REVIEW OF Ashbury College BY Alum, Toshka Beshara ('21)

(5) Overall Experience

Ashbury really was a place where I could be more than just “the athlete” or “the student.” I was training at a high level in kayaking, but the school never made me feel like I had to choose between sport and academics. Teachers like Ms. MacGregor and Mr. Crerar would quietly adapt deadlines or arrange early morning study sessions before I left for competitions. The small gestures, like dorm friends leaving me good-luck notes before a race, are what I remember most. If I could change anything, it would be to create more structured peer-to-peer mentoring for students balancing intense commitments. Ashbury prepared me not only for university but also for the life of balancing priorities. New students should expect to be challenged but also cared for; there’s a real willingness here to meet you where you are.

(4.5) School Leadership

The leadership at Ashbury stood out because it wasn’t distant or formal for the sake of it. Staff would stop to talk with us in the hallway, even if it was about something small, like how training was going. They listened when students brought up concerns, and you could see changes happen from that feedback. When I missed assemblies for travel, they’d check in later, so I didn’t miss important updates. Discipline was handled with fairness, and it felt more like guidance than punishment. It made me trust that the people in charge actually understood us.

(5) Teaching

Ashbury’s teachers made all the difference for me. They were experts in their subjects, but more importantly, they genuinely cared. Ms. MacGregor would print off extra biology notes for me when I was away at races; you have no idea how much that meant to me. Mr. Crerar would offer his classroom as a quiet space early in the morning before class so I could catch up on assignments. There was a mutual respect as students wanted to do well because teachers invested in us. It was informal in the best way; you could joke with your teachers but still be challenged. The feedback they gave wasn’t just about grades; it was about how to think critically and manage your time. Those skills have stuck with me more than any single lesson.

(4.5) Academics

Ashbury’s academic IB program was quite intense for me, but I never felt alone in it. There was a shared understanding between students and staff that everyone was working hard in their own way. It wasn’t really a tight competition; instead, we helped each other achieve more. I was encouraged to stretch my thinking, especially in TOK and HL Biology. When I had to miss classes for competitions, teachers often helped me map out plans so I would not fall behind. This taught me how to organize my time and manage high workloads, and to me, those are the skills that are invaluable now. The academic culture at Ashbury is serious, but it’s also supportive, which makes you want to push yourself further to reach your full potential.

(4.5) Extracurriculars

Even though my main focus was kayaking, I appreciated the variety of extracurriculars available. I joined the environmental club one term and loved being part of a completely different group of people. Events like Spirit Week and coffeehouse performances gave everyone a chance to participate without pressure. There’s room at Ashbury for both competitive and just-for-fun activities, which makes it easy to feel part of the community.

(5) Students

Ashbury’s student body is diverse in every sense, from backgrounds, interests, and all the way up to personalities. What stands out most to me is that respect was given to students who were authentic, no matter what they excelled at. I had friends who were top debaters, others who were passionate about the arts, and some who just quietly showed up and worked hard. Boarding and day students mixed naturally; there wasn’t a divide. People were curious about each other’s lives, which created a collaborative environment rather than a competitive one. We came from all over the world, but shared values like respect, dedication, and empathy made it easy to connect. It’s the kind of environment where you can learn from your peers as much as from your teachers.

(5) School Life

Life at Ashbury was busy for me, but of course in a good way. My days were full of classes, training, meals with friends, and study sessions, but there was always a sense of purpose. The dorms felt like a second home, especially because of the small routines we built together, like watching a show after study hall. The school supported wellbeing with access to counsellors and wellness programming, which really mattered during high-stress times. Most students were happy to be there, even when we were stressed about assignments or events. If I could improve one thing, it would be adding more quiet social spaces for downtime. The balance between structure and freedom was one of Ashbury’s strengths, so it taught us independence without ever feeling like we were on our own.

(4.5) Community

Ashbury’s community extends far beyond graduation. While I was a student, my parents were very involved. They volunteered at events, cheered at sports games, and helped with fundraising; whatever they could do, they pretty much did. That involvement created a strong sense of connection between students, staff, and families. Since graduating, I’ve stayed in touch with friends and coaches, and the alumni network has been supportive, especially in connecting me to opportunities outside of sport. That also does not take away the sports spirit of Ashbury; they take it pretty seriously if you ask me. Even now, teachers still check in on my progress, which shows that their investment in students doesn’t end at graduation. It’s not just a school community; it feels more like an extended family.

(5) School Location

Everyone knows that being in Ottawa gave us a unique advantage, you’re in a safe, residential area, but still close to the city. On weekends, we could explore local cafés or take part in cultural events. The Rideau River paths were perfect for training runs and walks. It never felt isolated, but the campus itself had everything you needed.

(5) Admissions

I can only remember the course selections with the Admissions team. My admissions experience was personal and encouraging. The staff genuinely wanted to understand who I was beyond grades. The interviews feel more like a conversation, and for me, they were curious about my sport and how it might fit into school life. My advice for applicants is to be honest about your interests and commitments. Ashbury works hard to accommodate different paths. Don’t be afraid to ask how they can support your goals.

(5) University placement and counselling

The university counselling team played a huge role in helping me balance athletic recruitment and academic applications. Hands down, they should probably be one of the best in the country. They understood the timelines for sports recruitment and helped coordinate with coaches and universities. Ms. Donaldson was always available for essay feedback, and she guided me through scholarship applications as well. I would have appreciated even earlier conversations about U.S. university options, but once the process began, it was very hands-on and worked out pretty well for me. The support went beyond paperwork; they helped me think through which environment would be best for me as both a student and an athlete. I feel I did end up making the right choice for myself and the future, part of which I am now living.