[4] It was the last in a series of ten high schools built by the Collegiate Board to deal with a growing population of teenagers.

At the time of its opening, it was considered an extremely modern school, employing all the latest ideas in education.

The school operated a 1969 Cessna 190J (CF-CHS) and a Schweitzer 2-33 glider (CF-ABE), providing unique research opportunities to students.

However, the Ottawa Board of Education eventually withdrew support due to liability issues.

[5][6] The school maintains an athletics program which includes wrestling, rowing, swimming, volleyball, baseball, basketball, soccer, football, water polo, curling, ultimate frisbee, ice hockey, rugby and track and field.