Meet Elmwood School's admission team at the Private School Expo: Ottawa (Sep 28). RSVP NOW
The big picture on Elmwood School
We wrote a book reviewing the school
The 50-page review of Elmwood School is part of our series of in-depth accounts of Canada's leading private schools. It provides a unique and objective perspective on the school's academics, programs, culture, and community.
"At Elmwood School, we believe that when a girl is truly seen, known, and supported, she becomes unstoppable. Founded in 1915 by Theodora Philpot, Elmwood has grown from a small preparatory school into one of Canada’s foremost independent schools for girls. We are proud to be the first in North America to offer the full International Baccalaureate continuum—and even prouder of what that means for our students: a globally recognized education rooted in inquiry, empathy, and intellectual courage. Everything we do is designed with girls in mind. Our mission is the same today as it was over a century ago: to nurture young women who are joyous, strong, companionable, and free."
Recognized for academic excellence
Welcoming, inclusive and diverse community
International Baccalaureate World School (PYP, MYP, DP)
Round Square and Apple Distinguished school
Merit- and need-based scholarships available
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"We deliver a world-class education—one that challenges girls academically while empowering them to lead with confidence and integrity. Our all-girls environment, IB continuum,...(more)
"We deliver a world-class education—one that challenges girls academically while empowering them to lead with confidence and integrity. Our all-girls environment, IB continuum, and Apple Distinguished School designation are more than accolades. They are reflections of a learning culture where girls are encouraged to ask bold questions, explore complex ideas, and develop their own voice. From our house system that honours pioneering women to our newly reimagined Learning Commons, every space and program is designed to inspire curiosity, deepen belonging, and help each student grow into her best self."
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
"We have made a conscious decision to focus exclusively on girls. This means we design every element of our program—from the way we teach STEM, to how we structure leadership...(more)
"We have made a conscious decision to focus exclusively on girls. This means we design every element of our program—from the way we teach STEM, to how we structure leadership opportunities, to the language we use in our classrooms—with girls at the centre. We know that girls’ schools create environments where girls are more likely to take risks, challenge stereotypes, and become the authors of their own success stories. This singular focus allows us to go deeper, to do better, and to deliver an education that is purpose-built for girls’ growth and empowerment."
4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
"Our journey has been marked by bold choices and thoughtful evolution. Elmwood’s commitment to girls’ education has long been a defining pillar of our mission—one that...(more)
"Our journey has been marked by bold choices and thoughtful evolution. Elmwood’s commitment to girls’ education has long been a defining pillar of our mission—one that continues to inspire and guide us today, particularly in our Middle and Senior Schools. Our founder, Theodora Philpot, was a woman ahead of her time. She championed “the best modern methods,” always with a vision for the future: that Elmwood students would grow to be “joyous, companionable, strong and free”—qualities that continue to shape our spirit and aspirations today. In 1978, we proudly became one of Canada’s earliest adopters of the IB Programme. Since then, we have continued to invest in innovation, from achieving full IB continuum status to being recognized as an Apple Distinguished School. At every step, we have remained true to our founding values while preparing students for a world that demands adaptability, ethical leadership, and imagination."
5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
"Elmwood is the right place for a girl who is ready to be known, inspired, and challenged. Our students are intellectually curious and deeply engaged in the world around them. They...(more)
"Elmwood is the right place for a girl who is ready to be known, inspired, and challenged. Our students are intellectually curious and deeply engaged in the world around them. They care about fairness and integrity. They are motivated not only to succeed, but to contribute. Whether a budding scientist, artist, athlete, or activist, a girl who thrives at Elmwood is one who values meaningful relationships, embraces new perspectives, and wants to grow into a leader who makes a difference."
