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in-depth report
OUR KIDS Report:
Report on Elmwood School
TOPICS
Grades Preschool — 12 — Ottawa, ON (Map)
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THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
Elmwood School
REPORT CONTENTS
Reviews
Analysis

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Ottawa (Sep 27)

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Elmwood School ACADEMICS & Curriculum


Page Contents

Insider community voices

Hear directly from Elmwood School community as they share insights into the Academics.

Swathi Kappagantula, Parent, Elmwood School - text snippet underneath video thumbnail - academics
Parent

Swathi Kappagantula

Shares something their child is particularly proud of at the school.
Ryan Schwartz, Parent, Elmwood School - text snippet underneath video thumbnail - academics
Parent

Ryan Schwartz

Shares something their child is particularly proud of at the school.
Julie Legris, Parent, Elmwood School - text snippet underneath video thumbnail - academics
Parent

Julie Legris

Shares something their child is particularly proud of at the school.

Curriculum Progressive, International Baccalaureate

[Show definition of Curriculum]

Central to your child's school experience is the underlying curriculum taught in the classroom. "Curriculum" refers to both what is taught and how it's taught. When considering the different curricula outlined in the next few pages, keep in mind that few schools fall neatly into one category or another. Most schools' curricula comprise a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum types. Having said that, most schools do have a general overall curriculum type. These are identified for each school on OurKids.net.

Curriculum approach at Elmwood School: Progressive, International Baccalaureate

Elmwood School has a Progressive, International Baccalaureate approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).

[Show: About Progressive, International Baccalaureate?]

Our Kids definition: Progressive (sometimes called "in- quiry-based") curricula attempt to place children's interests and ideas at the heart of the learning experience. Instead of lessons being driven by predetermined pathways, progressive curricula are often "emergent", with learning activities shaped by students' questions about the world. Instead of starting with academic concepts and then tying it to everyday experience, progressive methods begin with everyday experience and work back to an academic lesson. Teachers provide materials, experiences, tools and resources to help students investigate a topic or issue. Students are encouraged to explore, reflect on their findings, and discuss answers or solutions.

Compare Elmwood School's Curriculum with other schools on OurKids.net:
  Progressive - 34%
  Traditional - 39%
  Liberal arts - 12%
  Montessori - 12%
  Reggio Emilia - 1%
  Waldorf - 2%

Elmwood School has a International Baccalaureate approach to supplementary curriculum.

Some private schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programming. The "Diploma Programme" is offered to students in the final two years of high school, while the "Primary Years Programme" (ages 3 to 12) and "Middle Years Programme" (ages 11 to 16) serve as preparation for the diploma program.


International curriculum & programs at Elmwood School: Duke of Edinburgh's Award

What Elmwood School says about their overall curriculum and approach:

We believe that the best kind of education is one that combines a world-class curriculum, passionate teachers, innovative teaching methods and small class sizes, so every student gets individual attention. Elmwood exceeds the expectations of the provincial curriculum and is more rigorously evaluated than any other school in Ottawa. At Elmwood, we encourage and challenge our students to strive for academic excellence and inspire them to develop a lifelong love of learning, knowing that this strong foundation of knowledge and skills is crucial for success in the 21st century. Our outstanding faculty draws on best practices in girls’ education as they inspire students to be principled, knowledgeable, and reflective learners. From the early years to graduation day, Elmwood students benefit from a program of study that is student-directed, inquiry-based, rigorous, relevant and specifically designed to prepare students for life and work beyond the classroom.


International Baccalaureate program(s) offered

ProgramOffered
Primary Years
Middle Years
Diploma program
Career-related program

Approach

Focus
Academic

Pedagogies and subject courses:

  • Mathematics

    Equal Balance

    Mathematics approach at Elmwood School: Equal Balance

    Elmwood School has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.

    Compare Elmwood School's Mathematics with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 67%
      Traditional math - 27%
      Discovery math - 6%

    What Elmwood School says:

    This information is not currently available.

    Textbooks and supplementary materials:

    This information is not currently available.

    Calculator policy:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Early Reading

    Balanced Literacy

    Early Reading approach at Elmwood School: Balanced Literacy

    Elmwood School has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Whole Language approach).

    [Show: About Balanced Literacy?]

    Our Kids definition: Balanced reading programs are typically Whole Language programs with supplementary phonics training. This training might be incidental, or it might take the form of mini-lessons.

