[4] In 2005, Maclean's Magazine named OSA as the top academic high school in Canada.

[6] The 135 students who enter OSA each year are chosen based on set criteria from an excess of applicants.

[7] Old Scona Academic offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program in addition to fulfilling the Alberta Education Curriculum.

course offerings as of 2021 are English A Language and Literature, European History (Route 2: Peacekeeping), Biology, and Physics.

Mathematics, Chemistry, Computer Science, French B, and Group 6 arts are offered only at the Standard Level (SL).

These combined requirements often lead to lengthy course loads and extended class hours / homework.

These include choral music, instrumental music, jazz band, performing arts, drama, speech and debate, leadership, art, theory of knowledge (which can be taken without the full IB diploma), computer applications, computer programming, and cyber security.

These options vary every year, depending on student body interest and staffing logistics.

In the past, many students have also taken second languages such as German and Japanese through external programs affiliated with Alberta Education.

Designed by local architect Roland Lines, the cornerstone of the building was laid by the first premier (and education minister) of Alberta, Alexander Rutherford in 1907, the same year Strathcona became a city.

It was one of the largest and most up-to-date school buildings in the province at the time, featuring an advanced automatic climate control system.

The style is described as Edwardian Classical Free, which retains some decorative features of the Victorian era but is more subdued, practical, and utilitarian, and less traditional.

Modernization of the school to include computer labs, a Wi-Fi network and LCD projectors in classrooms have been careful to maintain the historical integrity of the building.

Some elements, such as the external fire escapes, remain part of the building for historical integrity, but are no longer in use due to structural age.

Many elements have been left by renovations for decorative effect, are on display in the school, or have been stored in the Provincial Archives of Alberta.