Quick Facts
- Our school welcomes approximately 360 students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6 each year.
- We offer full-day bilingual Kindergarten, the English program with Core French (Grades 1-6), Middle French Immersion (Grades 4-6), the General Learning Program (Junior - Grades 4-6), and Language Learning Disability program (Junior - Grades 4-6)
- After completing Grade 6, students attend Fisher Park/Summit Alternative or Broadview Avenue Public School.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to build a safe and inclusive community that fosters student voice, well-being, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship. We empower students to be critical thinkers who navigate the world with curiosity and compassion.
Registration
Interested in registering your child at our school? Contact us or visit the OCDSB Registration page.
About Our School
Hilson Avenue Public school has provided education for students in our community for over 100 years. In the summer of 1997, the original school building was demolished and a new facility opened on June 10, 1999.
Hilson Avenue P.S. is a child-centered learning environment where academic progress, social development and a positive attitude towards self and others are cornerstones of our philosophy. Our community of learners practice teamwork, leadership and risk-taking as they prepare for the future.
We are fortunate to be able to offer community access to the Early ON Centre. It is located on the main floor in room 121. Open 20 hours per week, it offers parents and children from 0 to 6 years old the opportunity to learn and play together under the guidance of a facilitator.
Students
Hilson serves a population with diverse languages and cultures. Hilson Avenue families represent a variety of Ottawa-Centre communities.
Staff
Hilson Avenue Public School has a caring, creative and dynamic staff. This committed team of professionals have a wide range of experience. Many teachers have earned additional educational qualifications through ongoing professional development, including Special Education, English as a Second Language, French as a Second Language, Reading, and Computers in Education. Hilson teachers are very involved in extra-curricular activities for all our students. Educational Assistants support students both in and out of the classroom, and Registered Early Childhood Educators co-teach our Kindergarten programs. The Office Administrator and Assistant set a very positive and welcoming tone to the office. The Library Technician works hard to stock and manage our library. The Chief Custodian and evening Custodians ensure that our building is clean and safe.
Parents/Guardians and Community
Volunteers are heartily welcomed into our school. Many parent volunteers support school activities, including literacy and support programs, organizing fund-raising events, charitable events, accompanying students on field trips, etc. The Hilson Avenue Public School Council is composed of members of the school community, parents/guardians, community representatives and representatives of the staff. The council is dedicated to strengthening educational opportunities and partnerships with the community.
We offer the following academic programs:
- Full-day Bilingual Kindergarten (JK-SK): 50% English instruction and 50% French instruction.
- English Program with Core French (Grades 1-6): Instruction in the English language in all subject areas as well as instruction in French through Core French (40 minutes daily).
- Middle French Immersion (Grades 4-6): Students receive 66% of instruction in French.
- General Learning Program Junior (Grades 4-6)
- Language Learning Disability Junior (Grades 4-6)
Supports for specialized learning needs include:
- Language and Math support by our Learning Support Teacher and Learning Resource Teacher using both a co-teaching and withdrawal model
- English as a Second Language Support provided by OCDSB itinerant staff
- Students have opportunities to get involved in a wide range of clubs, athletic teams, and activities. For more details, visit our Teams and Clubs page.
Our school provides the following resources:
- Library/Computer resource centre with over 7500 books
- Mobile technology and projectors available in every classroom
- Large gymnasium and a Grand Hall with a grand stage area
- Fenced-in large yard
- Large play structure/sandbox
- Early ON Centre
- Westboro Children’s Centre Daycare located on site
A strong commitment to Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility is embedded throughout the OCDSB 2023-2027 Strategic Plan and captured within each area of focus: learning, well-being, and social responsibility. We strive to ensure that our school is a welcoming and safe place for students of all identities to feel valued and respected as they engage, learn, grow, explore, and discover. For more information, please visit the OCDSB’s Equity and Diversity website.