On a quiet morning in Ottawa’s Rockcliffe Park, more than a century ago, a woman named Theodora Philpot opened her home to four young students. There was no fanfare—just a vision, a small classroom, and a deep belief in what girls could achieve when given the right environment to grow. That moment in 1915 became the foundation of what is now Elmwood School—an institution that, in 2025, proudly celebrates 110 years of inspiring young women to lead with confidence and purpose.
Elmwood didn’t set out to be extraordinary. But through decades of thoughtful evolution, it has become just that. Following World War II, Elmwood broadened its academic horizons beyond the humanities, and by the early 2000s, its student body had grown from 130 to over 300. Each chapter added new layers to the story, but the core remained unchanged: a deep-rooted commitment to nurturing strong, joyful, and compassionate young women.
The school’s leap into the future began in 1978 with the introduction of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme. Over time, Elmwood became the first school in North America to be accredited for all three IB levels—Primary Years, Middle Years, and the Diploma Programme. It’s not just about checking boxes. “The IB gives our students an incredible academic challenge, but more than that, it encourages curiosity, empathy, and global thinking,” says James Whitehouse, Head of School.
Today, Elmwood School stands out—not just in Ottawa, not just in Canada, but globally. It blends a rich academic tradition with an eye for innovation. The school’s “Lifted and Unstoppable” philosophy ensures every girl learns to trust her voice, take risks, and lead with confidence. “We believe in building an environment where girls feel safe to be themselves, stretch their thinking, and pursue their passions,” adds Mr. Whitehouse.
As an Apple Distinguished School, Elmwood integrates technology in ways that feel seamless and empowering. Students aren’t just using devices—they’re using digital tools to solve real-world problems, create, collaborate, and communicate across borders. The results speak for themselves. Elmwood’s IB Diploma scores consistently surpass global averages, consistently placing Elmwood in the top 2% of Canadian Schools and in the top 4% of World Schools. These exceptional results make it possible for Elmwood graduates to earn entry to top universities around the world.
But ask anyone at Elmwood, and they’ll tell you: success isn’t just about the numbers. It’s about who the students become. “We want our girls to leave here not just with strong academics, but with strength of character,” says Mr. Whitehouse. “Joyous, strong, companionable, and free”—the words of Elmwood’s founder still ring true, now more than ever.
A Classroom Where Curiosity Meets Code
Walk into any Elmwood classroom, and you’ll notice something right away—it doesn’t look, sound, or feel like school used to. There’s a hum of excitement, the kind that comes when learning feels more like discovery than obligation. Students are editing videos, sketching prototypes on iPads, or swapping ideas through digital whiteboards. It’s lively. It’s hands-on. And it’s exactly how Elmwood thinks education should feel in the 21st century.
Elmwood is one of just nineteen Apple Distinguished Schools in Canada, a badge it wears with both pride and purpose. But here, technology isn’t a shiny extra. It’s part of the everyday toolkit—like pens once were. “Technology at Elmwood is not a mere add-on,” says Matt Perreault, Director of Technology. “It’s a bicycle for the mind.” That idea—of technology enhancing human potential rather than replacing it—guides everything from lesson planning to how spaces are designed.
Every student has their own MacBook or iPad. Classrooms are equipped with Apple TVs. Teachers regularly use technology, not just to teach, but to help students think deeper, ask better questions, and tell their own stories. These aren’t just digital skills—they’re life skills.
What’s remarkable is how seamlessly all of this blends with the school’s academic rigour. Elmwood doesn’t toss out tradition; it builds on it. The recently reimagined Learning Commons is a perfect example. Part library, part innovation hub, part quiet study nook, it offers flexible zones where students can choose how they learn best—whether that’s brainstorming with peers, diving into solo study, or using digital tools to bring projects to life.
This balance—between the old and the new, the analogue and the digital—is intentional. “We’re not chasing trends,” Mr. Whitehouse explains. “We’re equipping students with what they need to thrive in a changing world.”
To make that possible, Elmwood invests deeply in teacher training, combining International Baccalaureate (IB) expertise with ongoing professional development in technology and pedagogy. Educators don’t just keep up with innovation—they lead it. And students benefit from experiential learning opportunities that extend well beyond classroom walls, including global travel, field trips, and hands-on community work.