    Compare Elmwood School's Early Reading with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Balanced literacy - 50%
      Phonics-intensive - 48%
      Whole language - 2%

    What Elmwood School says:

    This information is not currently available.

    DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.

    What Elmwood School says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Writing

    Equal balance

    Writing approach at Elmwood School: Equal balance

    Elmwood School has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).

    [Show: About Equal balance?]

    Our Kids definition: Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.

    Compare Elmwood School's Writing with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 78%
      Systematic approach - 11%
      Process approach - 11%

    What Elmwood School says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Science

    Inquiry

    Science approach at Elmwood School: Inquiry

    Elmwood School has an Inquiry approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Inquiry?]

    Our Kids definition: Inquiry-based science emphasizes teaching science as a way of thinking or practice, and therefore tries to get students “doing” science as much as possible -- and not just “learning” it. Students still learn foundational scientific ideas and content (and build on this knowledge progressively); however, relative to expository science instruction, inquiry-based programs have students spend more time developing and executing their own experiments (empirical and theoretical). Students are frequently challenged to develop critical and scientific-thinking skills by developing their own well-reasoned hypothesis and finding ways to test those hypotheses. Projects and experiments are emphasized over textbook learning. Skills are emphasized over breadth of knowledge.

    Compare Elmwood School's Science with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Inquiry - 25%
      Expository - 7%
      Equal balance - 68%

    Teaching approach:

    This information is not currently available.


    Treatment of evolution:

    SubjectOffered
    Evolution as consensus theory
    Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
    Evolution is not taught

    Topics covered in curriculum:

    SubjectOffered
    Biology
    Chemistry
    Ecology
    Geology
    Meteorology
    Physics
    Physiology
    Zoology

  • Literature

    Equal Balance

    Literature approach at Elmwood School: Equal Balance

    Elmwood School has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.

    Compare Elmwood School's Literature with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 73%
      Traditional - 25%
      Social justice - 2%

    What Elmwood School says:

    This information is not currently available.


    Program covers:

    SubjectOffered
    Canadian lit
    American lit
    European (continental) lit
    World (non-Western) lit
    English lit
    Ancient lit

  • Social Studies

    Expanding Communities

    Social Studies approach at Elmwood School: Expanding Communities

    Elmwood School has an Expanding Communities approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Thematic approach).

    [Show: About Expanding Communities?]

    Our Kids definition: The Expanding Communities approach organizes the curriculum around students’ present, everyday experience. In the younger grades, students might learn about themselves, for example. As they move through the grades, the focus gradually broadens in scope: to the family, neighbourhood, city, province, country, and globe. The curriculum tends to have less focus on history than Core Knowledge programs.

    Compare Elmwood School's Social Studies with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Expanding communities - 28%
      Core knowledge - 39%
      Thematic - 33%

    What Elmwood School says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Humanities and Social Sciences

    Equal Balance

    Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Elmwood School: Equal Balance

    Elmwood School has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.

    Compare Elmwood School's Humanities and Social Sciences with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 79%
      Perennialism - 8%
      Pragmatism - 13%

    What Elmwood School says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Foreign Languages

    Communicative

    Foreign Languages approach at Elmwood School: Communicative

    Elmwood School has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Communicative?]

    Our Kids definition: The communicative method of language acquisition emphasizes the use of the target language in authentic contexts. The approach commonly features interactive group work, games, authentic texts, and opportunities to learn about the cultural background of the language. Drills and quizzes may still be used, but less frequently than with the audio-lingual method.

    Compare Elmwood School's Foreign Languages with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Communicative - 32%
      Audio-lingual - 4%
      Equal balance - 64%

    What Elmwood School says:

    This information is not currently available.


    Language instruction offered in:

    SubjectOffered
    Chinese-Cantonese
    Chinese-Mandarin
    French
    German
    Greek
    Italian
    Japanese
    Hebrew
    Latin
    Russian
    Spanish
    ESL

  • Fine Arts

    Creative

    Fine Arts approach at Elmwood School: Creative

    Elmwood School has a Creative approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Creative?]

    Our Kids definition: Creative arts programs are studio-driven. While historical works and movements may still be taught to add context to the program, students mainly engage in making art (visual, musical, theatrical, etc). The goal is use the actual practice of art to help educate students’ emotions, cognition, and ethos.

