Read more details about Ashbury College on their 2026 profile page.
Reflections and Advice:
1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
One aspect that makes Ashbury College unique is the balance it creates between academic challenge and a close, supportive community. As a boarding student, I was surrounded by people from different backgrounds and countries, which made daily life feel like a learning experience beyond the classroom. Living together meant that friendships developed naturally and students learned independence, responsibility, and how to connect with people with very different perspectives.
Another feature that stood out was Ashbury’s emphasis on developing well rounded students rather than focusing only on academics. The school encouraged involvement in athletics, clubs, leadership opportunities, and community service. There was a strong expectation that students contribute to school life, which created an environment where people were encouraged not just to succeed individually, but also to support and uplift the community around them.
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
One of the most meaningful parts of my boarding school experience was realizing how much I changed in how I handle responsibility and people. When I first arrived, I was still adjusting to being away from home and figuring out how to manage everything on my own. Over time, especially through residence life and school commitments, I became much more independent and intentional about how I carried myself. I learned how to stay disciplined without someone constantly reminding me, and how to be more aware of the impact I have on the people around me.
Becoming a Prefect stands out as a real turning point. It was not about a title, but about being trusted to help support the residence community. I had to learn when to step in, when to listen, and how to set an example without overdoing it. There were moments that were not glamorous at all, like helping resolve small conflicts or supporting younger students who were struggling to adjust, but those experiences taught me more about leadership than anything else. Looking back, the biggest change is that I am more grounded now. I understand responsibility in a practical way, and I am more comfortable stepping up when something needs to be done rather than waiting for someone else to handle it.
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
If I could change anything about my first year at boarding school, I would have been more intentional about opening up earlier. When I first arrived, I was focused on adjusting quietly and figuring things out on my own, which is natural, but I probably held back more than I needed to. It took me a while to fully lean into the community around me, whether that was getting more involved in residence life or being more comfortable starting conversations with people I did not know well yet. Once I did, everything felt easier socially and even academically, because I was not navigating things alone anymore.
My advice for students coming into boarding school is to give yourself time, but do not isolate yourself in that process. It is normal to feel out of place at first, especially if you are moving countries or leaving home for the first time, but the environment is built to help you adjust. Say yes to things early on, even small invitations, because that is usually how connections start. Also, do not underestimate how important it is to build relationships with staff and older students. They often make the difference in how quickly you feel settled. The more you participate in the daily rhythm of boarding life, the faster it starts to feel like home.
4.) What did you like most about your school?
What I liked most about Ashbury College was the sense that every part of school life was connected and intentional. Academics were strong and demanding, but they did not exist in isolation. They were supported by a boarding environment, extracurricular life, and a community that constantly brought people together. Because I was in Ottawa, Canada, living in residence also shaped my entire experience. It meant I was not just attending school during the day, I was fully immersed in it throughout the week. That created a rhythm where growth happened in a very steady and natural way.
Over time, what stood out most was the community. Whether it was in the classroom, on the sports field, in residence, or through leadership roles like being a Prefect, there was always a sense that people were looking out for each other and building something together. I appreciated that the school encouraged independence but still provided structure and support when needed. Looking back, it was not one single program or feature that defined the experience. It was the way all parts of school life worked together to help students grow into more confident and responsible people.
5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
If I had to give incoming students one real piece of advice, it would be to treat the first term like a “yes phase.” Not in a reckless way, but in the sense of showing up to things even when you are unsure. Boarding school rewards consistency more than perfection. The people who settle in fastest are usually the ones who spend time in residence spaces, join things early, and do not wait too long before getting involved socially. It is easy to underestimate how much those small, everyday interactions matter.
In terms of campus life, the dining hall snack options definitely become a small comfort over time. Late evenings after study hall, grabbing something simple with friends tends to be more about the moment than the food itself. One of the best spots on campus is honestly the residence common areas, especially at night when everything slows down and the atmosphere feels more relaxed.
For dorm life, Ashbury’s residences all have their own character rather than one being universally “best,” but students often develop strong preferences based on vibe. One residence might feel a bit quieter and more focused, while another feels more social and energetic, especially among younger boarders. Upper-year students who step into leadership roles like Prefects usually end up appreciating the quieter, more structured environment because it gives them space to balance responsibility and downtime. The truth is, the “best” dorm is less about the building itself and more about the people in it during your year.
Academics:
1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?