At Elmwood, learning is never static. It’s active, collaborative, and forward-looking. And when you combine strong values with smart tech and a global curriculum, you get more than a good education. You get students who are—as the school proudly puts it—“lifted and unstoppable.”
One Journey, Three Stages, Endless Possibilities
Every Elmwood student begins with a question—why? Why does something work the way it does? Why does this matter? And most importantly, what can I do about it?
This sense of curiosity is exactly what the IB continuum is designed to nurture. From the early years all the way to graduation, students follow a thoughtfully structured path through the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). Each stage builds on the last, not just in content, but in mindset.
“It’s a progressive development,” says Kate Meadowcroft, Junior School Principal. “By the time students reach the Diploma Programme, they’ve internalized the IB way of thinking. They’re ready for rigorous assessment, deep inquiry, and thoughtful action.”
In the PYP, the focus is on tapping into natural curiosity. Students explore big ideas through play, questions, and reflection. They start developing the IB Learner Profile traits—like being open-minded, reflective, and caring—that stay with them through their entire academic life.
As they move into the MYP, learning gets more layered. Students start connecting their personal interests with global issues. They begin tackling real problems, building research skills, and learning how to think for themselves. It’s here that independence and identity take centre stage.
By the time they reach the DP, students are confident, capable thinkers who know how to analyse, debate, and act. They’re not just prepared for university—they’re prepared for life.
What makes this continuum so effective is how it blends critical thinking with character education. Students are constantly challenged to look at issues from personal, local, and global perspectives. They don’t just memorize facts—they weigh them, question them, and apply them. Whether it’s writing a research paper with academic integrity or designing a technology solution that addresses a global issue, Elmwood girls learn how to think deeply and act responsibly.
The IB’s interdisciplinary structure plays a key role. Students draw connections across subjects, which helps them develop a broader view of the world. They learn that math isn’t just numbers—it’s problem-solving. That literature isn’t just stories—it’s about empathy. And that science isn’t just experiments—it’s about impact.
“Critical thinking isn’t something we teach once,” says Ms. Meadowcroft . “It’s built into everything we do. It becomes part of who they are.” That’s the power of the IB at Elmwood. It’s not a checklist—it’s a journey. One that prepares students not just to get into great universities, but to contribute meaningfully to the world around them. And perhaps most importantly, to believe—truly believe—that they can.
Where Every Girl Leads
At Elmwood, leadership isn’t a title—it’s a way of being. From the moment girls step through the doors, they’re invited to take initiative, speak up, and shape their community. The school believes that leadership is learned through doing, and it shows in every corner of campus life.
For senior students, the Prefect program is a chance to lead in a big way. These students take on real responsibilities, guiding their younger peers and acting as role models. “It’s about giving students the space to step into their own power,” says Christina Schindler, Principal of the Middle and Senior Schools . “They learn to lead with empathy, to influence with integrity.”
Alongside the Prefect system, Elmwood’s student-led councils offer focused leadership experiences in areas like academics, arts, athletics, and service. Here, girls get hands-on practice in decision-making, event planning, and public speaking—skills that will serve them long after they graduate.
Leadership isn’t limited to official titles, either. Elmwood encourages students to create and lead clubs that reflect their passions—whether that’s robotics, creative writing, or cultural heritage. Athletes take the lead as captains or student coaches. And through the school’s house system, each student gets the chance to participate in and contribute to meaningful events. It’s leadership in motion, built around collaboration, creativity, and ownership.
Beyond leadership, Elmwood’s co-curricular program is where many students find their spark. There’s something for everyone—academic clubs like Debate, DECA, HOSA, and Model UN challenge critical thinking and sharpen presentation skills. Environmental groups like the Climate Crew help students develop a sense of responsibility for the world around them. The Duke of Edinburgh program and the Bridges initiative build resilience and mentorship across age groups.
Elmwood’s athletic offerings are equally rich, from classic team sports like volleyball and basketball to standout programs like elite rowing. The Elite Athlete Program is especially impressive—supporting top-tier student-athletes as they balance rigorous training with academic excellence.
