Olivia TaylorSending your little one off to school for the first time is a massive milestone, but finding the right fit can feel overwhelming.
Between navigating long waitlists and figuring out specialized curriculums, the search takes a lot of energy. You want a place that keeps your child safe while sparking a genuine love for learning.
That’s exactly why I dug into the best kindergarten in Ottawa, looking at everything from French immersion setups to tight-knit independent schools.
Here is a close look at the top spaces to help you pick the perfect environment for your family.
How much does kindergarten cost in Ottawa?
Public kindergarten in Ottawa is funded and free, so most families mainly budget for daily before and after-school care, which runs about $15 to $38 per day. Private and independent programs charge separate annual tuition instead.
| Care Type | Estimated Daily Cost |
| Standard Before & After School Care | $15 to $25 |
| Full-Day Care (PD Days & Holidays) | $22 to $38 |
1. Riverside Montessori Pre-School
Website:riversidemontessori.com
Address: 88 Main Street, Ground Floor
Contact: (613) 521-4888 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Riverside Montessori Pre-School is an independent school with an official American Montessori Society (AMS) affiliation and a true bilingual experience.
They have spent over two decades building a peaceful, non-competitive culture where children feel safe and learn at their own natural pace.
Their early-start toddler program is fantastic for little ones, and the entire kindergarten stream is licensed by the Ontario Ministry of Education (MOE).
When I toured the facility, the director explained how their daily French circle times blend seamlessly with early independence skills. I love that this mix of authentic Montessori structure and bilingual exposure makes for such a nurturing start.
The trade-off is that the lack of government subsidies means you’ll cover tuition entirely out of pocket. Their extended seasonal and summer closures can also create tricky childcare gaps for full-time working parents to coordinate.
Customer Reviews
Dedicated, professional, and caring
My daughter attended the CASA program here and she loved it. The teachers, especially Madame Antonella and Tiziana, are dedicated, professional, understanding, and caring. I’m so grateful for everything they did for her and my family. It’s a great place for your kids to learn and grow in a healthy and caring environment.
– Noah Fang |Google Review
Always felt at ease dropping them off
My sons attended Riverside Montessori and I was very happy. I always felt at ease when I dropped them off, knowing that they were in good hands. The entire staff is friendly and caring, and you can tell they love to be around children. My children learnt a lot and really developed while they attended. I highly recommend this preschool.
– Melissa Abouchakra |Google Review
2. Andrew Fleck Children’s Services – Riverview Program
Website:afchildrensservices.ca
Address: 260 Knox Crescent
Contact: (613) 736-1913 ext. 206 | (613) 799-4275 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM
Andrew Fleck Children’s Services runs a Riverview program right inside the school building, so you can completely skip a stressful morning school commute. They provide a laser-focused morning schedule that bridges the gap before your workday begins.
Because they participate in the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) system, their fees are deeply discounted to keep things affordable.
They also offer subsidized spaces when available, which makes great care financially accessible.
I really like that you get a holiday safety net with full-day care options at their sister location. That backup coverage is a real lifesaver on PD days.
That said, the morning-only on-site schedule means you’ll need a separate arrangement for after-school hours. Enrollment is also restricted, so your child must be a registered student at this specific school to attend.
3. Turnbull School
Website:turnbull.ca
Address: 1132 Fisher Ave
Contact: (613) 729-9940 | (613) 729-6099 ext. 212 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Turnbull School caps its early classrooms at just ten children, so parents who prioritize super small class sizes will love how much individual attention each kid gets.
Their curriculum focuses heavily on foundational character traits and study skills alongside daily French lessons.
They use the unique Accelerated Integrative Method (AIM) to keep language learning interactive through music and creative gestures. They also weave in an early introduction to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) topics.
A neighbour of mine sends her son here, and she mentioned how much he loves the massive six-acre green campus and all the outdoor play. I like that the small classrooms really let each child shine.
That said, the substantial annual tuition is a major out-of-pocket commitment since public options are free. They also offer no high school continuation, so your child will face a mandatory school transition after finishing the eighth grade.
Customer Reviews
Such an incredible place
Turnbull School is such an incredible place. I wish that they went past grade 8. The teachers are very likable and the student body is a moderate size, which was perfect for my experience. The facility is very clean and easy to navigate. The extra-curricular options are great and let me express myself in multiple ways. The gym teachers are very supportive and give you tips on how to improve. I recommend this school to anyone who wants a great experience.
– Lucas Garcia |Google Review
Thank you for everything
I am a student who used to go to Turnbull, and I can only say one thing: thank you so much for everything. I don’t know where I would be if it weren’t for Turnbull!
– Itz Jester |Google Review
4. Westboro Academy
Website:westboroacademy.com
Address: 1000 Brookfield Road East
Contact: (613) 737-9543 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Westboro Academy runs a truly bilingual, dual-curriculum model that alternates daily instruction between English and French homerooms. This is perfect for families looking for an intensive language foundation.
They keep strictly capped, small class sizes and an impressive student-to-staff ratio so no child gets left behind.
The school also provides daily physical education alongside specialized instructors for music and science from day one. I appreciate that kind of early access to subject specialists.
And if your child eventually needs extra academic help outside of class, local tutoring services in Ottawa or dedicated tuition centers can easily complement this rigorous layout.
However, the program requires a significant out-of-pocket commitment for tuition and mandatory consumable fees. They also provide no transportation, so parents handle all the daily morning and afternoon driving logistics.
5. Providence Antonine Sisters Academy
Website:academieprovidence.ca
Address: 998 Frances Street
Contact: (613) 744-8489 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday and Thursday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM; Tuesday to Wednesday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Providence Antonine Sisters Academy stands out as the only trilingual Catholic private French school in the region. This is ideal if you want your child to master multiple languages early.
They feature a global Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE) certification. They pair an international curriculum with independent Montessori-inspired principles.
This hybrid approach respects each child’s individual learning pace while offering an extended four-year early childhood track that welcomes toddlers. Kids pick up French and English alongside introductory Arabic within highly intimate class sizes.
It’s really reassuring that this trilingual exposure at such a young age gives a rare head start, and the small groups keep every child closely supported.
Just keep in mind that the standard daily layout includes mandatory religious and moral coursework centred on the Catholic faith. That might not suit families seeking a completely secular education, and the private tuition must be paid entirely out of pocket.
