“This is a great testament to the Christian community in our nation’s capital.”

Janet Mabie
Special to Spur Ottawa

In Canada’s landscape of aggressive secularism and competing social agendas, Christian parents are increasingly turning to private religious schools for their children’s education. Yet, researching the options to find the best fit can be a challenge. A large group of Christian schools from across Ottawa have come together to make that a bit easier through a Christian education expo.

“The expo is a collaboration of 14 private or independent Christian schools throughout the Ottawa area and beyond,” describes Virginia Dawson, Advancement Coordinator at Ottawa Christian School. “From kindergarten through to post-secondary education, [the expo] is an opportunity for parents and students to get their questions answered, enjoy school performances, learn from Christian education professionals during panel discussions, and engage with other Christian parents.”

The March 2 event will even have games for kids (like giant Jenga), activities, prizes, and music supplied by CHRI Radio. The expo will be held at Redeemer Christian High School. In addition to the displays and information from each school, attendees will be able to tour Redeemer and enjoy live music performed by students from Calvary Christian Academy.

“Having 14 different schools in one place saves parents time and exposes them to schools they may not have heard of before,” says Cathy Dentz, of Redeemer Christian High School.

• “Christian education gives the students the opportunity to extend their Christian devotional life.”

Dentz says talking with school representatives really helps parents get a feel for the school’s culture, vibe, and how students are cared for and taught. She points out that the expo gives parents a place to go deeper by engaging with parents of current students.

Only one of the 14 schools is from outside the Ottawa area. Sue Grierson, Communications Coordinator at Niagara Christian Collegiate, explains that her school is a boarding school. They decided to participate as a way to reach out to politicians, diplomats and military families who are looking for a boarding school, but also value Christian education.

“All of our schools attending the expo have something very unique to offer families,” Grierson says. “Students thrive when their school is the right fit for their unique needs—whether it be a unique pedagogy or a specific program geared to a student’s interest. Our schools offer a beautifully diverse mosaic of programs and extracurricular activities.”

As a representative of a school from outside Ottawa, Grierson is amazed at the number of private Christian schools around Ottawa.

“This is a great testament to the Christian community in our nation’s capital!”

• “Students thrive when their school is the right fit for their unique needs.”

While each school is distinct and offers unique programming, Helen Sousa of Bishop Hamilton Montessori School adds, “We all have unique programs to offer, and yet have so much in common; offering caring, character building and community-oriented environments.”

Grierson echoes that sentiment, saying “We all want our students to succeed in their academics, in building Christian faith, in developing character, and becoming outstanding citizens who understand their mission and calling in life.”

Paul Triemstra, Principal of Ottawa Christian School, says Christian schools help students extend their biblical understanding into all the subjects they are taught.

“Christian education gives the students the opportunity to extend their Christian devotional life and challenges them to live godly lives. Essentially, Christian Schools are in the business of helping families and churches raise the next generation to be faithful followers of Jesus Christ.”

For more information about he expo, visit the event’s website.