    Compare Elmwood School's Fine Arts with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Creative - 36%
      Receptive - 1%
      Equal balance - 63%

    Program offers:

    SubjectOffered
    Acting
    Dance
    Drama/Theatre
    Graphic Design
    Music
    Visual Arts

    Visual studio philosophy:

    Expressive
    Disciplined

    What Elmwood School says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Computers and Technology

    Heavy integration

    Computers and Technology approach at Elmwood School: Heavy integration

    Elmwood School has a Heavy integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Medium integration approach).

    [Show: About Heavy integration?]

    Our Kids definition: A major effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy throughout the curriculum and in everything students do. Digital literacy is understood to be a fundamental skill in the 21st century: it therefore follows, the idea goes, that teachers should find ways to connect every lesson back to technology. Effort is made to ensure the use of technology is meaningful and advances students’ skills beyond what they would otherwise be from using computers outside the classroom.

    Compare Elmwood School's Computers and Technology with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Heavy integration - 26%
      Light integration - 22%
      Medium integration - 52%

    What Elmwood School says:

    This information is not currently available.


    Program covers:

    SubjectOffered
    Computer science
    Robotics
    Web design

  • Physical Education

    What Elmwood School says:

    At Elmwood, we believe that competitive sports help our students develop into determined, well rounded global citizens and teach them the grit and determination that gives them the stamina to see things through. We also believe that every girl can find an activity she can become passionate about. Elmwood is a place where the beginner can dip her toe and try new sports or national competitors can develop further and receive focused academic support. The girls regularly take on new sports and quickly learn the skills needed to not only progress but to excel in their chosen activity. In the middle school, our aim is to give the opportunity to play on a competitive team for whichever sport they choose.

  • IB Diploma courses

    26 courses

    Group 1 (Language A)

    • English Literature SL
    • English Literature HL

    Group 2 (Language B)

    • French SL
    • French HL
    • Spanish SL
    • Spanish HL

    Group 3 (Individuals and Societies)

    • Economics SL
    • Economics HL
    • History SL
    • History HL

    Group 4 (Experimental Sciences)

    • Chemistry SL
    • Chemistry HL
    • Biology SL
    • Biology HL
    • Physics SL
    • Physics HL
    • Environmental Systems SL

    Group 5 (Mathematics)

    • Mathematical Studies SL
    • Mathematics SL
    • Mathematics HL

    Group 6 (The Arts)

    • Music SL
    • Music HL
    • Theatre SL
    • Theatre HL
    • Visual Arts SL
    • Visual Arts HL

  • Advanced Placement courses
    This information is not currently available.

  • Sex and health education

    Ontario curriculum

    Sex and health education approach at Elmwood School: Ontario curriculum

    Elmwood School has an Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).

    [Show: About Ontario curriculum?]

    Our Kids definition: The structure, pacing, focus, and tone of the sex education curriculum reflects that of the provincial one, taught in public schools.

    Compare Elmwood School's Sex and health education with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Follows provincial curriculum - 57%
      Does not follow prrovincial curriculum - 43%

    Approach to sex and health education: Mostly value-neutral

    Elmwood School has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).
    [Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]

    Our Kids definition: By and large, students are taught about sex free of any particular moral or ethical standpoint. The school doesn't impose any particular values or value systems (such as social, political, or ideological values) on students when teaching sex and related issues.

    What Elmwood School says:

    This information is not currently available.

Preschool/K Curriculum Play-based

[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]

Preschools and kindergartens tend to have a particular curriculum or curricular approach. This refers to what is taught and how it's taught. Most preschools have a curriculum that comprises a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum types. A preschool's curriculum may or may not, though, reflect its higher-level curriculum (if it's part of a school with elementary or secondary programs)

Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Elmwood School: Play-based

Elmwood School has a Play-based approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, Academic approach).

[Show: About Play-based?]

Our Kids definition: Play-based programs are the most common type of preschool and Kindergarten, and are founded on the belief young children learn best through play. Largely open-ended and minimally structured, play-based programs aim to develop social skills and a love of attending school. “Pre-academic” skills are taught, but in a more indirect way than at, say, an Academic program: through children playing in different “stations” set up around the classroom, which children choose on their own volition. Stations often contain an indirect lesson or developmental goal. Play-based classrooms are highly social and active.

Compare Elmwood School's Preschool/K Curriculum with other schools on OurKids.net:
  Play-based - 20%
  Montessori - 29%
  Waldorf - 2%
  Reggio emilia - 7%
  Academic - 42%

What Elmwood School says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:

Our nurturing environment encourages our youngest students to feel secure and helps them start to build their independence. We balance a rich, academic environment with creative and purposeful play, helping students construct a solid base of knowledge of the world around them. A skilled, dedicated educator who is an expert in early childhood education and inquiry-based learning leads each classroom. In our purpose-built Junior School, the Kindergarten classrooms are designed to meet the needs of our youngest students. Through experiential and imaginative play, Elmwood students engage in early literacy activities and tackle mathematical problems using a variety of strategies, helping them establish a strong foundation for their future studies.

