Lisgar Collegiate Institute
Lisgar Collegiate Institute, sometimes referred to as "Lisgar" or "The Institution" is Ottawa's oldest high school and home of the OCESS.
History
Lisgar started in 1843 as a grammar school with an enrollment of about 40. The names and location of the school changed frequently during the first several years, eventually settling in 1873 in its current location under the name Ottawa Collegiate Institute. Construction began in 1874, with the total cost of the land and building at $59,000 including $100 paid to a squatter to use the land.
The school prospered and grew throughout both world wars, during which a rifle range was built into the top floor. The school was re-named Lisgar Collegiate Institute in 1920 when the school split from Glebe High School.
Today, Lisgar houses a student body of about 1460 students; 90% of which will head off to university next fall. Lisgar has a strong reputation as an academic school, with numerous educational programs such as French Immersion, Advanced Placement, Enrichment, etc. and has generally done well in numerous boardwide math and science contests.
Lisgar and Spacesim
Lisgar was one of the first schools to host a club similar to Spacesim and was one of the founding schools of the International Student Space Simulation. Lisgar students and teachers, as well as alumni are the driving force behind Spacesim and it is very fair to call Lisgar the home of the OCESS.
Lisgar also houses the Office and numerous other clubs which share the school with Spacesim.
Lisgar is located at 29 Lisgar Street. The Office can be found in Room 314 (now 414 by the new numbering system) on the top floor.
Lisgar is Spacesim's recruitment pool. It is where OCESS holds its annual Week of Hype. Lisgar also provides Spacesim with Clubs Day where many new recruits sign up to join.
