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Ottawa preschools

Find the top preschools, daycares, and nursery schools in Ottawa, Ontario

Exploring private preschools in Ottawa? Families today are looking for more than academics in the early years—they want a warm, supportive environment where children can grow, gain confidence, and be inspired. At OUR KIDS, we help parents explore the full range of private preschools in Ottawa to find the right fit for their child.

Whether you’re seeking half-day or full-day pre-k schools, there are excellent Ottawa private schools that provide preschool and early childhood programs. Options exist across the city and surrounding areas, including Ottawa-Gatineau, Rockliffe Park, Rockland, Kemptville, Kanata, Nepean, Centrepointe, Centretown, the Glebe, Riverside Park, and Hampton Park.

For nearly 30 years, the OUR KIDS team has toured campuses, spoken with educators, and listened to families to understand what makes each preschool unique. Here, you’ll find the insights and resources to make an informed choice that aligns with your child’s needs and your family’s values. Read more


List of Ottawa preschools

Access school reviews, insights, and comparisons through our comprehensive reports below.

Kanata Montessori, Kanata, Ontario • Kanata, Province
Kanata Montessori, Kanata, Ontario • Kanata, Province

Kanata, Ontario • Kanata, Province
Eagleson Road/Stonehaven Drive
 
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"For 50 years, Kanata Montessori has offered excellent learning environments for students to grow emotionally, socially and academically into a positive global citizen." —From the school

  • Gr. NS to 12 (Coed)
  • Montessori curriculum; Reggio Emilia
  • $21,750
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Kanata Montessori 21750 Grade1E Grade2E Grade3E Grade4E Grade5E Grade6E Grade7E Grade8E Grade9E Grade10E Grade11E Grade12E Grade13E Grade14E Grade15E Grade16E Grade17E Day Coed
Elmwood School, Ottawa, Ontario
Elmwood School, Ottawa, Ontario

Ottawa, Ontario
Buena Vista Road/Springfield Road
 
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"Elmwood School is Ottawa’s leading school for girls from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. With high academic standards, small classes, and a supportive environment, each girl is known, challenged, and empowered to reach her" —From the school

  • Gr. PS to 12 (Girls)
  • Progressive curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $18,800 to $37,650
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Elmwood School 18800 Grade2E Grade3E Grade4E Grade5E Grade6E Grade7E Grade8E Grade9E Grade10E Grade11E Grade12E Grade13E Grade14E Grade15E Grade16E Grade17E FinancialAid Day Girls
Lycée Claudel, Ottawa, Ontario
Lycée Claudel, Ottawa, Ontario

Ottawa, Ontario
Place Lycée Pl./Ruelle Hinks Lane
 
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"Our goal is to nurture curious spirits, which is why we value a multilingual pedagogy that encourages both French immersion and a wide selection of langage courses. French and excellence are our priorities." —From the school

  • Gr. PS to 12 (Coed)
  • Traditional curriculum
  • $15,375 to $16,860
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Lycée Claudel 15375 Grade2E Grade3E Grade4E Grade5E Grade6E Grade7E Grade8E Grade9E Grade10E Grade11E Grade12E Grade13E Grade14E Grade15E Grade16E Grade17E FinancialAid Day Coed
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School, Ottawa, Ontario
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School, Ottawa, Ontario

Ottawa, Ontario
Baseline Rd./Woodroffe Ave.
 
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"Bishop Hamilton Montessori School, a not-for-profit independent school in Ottawa, provides an authentic Christian Montessori approach for children 3 months to 14 years." —From the school

  • Gr. NS to 8 (Coed)
  • Montessori curriculum
  • $4,620 to $19,495
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Bishop Hamilton Montessori School 4620 Grade1E Grade2E Grade3E Grade4E Grade5E Grade6E Grade7E Grade8E Grade9E Grade10E Grade11E Grade12E Grade13E FinancialAid Day Coed
OMS Montessori, Ottawa, Ontario
OMS Montessori, Ottawa, Ontario

Ottawa, Ontario
Alta Vista Drive/Industrial Road
 
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"OMS Montessori is a non for profit, independent school offering separate French and English programs within a world class Montessori environment." —From the school

