It is recognized mainly for its artistic excellence program: the Centre d'Excellence Artistique de l'Ontario (CEAO).

In 1982, a study committee recommended the creation of an enrichment centre in Ottawa for gifted students.

The committee also recommended that this centre be created and integrated at École secondaire publique De La Salle.

In 2021, De La Salle invested in a new wing with 8 new classrooms, 2 dance studios a gym, and a weightlifting room.

With rigorous training to become professional artists, the school was ranked 138th in Ontario in 2023 by the Fraser Institute.