What I appreciated most about academics at Ashbury College was that classes felt challenging without feeling impersonal. Teachers had high expectations, but they were also approachable and genuinely invested in students beyond grades. Since the school community was not overwhelmingly large, it was easier to build relationships with teachers and ask for help when needed. I found that teachers made an effort to understand how students learned and encouraged participation rather than simply lecturing through material. Being in a boarding environment also meant support did not end when classes did. Whether it was extra help sessions, conversations after class, or even running into teachers around campus, there was a stronger sense of connection than I expected.
Another thing that stood out was the mix of perspectives in the classroom. Because Ashbury had both day students and boarding students from different countries and backgrounds, discussions often became more interesting and engaging. Even in classes that could have felt routine, people approached topics differently because of their experiences. I also liked that academics were not treated as something isolated from the rest of student life. Students were encouraged to balance academics with athletics, leadership, and extracurricular involvement, which made the environment feel focused but not overly competitive. It felt like success was viewed as developing as a person overall, not just collecting grades.
Athletics:
1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?
What stood out to me about athletics at Ashbury College was that there was room for different kinds of students, not only highly competitive athletes. There were varsity teams for students who wanted a serious level of competition, but there were also intramurals and recreational opportunities for people who simply wanted to stay active or try something new. That balance made athletics feel more inclusive. As a boarding student especially, sports also became a big part of daily life because practices, games, and school events naturally brought people together and gave students another way to build friendships outside of the classroom.
I also liked the overall culture around athletics. Coaches expected commitment and effort, but in my experience they cared about development and teamwork as much as results. The facilities and opportunities available made it easy to stay involved, and school spirit around games and competitions added energy to campus life. Since students had different backgrounds and interests, teams often brought together people who might not otherwise have crossed paths. Some of my strongest friendships came from athletics because you spend so much time practicing, traveling, and working toward a common goal. It became more than competition. It felt like another part of the school community.
Art, Music, and Theatre:
1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?
One thing I appreciated about Ashbury College’s Visual Arts, Music, and Theatre programs was that they felt genuinely valued as part of school life rather than treated as extras beside academics and athletics. Students had opportunities to participate at different levels, whether they had years of experience or were simply interested in exploring something new. There were a variety of courses and activities available, and students could find spaces to develop their creativity in ways that felt personal. The programs created an environment where people were encouraged to take risks, improve their skills, and express themselves without feeling like they had to be perfect.
I also liked the sense of community that came with the arts. Because the school was not extremely large, students across different grades and interests often got to know one another through performances, productions, rehearsals, and events. School performances and showcases brought people together and gave students a chance to support one another outside of the classroom or athletic settings. Even for students who were not deeply involved in the arts, there was still a visible appreciation for creativity on campus, which made the programs feel like an important and active part of the school culture.
Extracurricular Opportunities:
1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?
What I liked most about extracurricular life at Ashbury College was the variety of opportunities available and how easy it felt to get involved. Because the school had both day students and a diverse boarding community, there was a wide range of clubs, student organizations, leadership opportunities, and volunteer initiatives that reflected different interests and backgrounds. You could join activities connected to academics, athletics, cultural interests, service, student leadership, or just personal hobbies. It never felt like students were expected to fit into one specific category, and people often participated in several different things at once.
As a boarding student, extracurricular activities also played a bigger role because campus life extended beyond the school day. There were residence activities, student-led events, community service initiatives, and opportunities that naturally encouraged students to spend time together outside class. I especially appreciated that involvement felt encouraged rather than forced. Students could genuinely shape their own experience and often had chances to take initiative, organize events, or contribute ideas. Some of the most memorable moments came from smaller things too, like school spirit events, community activities, and volunteering opportunities that brought people together and made campus feel like more than just a place to study.
Dorm Life:
1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?
What I liked most about dorm life at Ashbury College was that residence never felt like just a place where students slept between classes. Because boarding students spent so much time together, the dorms developed their own personality and community. You got to know people through everyday routines, whether it was seeing the same faces during study hall, running into people in common areas, or late night conversations that somehow started casually and turned into discussions about sports, school, or life back home. Some of the strongest friendships I made came from those unplanned moments.
As a Prefect, I also got to experience dorm life from a different perspective. Beyond my own responsibilities as a student, I helped support the residence community and looked out for younger students as they adjusted to boarding life. That made me appreciate how much effort went into creating an environment where people felt comfortable and included. I liked that there was structure and accountability, but there was also a strong sense that students genuinely looked out for one another. Over time, the dorm felt less like a residence hall and more like a second home.
Dining:
1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.
