Elmwood School - Inspiring Girls

I N S P I R I N G

G I R L S

At Elmwood, we go above and beyond to ensure our girls receive a well-rounded education—with academic rigour, an outstanding co-curricular program and a focus on wellbeing—that will prepare them for life and work beyond the classroom.

Educating the “whole girl” opens up the whole world.

CHERYL BOUGHTON, Headmistress

W E L C O M E

T O

E L M W O O D

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OUR MISSION Inspiring each girl to reach her full potential.

OUR VISION Whole girl.

Whole world.

WHAT WE VALUE Excellence, respect, innovation, collaboration, responsibility and integrity.

OUR SCHOOL CULTURE “Summa summarum” — Being the best I can be.

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At the base of everything is our reputation for academic excellence. Elmwood is the only school in Ottawa accredited to deliver all three levels of the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme ranging from preschool right up to the senior grades. This is a fully transferable, world-class education, and the combination of the “gold standard” IB program and a strong Ontario curriculum is a winning formula.

When girls graduate from Elmwood they are ready to move on to the next phase of their education with confidence. They have become inquiring, lifelong learners with an exceptional education, confident, caring leaders and compassionate, engaged global citizens.

I hope you will come visit us soon—in person or online. We all look forward to sharing our school with you.

Best regards,

Cheryl Boughton Headmistress

H E A D M I S T R E S S T H E

Our holistic approach to girls’ education combines superior academics with outstanding co-curricular activities and healthy lifestyle choices. The powerful and supportive all-girls environment here gives students the freedom to stretch themselves, learn to manage their setbacks, and move on. We are specialists in how girls learn, so we can tailor things to exactly what works best for them.

F R O M

Over 100 years ago, Theodora Philpot, an entrepreneurial, resilient and visionary woman, founded Elmwood School. Although the subjects we teach and the manner in which we teach have evolved dramatically since 1915, Mrs. Philpot would still recognize the essence of the school she created.

Every girl here is known and valued—we see them as individual girls on individual journeys, and we inspire each girl to reach her full potential. That is the School’s mission statement, and it is something every member of our community lives every day.

M E S S A G E

If you asked each Elmwood girl what makes her school special you would get as many different answers as we have students. There is something here for each and every girl to love, to get involved in and to find inspiring.

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AT ELMWOOD, WE RECOGNIZE THAT WE HAVE A HUGE RESPONSIBILITY. We’re entrusted with helping guide the academic, social and emotional development of girls so they can become thoughtful, intelligent, balanced and successful women who live well every day. We believe that every Elmwood girl has amazing potential, and our promise is to help them reach it.

Elmwood is one of the most innovative girls’ schools in North America and one of the top 25 private schools in Canada. The School is acclaimed for its academic excellence, caring atmosphere and strong community spirit. Girls are encouraged to stretch themselves, try new things, create and explore. We are nimble and flexible, modeling best practice in educating girls. We strike a balance between traditional academic goals and innovative approaches to achieving those goals. We create inquiring lifelong learners, compassionate and engaged global citizens, and confident caring leaders.

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Students at girls’ schools enjoy not just equal opportunity, but every opportunity.

R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y

NATIONAL COALITION OF GIRLS SCHOOLS

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E X C E L L E N C E

The IB Diploma Programme at Elmwood is an opportunity to prove to oneself the ability to face and conquer a challenge. It raises expectations and forces you to perform at a higher standard. The extended essay was, at the time, the most diicult aspect and yet I could not be more grateful for the skills and discipline it helped me acquire for my college career.

JULIET CARAGIANIS ’11

A C A D E M I C

(BA Yale University ’15)

Did you know?

Elmwood was the first girls’ school in North America and second in the world to be accredited at all three levels of the International Baccalaureate Programme.

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STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO STRIVE FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AND TO DEVELOP A LIFE-LONG LOVE OF LEARNING. 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’s curriculum exceeds the expectations of the provincial curriculum and is more rigorously evaluated than any other school in Ottawa. Our standards are evaluated by the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme, the Ontario Ministry of Education and Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS). Elmwood’s academic program continues to surpass the expectations of each regulatory body. At Elmwood, we encourage and challenge our students to strive for academic excellence and inspire them to develop a lifelong love of learning. We know 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 life-long learners. From the early years to graduation day, Elmwood students benefit from a program of study that is student-directed, inquirybased, rigorous, relevant and specifically designed to prepare students for life and work beyond the classroom.