Language bilingual / dual-immersion

Learn about Elmwood School's languages of instruction and enrolment.

Elmwood School is a bilingual / dual-immersion school with English, French as the primary language of instruction

English - 80% French - 20%

Language of enrolment include: English

Online Learning

Elmwood School's online learning approach and offerings. Learn about this school's online programs and courses offered, its course formats, and its teaching and learning approaches.

Elmwood School offers online courses to students.


Course schedule

PeriodGradesNumber of CoursesStart - End
Full year 8 to 12 8 Sep 01, 2026 — Jun 01, 2027

Course format

TypeOffered
Distance
Asynchronous
Synchronous

Academic support and services

TypeOffered
Dedicated teacher per course
Exam proctoring
Student progress tracker
Regular office hours
Additional support
Study groups
Special needs support

Curriculum Pace Accelerated

[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]

This refers to the rate at which students move through the curriculum (e.g., topics, textbook material, skills, etc.). Curriculum pace is often defined in comparison to provincial standards.

Curriculum Pace approach at Elmwood School: Accelerated

Elmwood School has an Accelerated approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Student-paced approach).

[Show: About Accelerated?]

Our Kids definition: The main curriculum accelerates beyond the pace of the provincial one; ALL students do the work of OLDER public-school peers in tangible and measurable ways. This accelerated pace is maintained by the teachers and school, (through textbook selection, topic selection, grading, assignment standards and expectations, etc).

Compare Elmwood School's Curriculum Pace with other schools on OurKids.net:
  Accelerated - 18%
  Standard-enriched - 54%
  Student-paced - 28%

What Elmwood School says about their curriculum pace:

The International Baccalaureate Programme is undoubtedly the best educational programme available today to help prepare students to face the challenges of the 21st century. It is the gold standard in international education and has been shown to provide the best preparation for the most competitive universities.


Flexible pacing style

Type Offered
Subject-streaming (tracking)
Multi-age classrooms as standard
Ability-grouping (in-class) as common
Frequent use of cyber-learning (at-their-own-pace)
Regular guided independent study opportunities
Differentiated assessment

What Elmwood School says about their flexible pacing:

This information is not currently available.

Academic Culture Rigorous

[Show definition of Academic Culture]

Through the collective mindset of teachers, administrators, students, and parents, each school develops and maintains its own academic culture. This generally relates to the norms and expectations created around academic performance. Many parents look to private schools because they want a specific type of culture. Some want a rigorous environment that will elevate their child to new heights. Others want a nurturing environment that will help their child develop a passion for learning.

Academic Culture approach at Elmwood School: Rigorous

Elmwood School has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).

[Show: About Rigorous?]

Our Kids definition: A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.

Compare Elmwood School's Academic Culture with other schools on OurKids.net:
  Rigorous - 51%
  Supportive - 49%

What Elmwood School says about their academic culture:

Elmwood offers an enriched programme combining the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum and the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). The IB promotes an internationally recognized, inquiry-based curriculum, which focuses on skill development and brings together learners and teachers from around the globe. Girls thrive in our nurturing community where they are challenged by highly engaged teachers who are experts in personalizing the learning of each girl. Elmwood graduates exemplify the school motto: Summa Summarum—the highest of the high. They are academically strong, socially adept, confident and resilient young women.

Developmental priorities Balanced

[Show definition of Developmental priorities]

Schools have specific goals regarding how they want their educate and develop their students. This is part of a school's overall philosophy or vision, which is contained in its mission statement. While they tend have several developmental aims, schools tend to priortize certain aims, such as intellectual, social, spiritual, emotional, or physical development.

Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced

Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.

What Elmwood School says about their developmental priorities:

Elmwood’s curriculum focuses on developing the whole girl – we want students to develop intellectually, emotionally, socially and physically during their years with us. Here they feel free to take risks, stretch themselves, and by doing so learn the true extent of their abilities. Our graduates are inquiring, life-long learners, compassionate, engaged global citizens, and confident, caring leaders.

