Académie de la Capitale vs Elmwood School

	A Académie de la Capitale Ottawa, Canada	E Elmwood School Ottawa, Canada
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year CA$200 - 32,480	Fees / year CA$18,800 - 37,650
Age range	Age range 4 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Girls School
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), Bespoke Curriculum, Canadian Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 35	Pupils 385
Typical class size	Typical class size 10	Typical class size 15
Instruction language	Instruction language French, English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1998	Opened 1915
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Campus address: 3448 Richmond Road, Ottawa, ON K2H 8H7. Directions and campus information are available via Google Maps.	Location 261 Buena Vista Road, Rockcliffe Park, Ottawa, Ontario, K1M 0V9, Canada
Stages	Stages IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) bilingual; Pre-Secondary Programme (Grades 7–8); Ontario Secondary School Diploma (Grades 9–12).	Stages Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 (ages 3 to 18)
School type	School type Private micro-school.	School type Independent all-girls day school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix Students from 47 countries are represented, creating a diverse international community
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Differentiated instruction tailored to each student's exceptionality; SMILE Literacy Programme.	Additional learning support Learning support services available for students with individual needs
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Canada; affiliated with Ontario Ministry of Education.	Country affiliation Canada
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation Non-denominational
School day structure	School day structure Campus/office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.	School day structure Full-day programme with optional before-school and after-school care available
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details Transportation service is available for a separate fee
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fees and one‑time charges - Application fee: USD/CAD $200.00 (one‑time, non‑refundable). - Family membership fee: USD/CAD $3,500.00 (one‑time, non‑refundable; payable when the family accepts an invitation to join the school). - International student administrative fee (for international enrolments): $1,700.00 (non‑refundable); an additional $4,040.00 applies if enrolment is processed through an external agency. A yearly student charge account fee of $975.00 applies to cover incidental activities and is payable at the start of the year. Tuition fees by programme / year group (full details per programme and common payment splits) - IB Primary Years Programme — Kindergarten (Kinder) options: - Kinder Option A (10 months, school year only): $22,420.00 if enrolled on or before the early deadline; $24,253.00 if enrolled after that deadline. Per‑month equivalent (10 months): $2,242.00 or $2,425.30 respectively. Payments are normally collected monthly (see Billing schedule). - Kinder Option B (10 months + AcadeCamp summer sessions): $25,085.00 if enrolled on or before the early deadline; $26,920.00 if enrolled after. Per‑month equivalent (10 months): $2,508.50 or $2,692.00 respectively. - IB Primary Years Programme — Grades 1 to 6 (PYP / PYP Next): - Standard tuition: $21,450.00 if enrolled on or before the early deadline; $23,285.00 if enrolled after that deadline. Per‑month equivalent (10 months): $2,145.00 or $2,328.50 respectively. For international students in this cohort the posted full‑time tuition and a two‑payment schedule are used (see International section). - Pre‑Secondary School Programme (PSSP) and Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) — Grades 7 to 12: - Domestic tuition: $23,390.00 if enrolled on or before the early deadline; $25,221.50 if enrolled after that deadline. Per‑month equivalent (10 months): $2,339.00 or $2,522.15 respectively. - International students (per child, full‑time examples and two‑payment splits): - International IB PYP Next (Kinder) — Full year: $23,440.00. Two‑payment schedule shown: On or before Aug 15: $14,064.00; Jan 15: $9,376.00. - International IB PYP Next (10 months + AcadeCamp) — Full year: $26,105.00. Two‑payment schedule: On or before Aug 15: $15,663.00; Jan 15: $10,442.00. - International IB PYP Next (Ages 6–Grade 6) — Full year: $23,875.00. Two‑payment schedule: On or before Aug 15: $14,325.00; Jan 15: $9,550.00. - International PSSP / OSSD (Grades 7–12) — Full year: $25,815.00. Two‑payment schedule: On or before Aug 15: $15,489.00; Jan 15: $10,326.00. - Sibling discount: 10% tuition discount when a sibling also attends. Billing schedule and payment terms - Domestic (non‑international) standard payment method: delivery of post‑dated cheques dated the 1st of each month covering the