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ALL GIRLS ENVIRONMENT We know that girls learn best in an all-girls environment. At Elmwood, learning takes centre stage, with a focus on how girls learn—it is not just about separating boys from girls. Research shows that in an all-girls environment, girls tend to take more risks, are more comfortable with making mistakes, and are more engaged in their learning.

At Elmwood, girls take on all leadership roles, explore nontraditional courses, and act as role models for their peers.

Academically, this girl-centric environment leads to an unparalleled number of Elmwood graduates going on to study science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in university. In addition, girls are free to be themselves, and to grow and mature in a nurturing environment where they feel supported and safe.

We believe that this is one of the most signiďŹ cant reasons why Elmwood students transform into young women ready to take on the world and challenge the status quo.

Did you know?

When compared to coeducational counterparts, female graduates of single-sex high schools show: > Stronger academic orientations > Stronger predisposition towards co-curricular engagement > More confidence in mathematical ability and computer skills > Measurably more self-confidence in public speaking > Raise their hand and engage in class discussion more often

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E N V I R O N M E N T

(BSc. University of Western Ontario, University of Ottawa Medicine ’19)

G I R L S

BRONWYN THOMSON ’09

A L L

To this day, the conidence that I gained at Elmwood helped me to reach my goal of going to medical school.

Elmwood fostered a supportive all-girls environment where I felt empowered to excel in all facets of my life, from academics and athletics, to volunteerism and community involvement.

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L E A R N I N G O F P R I N C I P L E S 10

Since graduating from Elmwood, I’ve come to really understand how important it is for girls—and kids in general—to have a positive academic environment. School is about academics, but it’s also about being able to develop your identity. You see yourself through the eyes of other people, with teachers who are real role models for you. Elmwood exempliied this for me.

DR. MEREDITH GILLESPIE ’99 (PhD, School/Applied Child Psychology, McGill University ’10)

OUR PRINCIPLES OF LEARNING Elmwood girls will enter a world in which they will be judged on their performance. They will be evaluated not only on their outcomes, but also on their collaborative, negotiating, planning and organizational skills. By implementing the latest in learning strategies, we are preparing our students to meet the 21st century with a repertoire of skills that position them for success.

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Inspire active learners that are engaged in learning and actively participate.

Embrace the social nature of learning through

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well-organized collaborative learning while

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Develop self-conďŹ dence, resilience and

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Challenge and support all learners

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Connect learning to the community

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developing independent research and study skills.

a positive attitude toward learning.

because everyone learns differently.

and the wider world.

Foster creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial skills.

Empower through technology.

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INNOVATIVE LEARNING We’re committed to using every resource at our disposal to provide the highest quality education available. This means instruction that integrates the thoughtful, precise use of the latest technological tools to engage girls and to help them develop key technical skills.

Our classrooms provide flexible learning environments, with furniture that can be reconfigured to accommodate both independent and collaborative work. The walls are covered in IdeaPaint which transforms our space into a hub of creativity using interactive projectors—allowing the presenter to interact with the projection on the wall. Students use the latest technology, including MacBooks and iPads to support their mastery of reading, writing and reasoning fundamentals, and develop research and communication skills.

The FabLab is a makerspace that provides students with open access to innovate. They can learn to design and construct whatever they can imagine, using tools, sewing machines, a 3-D printer, a laser cutter, electronic building blocks and good old fashioned paper and glue.

Elmwood students and parents use a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) to collaborate and engage outside of class. It provides a space to participate in an online discussion, view assignments and marks, stay up-to-date on events and share photos.

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L E A R N I N G I N N O V A T I V E

Whether we’re talking about technology and personalization, leading-edge curriculum, agile learning environments or innovative instructional strategies, they all have the same aim: To prepare Elmwood girls for outstanding academic achievement and success beyond Elmwood.

CHERYL BOUGHTON Headmistress

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T O D A Y L E A D E R S , T O M O R R O W ’ S

Elmwood was a really good school for me because it allowed me to get involved in so many diferent things.

