Ashbury College officially opened its new Centre for Science & Innovation on September 24. The three-storey facility is the latest addition to the school’s 13-acre campus, housing six labs and offering a 40% increase in teaching areas.

The new space allows for all of Ashbury’s senior science classrooms to be grouped together alongside multi-disciplinary spaces. University-calibre laboratories set a new standard for independent school facilities, while light-filled classrooms with moveable furniture allow teachers to adapt to different and evolving pedagogies.

“This new centre is a capstone to our programs and facilities and a beautiful new addition to our school,” said Norman Southward, Ashbury’s Head of School. “Capturing the awe of sciences in Ashbury classes can only further inspire our students as innovators and discoverers in improving our world.”

Ashbury’s science faculties are led by passionate and inspiring subject specialists and the school’s innovation programs are built on a spirit of inquiry and discovery. Over one third of Ashbury graduates pursue post-secondary education in science and engineering. 

Invited guests for the physically-distanced opening ceremony included Ashbury alumnus Alex Munter, CEO of CHEO, Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe, Rawlson King and Christina Tessier, president and CEO of Ingenium. The trio were joined by a small group of Ashbury students and faculty, who have been enjoying the new spaces since the start of school earlier in September.

A fundraising campaign saw $7-million in donations raised to fund both the build and a complementary endowment for financial assistance, directed to attracting and supporting exceptional students who would not otherwise be able to receive an Ashbury education. Currently over 10% of Ashbury’s student body benefit from our financial assistance program.