Well-being
Whole-child personal development
Gymnasium No. 1 in Ottawa
A private gymnasium for bilingual children
Why Families Choose Our Gymnasium
Strong Education
A solid academic foundation
Bilingual Learning
Designed for children growing up with two languages
Small Classes
Individual support for every student
Thinking Skills
Learning to reason and find solutions
Experienced Teachers
Professional expertise and personal attention
About the Gymnasium
Gymnasium No. 1 is a place where children enjoy learning, feel supported, have their achievements recognized, and gain confidence in their abilities. Our original programs for bilingual children and experienced teachers create an environment where students acquire knowledge with enthusiasm, grow, and discover their potential.
Learn More →Our Classes
Saturday classes
Preparatory
Class
Reading, mathematics, writing, writing-readiness exercises, art calligraphy, and language development through play and creativity
Grade 1
Reading, writing, mathematics, speech development, logic, and creative activities
Grade 2
We deepen core subject knowledge and develop thinking and independence
Grade 3
Structured learning, project work, and skills for successful independent study
Grades 4–5
Fluent speech, logical and critical thinking, argumentation, and practical application of knowledge
Grade 6
An introduction to economics, financial literacy, and project and research activities
Ages are approximate. Placement also considers each child’s Russian-language level and academic readiness.
Preparatory Class
For children ages 4½–6
The preparatory class is a child’s first step toward structured learning. We make it engaging, active, and comfortable while building curiosity, confidence, and the foundational skills children need for school.
Program
Learning to Read
Children explore letters and sounds, combine them into syllables, read first words and short sentences, and develop phonemic awareness and comprehension.
Mathematics
Numbers, quantities, counting, comparison, patterns, spatial awareness, and introductory logic problems.
Writing Readiness
Fine motor skills, pencil grip, lines and letter elements, page orientation, and careful graphic work.
Art Calligraphy
Drawing, patterns, forms, and creative exercises develop coordination, rhythm, precision, and handwriting readiness.
Language and Learning Skills
Poetry, riddles, word games, storytelling, memory, attention, listening, following instructions, and completing tasks independently.
Our goal is for every child to enter school ready to listen, think, reason, communicate, work with assignments, and enjoy learning.
Grade 1
For children ages 6+
Grade 1 is an important stage when a child transitions to structured learning. We help children learn to read, write, count, reason, and work independently, creating a strong foundation for future study. Classes take place in a welcoming atmosphere and reflect the needs of bilingual children.
Program
Mathematics
Lessons based on Lyudmila Peterson’s program help children understand mathematical patterns, solve problems, compare, reason, and develop logical thinking.
Reading
We build purposeful reading skills, teach children to understand a text, answer questions, retell it, and work with its meaning. We develop speech and an interest in books.
Writing
We develop fine motor skills and pencil control, then learn to write letters, joins, words, and sentences correctly, building accuracy and confidence.
⭐ More than lessons
We teach children to be attentive, finish what they start, follow instructions, work independently, and engage calmly in the learning process.
✓ By the end of the year
- read words, sentences, and short texts
- understand and retell what they read
- write letters, words, and simple sentences
- solve foundational mathematics problems
- compare, reason, and explain an answer
- work with greater confidence and independence
Our goal is to help every child enjoy learning, believe in their abilities, and establish a strong foundation of knowledge.
Grade 2
For children ages 7+
Students strengthen reading, writing, and mathematics while learning to understand texts, explain answers, and apply knowledge independently.
Program
Mathematics
Logic, patterns, comparison, analysis, and problem-solving.
Russian
Vocabulary, grammar, spelling, sentence structure, and clear expression.
Reading
Comprehension, main ideas, discussion, and retelling.
Our goal is to help each child feel: “I understand. I can reason. I can do it myself.”
Grade 3
For children ages 8+
Students apply knowledge independently, handle complex assignments, explain solutions, read attentively, and express ideas clearly.
Program
Mathematics
Logical thinking, solution strategies, analysis, and self-checking.
Russian
Vocabulary, grammar, spelling, sentence and text structure.
Reading
Expressive reading, main ideas, character analysis, discussion, and retelling.
Our goal is to teach children to understand, reason, explain, and use knowledge independently.
Grades 4–5
For children ages 9+
Students analyze information, reason, support their views, work with complex texts, and apply knowledge in varied situations.
Program
Mathematics
Advanced reasoning, problem analysis, solution strategies, and clear explanations.
Russian
Vocabulary, grammar, spelling, and text structure through Daria Kuperman’s bilingual program.
