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Learn a Language, Earn a Credit
Student success includes thriving in a global society, and access to more than one culture and language enriches the lives of students, families and the community. This is the foundation on which the International Languages Program at the Ottawa Catholic School Board was developed.
Each course is worth one credit. Students can earn up to three credits towards their Ontario High School Diploma.
International Languages Secondary (Credit) Courses for All Grades at All Levels
This program enables high-school students and adult students to learn and maintain a language other than English and French.
The program also aims to:
- Foster global awareness and understanding.
- Prepare students for post-secondary studies and careers in business, trade and communications.
- Enable global skills for travel, International Student exchanges and other opportunities here and abroad.
- Develop communication skills for international/global employment opportunities.
Discover the Available Options and Locations
September 20, 2025 to June 6, 2026
Virtual and/or In-Person Classes, on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm.
Please note: The registration deadline is October 15, 2025. However, classes with very low enrollment may be cancelled as early as September 20, 2025.
| Language | Format | Location for In-Person |
|---|---|---|
| ASL (American Sign Language) | In-Person | St. Mother Teresa High School 440 Longfields Dr., Barrhaven. Holy Trinity High School 180 Katimavik Rd., Kanata. |
| Arabic | In-Person | St. Patrick’s High School 2525 Alta Vista Dr., Ottawa |
| Farsi | In-person | St. Mother Teresa High School 440 Longfields Dr., Barrhaven |
| Hungarian | Virtual | N/A |
| Igbo | Virtual | N/A |
| Italian | Virtual & In-Person | Frank Ryan Catholic Intermediate School 128 Chesterton Dr., Ottawa |
| Korean | Virtual* & In-Person *Virtual on Mon/Wed or Tue/Thurs evenings | St. Mother Teresa High School 440 Longfields Dr., Barrhaven |
| Mandarin (Simplified) | Virtual & In-Person | Notre Dame High School 710 Broadview Ave., Ottawa Holy Trinity High School 180 Katimavik Rd., Kanata St. Mother Teresa High School 440 Longfields Dr., Barrhaven |
| Polish | In-Person | St. Nicholas Adult High School 893 Admiral Ave., Ottawa |
| Punjabi | Virtual | N/A |
| Russian | Virtual & In-Person | St. George Elementary School 130 Keyworth Ave., Ottawa |
| Spanish | Virtual & In-Person | Frank Ryan Catholic Intermediate School 128 Chesterton Dr., Ottawa |
| Ukrainian | Virtual & In-Person | St. Mother Teresa High School 440 Longfields Dr., Barrhaven |
| Yoruba | Virtual | N/A |
Please Note
- Each class runs based on sufficient student enrollment and if the availability of an instructor for the language is confirmed. OCSB has the right to cancel classes (in-person or virtual) if neither requirement is satisfied.
- Some of our classes fill up quickly. Please note that registration in a course doesn’t guarantee admission.
Know Before You Register
2025-2026 IL Consumable and Out-Of-Province Fees
About Indigenous Education
The Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) has committed to enhancing its educational offerings by providing Indigenous language courses to students. It aligns with the Board’s dedication to The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls To Action. The OCSB understands and respects the unique learning requirements of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students. The Board acknowledges the importance of imparting the truth about Canadian history, including the legacy of residential schools, as outlined in Call to Action #62. Moreover, the Board recognizes the evolving dynamics between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities across Canada.
In pursuit of its commitment to reconciliation, the OCSB has actively responded to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action through various initiatives. However, the Board currently needs educators who are available to teach Indigenous language courses. If you know individuals proficient in Indigenous languages who are interested in sharing their knowledge, please encourage them to contact the Continuing and Community Education Department at Continuing.Education@ocsb.ca.
It’s important to note that Ontario College of Teachers certification is NOT a requirement for interested educators. Everyone is welcome to join the OCSB to foster cultural understanding and linguistic diversity within our educational community.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about how to register for the International Languages Secondary Program, please contact us at 613-288 3338 or 613 723 7757 or by email at Continuing.Education@ocsb.ca.
Administrative Office: St Nicholas Adult High School. 893 Admiral Ave, Nepean ON.
Office hours: 8:00 am – 2:00 pm, Monday to Friday.