About us
French-language education open to the world
Our goal is to nurture curious spirits, which is why we value a multilingual instruction style that encourages both French immersion and cultural exchange simultaneously.
Lycée Claudel is affiliated with the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE, Agence pour l’enseignement français à l’étranger), an international network with nearly 500 French high schools around the world. This partnership allows French-speaking students from any countries to pursue their education without interruption no matter where they are in the world.
Learn moreA welcoming school that puts students’ development first
At Lycée Claudel, students are our number one priority. For this reason, we strive to offer an unparalleled learning environment.
Every single day, our students are supported by a dynamic team of more than one hundred teachers and staff. In addition to promoting inclusiveness and community spirit, we make sure to pay special attention to all of our students in order to provide them with exceptional guidance and give them opportunities to participate in innovative educational projects.
Our main projectsAbove and beyond teaching
Lycée Claudel organizes educational visits and field trips for both primary and secondary school students. We also encourage our students to sign up for a variety of school clubs and extracurricular activities.
An enhanced curriculum
Lycée Claudel offers secondary school students opportunities to take on new challenges with a variety of uncommon course offerings, such as: Film and Audiovisuals, Spanish, and Latin—which is highly valued by American universities. We also recommend an English-language option, the American College Board’s Advanced Placement English Literature program.
Mastering technological proficiency to address contemporary issues
Up-to-date with the latest technologies
Lycée Claudel features a number of specially-designed spaces to accommodate every aspect of school life, from discussion and rest to sports to reading. Most notably, we have a large auditorium with retractable bleachers designed to accommodate up to 400 people, several computer labs with Apple and Windows PCs, and classrooms equipped with whiteboards and interactive video projectors. In addition, we also offer portable iPad laboratories.
Come and meet us
Contact usA welcoming school that puts students’ progress first
- At Lycée Claudel, students are our number one priority. This is why we offer:
- Dynamic teaching that encourages students to take on new challenges and develop their autonomy.
- Attentive teachers and staff who provide exceptional guidance and implement innovative educational projects.
- School visits, field trips, clubs, and extracurricular activities.
- An enriched curriculum featuring uncommon course offerings that encourage students to face new challenges and exceed expectations.
A MULTILINGUAL EDUCATION TO OPEN UP BEYOND THE FRENCH-SPEAKING WORLD
In the spirit of cultural and interpersonal openness, our students are encouraged to study three languages other than French. Lycée Claudel offers a wide selection of language courses, most notably English, Spanish, and even Latin.
Not only does this multilingual approach give students the opportunity to discover different cultures, it also helps to prepare them for their future journeys through university and professional life. Their intellectual arsenals will be reinforced with rare skills that will help them stand out in competitive environments.
Visit our facility
Click hereA Brief History of Lycée Claudel
Putting Things in Context
Access to French-language education in Ontario has been an uphill battle since the beginning of the twentieth century.
In 1912, Ontario Prime Minister Sir James P. Whitney passed Regulation 17, which prohibited French-language teaching in schools. Although Regulation 17 was heavily contested, nothing truly changed until the 1960s. The regulation was overturned, but so-called “French” schools in Ottawa were still essentially bilingual. To circumvent this issue, the Franco-Ontarian elite and French-speaking diplomats posted to Ottawa often opted to send their children to Montreal to ensure they would receive a quality French education. It is in this context that the Cours Claudel was created.
The Foundation of Lycée Claudel
With the help of the French Embassy and a group of committed collaborators, Dr. Gaston Sauvé decided to open a school that would follow the French public educational system. This institution was not a French high school, but rather a Canadian institution licensed in Ontario to offer the French Ministry of National Education’s program, albeit with a few changes.
- 1962: In September, the Cours Claudel educational institution is opened in downtown Ottawa.
- 1972: After several location changes, the school is permanently moved to 1635 Riverside Drive.
- 1974: The first ever graduate class leaves the school. The institution is henceforth known by its current name: Ottawa’s Lycée Claudel.
- Today: Lycée Claudel now welcomes students from many different national backgrounds and walks of life, and continues to offer education of the highest quality in modern facilities.