Ashbury College - Review #4

What really makes Ashbury College unique is the strong sense of community. Since it’s a smaller boarding school, it’s easy to form close connections with both students and teachers. It creates an environment where everyone knows each other, and that really adds to the overall experience — whether it’s in class, during activities, or just hanging out in the dorms.Another thing that stands out is how globally focused the school is. Ashbury offers the IB program, so there’s a big emphasis on critical thinking and understanding the world from different perspectives. The student body is super diverse, and the school encourages involvement in community service and global issues, which makes the learning feel more connected to real life. It’s not just about studying — it’s about growing as a person, too.

The best part of boarding school for me was the friendships and sense of community. Living with people from so many different backgrounds really opened my mind and helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect. I became more independent, more confident, and more comfortable stepping into leadership roles — like being a soccer co-captain and helping lead our Model UN events. But beyond the achievements, it was the everyday moments — late-night talks, shared meals, helping each other through tough weeks — that made it special. Ashbury helped me find my voice, and I’m leaving with stronger values, lifelong friends, and a real sense of who I am.

If I could go back, I think I would have put myself out there more from the very beginning. At first, I was a bit shy and hesitant to join things or talk to new people, but once I did, I realized how welcoming everyone was. Boarding school moves fast, and it’s worth diving in early, whether it’s joining a club, talking to your dorm mates, or just saying yes to trying something new.My advice for anyone starting boarding school is to be open — to people, to experiences, and even to challenges. It’s normal to feel nervous at first, but everyone is in the same boat. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, take risks, or make mistakes. You’ll learn so much, not just in class but about yourself too. And most importantly, enjoy the little moments. They end up meaning the most.

What I liked most about Ashbury was the strong sense of community. It’s a place where you feel seen and supported, whether it’s by your friends, your teachers, or your dorm staff. Everyone truly cares, and that made a huge difference in how comfortable and confident I felt. It’s not just about academics or achievements; it’s about growing as a person in an environment that feels like home. The people, the experiences, and the memories I made there are what I’ll carry with me the most.

If you’re visiting or just starting out at Ashbury, my biggest advice is: don’t hold back. Say hi to new people, try out different clubs or sports, and make the most of every moment, even the small ones. It can feel overwhelming at first, but you’ll quickly realize how supportive and close knit the community is. Also, don’t miss the butter chicken at the dining hall. It's a favorite for a reason! And if you’re looking for a quiet spot to unwind, the library’s upper floor by the windows is perfect. As for dorms, Maple House definitely has the best vibes — cozy, friendly, and super welcoming. Ashbury becomes what you make of it, so dive in, be open, and enjoy the journey. It goes by faster than you think.

The academics at Ashbury College are both rigorous and supportive, and what stood out most to me was the way the school encourages independent thinking. As an IB World School, Ashbury really pushes you to go beyond memorizing facts — you're constantly being asked to connect ideas, challenge assumptions, and understand different perspectives. I especially appreciated how discussions in class often extended beyond the textbook and into real-world issues, which made learning feel more meaningful. The teachers are passionate and approachable, and they truly care about your success — both academically and personally. They take the time to get to know how you learn best and are always open to helping outside of class hours.Another thing I loved was the small class sizes. Because of that, classes often felt more like open conversations than traditional lectures. You’re encouraged to speak up, ask questions, and share your viewpoint, which helped me become more confident in how I express myself. There’s also a strong sense of academic integrity and mutual respect — everyone is there to learn, and it shows. Whether you’re into sciences, humanities, or the arts, Ashbury provides the resources and support to explore your interests deeply and challenge yourself in the process.

The athletics program at Ashbury was one of my favorite parts of school life. What I appreciated most was how welcoming it was — whether you were super competitive or just wanted to try something new, there was always a spot for you. I played on the varsity soccer team, and that experience really shaped my time at Ashbury. Our coaches cared about us not just as players but as people, and the team felt like a second family. We worked hard, but we also had a lot of fun. The vibe around sports in general was really positive. The facilities were solid — the turf field, the gym, even just having space to train or hang out made a difference. And what’s nice is that the school encouraged a good balance between academics and athletics, so it never felt like you had to choose one over the other. Whether you were playing or just showing up to support your friends, sports brought a lot of energy and school spirit to campus.

One of the coolest things about Ashbury is how much support there is for the arts. Whether it was visual art, music, or theatre, the school gave us a lot of opportunities to explore our creativity. I was part of the jazz band, and what I loved most was how relaxed but passionate the environment was — we had a great mix of structure and freedom to experiment. We got to perform at school events and even off-campus sometimes, which made it feel like our work really mattered.Even if you weren’t heavily involved, there was always something going on — art shows, concerts, school plays — and the whole community got behind them. The theatre productions, for example, were seriously impressive for a high school. You could tell how much effort students and teachers put in, from acting and directing to set design and lighting. What stood out most to me was how the arts weren’t just treated like side activities; they were really respected and celebrated, which made it easy to get involved and feel proud of what we were creating.

What I loved about Ashbury’s extracurriculars was how easy it was to get involved and actually make a difference. I joined Model UN and the Community Service Club, and it wasn’t just about being a member — we got to plan events, run things, and take the lead. There was always something going on, and it made school life way more fun and meaningful outside the classroom.

Dorm life at Ashbury was honestly one of the best parts of the experience. Living with people from all over the world made every day interesting. You learn so much just from the conversations in the hallway or late night talks in someone’s room. What I liked most was the sense of family that formed. Whether it was studying together, hanging out after class, or just joking around in the common room, it felt like home.The staff were also super supportive, and there was always someone to talk to if you needed help with anything — school stuff or just life in general. There was a good balance between structure and independence, and I think that really helped me grow. It wasn’t always perfect (laundry day chaos is real), but the friendships and memories made it all worth it.

The dining hall at Ashbury was actually a pretty big part of daily life — it’s where everyone came together, not just to eat but to catch up and unwind. What I liked most was the variety of food and how there was usually something for everyone, including options for different dietary needs. The meals changed often, and there were always a few solid go-to favorites.It wasn’t just about the food, though — it was the atmosphere. Sitting down with friends after a long day, sharing stories, laughing over dinner — those little moments made it feel like home. Even breakfast on busy mornings or weekend brunch had its own chill vibe that made dorm life feel more connected.

Ashbury is in Ottawa, which is such a great place to be for boarding school. What I liked most was that it had the feel of a safe, quiet neighborhood, but we were still super close to everything — cafes, shops, museums, and even Parliament Hill. It was easy to go out on weekends with friends and explore the city, whether we were grabbing coffee, watching a movie, or just walking by the canal.The area around the school is really walkable, and there’s a nice mix of nature and city. You could go for a jog or bike ride, but also hop on a bus and be downtown in minutes. It gave us a lot of freedom and independence while still feeling safe and manageable.

The social life at Ashbury was one of the things that made the whole experience so special. Because it’s a smaller school, you really get to know people, not just in your grade but across different years and from all over the world. What I liked most was how easy it was to make friends, whether it was through sports, clubs, dorm life, or just hanging out in the common areas. There was always something happening — movie nights, weekend trips, house events, or even just spontaneous late night chats in someone’s room. It was a good balance of fun and downtime, and the mix of people made things feel really inclusive and interesting. Some of my favorite memories from Ashbury came from just being around great people in a close knit community.