Joan of Arc Academy | L'Academie Jeanne d'Arc, Private school in Ottawa, ON

Joan of Arc was founded by the Congregation of the Sisters of Joan of Arc in 1954, the intention being to provide support for girls living away from home. The school, quite obviously, has changed considerably over the years, bringing the focus to education, and moving to an ecumenical curriculum. Many of the changes were driven by parents of the school, including a revisioning of the core mandate in 1991. The school moved to its current location in 2002, and has continued to grow its programs and enrolment since then. Academics are taught through the lens of bilingualism and global education. The girls-only environment helps build a foundation of empowerment, something that graduates take with them into their high school careers and beyond. The ideal student is one able to thrive in a challenging, diverse, community-based educational environment.

We questioned the school administration

1. Who are you, as a school?

"Since 1954, Joan of Arc Academy has been dedicated to fostering a truly bilingual environment, ensuring our students excel in both French and English. Our comprehensive curriculum emphasizes advanced math and science alongside a vibrant performing arts and music program, helping students develop both critical analytical skills and creative expression. At Joan of Arc Academy, we cultivate confident leaders with exceptional academic abilities, setting our students apart as well-rounded, accomplished individuals."

All-girls’ bilingual school founded in 1954
Enriched academics
Small class sizes
Diverse student population
After school program available from 3:45 pm to 6:00 pm
Emphasis on STEM
Strong bilingual program
Performing Arts and Music program
Balance Program

2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?

At Joan of Arc Academy we have the resources of a large school but the individual investment and support of a small community. This is what sets us apart. The teachers invest so much into the achievement and well-being of each and every student. With additional resource teachers, guidance and outside programs, our school is a place where you daughter knows she matters and will thrive.

3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?

Information not yet available.

4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?

In 1954, the school was established by the Congregation of the Sisters of Joan of Arc under the name La Maison Jeanne d'Arc. Originally formed to support girls living away from home, it quickly evolved into a Catholic educational facility focused on developing young women with strong academic and moral foundations. In 1991 the transition into a modern private school began where parents formed the Joan of Arc Academic Society. This marked a shift toward an independent, secular structure while retaining the school's core mission: empowering girls through an enriched, bilingual curriculum in French and English. As student enrollment grew, the Academy relocated to its current campus on Elmira Drive in 2002. The expanded facility allows the school to broaden its academic, STEM, arts, and athletic programs. Today, the school operates as a premier non-profit independent girls' school, maintaining small class sizes and preparing graduates for competitive high school programs.

5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?

Students who would thrive in the Joan of Arc environment are:
-Curious & Academically Motivated Learners: The curriculum operates at an accelerated level compared to standard public boards. Students who enjoy problem-solving, reading, science, and structured project work tend to flourish rather than feel overwhelmed.
-Enthusiastic Language Learners: Because the school delivers a true fully-bilingual program (not just standard French immersion), students need to be willing to engage deeply in both French and English. Prior French exposure is required for older entries, though early entry (JK–Grade 1) supports beginners smoothly.
-Girls Looking to Build Early Leadership Skills: The all-girls environment removes traditional social dynamic distractions, encouraging girls to take on risks in STEM, public speaking, debate, and student council early on.

6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?

Students requiring extensive specialized learning support: As a small private school, resources for significant special educational needs or intensive behavioral support are very limited or non-existent.

Girls seeking huge campus variety: Students looking for expansive athletics facilities, large-scale music bands, or massive peer groups might find a small independent school setup less suited to their social or extracurricular preferences.

7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?

One of the draws to our school is the caliber of the French program. As a parent you can feel assured that your daughter will become fully bilingual in French and English over the course of her time as a JOA student. The quality and consistency of the French teachers will always be maintained. The teachers know how to curate a learning environment that allows students both absorb the language quickly and develop the confidence to use the language in writing and speech.

8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?

In the Ottawa community, Joan of Arc Academy is renowned as a high-performing academic school that prepares girls for elite high schools and competitive track programs. Our school is best known for its accelerated curriculum—particularly in math and STEM—and a rigorous dual-language model that delivers true, high-level French and English fluency. Our small, all-girls environment fosters a safe, family-like culture where students build exceptional public speaking skills, self-confidence, and leadership without co-ed social pressures. While our small class sizes mean smaller social cohorts and simpler facilities than sprawling K–12 prep schools, parents highly value JOA for our dedicated faculty, strong moral foundation, and track record of producing articulate, high-achieving graduates.

9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

While being an all-girls school a main pillar of who we are as a school, it tends to be an undervalued benefit of choosing Joan of Arc Academy. Learning in an all-girls environment helps our students develop confidence, leadership skills and critical thinking skills. Our learning environment feels safe and welcoming to our students. Therefore, they feel comfortable asking questions, sharing their ideas and leading other students in clubs, sports teams and mentorship programs.

10. What might families find surprising about your school?

We place a large emphasis on planning student experiences that help create real world ties to curriculum expectations. For example a unit in science is not simply concluded with a test regurgitates concepts from a textbook. More often than not, there is a project that asks students to use what they learned to solve a real world issue or a field trip or workshop that brings these concepts to life !

11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

Over the last several years we have renovated our Science lab (used regularly by grades 5-8 students); our library was completely renovated in 2025 and this coming year we are investing in new modular furniture for our primary classes so that they can benefit from flexible seating. Several new locker bays were installed in 2025-26 which will be ongoing until all new lockers replace the existing ones. Air conditioning units have been installed in every room (this project completed in the 2024 school year).
Over the last two years we introduced a House system which is one of the most beloved aspects of student life, serving as the heartbeat of school spirit, mentorship, and community across Grade levels (JK to Grade 8). Named after core character virtues embodied in the school’s namesake, the four houses—Espoir, Courage, Lumière, and Harmonie—give girls a sense of identity and belonging from their very first day.

12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?

Information not yet available.

We got insight from alumni, parents, and students

Joan of Arc Academy | Academie Jeanne d'Arc: Alumni Review from Rachel Brennan

Watch our alum interview with Rachel Brennan to learn about the unique experience of attending Academie Jeanne d'Arc.

Joan of Arc Academy | L'Academie Jeanne d'Arc, Alumnus Video Review from Rachel Brennan

Joan of Arc Academy | Academie Jeanne d'Arc: Parent Review from Anne Cappelli

Watch our parent interview with Anne Cappelli to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to have a child attend Academie Jeanne d'Arc.

Joan of Arc Academy | L'Academie Jeanne d'Arc, Parent Video Review from Anne Cappelli

Insider community voices

Hear directly from Joan of Arc Academy | L'Academie Jeanne d'Arc families and alumni as they share insights.

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Joan of Arc Academy | L'Academie Jeanne d'Arc