It promoted the values of contributing socially and giving back to the world, which is something that stays with me today.

SARAH YAN ’05 (BA McGill University ’09)

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TOMORROW’S LEADERS, TODAY At Elmwood, girls who want to change the world become the women who do.

Elmwood’s students have many opportunities to develop teamwork, communication and leadership skills both in and out of the classroom. Student government at Elmwood is the perfect training ground for future leaders. Our prefects, led by the Head Girl, generate school spirit, lead and encourage community service and giving back, and act as a student voice with the administration. Students lead clubs, sports teams and the Duke of Edinburgh program, they mentor younger students and more.

Community service and charitable giving are integral elements of life at Elmwood, and our school has a time-honoured tradition of giving back to others. Whether through whole-school activities, House-sponsored programmes or individual initiatives, all of our students are active participants in causes that benefit other people—locally, nationally and internationally.

I didn’t really consider myself a leader before I came to Elmwood. In my Grade 12 year though, I was able to sharpen my leadership skills as Community Prefect.

Elmwood supported me in introducing a number of new initiatives, and that gave me the conidence to inspire my classmates and the younger girls.

MEGAN SWEENEY ’16 (McGill University Arts ’20)

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T H E

I B

P R O G R A M M E

Elmwood’s IB Diploma Programme results are consistently strong and compare favourably against global and national results.

Our Diploma Programme pass rate is 100% every year, compared to the global average of 78% and a Canadian average of 88%.

The average Elmwood Diploma score is 33 out of 45, compared to the world of average of 29.

Close to 70% of Elmwood’s recent IB grades were 5 to 7 (out of 7), a level equivalent to Ontario marks of 92% to 100%.

IB Diploma students are 21% more likely to be admitted to ten of the most prestigious universities including Harvard, Princeton, Yale and Stanford.

THE IB PROGRAMME At Elmwood, we encourage and challenge our students to strive for academic excellence and inspire them to develop a life-long love of learning. Our outstanding faculty draws on best practices in girls’ education as they challenge students to be principled, knowledgeable, and reflective life-long learners.

The International Baccalaureate Programme is undoubtedly the best educational program available today to help prepare our 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.

The IB is most distinctive, however, in that it is more than simply a qualification; it is a broad and coherent educational vision, supported by a clearly defined set of values. It is through an IB education that we equip our students to become true global citizens, ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow. Cultural, scientific and technological literacy are embedded in a continuous curriculum, from preschool to Grade 12.

Elmwood is proud to be the first girls’ school in North America to be accredited at all three levels of the IB Programme.

Additionally, Elmwood is the only school in Ottawa and one of only seven schools in Canada that offers all three levels of the Programme.

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EARLY YEARS PRESCHOOL, JUNIOR AND SENIOR KINDERGARTEN The Early Years Programme at Elmwood provides young girls with a head start they won’t experience elsewhere. 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 teacher who is an expert in early childhood education and inquiry-based learning leads each classroom. In our purposebuilt 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.

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E A R L Y

Y E A R S

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J U N I O R

S C H O O L

JUNIOR SCHOOL GRADES 1 – 5 Elmwood is focused on developing the whole child as an inquirer, both within the classroom and the outside world. Our curriculum is based upon research and best practice, and is a relevant, engaging and challenging educational framework for all students. Throughout the Junior School, our students demonstrate curiosity and passion for learning.

The IB Primary Years Programme curriculum framework is guided by six transdisciplinary themes of global significance, and incorporates five essential elements: concepts, knowledge, skills, attitude and action. The transdisciplinary nature of the programme enables students to learn the skills, explore the knowledge and develop conceptual understanding within a relevant and authentic context.

Teachers strive to create and maintain classroom climates that are inclusive, foster the development of positive attitudes and international-mindedness.

The early years are a critical period of development where academic, physical and social foundations are established.

Elmwood’s Junior School provides a unique environment where your daughter will experience the best possible start to her school years. Our School is a happy, energetic place where students feel secure and comfortable in taking risks to develop their potential. We provide a broad range of opportunities for girls to discover and extend their interests and passions. When you start something at a young age, there’s no telling where it can lead you.