contract period (first cheque dated the contract submission date) or, upon approval by Finance, payment by e‑Transfer to finance@acadecap.org using the password acadecapfees. Payments by e‑Transfer are due by the 1st of each month. Tuition is typically allocated across the 10‑month school session unless an alternative schedule is specifically approved by Finance. A $50.00 surcharge applies to any dishonoured cheque; a 2% interest applies to late payments. Accounts in arrears may lead to interruption of student access until resolved. - International students: the school publishes a two‑payment schedule for full‑year international tuition (examples: amounts due on or before Aug 15 and Jan 15 as listed per programme). Certain international‑specific fees (Application, Family Membership, International Student Fee and Yearly Student Charge) must be paid in full together with the first tuition installment before an official Letter of Acceptance is issued. Tuition deadlines for late enrolments may require payment in full by an earlier date (specified in the enrolment terms). Boarding fees - Boarding is not offered; there are no boarding fees. The school operates as a day micro‑school model and fees reflect day programmes and optional supervision services. Other costs and optional fees - Supervision (before/after school) options and costs vary by programme: - PYP Next optional supervision: Option A (a.m. and p.m.) $3,105.00/year ($1,035.00/trimester); Option B (a.m. or p.m.) $1,552.50/year ($517.50/trimester). - PSSP supervision: Option A (a.m. and p.m.) $975.00/year ($325.00/trimester); Option B (a.m. or p.m.) $487.50/year ($162.50/trimester). Drop‑ins before 8:30 am or after 4:30 pm are subject to a $25 fee; late pick‑up after 5:30 pm is $25 per incident. Supervision fees are non‑refundable. - Special programmes (non‑refundable unless specifically stated): - ESL/FSL Sheltering and Support Programme: $4,250.00 per year. - SMILE (Systematic Multisensory Intensive Literacy Education) programme: $4,250.00 per year. - Classroom Individualized Support (CIS): $9,500.00 per year; if one‑to‑one specialist support is required, an additional hourly rate of $40.00 applies. - Meals: students Grade 1 and up may participate in the lunch programme (external caterer) with payments made to the caterer; Monday pizza lunch options and other meal programmes are charged separately as published. The cost of uniforms is the family's responsibility. Additional optional activity fees (water polo, ski lessons/lift, out‑of‑school sport trips, end‑of‑year trips, transportation not tied to a unit of inquiry, and certain enrichment activities) may apply. Refund and withdrawal terms - Commitment: enrolment indicates commitment for the full academic year; staffing and other commitments are made for the full 10‑month period and parents/guardians are liable for the account balance from the date specified in the enrolment contract. Written notice of withdrawal is required (30 days). - Voluntary withdrawal, expulsion for cause, or irreconcilable disagreement occurring before 11:59 pm on June 30: the school retains 25% of the total tuition fees and any other contracted services; any refund due will be processed on the date published in the admissions schedule. Written notice of withdrawal is mandatory to qualify for any refund. - Withdrawal, expulsion or termination after 12:00 am on July 1: the school is entitled to the total tuition fees payable (no refund). The Board may, at its discretion, approve an installment plan or, in compassionate circumstances, reduce or eliminate the non‑refundable portion. Fee payment options (accepted methods and penalties) - Accepted payment methods stated in the school's fee policies: post‑dated cheques (dated the 1st of each month) or e‑Transfer to finance@acadecap.org using the password acadecapfees (e‑Transfer requires Finance approval in some cases). International payment schedules generally use two installments with specified due dates. No routine credit‑card payment option is listed in the published fee documents. A $50.00 fee is charged for any dishonoured cheque; 2% interest applies to late payments. Accounts in arrears may result in interruption of access to the school's programmes.	Fee details Annual tuition for 2026/27 ranges from CAD 18,800 (Pre-Kindergarten) to CAD 37,650 (Grades 1-12). An enrollment fee of CAD 4,000 to CAD 5,000 applies.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements Day school only; no boarding facilities
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Formal AcadeCap attire is worn on Mondays, during school outings, and for special events. Casual AcadeCap attire is worn for the remainder of the week, with a designated sports uniform for physical education classes. A full rain gear set (waterproof boots, jacket, and pants) is required.	Uniform requirement School uniform is required. Estimated costs: CAD 400 (Pre-K to SK), CAD 650 (Junior School), CAD 1,000 (Middle and Senior School).
