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The big picture on La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science
We wrote a book reviewing the school
The 50-page review of La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science is part of our series of in-depth accounts of Canada's leading private schools. It provides a unique and objective perspective on the school's academics, programs, culture, and community.
"Rooted in the fundamental concepts of bilingualism, holistic education, mastery learning, and excellence in both instruction and education, La Citadelle offers a highly academic reach-ahead IB and AP curriculum together with a panoply of co-curricular activities to students from PrepK to Grade 12. Inspired to learn and achieve by competent and dedicated teachers, students are encouraged to embrace challenges and reach their goals while being provided with opportunities to develop individual interests and talents."
Advanced University Bound Curriculum
Bilingual Education and Third Language
Small Class Sizes
AP Program and IB Programme (MYP)
Co-Curricular and Extra-Curricular Program, Clubs & Sports
Francisation (Grades 2 & up)
Admission & Academic Scholarships
Local & International Field Trips
Cross-Level Student Engagement & Inclusive Community
Access to Teachers and Academic Support
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"Navigating private school options can be overwhelming today. La Citadelle addresses this complexity with a focus on essential elements like studying, mastery learning, discipline,...(more)
"Navigating private school options can be overwhelming today. La Citadelle addresses this complexity with a focus on essential elements like studying, mastery learning, discipline, and genuine child success. Our conversations with parents are refreshingly candid, emphasizing commitment and hard work for the honest pursuit of success. La Citadelle is committed to providing an authentic and objective perspective on the efforts needed from both students and families for success."
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
"La Citadelle prioritizes academic excellence, bilingualism, and a holistic approach, which means we emphasize intellectual rigor over standardized, one-size-fits-all education....(more)
"La Citadelle prioritizes academic excellence, bilingualism, and a holistic approach, which means we emphasize intellectual rigor over standardized, one-size-fits-all education. Our focus on bilingual mastery and global citizenship comes at the cost of a traditional, monolingual curriculum. While technology is integrated, we prioritize critical thinking, leadership, and human connection over screen-based learning. Our structured yet dynamic environment values discipline and responsibility, which may mean less emphasis on unstructured flexibility. These priorities ensure students develop confidence, independence, and a deep understanding of diverse perspectives."
4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
"La Citadelle’s move to its new location marked a transformative milestone, uniting our community under one roof and replacing portables with a modern, purpose-built environment....(more)
"La Citadelle’s move to its new location marked a transformative milestone, uniting our community under one roof and replacing portables with a modern, purpose-built environment. This shift enhanced our ability to provide an engaging, dynamic space that fosters academic excellence and personal growth at all levels. The addition of a full gymnasium enabled us to develop competitive sports programs, enriching student life. It also paved the way for a vibrant student council and increased in-house events, strengthening connections between students, parents, and faculty, reinforcing our commitment to holistic education."
5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
"La Citadelle is ideal for families who recognize their child's strong academic potential and value an environment where students are seen as individuals, not numbers. We seek...(more)
"La Citadelle is ideal for families who recognize their child's strong academic potential and value an environment where students are seen as individuals, not numbers. We seek families who uphold respect, kindness, and community and who believe in the vital partnership between school and home. Our students are driven to stand out as leaders, embrace challenges, and grow with purpose. We welcome those who understand education as a long-term journey, built on strong foundations, shaping future success. Parents who actively support their child’s development and work collaboratively with educators will thrive in our community."
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
"La Citadelle is not for families who see private education as a transaction rather than a partnership. If parents are unwilling to engage, answer school calls, or support at least...(more)
"La Citadelle is not for families who see private education as a transaction rather than a partnership. If parents are unwilling to engage, answer school calls, or support at least one event, they won’t align with our community values. We do not cater to parents who expect to dictate curriculum or challenge educators without trust. Respect is fundamental—bullying, including from parents, is not tolerated. We foster leadership through collaboration, not aggression. Students who thrive here embrace challenges with resilience and learn to communicate with intelligence, diplomacy, and integrity."