Special needs support No support

[Show definition of Special needs support]

Schools offer a wide range of approaches and services to support students with special needs. This may include individualized learning, one-on-one support, small classes, resource rooms, and learning aids. These supports may be provided in a number of different environments such as a dedicated special needs school or class, an integrated class, a withdrawal class, or a regular class with resource support or in-class adaptations.

Elmwood School offers No support

Elmwood School offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.

A - Forms of Support
Accommodation:
Modification:
Remediation:
B - Environments
Indirect Support:
Resource Assistance:
Withdrawal Assistance:
Partial Integration:
Full-Time Class:

Special NeedNeed
Forms of SupportA
EnvironmentsB
ADHD
  • Learning disabilities
    Dyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability)
    This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment.
    Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
    This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language.
    Dyscalculia
    This is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money.
    Dysgraphia
    This is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.
    Language Processing Disorder
    This is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.
    Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD)
    These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills.
    Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit
    A characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination.
  • Developmental
    Autism
    Refers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome).
    Asperger's Syndrome
    On the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour.
    Down syndrome
    his is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.
    Intellectual disability
    This is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation).
    Williams syndrome
    This is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities or learning problems, unique facial features, and cardiovascular problems.
    Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
    Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. These may include growth deficits, facial anomalies, and damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and other problems.
  • Behavioral and Emotional
    Troubled behaviour / troubled teens
    roubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.
    Clinical Depression
    This is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life.
    Clinical anxiety
    This is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror.
    Suicidal thoughts
    This involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.
    Drug and alcohol abuse
    This involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning.
    Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
    This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning.
  • Physical
    Multiple sclerosis
    This is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties.
    Cerebral palsy
    his refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture.
    Muscular dystrophy
    Muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.
    Spina Bifida
    This is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine.
    Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)
    This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech.
    Blindness
    Visual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness."
    Deafness
    Hearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds).
    Cystic Fibrosis
    Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.
    Multiple physical
    Accommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.

Read our guide to special needs schools and special education


Academic support

TypeOffered
Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation
Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties

Mild but clinically diagnosed learning disabilities

TypeOffered
Accommodations
Modifications
Extra support

What Elmwood School says:

Students who develop learning difficulties while at Elmwood meet with our Director of Student Success, and she administers an in-house standardized educational assessment, the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT). This helps to give us a better picture so we can apply accommodations in classes right away. We will also make recommendations to parents for adapting at home as well. In general, we approach prospective students with clinically diagnosed learning disabilities on a case-by-case basis.


Additional support

TypeOffered
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy

Gifted learner support No Support

[Show definition of Gifted learner support]

Schools support students with gifted or advanced learning abilities in a several ways. Whether they offer a full-time gifted program or part-time support, they normally provide some form of accelerated learning (delivering content at a faster pace) or enrichment (covering content more broadly or deeply). Many schools also offer a wide range of in-class adaptations to support advanced learners, such as guided independent studies, project-based learning, and career exploration.

Curriculum Delivery: Acceleration and enrichment

There is an equal emphasis on acceleration and enrichment.

Class structure

Program Offered
Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school)
Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class)

In-class adaptations

Program Offered
Custom subject enrichment (special arrangement)
Custom curriculum compacting (special arrangement)
Guided independent study (custom gifted arrangement)
Cyber-learning opportunities (custom gifted arrangement)
Formalized peer coaching opportunities (specifically for gifted learners to coach others)
Custom subject acceleration (special arrangement)
Career exploration (custom gifted arrangement)
Project-based learning (custom gifted arrangement)
Mentorships (custom gifted arrangement)

What Elmwood School says about their gifted learner support:

This information is not currently available.

Homework Policy

[Show definition of Homework Policy]

Homework is work that's assigned to students for completion outside of regular class time. There's a long-standing debate over homework. Should homework be assigned to school-age children? If so, in what grades? And how much homework should be assigned? In selecting the right school for your child, it's important to look closely at a school's homework policy.

Nightly homework

In grade Gr. 12, Elmwood School students perform an average of 1.5 hours of homework per night.

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What Elmwood School says about their flipped classroom policy:

This information is not currently available.

Report Card Policy

[Show definition of Report Card Policy]

While all schools measure individual progress and achievement in students, they have different ways of doing this. For instance, many traditional schools gauge progress through report cards, which give students lettered or numbered grades. Other schools, meanwhile, measure progress in other ways, either in addition to or instead of giving grades. For instance, they may offer prose-based feedback (i.e, comments), academic achievement reporting, habits and behaviour reporting, and parent-teacher meetings. In choosing the right school for your child, take a close look at its policy for measuring the individual progress of students.