Food options	Food options Nutritious hot meals are prepared by a Cordon Bleu chef and offered through a hot meals program (Dial-a-Chef) from Tuesday through Friday. Dial-a-Chef accommodates allergies and religious dietary requests.	Food options Bistro services are available on campus for a separate fee
House system	House system —	House system Four houses compete for the House Cup throughout the year, building community spirit and friendly competition
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Founding Director: Lucie Lalonde.	Governance and ownership Independent non-profit school governed by a board of directors. Accredited by CAIS (Canadian Accredited Independent Schools).
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The school uses competency-based curricula and offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP).	Curriculum details Elmwood is the only school in the Ottawa region offering all three levels of the International Baccalaureate programme: the IB Primary Years Programme, the IB Middle Years Programme, and the IB Diploma Programme. The curriculum exceeds the expectations of the Ontario provincial curriculum and is evaluated by the IBO, Ontario Ministry of Education, and CAIS.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Small class sizes with a low student-to-teacher ratio.	Student teacher ratio Average class size of 15 students with 40% of faculty holding advanced degrees
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results Class of 2024: 100% university acceptance rate, CAD 15 million in total scholarship offers, 46% pursuing STEM-related post-secondary programmes
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Post-secondary progression includes admittance to programs and universities and to colleges of choice with scholarships, based on mastery of Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) course content.	Higher education progression University and Academic Counselling department guides all students. 100% of graduates are accepted to university with substantial scholarship offers.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented We shape our approach around each student's exceptionality with differentiated learning experiences to help students reach their full potential.	Gifted and talented The full IB programme provides rigorous academic challenge. 46% of recent graduates pursued STEM-related programmes at university.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school supports social and emotional learning through Body and Mind. The IB PYP PSPE course helps children maintain a healthy and social lifestyle, with explicit teaching about relationships and how we interact with others. Jiu Jitsu classes foster focus, discipline, emotional regulation, and social‑emotional development by promoting respect, resilience, and self‑control. The school's values—Inclusion, Differentiation, Rigour, and International Kindness—nurture empathy, respect, and collaboration across ages.	Social & emotional learning The school employs best practices in girls' education to develop principled, knowledgeable, and reflective lifelong learners
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school recognizes exceptionalities and supports students with gifts and learning differences, including giftedness, dyslexia, and ASD. Differentiated instruction adapts the environment, programmes, and activities to individual abilities so that concepts and core competencies are mastered. Targeted supports are described for learners on the autism spectrum, ESL/FLS learners, visually impaired or blind learners, fine‑motor differences, and mobility needs.	Special educational needs (SEN) Learning support is available for students with individual needs. Contact the school for specific provisions.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The ESL and/or FLS Learner receives tailored support in English and/or French as a second language, focusing on academic success, integration into the new environment, and navigating different cultures.	English as an additional language Contact the school for EAL support information
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing PSPE links physical health with mental wellbeing by teaching healthy lifestyles, teamwork, empathy, and resilience. Outdoor learning spaces provide daily opportunities for exploration and collaboration, while activities such as Jiu Jitsu contribute to emotional regulation, focus, and self‑control.	Mental wellbeing Pastoral care and counselling services support student wellbeing throughout all divisions
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding Comprehensive safeguarding policies and procedures are in place
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The NCC Heritage Farm House, at 3448 Richmond Road, is AcadeCap's new campus. It is designed to be inviting, stimulating, and capable of provoking curiosity, problem-solving, and discovery. The learning environment supports indoor and outdoor discovery and collaboration across ages. The campus includes a STEM Maker Lab, a Media and Visual Art Workspace, a Music Room, and a Martial Arts Dojo, all set within ample treed green space with biking and hiking nature trails and a sports field.	Facilities overview A campus in the Rockcliffe Park neighbourhood of Ottawa with academic buildings, arts spaces, and sports facilities. Plans are under way to upgrade music, theatre, and sports field facilities.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Facilities for physical activity include a Martial Arts Dojo and a sports field on campus. The campus sits in a tree-lined area with access to nature trails for outdoor activity.	Sports facilities Sports fields and facilities for 38 athletic teams. 72% of Middle and Senior students compete on sports teams.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The campus features a STEM Maker Lab, a Media and Visual Art Workspace, a Music Room, and a Martial Arts Dojo. A language and arts program includes Visual Art, Media Art, Music, and Drama, with options for third language study. In the IB PYP, instruction is delivered in French and English, with both languages as primary. An annual musical theatre production showcases student artistry.	Academic facilities Apple Distinguished School with technology-integrated classrooms, science labs, and dedicated spaces for IB programmes