Literature • Rhetoric • Economics
Literary discussion, argumentation, critical reading, financial literacy, and economic thinking.
Our goal is to teach children not only to know, but to think, question, decide, and apply knowledge confidently.
Grade 6
For children ages 11+
Grade 6 marks the transition from completing assignments to working independently with information and applying knowledge thoughtfully. Students analyze different viewpoints, support their positions, work with complex texts, draw conclusions, and use learning in real situations.
Program
Mathematics
The Peterson program develops mathematical, logical, and analytical thinking through complex problems, patterns, solution strategies, and clear explanations.
Russian
Using the Rosinka method by Daria Kuperman, students work with longer texts, express ideas freely, develop arguments, and write coherent compositions.
Literature • Rhetoric • Economics
Students discuss texts, formulate arguments, distinguish fact from opinion, build financial literacy, and apply knowledge in practice.
Our goal is to help students move from accumulating knowledge to using it thoughtfully: analyzing, reasoning, making decisions, and taking responsibility for their work.
Our Teachers
Experienced educators who help children learn with confidence and curiosity.
Natalia Filatova
Gymnasium Director
Olga Gendel
Gymnasium Teacher
Tatiana Sedunova
Gymnasium Teacher
Natalia Fil
Gymnasium Teacher
Marina Vasyukhno
Gymnasium Teacher
Home › Schedule and Academic Calendar
Schedule and Academic Calendar 2026–2027
Find class schedules, the academic-year calendar, and tuition and payment information.
Academic
Calendar
Class dates and academic periods throughout the year.
View →No-Class
Days
Public holidays and school breaks.
View →Tuition and
Payment
Fees, payment methods, and important information.
View →Class Schedules
Classes take place on Saturdays
| Class | Age | Class Time | Teachers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preparatory Class | 4½–6 | Saturday 12:30–3:30 p.m. | Natalia Fil |
| Grade 1 | 6+ | Saturday 9:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. | Tatiana Sedunova, Marina Vasyukhno |
| Grade 2 | 7+ | Saturday 12:30–3:30 p.m. | Tatiana Sedunova, Marina Vasyukhno |
| Grade 3 | 8+ | Saturday 12:30–3:30 p.m. | Tatiana Sedunova, Marina Vasyukhno |
| Grades 4–5 | 9+ | Saturday 9:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. | Tatiana Sedunova, Olga Gendel |
| Grade 6 | 11+ | Saturday 9:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. | Tatiana Sedunova, Olga Gendel |
iPlease check regularly for current information and possible changes.
Contact the school administration if you have any questions.
Contact the school administration if you have any questions.
Parent Reviews
What our students’ families say about the gymnasium
“
Natasha runs a wonderful school! My daughter attends on Saturdays, and it is the one thing that truly helps her with Russian. At home we mostly speak English, but thanks to the school she reads, writes, and speaks Russian. Children feel very comfortable and interested there, including those who need a little more attention. We have attended for two years, and every Saturday my child gets ready with joy.
“
A wonderful opportunity to get to know the school! My daughter and I are very happy with our choice. 🙏
“
A wonderful program! My son learned to write and read and absolutely loved coming to class. Thank you so much! ❤️
“
Thank you, Natasha, for the gymnasium! Our son attended, and we were extremely pleased. Natasha gives every child individual attention, and everything is done with tremendous love for children. The children are engaged and eager to return. This was very important to us because our child is interested in everything, and we look for only the very best for him.
“
A good school with small classes, which makes learning more effective. Thanks to you, Lukashka is the best mathematics student in his French school!
“
My daughter has attended this gymnasium for several years. It is difficult to imagine three more productive hours of education. This is all thanks to the small classes, wonderful teachers, and a specially designed program focused on bilingual children and their individual needs.
My younger daughter now speaks exclusively Russian at home, and that is thanks to the gymnasium! Thank you to Natalia and all our beloved teachers for bringing such heart to education.
“
Our child has attended the gymnasium since Grade 1. We are very pleased with both the learning process and the celebrations. Natasha is incredible. Endless respect! ❤️
“
I highly recommend Gymnasium No. 1! After an unsuccessful experience at another school and lost time in Grade 1, we finally found a place where a professional team truly works with each child. During Grade 2, Natalia and her team helped my son make significant progress and provided an enormous amount of high-quality learning material and support.
We especially value that class time here is genuinely devoted to learning; for our family, this was one of the most important priorities.
Thank you for your work. We are delighted to be returning for Grade 3!
Book a Trial Lesson
Leave your contact information and we will help you choose the right class, explain the program, and arrange a convenient time for a trial lesson.