History

It was in 1917 that a church school was first established in Ottawa. The founder and first teacher was education pioneer Abbie Culbert. She taught at the Ottawa School for two years and was followed by Mabel Eastman (1919-1921) and Georgina Booth-Manley (1921-1922). During this time, the school was known as H.M.S. Richards School among the children and parents, since Pastor Richards was the pastor in 1919 and had married the teacher, Mabel Eastman.

Unfortunately, the school closed in 1922, a year after Mabel and H.M.S. Richards left. It re-opened in 1934 but again closed its doors two years later in 1936. Nothing much happened in Adventist education in Ottawa until 1971, when the present Ottawa Adventist School began operation.

In 1971 with just 9 students, Ottawa Adventist School (OAS) embarked on a journey that has since been marked by growth, dedication, and unwavering faith. Its humble beginnings trace back to the basement of Ottawa West Church on Spencer Street. The driving force behind the school's inception was Pastor Glen Corkum and his wife, who were determined to provide their children with a Christ-centered education. Their vision became reality when the conference approved the operation of a school within the church premises, with Mrs. Corkum serving as the inaugural teacher. During this era, the school was affectionately known among students and parents as H.M.S. Richards School.

In 1974, as the church relocated to its current premises, the school occupied the Sabbath school space in the basement. However, the members harbored a dream of a standalone building for the school. Fueled by enthusiasm and communal support, this dream materialized swiftly as a separate structure was erected on the same grounds. Remarkably, the children actively participated in the construction process, lending their hands during recess to assist Andrews Construction Brothers. This collaborative effort reflects the spirit of unity and determination that defined the early years of OAS.

Over the decades, OAS continued to flourish, upholding its commitment to providing a holistic education rooted in faith. In 2017, marking another significant milestone, the school relocated to its present address at 2191 Benjamin Avenue. Today, OAS stands as a beacon of spiritual enlightenment and academic excellence, with a team of seven dedicated teachers and one support staff.

At OAS, the ethos of education transcends mere academics; it is an endeavor infused with spirituality and guidance by the Holy Spirit. Teachers at OAS see themselves as vessels of divine light, with the constant endeavor to remain connected to Jesus—the ultimate source of illumination. Prayer serves as the cornerstone of their daily routine, initiating and concluding each day with a fervent connection to the divine.

In recent years, OAS has experienced a consistent surge in enrollment, a testament to its unwavering commitment to nurturing young minds in the light of faith. With an enrollment of 82 students in the academic year 2023-2024, the school continues to grow, buoyed by the grace of God and the collective dedication of its staff and community. 

The recent establishment of various after-school clubs marks an exciting new development for our school community. Offering a diverse range of options including soccer, basketball, volleyball, art, coding, and a comic club, these clubs provide students with valuable opportunities for enrichment, skill development, and creative expression beyond the traditional curriculum. 

As we reflect on the rich history of Ottawa Adventist School, we celebrate not only its growth but also the values of faith, community, and service that have shaped its journey. With gratitude for the past and anticipation for the future, OAS remains steadfast in its mission to illuminate minds and hearts with the timeless wisdom of Christ.

Mission Statement

To provide a well-balanced education in a safe, caring environment, where students are encouraged to reach their highest potential; to teach Christian values and reflect them by serving the community; to encourage students to be independent thinkers and effective problem solvers.

Our Philosophy
The Ottawa Adventist School is operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church to provide a spiritually oriented education for children. A belief in the existence of the Creator God is fundamental in the philosophy of Seventh-day Adventist schools. We respect His divine authority and recognize His intervention in human affairs. We believe that true education develops the spiritual, mental, and physical powers of each student; preparing them for the joy of service in this life and for the higher joy of service in the life to come. To achieve this goal, we encourage each student to:

• develop a personal relationship with God and his fellow men as stated in Matthew 2:37-39
• master the basic academic skills
• value labor, physical and mental, as the blessing God intended
• cultivate physical fitness, mental ability, and moral purity as the blessing God intended.

The Ottawa Adventist School is operated in harmony with the guidance and direction of the Office of Education, North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.