How assessments are delivered across the grades

TypeGrades
Lettered or numbered gradesGr. 6 to Gr. 12
Prose (narrative)-based feedbackPreschool to Gr. 12
Academic achievement reportingPreschool to Gr. 5
Habits and behaviour reportingPreschool to Gr. 12
Parent-teacher meetingsPreschool to Gr. 12
 

Qualitative insights

These insights are based on conversations with parents, alumni, and school leadership. Handpicked and curated by our editor, they offer a close look at how the school is experienced and perceived by those who know it best.


Small class sizes create a personalized and nurturing environment.

Feedback from alumni and parents points to the advantages of Elmwood’s small class sizes, such as personalized attention from teachers and a supportive, close-knit community that extends beyond the classroom.

A lot of private schools have small class sizes, and that's one thing that differentiates it from public school. One thing that makes Elmwood School special is the SLG system. So in most schools, we have a traditional homeroom with just students in your grade. At Elmwood School in high school, students have the unique opportunity to be in an SLG, which is like a homeroom, but it consists of students in Grades 9 to 12, and you have the same teacher throughout. I think what makes it special is that you're new to high school as a Grade 9 and 10 student, so you haven't experienced what high school life is like yet. So being able to have Grade 11’s and 12’s in that same homeroom every day, it's great to have that mentorship, have someone to look up to and ask advice from.
—Fumi Shibutani, alum (see full interview)
I've come to appreciate how small the class sizes were at Elmwood School and how tight-knit the community was. It was great having that one-on-one engagement with the teachers, but also just having a much smaller student population where you felt like you knew everyone. Those are things that I appreciate in hindsight. So number one would be the small class sizes. I think that one on one engagement with the teachers is so important. Getting that attention, asking questions, and being in a supportive environment are super important. The second one would be the community, and I’m not just talking about the teachers and students, but also the supporting staff. They were so supportive, and they make things run smoothly at the school.
—Fumi Shibutani, alum (see full interview)
What I love about teachers and kids at Elmwood School is that learning is the core of everything, but it's all built around community. As a family, we don't want anyone to be uncomfortable in our environment. When the girls are comfortable, they'll take risks, their learning will take off, and they'll go to places they didn't know they could, which is wonderful to see as a teacher.
—James Whitehouse, Head of School (see full interview)

Elmwood School embraces technology to prepare students for the future.

As outlined by students and faculty, Elmwood School's commitment to integrating technology in its curriculum ensures students are engaged and equipped for future advancements in educational technology.

Elmwood School is forward-thinking in terms of how well technology is integrated into so many aspects of school life. It's a big part of our curriculum, how they conduct our work, and how they do things in the classroom. Making sure that they’re ahead of the curve technologically is something important to Elmwood School.
—Fumi Shibutani, alum (see full interview)
Elmwood School strives to incorporate different learning, and different technologies to make their students learning as wholesome and fulfilling as possible.
—Sijyl Fasih, alum (see full interview)
Innovation is huge for Elmwood School. We've done a lot of work at the school in the past five years on innovation. I can't tell you what's going to happen in five years, but what I can tell you is our girls will be prepared for it. They will have the skills that have the attitudes, and the approaches to tackle any changes that come their way. I don't believe we will lose some of the school's values, like coming together as a community to learn in person. Being away from each other for some time due to covid just reinforced how important social connections are. I think that technology will play an increasing role in the delivery of education and support and the tools we use. Something that we've done is pushed technology right down lower in school. Now we're pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12, so even our pre-K students are being introduced to technology. I don't want it to be pervasive. I don't want it to occupy everything, but I do want Elmwood School students to have the skills to use technology effectively.
—James Whitehouse, Head of School (see full interview)

Elmwood has a prestigious science program and diverse extracurriculars.

Reflections from students highlight Elmwood School's strong science program and wide range of extracurricular activities, which provide the foundation for success in high-stakes careers and personal development.