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"La Citadelle welcomes diverse families seeking unique educational experiences. Academic-focused families value our commitment to excellence. Families seeking a fresh start...(more)
"La Citadelle welcomes diverse families seeking unique educational experiences. Academic-focused families value our commitment to excellence. Families seeking a fresh start appreciate our supportive environment. Those desiring a rigorous setting find familiarity in our structured approach. We tailor our methods to meet individual needs, ensuring a comprehensive and enriching academic journey for all students. Our unwavering commitment is to foster success and flourishing in education."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
Information not yet available.
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"La Citadelle's graduates are consistently sought after by top post-secondary universities, with 90% receiving early admission. This success stems from our school’s...(more)
"La Citadelle's graduates are consistently sought after by top post-secondary universities, with 90% receiving early admission. This success stems from our school’s well-established reputation for producing high-caliber students. Our small class sizes at our Kindegarten, Elementary and Intermediary panels, enable us to provide each student with the attention needed in these critical and foundational years, ensuring that each student's strengths are nurtured, and their academic habits are properly shaped from the earliest levels. This structure with the incremental increase in class sizes as we get closer to our Secondary Panel, creates a foundation for students to excel in rigorous academic environments and assume leadership roles long before reaching university. The close-knit nature of our community allows us to prepare students with not only advanced knowledge, but also the values and skills needed for success in both their studies and future leadership positions."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
"At La Citadelle, families are often surprised by the blend of rigorous academics with a warm, supportive community. Beyond advanced instruction, our critical tools, habit-forming...(more)
"At La Citadelle, families are often surprised by the blend of rigorous academics with a warm, supportive community. Beyond advanced instruction, our critical tools, habit-forming structures, and dynamic events—such as school-wide science fairs and art exhibitions—offer a rich array of experiences that help students discover diverse talents and excel in multiple fields. Parents are amazed not only by improved grades but by their children's deep-rooted knowledge, maturity, and versatile engagement. Equally notable is the respectful, compassionate dynamic that emerges at home, as students embrace responsibility, ownership, and effective communication. This holistic growth brings parents peace of mind, knowing their children are truly supported and are evolving into well-rounded, confident individuals."
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
"One of the most notable improvements at La Citadelle is our new Language Selection stream in mathematics at the Intermediary Panel. Introduced in response to demand from families...(more)
"One of the most notable improvements at La Citadelle is our new Language Selection stream in mathematics at the Intermediary Panel. Introduced in response to demand from families enrolling in Grades 6 and 7 as preparation for our Grade 8 reach-ahead program, this initiative enables students to excel in mathematics while engaging in French language learning. Supported by our robust English Secondary Panel, four French credits, AP courses, and rigorous year-round classes, this change not only maintains academic excellence but also enhances bilingual proficiency. This early transition equips students with the skills and confidence needed to thrive across all subjects, solidifying our reputation as a top-rated institution."
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
"In the coming years, La Citadelle will continue to evolve while remaining true to its roots of academic excellence and personalized care. Our Teacher in Residence program,...(more)
"In the coming years, La Citadelle will continue to evolve while remaining true to its roots of academic excellence and personalized care. Our Teacher in Residence program, launched in 2023, will offer senior students real-world insights from professionals, connecting academic learning to practical experience. We also plan to enhance our sports teams and clubs, providing more opportunities for leadership and growth. Relaunching our Parent Support Committee will allow us to bring more community experts to engage with students, fostering stronger home-school partnerships. These efforts will maintain our core values while further enriching the student experience and supporting our families.
At La Citadelle, we honour our roots while embracing innovation and these elements are continually at the forefront of our self-evaluation and planning."
Watch our parent interview with Janice Ilkay to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to have a child attend La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science.
Watch our parent interview with Mike Drolet to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to have a child attend La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science.
Watch our La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science Q&A discussion with Hannity (Parent), Elisa (Alum), Shafina (Parent), Daniel (Alum), Alison (Alum), Jason (Parent) to gain fresh insight into the school’s culture, values, and strengths.
The school’s open-concept design extends to Abouchar’s open office door. “I don't think it's a good environment when the headmaster is up there on the pedestal and students, or even teachers, are scared to visit them,” he says. “One of my favourite things is talking to students and seeing what they’re working on, whether it’s a class project or something in a club.”
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