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Elmwood School

Canada, Ottawa

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees CA$18,800 - 37,650
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 385
Type Girls School
Opened 1915
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Taught languages English, French
Typical class size 15
Strengths STEM, Academic Enrichment, Performing Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Elmwood School is an independent all-girls school in Ottawa, Ontario, founded in 1915. Serving approximately 385 students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12, Elmwood is the only school in the Ottawa region to offer all three levels of the International Baccalaureate programme. With an average class size of 15 students, the school combines the IB framework with the Ontario curriculum. The Class of 2024 achieved a 100% university acceptance rate, with CAD 15 million in scholarship offers and 46% pursuing STEM-related programmes. Elmwood is an Apple Distinguished School, one of only 19 in Canada, and is ranked among the top 25 private schools in the country. Students from 47 countries participate in 38 sports teams, 65 clubs, and a four-house system.

261 Buena Vista Rd, Ottawa, ON K1M 0V9, Canada

The Essentials

Elmwood School has 385 pupils, typical class sizes of 15, instruction in English.

Location
261 Buena Vista Road, Rockcliffe Park, Ottawa, Ontario, K1M 0V9, Canada

Stages
Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 (ages 3 to 18)

Type
Independent all-girls day school

Pupil Nationality Mix
Students from 47 countries are represented, creating a diverse international community

Additional learning support
Learning support services available for students with individual needs

Country affiliation
Canada

Religious affiliation
Non-denominational

School day structure
Full-day programme with optional before-school and after-school care available

Bus service
Transportation service is available for a separate fee
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Day school only; no boarding facilities

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
Bistro services are available on campus for a separate fee

House System
Four houses compete for the House Cup throughout the year, building community spirit and friendly competition

Governance and Ownership
Independent non-profit school governed by a board of directors. Accredited by CAIS (Canadian Accredited Independent Schools).
Fees

Annual tuition at Elmwood School ranges from CAD 18,800 to CAD 37,650 for 2026/27.

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.
Academics

Elmwood School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
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
Average class size of 15 students with 40% of faculty holding advanced degrees

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
University and Academic Counselling department guides all students. 100% of graduates are accepted to university with substantial scholarship offers.

Gifted and Talented
The full IB programme provides rigorous academic challenge. 46% of recent graduates pursued STEM-related programmes at university.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school employs best practices in girls' education to develop principled, knowledgeable, and reflective lifelong learners

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Learning support is available for students with individual needs. Contact the school for specific provisions.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Contact the school for EAL support information

Mental Wellbeing
Pastoral care and counselling services support student wellbeing throughout all divisions

Safeguarding
Comprehensive safeguarding policies and procedures are in place
Parent Experience

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
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 (PTA)
Active parent community with dedicated parent portal and opportunities to participate in school life and events.
Facilities

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 fields and facilities for 38 athletic teams. 72% of Middle and Senior students compete on sports teams.

Academic Facilities
Apple Distinguished School with technology-integrated classrooms, science labs, and dedicated spaces for IB programmes

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.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
IB programmes, academic clubs, STEM-focused activities, and technology initiatives as an Apple Distinguished School

Arts & Creative
7 annual theatre performances, 14 instruments available for music, visual arts, and performing arts programmes

Cultural & Language
Students from 47 countries create a diverse cultural environment. French and other languages are part of the curriculum.

Social & Hobbies
65 clubs covering a wide range of interests and hobbies

Community & Service
Students average 72 volunteer service hours by graduation. Community service is embedded in the IB programme and school culture.

Leadership & Professional
Student leadership through the house system, student council, and IB CAS projects

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Physical education, 38 sports teams, and wellbeing programmes focused on girls' development
Languages

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
English is the primary language of instruction. French is taught as an additional language within the IB framework.

Immersion Programs
Contact the school for details on French immersion or language enrichment options
Reputation

Awards
Ranked among the top 25 private schools in Canada. Apple Distinguished School designation. Over 7,000 alumnae worldwide.

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
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
Scholarship opportunities are available. The Class of 2025 received CAD 15.2 million in total scholarship offers for university.

Waitlist
Contact the school for waitlist information by grade level
School Events
The school has not added events
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