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities After-school clubs include chess, Dungeons & Dragons, sewing, fine arts or media art, and coding. Noon-hour clubs include Natural History, outdoor activities and sports such as Ultimate Frisbee, lacrosse, soccer, and more, with AcadeMUN also offered. Extended Learning provides outings and travel as experiential extensions to the curriculum, and DELF preparation is available. The school runs eight-week bilingual i.S.T.E.A.M. summer camps: AcadeCamp Kinders, AcadeCamp, AcadeCoders Jr., and AcadeCoders, with a 9:00–4:00 daily schedule and optional before/after care.	Extra curricular facilities 65 clubs, 38 sports teams, 7 annual theatre performances, and 14 different instruments available for music study. Students average 72 volunteer hours by graduation.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Académie de la Capitale was founded in 1998 to provide internationally recognized education for all learners, including those with exceptionalities such as giftedness, dyslexia, and ASD. In 2008, the school relocated to 1010 Morrison Drive, Suite 200, Ottawa, introducing an i STEAM Maker Lab and an open-concept, multi-age layout to foster collaboration across ages. In 2024, the school moved to 3448 Richmond Road, Ottawa, to the NCC Heritage Farm House campus designed for purposeful dynamic learning in a micro-school setting. Académie de la Capitale provides a rigorous, tailored bilingual and/or English education from JK to Grade 12, with IB PYP inquiry-based learning across i STEAM, Visual and Performing Arts, the Humanities, International Languages and PSPE, and a 3-tier 21st Century Learning Curriculum implemented from Grade 7 to 12. Founding Director is Ms. Lucie Lalonde, who has 27+ years in leadership and 45+ years in teaching, and the leadership team includes Dr. Bruno Riel as Academic Advisor, IB PYP Coordinator Daniella Jacques, and Admission and Community Liaison Kara Jenkins.	History Elmwood School was founded in 1915 in Ottawa, Ontario, and has been inspiring girls to reach their full potential for over a century. The school has produced more than 7,000 alumnae worldwide.
Community	Community The school's values are Inclusion, Differentiation, Rigour, and International Kindness, guiding interactions across ages and cultures. The NCC Heritage Farm House campus at 3448 Richmond Road features a STEM Maker Lab, a Media and Visual Art Workspace, a Music Room and a Martial Arts Dojo, with ample green space, biking and hiking trails, and sports fields to support diverse activities. Open House events invite families to learn about Ottawa's bilingual IB PYP and Ontario Secondary School Diploma pathways, including an Open House on March 21, 2026, along with events like a Science Fair in Action and Orange Shirt Day reflecting Truth and Reconciliation. The school emphasizes learning as a community effort, describing collaboration among alumni, students, coders, teachers and administrators in its ongoing initiatives.	Community A close-knit community of 385 students from 47 countries, supported by a four-house system, active parent involvement, and a global network of 7,000 alumnae.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association Active parent community with dedicated parent portal and opportunities to participate in school life and events.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual AcadeCap delivers a bilingual International Baccalaureate framework beginning in the Primary Years Programme (PYP), conducted in French and English. The PSSP (Grades 7–8) is offered either in English only or with about 40% French instruction, reflecting a transitional bilingual model. The Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) is delivered in English for Grades 9–12, with the option to earn a French Immersion Certificate. The program emphasizes inquiry-based learning and differentiation, connected with iSTEAM to integrate STEM, arts, languages, and social studies through IB units.	Academic & intellectual IB programmes, academic clubs, STEM-focused activities, and technology initiatives as an Apple Distinguished School
Arts & creative	Arts & creative An arts program includes Visual Art, Media Art, Music, and Drama integrated with the IB PYP and PSSP. Students participate in drama activities such as play writing, improv, storytelling, public speaking, and have opportunities to perform in school events. There is an annual musical theatre production and a Vernissage showcasing student artwork. Music instruction includes violin and keyboard in group settings and ensemble performances, supporting creative expression and collaboration.	Arts & creative 7 annual theatre performances, 14 instruments available for music, visual arts, and performing arts programmes