What I liked most about the dining arrangements at Ashbury College was how it naturally became one of the main social hubs of the school. Since I was a boarding student in Ottawa, meals were not just about eating but about reconnecting with friends and catching up during the day. Breakfast and dinner especially had a consistent rhythm, and it created a sense of routine that made campus life feel stable. You would often sit with different groups depending on the day, so it was also a place where students from different grades and backgrounds mixed in a casual way.
I also appreciated the flexibility and access, especially as a boarding student. Having reliable meal times and options available made daily life easier, and it removed a lot of stress around planning or logistics. Some of the best moments were not formal meals but the in between times, like grabbing something quick with friends before study hall or sitting longer at a table after finishing to just talk and unwind. It ended up being one of the places where the boarding community felt most connected, because everyone naturally passed through it every day.
Social and Town Life:
1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.
What I liked most about Ashbury College’s location in Ottawa was that it gave you access to a capital city while still feeling like a contained school community. The school is in a residential part of the city, so it is quiet and safe, but you are still close enough to downtown Ottawa that you can experience museums, government buildings, shopping areas, and seasonal events when school schedules allow. That balance made it feel like you had both structure and opportunity. You were not isolated, but you also were not constantly surrounded by distractions.
As a boarding student, I also appreciated how the surrounding area supported everyday life without being overwhelming. There were places to go with friends on weekends, small outings that helped break up the school routine, and seasonal experiences that made Ottawa feel unique, especially in winter and during festivals. At the same time, most of what you needed day to day was on or near campus, so life stayed focused and manageable. Over time, the city became part of the overall boarding experience rather than something separate from it.
2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?
What I liked most about the social life at Ashbury College was that it developed naturally through everyday interactions rather than feeling forced or status driven. Because the school is relatively close-knit and includes both boarding and day students, you end up knowing a wide range of people across different grades and backgrounds. Social life was not limited to a single group or type of student. It came from shared routines like classes, meals, sports, residence life, and school events, which made it easy to form connections without needing to go out of your way.
As a boarding student, I found that the strongest relationships came from the time spent in residence. Even simple things like hanging out after study hall, watching games together, or talking late in the common areas built a real sense of community. Being a Prefect also gave me a different perspective because I saw how much effort went into making sure younger students felt included and comfortable socially. Overall, the social environment felt balanced. It was active and engaging, but still grounded in a school setting where academics and personal growth remained the focus.
Daily Schedule:
Weekday
7:00 AM
Wake up, meditate, morning routine in residence
7:30 AM
Breakfast
8:30 AM
Morning classes begin
10:30 AM
Break between classes
12:00 AM
Lunch dining hall
1:00 PM
Afternoon classes
3:15 PM
Classes end
4:00 PM
Sports practices/ club meetings
6:00 PM
Dinner
7:00 PM
Study time then free time in residence
Weekend
9:00 AM
Wake up, Very slow morning in residence
9:30 AM
Breakfast in dining hall
10:30 AM
Free time or sports practice/gym
12:30 AM
Lunch in dining hall
1:30 PM
Outing into Ottawa with friends
4:30 PM
Return to residence / downtime with friends
6:00 PM
Dinner in dining hall
7:00 PM
Ps5 time or socializing in common areas
9:30 PM
Snacks, relaxed hangout, Prefect check-ins if needed
11:00 PM
Wind down and sleep
Read more details about Ashbury College on their 2026 profile page.
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
One aspect that makes Ashbury College unique is the balance it creates between academic challenge and a close, supportive community. As a boarding student, I was surrounded by people from different backgrounds and countries, which. . .
Ashbury gave me what I needed for two intense years. Coming from Tunisia to Ottawa for grades 11 and 12 meant big adjustment, but the school supported international students through it. The IB programme pushed. . .
When I first arrived at Ashbury College, what struck me most was how seamlessly it blended tradition with innovation. The campus felt classic, nestled in Ottawa’s Rockcliffe Park, but everything inside, from smart boards in. . .
Show more reviews (10 reviews)
Recent Articles
What Happens If You Fail a Class at Boarding School?
Learn what happens if you fail a class at boarding school, including academic probation, support programs, credit recovery, and college implications.
Independent Study and Research Opportunities at Boarding Schools
Explore independent study and research opportunities at boarding schools, including mentorship, capstone projects, and college preparation benefits.
Do Boarding School Students Study More? Daily Schedule Breakdown
Discover how much boarding school students really study with a realistic daily schedule breakdown and comparison to traditional day schools.
