’s a shared identity that lingers beyond graduation. I still feel like part of the Ashbury community, even from across the border. I’ve kept in touch with several classmates and alumni. The network has already been helpful as I settle into university life. Ashbury stays with you as it has for me

(5) School Location

Ottawa gave Ashbury a calm but connected feel. It was not isolated, but it also was not in the middle of a distracting city scene either. We could go downtown or to cafés easily, but the school itself felt peaceful. That made it easier to focus, but also made weekend outings feel like little rewards. It was balanced for me and I like it

(5) Admissions

I remember the application process being surprisingly human. There was an interview that didn’t feel like a test, but to me, it felt like a conversation. They wanted to understand who I was beyond my grades. The admissions team made it clear that they were looking for potential, not perfection. If you're applying to Ashbury College, please do not fake anything. Be curious, be open, and share what actually excites you and do not bandwagon some of the activities, just be you and truthful.

(4.5) University placement and counselling

Ashbury’s university counselling was solid. I felt guided rather than pushed. They helped me map out timelines, edit essays, and understand financial aid options across borders, which was especially helpful as someone heading to the U.S. If anything, I would’ve liked earlier exposure to options beyond Canada. But once I had a goal in mind, the support was there. I went into applications confident and well-prepared. I do think the process could’ve started slightly earlier, especially for students looking at schools with specialized requirements. But once you’re in the process, the support is consistent and personal. I felt ready when decision time came, and that peace of mind is worth a lot. One thing I appreciated was how personal it felt; they knew my goals and helped me shape a plan that worked.