About Elmwood School
We create a culture where learning is a joyful adventure, and our students are challenged and supported to take the risks, try new things and explore their passions. We believe being open-minded and curious are fundamental to learning and critical to achieving the highest of aspirations. We understand that kindness, collaboration and respect hold the power to inspire positive change. We know that feeling seen and heard is a gentle revolution that transforms hearts and ignites souls.
Elmwood School is an innovative girls’ school in Ottawa, recognized for its academic excellence and strong community spirit. It offers a nurturing environment where girls are encouraged to explore their passions and become confident leaders.
Core Values
Teaching Philosophy
Our mission goes beyond academic excellence; we strive to offer families peace of mind and endless possibilities for their daughters. We believe in making learning a joyful adventure and fostering a culture of curiosity, open-mindedness, and high aspirations.
What Makes Elmwood School Special
- Only school in the region offering all three
- International Baccalaureate (IB) World School
- Financial aid & scholarships offered
- 111+ years of heritage (est. 1915)
- 5 arts & creative programs
Academics
Curriculum
Elmwood School offers IB curriculum, with specializations in Arts, Languages, and Leadership.
Academic Environment
Programs & Extracurriculars
Arts Programs
5 programsSports
2 programsClubs & Activities
3 programsCampus & Facilities
Elmwood School features a campus with Lunchroom, Music Room (Junior), Multipurpose / Fitness Room, Early Years Playground, Fitness Circuit, Outdoor Classroom, Garden, Sports Field, Gymnasium, Fab Lab, Visual Arts Studio, Music Room (Middle/ Senior), Science Wing, Student Success Atrium, Auditorium, Dining Hall, and Front Hall.
Photo Gallery
Tuition & Financial Aid
CA$37,650
per year
Admissions
Requirements
- Application form
- Report cards
- Interview
- Entrance exam
- Essay
- Standardized test
- Other
Community & Culture
Elmwood cultivates a warm, inclusive community centered on joyful learning and authentic growth. The school emphasizes kindness, collaboration, and respect as transformative forces, with students encouraged to take intellectual risks and explore their passions across academics, arts, athletics, and service. Traditions like the Growth as a Learner Conferences, 100 Nights Dinner, Science Fair, Terry Fox Run, and House Cup competitions create shared experiences that unite the community. The all-girls environment is intentionally designed to help students find their voice, build confidence, and develop as thoughtful global citizens.
Diversity & Inclusion
Elmwood explicitly states its commitment to diversity, noting that more than 45 countries are represented in the student body. The school describes itself as dedicated to reaching exceptional students from diverse backgrounds and believes that the diverse makeup of the community is central to what makes Elmwood a great place to learn. Needs-based scholarships are offered to support girls from varying economic backgrounds. However, comprehensive information about specific diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives or programming is not prominently detailed on the website.
Parent Involvement
The website emphasizes that Elmwood operates as a partnership between school and families, positioning parents as essential to the educational journey. The school references the Elmwood Parents' Association and mentions that families support the school through the Elmwood Fund annual campaign and the Elmwood Gala. However, specific details about parent committees, volunteer opportunities, or regular communication channels are not prominently featured on the website.
Accreditations & Recognition
Contact Elmwood School
Address
261 Buena Vista Rd, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Phone
(613) 749-6761
eaylen@elmwood.ca
Website
Visit School Website
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Elmwood School
Elmwood School serves students in grades PS-12.
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