Read more details about Ashbury College on their 2026-27 profile page.
Reflections and Advice:
1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
Ashbury gave me the space to be both a serious student and a serious athlete. That's not always the case at other schools. Some places make you pick a lane. Here, I could push myself in the classroom, compete at a high level in track and basketball, and still find time to get involved in the community. The school expects a lot from you, but they also provide the support to actually meet those expectations. For me, that balance made all the difference over four years. I graduated feeling prepared for university and for life beyond it, not just academically but as a person.
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
The biggest thing I took from Ashbury was learning how to lead without being loud about it. Being basketball captain taught me that. You don't have to give speeches. You show up first, work hardest, and treat people right. That's what earns respect. I also learned how to handle pressure. Playing in OFSAA finals, managing academics, balancing everything. It forced me to grow up. The Head's Cup Award at graduation felt like a recognition of that growth more than any single achievement. It was about character and involvement, not just results.
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
I would have started building relationships with teachers earlier. I was so focused on sports and grades that I didn't really get to know some of my teachers until senior year. Looking back, I missed out on good conversations and mentorship. My advice to incoming students is simple. Don't wait. Talk to your teachers. Ask questions. Show up to office hours even if you don't need help. Those relationships matter more than you think. Also, don't be afraid to try something you're bad at. I never tried theatre or music because I was worried I'd be terrible. Now I wish I had. Growth happens when you're uncomfortable.
4.) What did you like most about your school?
What I liked most about Ashbury was the trust they placed in students. Being named captain, being given responsibility, being expected to lead. They didn't micromanage. They let you figure it out. That trust made me want to earn it. The school treats you like a young adult, not a kid. That respect goes both ways. I left feeling ready for university and for life.
5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
If you're coming to Ashbury, don't just focus on one thing. I was the sports guy, but I wish I had explored more. Try a club you know nothing about. Sit with different people at lunch. Go to a game you wouldn't normally watch. The school gives you the freedom to explore, so use it. Also, get to know the staff. The coaches and teachers are people with real experience. They want to help you. And take advantage of Ottawa. Don't stay on campus every weekend. Go explore. You'll remember the experiences, not the extra hour of studying.
Academics:
1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?
The academics at Ashbury are rigorous but fair. I graduated on Honour Roll and Scholar's Roll all four years, and I felt genuinely prepared for the transition to Huron and the Ivey AEO program. What I appreciated was that teachers pushed you to think independently rather than just memorize material.
The workload was manageable if you stayed organized, especially when balancing sports. I learned how to manage my time effectively, which is a skill I use every day now at Western. The small class sizes meant teachers knew who I was and could push me individually. That kind of attention makes a difference.
Athletics:
1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?
This was the core of my Ashbury experience. Competing at OFSAA level in track and basketball was a privilege. The coaching was excellent. They focused on development, discipline, and performing under pressure.
Being Captain of the basketball team meant leading by example. I learned how to communicate with teammates, how to stay composed in close games, and how to handle both wins and losses with grace. The facilities were strong, and the athletic culture at Ashbury is one of high expectations. You're expected to work hard and represent the school well. I thrived in that environment.
Art, Music, and Theatre:
1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?
I wasn't personally involved in the arts programs since athletics took up most of my time. From what I saw, friends who were into music or theatre were genuinely engaged and the school supported those programs well. The arts community had its own identity and contributed to the overall culture of the school. I respect that Ashbury doesn't force everyone into the same mold. You can find your niche, whatever that looks like.
Extracurricular Opportunities:
1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?
Beyond sport, I valued the leadership opportunities available at Ashbury. The school expects you to contribute in meaningful ways. Whether that was through mentoring younger students, helping with events, or simply being a positive presence in the community, there was always something to get involved in. The Head's Cup Award reflected a commitment to service and leadership that the school actively cultivates.
Dorm Life:
1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?
I was a day student so I can't speak to actually living in residence, but I spent enough time there to get a sense of it. My teammates who boarded would have me over on weekends or after games. The vibe was relaxed. Guys would be doing homework in the common room, someone would be playing music, someone else would be arguing about a video game. It felt like a real home base for them. The boarders had their own inside jokes and routines that I wasn't part of, but they never made me feel like an outsider when I was around. From what I saw, the house system gave structure without being suffocating. You had responsibilities but also freedom.
Dining:
1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.
The dining hall was where you crossed paths with everyone. Day students, boarders, teachers, coaches. I'd grab lunch between classes or dinner after practice. The food was solid. Not gourmet, but consistent. They had options for different dietary needs and the staff were friendly. What I remember most is the conversations. You'd sit down with one group and end up talking to someone from a completely different grade or team. It was where the school felt like a community rather than just a place you went for classes.
Social and Town Life:
1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.
Ottawa is a great city for a student. Ashbury sits in Rockcliffe Park, which is quiet and green, but you're ten minutes from downtown. On weekends or free afternoons, you could go to check out a museum, or just walk around. For me, being in the capital meant real opportunities. I spent a summer working at Dentons, a major law firm downtown. That wouldn't have happened in a smaller town. The city also has great sports culture. I caught a few Senators games and that was always a good time. The location gave me access to things beyond the school bubble.
2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?
My social life was built through sports, mostly. Basketball and track meant I was with the same group of guys constantly. Practices, games, bus rides, team meals. Those shared experiences create friendships fast. But Ashbury is small enough that you also get to know people outside your immediate circle. I had friends from the Investment Club, from classes, from just being around. The social scene wasn't cliquey. People mixed. You might compete against someone on the court and then sit with them at lunch. There was mutual respect. The small size of the school meant drama didn't have room to fester. People moved on quickly.
Read more details about Ashbury College on their 2026-27 profile page.
Student & Alumni Reviews
Review
Description
Ashbury gave me the space to be both a serious student and a serious athlete. That's not always the case at other schools. Some places make you pick a lane. Here, I could push myself. . .
I did six years at Ashbury and I still do not fully know how to explain the house system to people who did not go there. You get sorted into one of four houses and. . .
Honestly, what I liked about Ashbury was that you could kind of find your people pretty quickly. The house system helped with that a lot. I was in Woolcombe and being on House Council meant. . .
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