For students drawn to the arts, Elmwood shines just as brightly. The school’s theatre program gives students a chance to act, direct, or work behind the scenes, while the music department offers high-level instrumental training. “We want every student to explore her potential,” says Mr. Whitehouse. “Whether she’s on stage, on the field, or leading a club, she’s building confidence and character.”
At its core, Elmwood’s approach to leadership is simple: create space, offer support, and then step back. The result? Girls who know how to lead, who understand their strengths, and who carry those skills with them into the world.
A School That Feels Like Home
Elmwood knows that students thrive when they feel safe, seen, and supported. That’s why the school has built a culture where care isn’t an afterthought—it’s a foundation. You see it in the little things, like the on-campus bistro, where students enjoy freshly prepared meals designed to nourish both body and mind. “Healthy food fuels better learning,” says Mr. Whitehouse. “It’s a simple idea, but incredibly powerful.”
Technology doesn’t get in the way here either. Thanks to the school’s Genius Bar, IT help is just a few steps away. Students can focus on learning, not on troubleshooting. And for younger learners, programs like Roots of Empathy help build compassion from the earliest years. It’s these touches—thoughtful and intentional—that make Elmwood more than just a school.
Wellbeing isn’t a buzzword at Elmwood—it’s baked into the school’s daily life. At the centre of it all is the Director of Wellness, a counsellor and nurse with four decades of experience supporting young people . She leads a comprehensive wellness program that’s as proactive as it is compassionate.
From Prekindergarten to Grade 12, students learn social-emotional skills through a carefully structured curriculum. They’re taught how to handle stress, build strong relationships, and seek help when needed. On-site counselling is always available, and the school’s ties to community mental health organizations ensure no student falls through the cracks.
But maybe what matters most is that students know they’re not alone. “Every girl should have at least one trusted adult at school,” says Mr. Whitehouse. “That’s a goal we take seriously.”
A leadership committee focused on student wellness ensures the school continues to adapt and respond to what students need most. Teachers are trained, students attend workshops, and parents are invited to be part of the conversation too. It’s a whole-community effort to create an environment where mental health is not just acknowledged but embraced.
The result is a place where students feel safe taking risks, reaching for big goals, and becoming their full selves. Elmwood isn’t just preparing students for university. It’s preparing them for life—with empathy, resilience, and the confidence that comes from knowing you belong.
Where the World Comes Together
At Elmwood, global citizenship isn’t just something that’s taught in a class—it’s a way of life. The school’s commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and cultural awareness runs deep, connecting lessons learned in the classroom to experiences that stretch far beyond it.
One of the biggest drivers of this mindset is the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. It encourages students to think critically, act responsibly, and engage with the world around them. “We want our students to see themselves as capable of creating real change,” says James Whitehouse. “Through the IB framework, they don’t just learn about global challenges—they start seeing how they can be part of the solution.” Being part of the IB community also links Elmwood students with others across the globe, forming friendships and networks that broaden their horizons.
But it’s not all theory. The school celebrates diversity in action. The International Cultures Club, for example, hosts a vibrant International Night each year, showcasing the cultures and stories that make Elmwood so unique. Meanwhile, the student-led Equity Council plays a key role in embedding inclusive practices into daily school life. And through its membership in Round Square, Elmwood embraces global competencies with hands-on opportunities rooted in the organization’s six pillars: Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership, and Service.
“Round Square gives our students the chance to explore the world in a meaningful way,” Mr. Whitehouse explains. International trips aren’t just sightseeing tours—they’re immersive experiences designed to help students connect with new cultures and ways of thinking. It’s about building understanding through firsthand experiences, not just textbooks.
The sense of community at Elmwood is something you feel the moment you walk through the doors. There’s a shared spirit here, strengthened by cherished traditions and common values. The school’s “Lifted and Unstoppable” mindset is more than a motto—it’s a promise that everyone belongs, and everyone can rise.
Signature events throughout the year help nurture these bonds. September kicks off with Camp Elmwood, a chance for students in Grades 6 to 12 to connect outside the classroom. Then there’s the house system, which brings together students of all ages under banners that honour women changemakers like Fry, Wilson, Nightingale, and Keller. From spirit days to friendly competitions, these houses create a sense of belonging and healthy rivalry.