Elmwood School has a very prestigious science program. My teacher has their Ph.D., so they had some experience with the scientific process and went through higher scientific studies. They encouraged me and recommended this field as a possibility for my future career. So that helped me out. Also, I think medicine is a pretty high-stakes profession, and there's quite a bit that you have to juggle at one time. I think that my time at Elmwood School helped prepare me to be able to handle any potential stresses that could come my way in a career in medicine.
—Sijyl Fasih, alum (see full interview)
Elmwood School requires you to work hard for most of the year and makes sure that you perform on an exam or an assignment, which helped me manage my time well. By virtue of being at Elmwood School, students had quite a bit of opportunity given to us in terms of extracurriculars. Being a prefect, a full-time band member, and a member of the ‘Cappies’ team helped me make a schedule and stick to it. To sum it up, a lot of the extracurricular and academic experiences that I had at Elmwood School helped me think ahead, have a vision for myself, and manage my time well. I think that will serve me well in a career like medicine, which is partly why I chose to go in that direction.
—Sijyl Fasih, alum (see full interview)
The academics are held at a very high level at Elmwood School, and that's great. In terms of extracurriculars, there is a vast array of opportunities awaiting you as a student. I would highly recommend that Future Elmwood School students not be shy, and go for whatever interests them. What students choose to pursue during their time at Elmwood School can help them build connections. I have so many friends and past acquaintances who were involved in various extracurricular programs at Elmwood School. For example, the theatre program, and from there, they were able to get theatre internships after graduating, and now they study theatre in university. Being a part of various extracurricular activities at Elmwood School  helps students to make connections, and then leverage those connections to be able to pursue whatever they aspire to do within those fields.
—Sijyl Fasih, alum (see full interview)

Elmwood School prioritizes personalized education and well-being.

Observations from insiders emphasize Elmwood's focus on the tailored learning and holistic development of each student, ensuring a supportive atmosphere that nurtures educational and emotional growth.

Elmwood School's sole focus is the girl, how she learns best, as well as her social and emotional well-being.
—Sijyl Fasih, alum (see full interview)
The formative experiences that I've gotten from Elmwood School have shaped me into the person I am today. There were countless opportunities back in high school that I didn't think I deserved, and I wasn't going to apply or reach out for them until my teachers and friends encouraged me to do it because they thought I could. My teachers and my friends believed in me sometimes even more than I believed in myself. One concern that families may have is that their daughters aren't being pushed enough, or maybe they are being pushed too much. That mix of nurture and encouragement at Elmwood School helped me move forward in life, make the decisions that I did, end up in the educational program that I'm in, and perhaps pursue future career opportunities that I want to.
—Sijyl Fasih, alum (see full interview)
Elmwood, like many other high schools in Ontario, has a careers class, which I found to be extremely helpful in coming up with programs to apply to and understanding what kind of a learner I was and what career I would be beneficial for me as a person. So, there I learned about a scholarship at the University of Ottawa. It's a research scholarship where they gave 10,000 dollars to an incoming first-year student in the Faculty of Science.
—Julie, parent (see full discussion)

Global academic opportunities are enriched by the IB program.

Alumni value Elmwood School's International Baccalaureate program for its global recognition and for offering students pathways to international post-secondary education.

There were quite a few aspects of being at Elmwood School that helped me learn to manage my time efficiently and cope with stresses. For example, because I went through the Ivy Diploma program, many of the assessments and the deadlines were university style, where a lot of your mark is based on one or two assessments.
—Sijyl Fasih, alum (see full interview)
Elmwood School offers an IB program. The International Baccalaureate program is an internationally recognized diploma, and if you're considering post-secondary school in the US or another part of the world, the International Baccalaureate Program diploma is a great thing to have in your back pocket.
—Sijyl Fasih, alum (see full interview)
Elmwood prepared me extremely well for university. I took the full IB diploma in Grades 11 and 12. So for those who aren't aware, it simulates the academic environment of what you would see in university, as the assessments are very few and they're weighted quite heavily. So, I received the IB diploma, all my courses were IB level classes, and I even got some credits that I could redeem in university and that was the icing on the cake.
—Julie, parent (see full discussion)

All-girls environment at Elmwood fosters confidence and innovation.

Teachers at Elmwood note that its all-girls setting liberates students, allowing them to take academic risks, enhance their confidence, and achieve better academic and leadership outcomes.