  • Gr. NS to 6 (Coed)
  • Montessori curriculum
  • $4,620 to $18,975
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OMS Montessori 4620 Grade1E Grade2E Grade3E Grade4E Grade5E Grade6E Grade7E Grade8E Grade9E Grade10E Grade11E FinancialAid Day Coed
Fern Hill School - Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario
Fern Hill School - Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario

Ottawa, Ontario
Vaughan Street/Bertrand Street
 
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"Ottawa’s Fern Hill School offers Preschool, Kindergarten and Elementary Grades, including Core & Advanced French. Tuition starts at $3,550." —From the school

  • Gr. PS to 8 (Coed)
  • Traditional curriculum
  • $3,550 to $16,200
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Fern Hill School - Ottawa 3550 Grade2E Grade3E Grade4E Grade5E Grade6E Grade7E Grade8E Grade9E Grade10E Grade11E Grade12E Grade13E FinancialAid Day Coed
Academie Providence, Ottawa, Ontario
Academie Providence, Ottawa, Ontario

Ottawa, Ontario
Donald St/Frances St
 
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"Promote academic excellence that stimulates the acquisition of language skills, the development of scientific and artistic competencies as well as the formation of a critical mind, in a multicultural environment." —From the school

  • Gr. NS to 8 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum; Montessori
  • $13,500 to $14,300
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Academie Providence 13500 Grade1E Grade2E Grade3E Grade4E Grade5E Grade6E Grade7E Grade8E Grade9E Grade10E Grade11E Grade12E Grade13E FinancialAid Day Coed
Académie St-Laurent Academy, Ottawa, Ontario
Académie St-Laurent Academy, Ottawa, Ontario

Ottawa, Ontario
St. Laurent Blvd./Montreal Rd.
 
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"Our mission is personalized student academic success in a friendly and caring school community, in which all students are emotionally supported and socially welcome." —From the school

  • Gr. NS to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $15,000 to $22,000
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Académie St-Laurent Academy 15000 Grade1E Grade2E Grade3E Grade4E Grade5E Grade6E Grade7E Grade8E Grade9E Grade10E Grade11E Grade12E Grade13E Grade14E Grade15E Grade16E Grade17E Day Coed
What are the types of private schools in Ottawa?

Private schools in Ottawa offer a variety of early learning options. Families can explore:

What are the benefits of private education in Ottawa?

Parents often choose Ottawa private schools for the advantages they offer during the preschool years, including:

How do I choose a private school in Ottawa?

When researching private preschools in Ottawa, consider your child’s learning style and your family’s priorities. Some families prefer a structured approach, while others seek a play-based nursery school in Ottawa. Key factors include teaching philosophy, class size, extracurricular offerings, and location. Visiting campuses and speaking with educators is one of the best ways to determine fit.

How much does private school cost in Ottawa?

Tuition for private preschools in Ottawa varies by program. Costs may differ depending on whether your child attends a daycare in Ottawa, a half-day preschool, or a full-day pre k school. While fees can feel like a major investment, many families find the benefits in academic preparation, social growth, and confidence well worth it.

Looking beyond Ottawa? Explore our full list of private preschools in Canada, or read our preschool education guide for insights into early learning approaches.


Frequently Asked Questions

How many Ottawa preschools are there?
There are 8 Ottawa preschools that are Our Kids trusted members.

How much is tuition at Ottawa preschools?
Tuition fees for Ottawa preschools range from $4,620 to $37,650 per year with an average tuition of $15,786 per year.

What’s the largest school?
Of the Ottawa preschools, the largest is Lycée Claudel with 980 students in Grades 12 to PS.

Are Ottawa preschools good?
We interviewed both parents and students. You can read reviews about Ottawa preschools on this page.

Is there a private school expo where I can meet with Ottawa preschools?
Yes. You can meet with private schools and education experts at the Our Kids Private School Expos held every year in September and October. These events are designed for both parents and students. Find event details and ticket info here.

Series: Preschools

In the spotlight


Latest Articles

The youngest learners: 18 months to 3 years  
(June 25, 2019)

The Earlier Education Begins, the Better  
Research shows the period when a child is five months to five years of age is a very critical time for early learning (June 12, 2019)

Preschools in Canada  
The benefits of attending preschool go much deeper than simply better school performance (May 30, 2019)

What is a play-based preschool?  
The main features and benefits of play-based preschools (May 30, 2019)

List of Ottawa preschools

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