Quick Facts
- We welcome approximately 400 students from Grade 9-12 each year.
- We offer academic courses at the college, applied, locally-developed and non-credit levels.
- In addition to English with Core French, and French Immersion programs, we offer:
- a Skilled Trades & Technology Program
- Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programs include Hospitality/Culinary Arts, Transportation and Green Industries.
- Special Education Programs: General Learning Program, Physical Support Program and Behaviour Intervention Program
Our Vision
Sir Guy Carleton is in a unique position to train students for successful and productive careers in the skilled trades. Our pathways to college, the workplace and apprenticeship provide students with a career and technology based education that equally balances the traditional academic subjects, specifically focusing on literacy and numeracy skills, with a wide variety of technical and employability skills gained in our large and well-equipped shops. This diversity of learning will enable students to meet today’s employment standards to secure successful futures. We are “The School that Works”!
Registration
Interested in registering your child at our school? Contact us or visit the OCDSB Registration page for more information.
About Our School
Sir Guy Carleton Secondary School is a vibrant vocational school which focuses on both the trades and academics. We offer an option for students living in the west end of Ottawa looking to go to college, an apprenticeship, or employment upon graduation.
We provide practical, relevant, and active approaches to education where students are given daily opportunities for hands-on learning in auto service, auto body, cosmetology, childcare, welding, construction, woodworking, communication technology, green industries, hospitality, and health care. All our trade classrooms are real-life job environments.
Our academic program is equally effective with instruction designed to meet the learning needs of all our students. For senior students, co-operative education and two week work placements are important components of their learning experience.
Our School Community
Students
Sir Guy Carleton students graduate with either:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma
- Ontario Secondary School Certificate
- Certificate of Accomplishment
Most of our vocational students graduate in four years but some stay between 5 and 6 years, as it can take longer for some students to develop the skills necessary for their post-secondary goals.
Staff
Our staff is dedicated to helping students to gain a strong foundation in their academic subjects while exploring different opportunities in skilled trades. All the members of the Sir Guy Carleton team are committed to
- preparing students for college, apprenticeships or the world of work.
- ensuring successful transition to post-secondary programming and supports.
Our teachers are trained professionals within their field. They are not only strong subject teachers, but also experts in working with students who have unique learning needs.
Programs, Supports and Activities
Academics
Sir Guy Carleton SS is unique! In addition to offering the same de-streamed courses in grades 9 & 10 as every other high school, we offer the following programs:
- Skilled Trades & Technology Program - for students who are open to exploring various trades and possibly pursuing apprenticeship or college pathways.
Courses include: - Dual Credit - partnership with our neighbour, Algonquin College, in hospitality.
- Co-op - Work Experience for senior students to experience working in the field while earning credit(s).
- Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programs:
- Advanced Culinary Education (ACE)
- Advanced Program in Automobile Repair Technologies (APART)
- Urban Farming Operations (UFO)
Cooperative Education is an integral part of Sir Guy Carleton SS. Co-op provides students with the opportunity to practice the skills that they are learning in their various classes and to take them out into the world of work, while earning credit(s). Senior students may participate in a job placement for a half full day or all semester. For many of our students, this co-op placement turns into paid employment! All senior students also have the opportunity to complete a two week full-time work placement each semester. These programs allow all students to sample various career paths.
We also offer a variety of other learning opportunities, including Physical Education, Outdoor Education, Music, and Visual Arts.
Special Education
Sir Guy Carleton’s Special Education Programs – General Learning Program, Physical Support Program and Behaviour Intervention Program – provide opportunities for exceptional students to work in the appropriate pathway for them while receiving the extra support that they may require. Through a balance of community based, practical and classroom learning, students are taught important skills for self regulation, social interactions, independent living and employment. Learn more.
Activities and Clubs
Our extra-curricular sports and clubs offer all students opportunities to get involved in school life. Students have many opportunities to shine and be leaders at Sir Guy Carleton:
- Knight Crew is a group of senior students who help our grade nine students make a smooth transition to high school
- Leadership camp allows students to experience the power of working together as a group.
These leadership activities, along with our many clubs and teams, add to the vibrancy of Sir Guy Carleton SS.
Facilities and Learning Tools
All our trade classrooms are real-life job environments.
Our close proximity to Algonquin College enables us to foster a strong partnership with the college and unique Dual Credit opportunities for our students.
Equity, Inclusion and Indigenous Education
Our multicultural students find a safe, stimulating environment where an atmosphere of mutual respect for all cultures in Canada is cultivated. 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.
A strong commitment to Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility is embedded throughout the OCDSB's 2023-2027 Strategic Plan and captured within each area of focus: learning, well-being, and social responsibility.
For more information, please visit the OCDSB’s Equity and Diversity website.