Back to School Season in Ottawa
Lifestyle • August 30, 2022
As the old Staples commercial goes, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” Back to school is upon us in Ottawa and many families are soaking up the final drops of summer before heading back to school in a couple of weeks.
So what does the fall hold in store for Ottawa residents? Here’s everything you need to know about back to school in Ottawa this year.
How to Kickstart Your Back-to-School Routine
After a couple of months of summer vacation, getting back into a routine can be a little bit challenging.
It’s always a good idea to start a little bit early and prepare yourself for the change, so it won’t be a shock to the system. Here are some tips for getting back into the swing of things for every type of student:
Elementary School Kids
- Try and enforce an earlier bedtime routine a few weeks before school starts.
- At the same time, set a regular alarm so your child gets used to waking up at the same time again.
- Make sure any new school supplies are unpacked and organized before the big day so there isn’t a mad rush to find everything the day before.
- Test out any new lunch ideas before school starts, especially if you have picky eaters at home!
- Talk to your children about school safety so they know exactly what to expect on the first day.
High School Teens
- If your teenager is starting at a new school, make sure your transportation is sorted and your teen knows how they will be getting to school and how long it will take them to get there.
- Organize your back-to-school supplies beforehand so your teen doesn’t need to pack everything the day of.
- Setting a bedtime for a teenager might be a challenge, but you can help them regulate their sleeping schedules to make sure they have a smooth transition between summer vacation and school.
- If your teen has a part-time job, it might be worth suggesting they take a week or two off in order to get used to being in school again.
College and University Students
- Make sure you have purchased all your books and supplies pertaining to your courses.
- If you are living in a dorm room, you can begin to think about decorating your space (Ikea on Pinecrest is the go-to spot for this!)
- Ensure your transportation is sorted, if you need a bus pass, parking pass, or anything else.
Ottawa is a family-friendly, safe, and beautiful place to live. Read more about some of our favourite Ottawa communities right here:
- West Ottawa Community Guide
- Kanata Community Guide
- Village of Carp Community Guide
- Almonte Community Guide
What Are the Best Schools in Ottawa?
Ottawa is well-known as a family-friendly city with many great schools and child-centric activities. Ottawa is served by multiple school board including the Ottawa Carleton District School Board, Ottawa Catholic School Board, Conseil des ecoles publiques de l’Est to l’Ontario, and Conseil Ecoles Catholiques Centre-Est.
There are hundreds of schools across the city, offering amazing programs, sports, traditional education programs, as well as alternative learning.
Some of the top-rated schools in Ottawa include:
- West Carleton Secondary School (9-12)
- Hillcrest High School (9-12)
- Nepean High School (9-12)
- St. Pius X High School (9-12)
- Kanata Academy (Preschool – 12)
- Turnbull School (Private Elementary)
- March Academy (Private Elementary)
- OMS Montessori (Private Elementary)
- All Saints High School (9-12)
This is just a short list of some of the best-rated schools in Ottawa.
For a more comprehensive breakdown of choosing the best school for your child, check out the schoolboard sites or read our blog about finding a great school in Kanata here.
Ottawa is also home to several highly-regarded universities and colleges, Algonquin College in the west end is a fantastic trade school while Carleton University and the University of Ottawa are both extremely well-respected in the academic world.
Fall Fun in Ottawa
Back-to-school season isn’t just about working. There are so many exciting things happening in Ottawa to keep you busy on the weekends too!
- The Carp Fair is coming back to town September 22-25. Visit the Carp Fairgrounds to enjoy the “Best Little Fair in Canada” with live music, agricultural competitions, vendors, rides, food, and more!
- The Ottawa region is also home to some of the most beautiful vistas in the fall. Fall Rhapsody takes place in the nearby Gatineau Park every year. People flock from all over to see the fall colours.
- Apple picking is also a popular weekend activity in the fall, MacLaren Orchard in Renfrew, Mountain Orchards in Mountain, and Pinewood Orchards in Nepean are some popular spots to check out!
- Halloween at Saunders’ Farm is also a big celebration, with events for both day and night happening for children of all ages!
Get to know more about Ottawa and what makes living here so special. Read these posts:
What About the Fall Real Estate Market in Ottawa?
With the end of summer and back-to-school upon us, many Ottawa residents shift their thinking. They’re no longer planning cottage getaways or long vacations. People tend to get back to business. This is also reflected in the local real estate market.
You can learn more about the Ottawa real estate market and how it is affected by rising interest rates in this blog post right here.
Fall is traditionally a busy season for real estate in Ottawa, and although we are seeing a slight return to the pre-pandemic housing market, if you are planning a move in Ottawa this fall, it’s best to work with a seasoned pro.
If you’re looking for expert real estate advice this fall, contact us by email aat team@westottawarealestate.ca or call 613-690-5993 today.