And of course, there are the moments that become lifelong memories—the Welcome Back BBQ, the VIP & Me ball, 100 Nights for grads, Samara Morning for alumni and their daughters, the annual Gala, and the heartfelt Closing Ceremonies each June. These events tie the community together, linking students, parents, teachers, and alumni in one continuous, supportive circle.
Always Moving Forward
There’s never a dull moment at Elmwood. The school is constantly evolving, finding new ways to give students an edge—whether that’s through fresh opportunities, new spaces, or stronger connections to the world outside school.
A recent highlight? A mentorship program in partnership with The Honest Talk, co-founded by Elmwood alumna Catherine Clark. This initiative pairs students in Grades 10 through 12 with a dynamic group of 30 women leaders from a wide range of industries. “It’s about more than networking,” says Mr. Whitehouse. “It’s about opening doors, sharing stories, and giving our students access to the kind of real-world advice that can shape their futures.”
And that’s just the beginning. Elmwood is also working on building exchange programs with like-minded schools, starting with a French exchange that offers students the chance to immerse themselves in the language and culture. These experiences aren’t just educational—they’re transformative.
Back on campus, the school is investing in spaces that inspire. Plans are in motion to upgrade the music and theatre facilities—an exciting development for the arts community—and reimagine the sports field to give teams a true home-field advantage. These improvements reflect a simple but powerful idea: students thrive in environments built for excellence.
One of Elmwood’s strengths is its ability to stay connected to what students need today. The school doesn’t just ask for student feedback—it acts on it. Whether it’s tweaking uniforms or adding new co-curriculars, student voices help shape the experience. “It’s important that students feel heard,” Mr. Whitehouse notes. “That sense of ownership leads to deeper engagement.”
Faculty growth is just as important. Elmwood supports its teachers through a unique coaching program that encourages peer feedback and shared learning. The school also invests heavily in professional development, sending educators to leading conferences and training events. It’s all about staying current—and keeping the classroom experience fresh and relevant.
Elmwood’s approach is clear: support the whole student, nurture strong educators, and stay ahead of the curve. That’s how the school builds an environment where both students and staff can thrive—now and in the future.
A Bold Tomorrow, Rooted in Joy
Elmwood isn’t standing still. The school is looking ahead, with a clear, courageous vision for the future—one that stays true to its roots while reaching even higher. At the heart of this vision is a simple but powerful belief: joyful learning changes lives. And not just lives—it can change the world.
Mr. Whitehouse puts it this way: “Our graduates won’t just leave with top marks—they’ll walk into the world as compassionate leaders, ready to meet the moment with purpose and presence.” These young women will be multilingual, tech-savvy, climate-aware, and globally connected. They’ll be thinkers and doers. Bridge-builders with big hearts and bold ideas.
Elmwood’s vision for learning goes beyond the traditional classroom. The school is designing flexible, interdisciplinary spaces—both physical and digital—that bring subjects together in unexpected, exciting ways. Think art meets science. Innovation meets social change. Every program, every space will be built around curiosity, creativity, and relevance.
And while the campus evolves, one constant remains: the faculty. They are the pulse of the school. Innovators. Mentors. Lifelong learners. Mr. Whitehouse says it best: “Our teachers lead with skill and soul. They don’t just teach—they live the values they want to pass on.” Elmwood invests deeply in their growth, creating a culture where collaboration and curiosity thrive.
The future also means deepening community ties and broadening horizons. Elmwood aims to be a place where families feel both at home and inspired. A school that’s connected across cultures and generations, always anchored in equity, inclusion, and real impact.
At the core of it all? A promise that every girl who walks through Elmwood’s doors will feel seen, supported, and unstoppable. Because here, excellence comes with empathy. Kindness stands shoulder to shoulder with accountability. And being “world-ready” isn’t about fitting a mould—it’s about being fully, unapologetically yourself. And that, says Mr. Whitehouse, “is exactly what the world needs right now.”
For More Info: https://www.elmwood.ca/