Cultural & language	Cultural & language French and English are used as languages of instruction in the IB PYP, with third language options available (Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, German, Polish, or Arabic) depending on demand; DELF examinations can be prepared for by students. The PSSP includes English instruction with possible French instruction, and the OSSD is delivered in English with a French Immersion Certificate option. The school celebrates linguistic and cultural diversity within its community.	Cultural & language Students from 47 countries create a diverse cultural environment. French and other languages are part of the curriculum.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Sports and outdoor learning are central to student life, with an Athletik program and opportunities for basketball, soccer, and ultimate frisbee, as well as cross-country skiing and hiking in the surrounding environment. The Body and Mind program includes Jiu-Jitsu for Kindergarten through Grade 8, building physical strength, focus, discipline, and social-emotional skills. Outdoor learning spaces, including a treed green-space used as a living classroom, support creative problem-solving and collaborative play.	Social & hobbies 65 clubs covering a wide range of interests and hobbies
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Students average 72 volunteer service hours by graduation. Community service is embedded in the IB programme and school culture.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The school is led by Founding Director Lucie Lalonde, who has 25+ years in leadership and 45+ years in teaching. The Academic Advisor is Dr. Bruno Riel, with 25+ years in teaching and 18+ years in leadership roles. The IB PYP Coordinator is Daniella Jacques, an AcadeCap alumna with 6+ years in leadership, and the Admissions and Community Liaison is Kara Jenkins with 14+ years in administration. The campus leadership team includes experienced educators who guide the IB PYP, pre-secondary, and OSSD programmes.	Leadership & professional Student leadership through the house system, student council, and IB CAS projects
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Personal, social, and physical education (PSPE) is integrated across the IB PYP and senior programs to promote a healthy, active lifestyle and positive relationships. Dynamic physical activities include fitness conditioning, yoga-inspired training, Jiu-Jitsu, basketball, soccer, and track and field, with integrated nutrition education. Outdoor learning spaces serve as living classrooms, offering nature-based exploration and opportunities for teamwork, resilience, and leadership in both indoor and outdoor settings.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Physical education, 38 sports teams, and wellbeing programmes focused on girls' development
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Language of instruction in IB PYP is French and English, with both languages considered primary. A third language is offered from Grade 1 onward (primarily Spanish, with options including Mandarin, Cantonese, German, Polish, or Arabic, depending on demand and teacher availability). The PSSP (Grades 7–8) is offered in English only or with 40% French instruction, reflecting a transitional bilingual education model. The Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) is delivered in English with the option to earn a French Immersion Certificate; DELF examinations can be prepared for starting in Grade 3.	Language provision English is the language of instruction. French is offered as part of the curriculum. Additional language options may be available through the IB Diploma Programme.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school teaches in English and French, with both languages treated as primary languages.	Bilingual teaching English is the primary language of instruction. French is taught as an additional language within the IB framework.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs Contact the school for details on French immersion or language enrichment options
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards Ranked among the top 25 private schools in Canada. Apple Distinguished School designation. Over 7,000 alumnae worldwide.
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations Accredited by Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS). IB World School authorised for PYP, MYP, and DP. Ontario Ministry of Education inspected. Apple Distinguished School (one of 19 in Canada).
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Attend a Campus Tour or an Open House. Request a school tour or attend a scheduled Open House to explore our facilities and meet our educators. This is an opportunity for prospective students and parents to experience our micro school environment. Start the Application & Schedule a Visit Day. Request the application documentation, complete it and schedule a day of visit for your child. Participate in an Interview. After obtaining feedback on the visit day, an interview with our team will be scheduled to review the visit day observation and assessment, discuss your child, collect additional information, and answer any questions. Review & Decision. The admissions committee will review your application, the visit day assessment and admissions interview. You will be notified of the decision by the specified deadline. Proceed with Enrollment. Upon receiving letter of acceptance, complete the enrollment contract. Receive details on school year logistics and the start date for your child.	Admissions Applications are accepted for the 2026-27 academic year. A non-refundable application fee of CAD 150 is required. Contact admissions at (613) 749-6761.
Scholarships	Scholarships Scholarships: The Overall Academic Achievement awards include a tuition scholarship for the following year. The Transcending Borders award and the Founding Director's Award also confer tuition scholarships.	Scholarships Scholarship opportunities are available. The Class of 2025 received CAD 15.2 million in total scholarship offers for university.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist Contact the school for waitlist information by grade level
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