Where Is Ridgemont High: Location, Campus, and Surroundings Explained

Address and Exact Campus Location

Ridgemont High School is located at 13000 Ridgemont High School Road, Ottawa, ON K2J 6W5, Canada. The campus sits in the Barrhaven suburb of Ottawa, on the east side of Woodroffe Avenue near the intersection with Longfields Drive. This places it in the western part of Ottawa’s urban core, adjacent to residential developments of Barrhaven and the newer Longfields area. For GPS and ride-hailing apps, use the above address to target the main entrance on the east side of the property.

• Full street address: 13000 Ridgemont High School Road, Ottawa, ON K2J 6W5
• Municipal area: City of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
• Coordinates (approximate): 45.3426° N, 75.7481° W

Neighborhood and Local Context

The school is situated in the Barrhaven suburban neighbourhood, a large residential area that has grown rapidly since the 1990s. Ridgemont High serves students from Barrhaven, parts of Riverside South, and nearby communities such as Longfields and Davidson Heights. The immediate vicinity is primarily low-density residential, with strip commercial services along Longfields Drive and Greenbank Road. Families moving to the area will find a mix of single-family homes and townhouse developments, alongside increasing commercial amenities within a 5–10 minute drive.

Campus Layout and Key Buildings

Ridgemont High’s campus is organized around a central courtyard, with classroom wings radiating from a main administrative block. Key facilities include:

• Main office and guidance suite at the front entrance
• Academic wings housing English, Mathematics, Sciences, and Humanities
• Technology and vocational education rooms (woodshop, automotive, design)
• Auditorium/gymnasium complex with fitness room
• Library/resource centre and computer labs
• Cafeteria and student gathering areas

Navigating the school is straightforward: the main office is the first point for visitors, and classrooms are clearly numbered and mapped in student agendas. New families are encouraged to attend orientation sessions to familiarise themselves with floor plans and emergency exits.

Transportation and Accessibility

Public Transit Access

OC Transpo routes serve Ridgemont High with multiple local bus lines. The most common routes include:

• Route 99 (Barrhaven Express) — rapid transit along Woodroffe Avenue with connections to downtown
• Route 80, 81, 82 — local service through Barrhaven and surrounding neighbourhoods
• Route 180, 181, 182 — express options during peak periods

Check the OC Transpo website or app for real-time arrivals, as schedules vary by term and season. The school is also a designated stop for many school-year express routes.

Driving and Parking

On-site parking is available for staff and visitors along the rear and side lots. Parents dropping off or picking up students typically use the parent drop-off loop at the main entrance; please observe posted time limits and signage. Traffic around the school intensifies during morning and afternoon windows, so allow extra time when travelling by car.

Nearby Amenities and Points of Interest

The immediate area provides everyday services for students and staff. Within a short walk or drive you’ll find:

• Grocery stores and convenience shops along Longfields Drive
• Pharmacies and medical clinics in the Barrhaven Health Centre area
• Parks and trail access points for walking and cycling
• Public library branches and community centres
• Fast-food and casual dining options

For broader shopping and entertainment, Greenbank Shopping Centre and larger retail clusters along Strandherd Drive are a 10–15 minute drive away.

Historical Background and School Profile

Ridgemont High School opened in the early 1960s as part of Ottawa’s post-war expansion and the growth of suburban Barrhaven. It was designed as a comprehensive secondary school serving a growing residential population. Over the decades, the campus has undergone incremental upgrades to classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities while retaining its original character. Today, Ridgemont is known for its diverse student body, strong music and arts programming, and active parent community.

Tips for Visitors and Families

• Use the main entrance on Ridgemont High School Road for visitor parking and drop-off.
• Check the OCDSB calendar for exam periods and community events that may affect parking and access.
• First-time visitors should allow 10–15 minutes to locate specific classrooms or offices.
• Transit riders should confirm route numbers and directionality using the OC Transpo app, especially during season changeovers.
• Familiarise yourself with the school’s visitor policy, which typically requires signing in at the office and displaying a visitor pass.