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
"We are not the right fit for every family. Elmwood is a purposefully all-girls school, and our inquiry-based, globally focused IB approach may not align with families seeking a...(more)
"We are not the right fit for every family. Elmwood is a purposefully all-girls school, and our inquiry-based, globally focused IB approach may not align with families seeking a more traditional, textbook-based curriculum. Our students are active participants in their learning, and we place a strong emphasis on initiative, collaboration, and personal responsibility. Families looking for a passive or uniform educational experience may not find what they are seeking here."
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"Families choose Elmwood because they want more than strong academics—they want a school that sees their daughter as a whole person. They are drawn to our outstanding IB results,...(more)
"Families choose Elmwood because they want more than strong academics—they want a school that sees their daughter as a whole person. They are drawn to our outstanding IB results, our proven university placement record, and our vibrant, inclusive community. But more than that, they appreciate our commitment to nurturing confidence, leadership, and joy. They see how their daughters grow here, not just as students, but as people who are empowered to dream big and step forward with purpose."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
"Elmwood is known across Ottawa and beyond as a leader in girls’ education—respected for our academic rigour, our innovation, and our unwavering belief in every girl’s...(more)
"Elmwood is known across Ottawa and beyond as a leader in girls’ education—respected for our academic rigour, our innovation, and our unwavering belief in every girl’s potential. We have earned a reputation for developing compassionate, confident graduates who are ready to thrive in a complex and changing world. Our alumni speak volumes: they are thoughtful, capable, and courageous, carrying the Elmwood spirit with them wherever they go."
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"While our academic excellence often takes centre stage, the depth of our community spirit is something truly special. Elmwood is a place where every girl is known by name and...(more)
"While our academic excellence often takes centre stage, the depth of our community spirit is something truly special. Elmwood is a place where every girl is known by name and celebrated for who she is. Our commitment to wellbeing, our culture of mentorship, and our dedication to student voice and belonging are foundational. Initiatives like Round Square, International Cultures Club, and our International Trips Program reveal our deep engagement with global citizenship, diversity, and inclusion—qualities that are lived daily but not always seen from the outside."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
"Many families are surprised by how joyful learning can be at Elmwood. Yes, our students work hard—but they also laugh, create, explore, and connect deeply. Our integration of...(more)
"Many families are surprised by how joyful learning can be at Elmwood. Yes, our students work hard—but they also laugh, create, explore, and connect deeply. Our integration of technology is not just advanced—it is intentional, designed to spark collaboration and agency. Families often comment on the incredible range of co-curriculars, and on how quickly their daughters feel at home here. What surprises them most, perhaps, is how much their daughters grow in just a short time—academically, emotionally, and socially."
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
"We are always evolving to meet the needs of our students. Recently, we launched a mentorship program connecting students with Canadian women leaders. We transformed our Learning...(more)
"We are always evolving to meet the needs of our students. Recently, we launched a mentorship program connecting students with Canadian women leaders. We transformed our Learning Commons into a hub for inquiry, collaboration, and creativity. We upgraded our dining and wellness spaces to better support the whole student experience. And we continue to invest in our facilities, including athletic spaces, to ensure every aspect of student life reflects our commitment to excellence and care."
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
"Our future is bold and intentional. We are expanding interdisciplinary learning and building even stronger global connections. Our students will graduate more prepared than...(more)
"Our future is bold and intentional. We are expanding interdisciplinary learning and building even stronger global connections. Our students will graduate more prepared than ever—with the skills, languages, and mindset to lead in an interconnected world. We will continue to invest in our educators, ensuring that innovation and empathy remain at the heart of our classrooms. At the same time, we are continually enhancing the areas of campus that matter most to students—athletics, music, theatre, and gathering spaces—so that their daily experiences reflect the energy, creativity, and connection that define our school. Most of all, we will stay rooted in our purpose: to nurture girls who are intellectually alive, ethically grounded, and ready to shape a more just and joyful world."
Watch our Elmwood School Q&A discussion with Sigil (Alum), Ryan Schwartz (Parent), Julie (Parent) to gain fresh insight into the school’s culture, values, and strengths.
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