Elmwood School
Secular, Founded 1915
Updated July 2026
Curriculum
IB PYPAccreditations
Elmwood School is an innovative independent girls’ school in Ottawa, Canada, serving students from Prekindergarten to Grade 12. It is the only school in the region to offer all three levels of the International Baccalaureate Programme.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
The school’s mission is to help students reach their full potential and become unstoppable. It emphasizes a holistic approach that nurtures curiosity, authenticity, and confidence, guided by values of kindness, integrity, empathy, and resilience. The educational environment is designed to foster inquiring lifelong learners and compassionate, engaged global citizens who lead from the heart.
Programmes
Elmwood offers a comprehensive academic programme spanning Early Years, Junior School, Middle School, and Senior School. As an International Baccalaureate continuum school, it provides the IB curriculum across all levels. The academic offering is supplemented by summer credit courses and a focus on STEAM and academic technology integration.
Outcomes
Elmwood School maintains a 100% university acceptance rate for its graduates. The Class of 2025 received a total of $15.2 million in scholarship offers, and students graduate with an average of 72 volunteer hours. The school is recognized as an Apple Distinguished School and is the only International Baccalaureate continuum school in the region.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides a dedicated Student Success department to support learners. Educators are committed to supporting every student's journey academically, emotionally, and socially, with an average class size of 15 students to ensure personalized attention.
Frequently asked questions(5)
- What curriculum does Elmwood School offer?
- Elmwood School offers IB PYP, IB MYP and IB Diploma.
- How much is tuition at Elmwood School?
- Annual tuition at Elmwood School is CA$18.8K–CA$37.7K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What accreditations does Elmwood School hold?
- Elmwood School holds accreditations including IB.
- Is Elmwood School co-educational?
- Elmwood School is a girls school.
- Where is Elmwood School located?
- Elmwood School is an international school in Ottawa, Canada.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-27| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Kindergarten (Ages 2.5+) | 2–4 | CA$18.8K |
| Junior and Senior Kindergarten | 4–5 | CA$24.4K |
| Grade 1 – 12 (Domestic) | 6–18 | CA$37.7K |
| Grade 1-12 (Visa Students) | 6–18 | CA$37.7K |
Other fees(7)
| Application fee· Non-refundable application fee | CA$150 |
|---|---|
| Enrolment fee· Pre-K to Grade 9: $4,000 on or before June 30 and $5,000 after June 30 | CA$4K |
| Enrolment fee· Grades 10 - 12: $5,000 enrolment fee | CA$5K |
| Uniform· Pre-K, JK, SK uniform (estimated) | CA$400 |
| Uniform· Junior School uniform (estimated) | CA$650 |
| Uniform· Middle/Senior School uniform (estimated) | CA$1K |
| Deposit· Visa Students Student Deposit | CA$5K |
Admissions
Elmwood School is currently accepting applications for the 2026-27 academic year. The admissions process includes an online application inquiry, an in-person campus tour, and an online assessment for students entering Grades 3-12. The school offers scholarships for new and returning students, and financial aid information is available upon request.
Calendar
The school operates on a year-round cycle that includes summer credit courses and summer discovery camps. The academic calendar typically runs through the standard school year, with additional programming available during March Break and throughout the summer months.
Facilities
About the campus
Located in the historic village of Rockcliffe Park, the campus features a science wing, a Fab Lab, a visual arts studio, and an auditorium. Athletic and recreational facilities include a gymnasium, a multipurpose fitness room, a sports field, a fitness circuit, and an outdoor classroom. The campus also includes an Early Years playground, a Junior School lunchroom, and dedicated music rooms for both Junior and Middle/Senior students.
Co-curriculars
Students have access to 65 clubs and 38 athletic teams, with 72% of Middle and Senior School students participating in at least one team. The school also offers seven theatre performances annually, and students have opportunities to learn 14 different instruments. The rowing program, Elmwood Crew, provides four streams of participation ranging from recreational to competitive, including training camps in Florida.
- James WhitehouseHead of School
James Whitehouse is Elmwood’s twelfth Head of School, appointed in 2019 after serving seven years as Deputy Head of the Middle and Senior School. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from Middlesex University and previously worked as an Assistant Head at Seven Kings High School in London. His focus at Elmwood has been on raising teaching standards, fostering professional growth, and improving curriculum quality.
- Kate MeadowcroftPrincipal, Junior School
Kate Meadowcroft has over fifteen years of experience in girls’ education and has been a member of the Elmwood community since 2008. A former IB PYP Coordinator, she has played an integral role in curriculum innovation and faculty development within the Junior School. She recently completed the Principal Qualification Programme and was elected to the Board of Directors for IB Schools of Ontario.
- Christina SchindlerPrincipal, Middle and Senior School
Christina Schindler joined Elmwood in the Fall of 2024 with over 20 years of educational experience, including more than a decade in leadership roles at CAIS schools. She previously served as Head of Prep at Halifax Grammar School and held leadership positions at Trafalgar Castle School and St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School. Her focus includes implementing data-driven practices in curriculum and assessment and integrating STEAM and academic technology.
- Elise AylenDirector of Admissions
Elise Aylen joined Elmwood in 2013 and has served as Director of Admissions since 2014. She has a long-standing connection to the school, with multiple generations of her family having attended, and she brings extensive experience from working in education and not-for-profit organizations. She is a graduate of McGill University and has served on several boards and volunteer committees at Elmwood for over 25 years.
- Jennifer Irwin-JacksonDirector of Marketing and Business Strategy
Jennifer Irwin-Jackson leads the school’s communications, marketing, and public relations efforts to support strategic goals and financial targets. She manages the school’s branding strategy, oversees the communications team, and directs research-based marketing initiatives.
- Taryn ManiasDirector of Development and Community Engagement
Taryn Manias brings over 15 years of leadership experience in marketing, communications, and business strategy to her role. A former Chief Marketing Officer with a background in book publishing, she has held senior roles in both the private and non-profit sectors, including independent schools. At Elmwood, she leads development and community engagement initiatives.
- Matt PerreaultDirector of Information Technology
Matt Perreault is responsible for technology innovation, integration, and infrastructure at the school, while also serving as a Junior and Middle School technology teacher. Prior to Elmwood, he worked as an ICT Coordinator at The Bilingual European School in Milan and as a computer programmer for the Department of National Defence. He holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) and a Bachelor of Education from Queen's University.