Elmwood School is such a special place to be. Girls are free from distractions. They're free from having to live up to anything that they don't need to. They walk into school wanting to come and learn in the classrooms. The girls take risks. They love the environment. They're not worried about having to perform for anybody else at the school, and there are no distractions. I do believe that girls mature quicker than boys. They make connections more quickly in the classroom, and academically, they make far better progress. When it's just all girls, they take greater risks. They're free from some of the worries that they have when boys are around them. I love teaching boys, too, but the benefits I see for girls in terms of confidence, risk-taking and leadership are greater in an all-girls setting.
—James Whitehouse, Head of School (see full interview)
Elmwood School girls challenge their teachers, and the girls challenge each other. I would say it's all about the respectful environment that the teacher creates, because one of our key values is respect. A respectful environment also encourages things like innovation and collaboration, which girls love to do when they're in that safe learning space. For me, a school should be doing that anyway, and I think sometimes we lose that in education or get lost somewhere along the lines where kids don't want to take these risks or don't think learning is as cool as it should be.
—James Whitehouse, Head of School (see full interview)
Three words to describe Elmwood: The first trait that came to mind was nurturing because Elmwood fosters a positive environment in which girls feel like they can be themselves and not be under the scrutiny of being judged. Not only do teachers and fellow peers encourage students to pursue new opportunities and new endeavours, but they also provide them with the opportunities to stretch themselves and I think that's important. Secondly, I think the school is driven and is always looking towards ways of tailoring their education to ways in which girls learn best; that's something I found valuable. Then, with drive comes innovation. So, Elmwood, from what I saw at my time, is always looking for ways to connect with the broader world of education and tailor its teaching techniques to ways in which girls learn best. But not only that, but they’re also incorporating new, novel technologies into their teaching strategies to make the educational experience a really wholesome one.
—Julie, parent (see full discussion)

Elmwood is committed to maximizing each student's academic potential.

Insight from academic staff underlines the school's focus on individualized support, encouraging students to excel by recognizing and nurturing their diverse academic abilities.

Academics are really important to Elmwood School. It's a key component of what we do. My belief is anybody, any student, can achieve academically. They can reach their full potential, providing they have the right support in school. The girls at Elmwood School are very competitive, and they want to go to the best schools. They want to achieve and do well in the classrooms, which is cultural. We have girls whose averages range all across the map, and we love that. We love that difference in abilities. In the end, what matters to me most is that each girl reaches, fulfills, and goes above her potential.
—James Whitehouse, Head of School (see full interview)
What's key to me is that Elmwood School is not exclusive in terms of academics. Elmwood School takes students’ goals when they arrive, and we push, support, and care for them to be academically excellent. I'm very proud of our academic achievements. On top of that, we really believe in the whole girl.
—James Whitehouse, Head of School (see full interview)
Elmwood focuses on enhancing, bringing out the specific values, and the personalities of the girls and focusing on what their strengths are and helping them to become stronger in the areas where there are growth potential and growth opportunities.
—Julie, parent (see full discussion)

Elmwood School prioritizes a well-rounded education.

Testimonials from families indicate that Elmwood School emphasizes holistic education, integrating academic challenges, creative activities, and emotional support to ensure comprehensive student development.

There’s a culture at Elmwood School where students can expand their mind and their thinking. It's not just about taking information and repeating it. It's about stepping out, thinking for yourself, and coming up with new ideas.
—James Whitehouse, Head of School (see full interview)
Every opportunity that the girls have been given at Elmwood has helped them to grow and has helped them to learn. I could not be happier with how their education is working out.
—Julie, parent (see full discussion)
There is a strong emphasis, obviously, on academics and learning and challenging children, but there's also a creative spirit of really encouraging and cultivating creative activity, whether it's art or music or performance. And self-expression, I think, is really encouraged. It's wonderful to see my daughter really enjoying the performing arts, and music, and she is developing more and more confidence year by year in those activities.
—Swathi Kappagantula, parent (see full interview)

Interactive and engaging classroom experiences promote learning.

Observations from students reflect that Elmwood’s interactive teaching methods foster an educational environment rich in discussion and active participation, instilling a desire to learn.

What Elmwood School does best is it creates a culture of learning about critical thinking, risk-taking, innovation, responsibility, and integrity. All of those things are so important in the classroom. You can't just say and hope it will happen; you have to live it every day, so it becomes part of the culture.
—James Whitehouse, Head of School (see full interview)
In terms of balancing homework and workload, it was kind of a mix between having a traditional classroom and a flipped classroom where the student does the bulk of the work at home and then comes to class for questions and discussion with the rest of the group. I think as a student, I benefited from both equally.
—Julie, parent (see full discussion)
What stands out most for my daughter, about Elmwood, is the classroom experience. She talks about all the opportunities to ask questions, to debate, to learn new things, to focus on new things, and interact with others. She talks about other things, but I think that’s what she appreciates the most. It's a nurturing environment that fosters a desire to learn.
—Ryan Schwartz, parent (see full interview)
 

OUR KIDS REPORT: Elmwood School

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