Big Changes Ahead: What You Need to Know About 2025–2026 School Boundary Reviews
If you’ve got school-aged kids—or will soon—it’s a good time to take a closer look at what’s happening with local school boundaries in Kanata–Stittsville and across Ottawa. Both major school boards—OCDSB and OCSB—have announced or proposed significant changes that could affect where your child goes to school. And if you’re thinking about buying or selling in the next year or two, it’s worth knowing how those changes could impact your plans.
First up: Changes to Ottawa’s Public School Board (OCDSB)
The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) is proposing a major overhaul of its elementary program and school boundaries—set to take effect in September 2026. These changes aren’t final yet, but they’re extensive, and community input is being collected now.
The board estimates that roughly 11,000 students could be affected in 2026—that’s nearly double the typical number who switch schools in a given year.
What’s Being Proposed:
Enhanced English program: More French instruction (from 12.5% to 16%)
French Immersion: Grade 1 would move from 80% French to a consistent 60/40 split (Grades 1–6)
Phasing out alternative schools (Lady Evelyn, Churchill, Riverview, etc.)
Phasing out some Specialized Program Classes (Gifted, Language Learning Disability, and others)
Middle French Immersion will be phased out—students must choose their stream by Grade 4
The most relevant piece for real estate decisions is school boundary restructuring.
Why this matters:
Boundaries are being redrawn to better align with where families live
The goal is for more children to walk to school or have shorter bus rides
Grade structures at schools will change (some becoming K–3, K–6, or K–8)
And in practice, this means some families—especially those near existing boundaries—may be assigned to different schools than expected
No grandfathering is planned for siblings, and only some schools will allow current students to stay. You’ll want to double-check what applies to your address.
Changes Coming Sooner: Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB)
The OCSB is also updating boundaries for several schools, and those changes are happening much sooner—this fall (September 2025).
Highlights:
Grade 7–8 students from St. Bernadette and St. Martin de Porres will temporarily attend All Saints until the new Fernbank high school is built
Current students at Holy Trinity and Sacred Heart in Grades 7–11 can choose to stay—with transportation eligibility
These changes impact families in Kanata, Stittsville, and surrounding neighbourhoods
Like the OCDSB, these boundary shifts aim to keep enrollment balanced and ensure kids can attend schools in their communities.
If your family is in the OCSB system, be sure to check which school your child is expected to attend based on your address.
Planning a Move? Here’s What You Can Do
If school zoning is part of your decision-making process—either as a buyer or seller—here are a few tools that can help:
School Locators:
OCDSB Proposed 2026 Locator (select all grades for best results)
Boundary Maps:
Stay in the Loop
The OCSB changes take effect in Fall 2025, and the OCDSB changes are still in proposal stage, with a trustee vote expected in April 2025.
If you’d like to stay updated on what’s happening with both boards—and how it could affect your neighbourhood or your next home—I’ll be sharing more through my local email newsletter.
Questions? I’m Here to Help
If these changes have you thinking about your next move—or you just want to understand how school zones affect your current or future home—I’d be happy to help.
As a local Realtor who lives and works right here in Kanata–Stittsville, I’m always happy to share insights, talk through options, or help you make a plan.
No pressure—just good advice, and real estate that fits your family.
– Matt