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MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADES 6 – 8 In the Middle School, our goal is to nurture in our students a life-long sense of curiosity and a joy towards learning.

We offer a rich and engaging academic program where collaboration, creativity and critical thinking are central.

Our IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in the Primary Years Programme and prepares students for the challenges of the Diploma Programme.

Within the MYP, we aim to provide our students with an inspiring and supportive environment where courage, creativity and character are celebrated. Through our 1:1 iPad programme, we support the broad use of technology to help students develop academic skills, augment the curriculum, motivate learning, and prepare students for future life experiences in our technologically based world.

This is an exciting time for girls—they go from being children to becoming adolescents who develop their own sense of themselves and the world around them. We believe that engaging students in activities outside of academic work builds leadership skills, character and self-esteem. And of course, the girls have fun and create life-long friendships!

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M I D D L E

S C H O O L

S C H O O L S E N I O R 24

87%

83%

of Grade 12 students take at least one Grade 12 math course

of Grade 12 students take at least one Grade 12 science course

SENIOR SCHOOL GRADES 9 – 12 Senior School is all about preparing our students to enter university. Our students benefit from an educational environment which stresses higher-level critical thinking, inquiry and research skills, allowing them to develop a broad basis of knowledge and abilities while gaining an in-depth understanding of subjects of most interest to them. This rigorous academic program, along with strong co-curriculars and leadership opportunities, helps Elmwood girls gain acceptance to the university of their choice, often with generous entrance scholarships.

Many universities actively seek out full IB Diploma students in their recruitment strategies, offering incentives such as early acceptance, scholarships and credit for first-year courses.

Alternatively, some students may choose from a wide array of IB Certificate courses in subjects that are of particular interest to them. In addition, all Elmwood students graduate with the Ministry of Education diploma (OSSD).

Elmwood graduates leave our school with the skills, work ethic and knowledge they need to chart their own course in the world.

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UNIVERSITY COUNSELLING At Elmwood, our formal university counselling program begins during a student’s Grade 11 year. However, starting in Grade 9, students are encouraged to understand the university admissions process and to set appropriate goals for themselves as they consider university applications.

All Grade 11 and 12 students are also invited to attend presentations by visiting university representatives so they can become better acquainted with the programs available to them. Each year, Elmwood hosts over 30 different post secondary institutions for info sessions.

In Grade 12 students work closely with Elmwood’s Director of Academic Counselling to complete their applications and meet all deadlines throughout the application process. The overall goal of our university counselling process is to ensure that each girl finds the program of study that is right for her.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS The success of our approach to academics is reflected in the success of our graduates. 100% of Elmwood graduates go on to pursue post-secondary education at leading universities.

Year-on-year, more than 90% of our graduates earn entrance scholarships to Canadian and international universities, totalling an average of $1.2 million each year. Over the past five years, an average of more than 80% of Elmwood’s graduates were Ontario Scholars. From here, the sky is the limit for Elmwood students. Equipped with the tools they’ve developed at Elmwood, our alumnae go on to become lifelong learners, engaged global citizens and confident leaders ready to change the world.

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42%

of graduates over the past ive years chose to study at universities outside of Canada.

$30,923 Average university entrance scholarship amount per graduate over past ive years.

Elmwood afected my university experience very positively, because the IB Programme prepared me so well for university classes. IB really helps with advanced thinking and goes beyond just the basic required knowledge in a subject.

U N I V E R S I T Y

20%

C O U N S E L L I N G

of graduates over the past ive years pursued STEM programs at university.

DR. LAURENCE MOUTTHAM ’04 ( PhD, Zoology and Wildlife Conservation, Cornell University ’16) 27

DEVELOPING CONFIDENT, ENGAGED AND HEALTHY GIRLS REQUIRES BALANCE Life outside of the classroom at Elmwood complements and enhances the academic program and reflects the needs and interests of today’s girls. Clubs, sports teams, student government and the House system offer numerous opportunities to explore passions and connect with those who share them. From rowing to rugby, and from drama to drums, every girl can find a way to get involved in student life at Elmwood.

CLUBS & TEAMS ofered in Junior School

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Middle School ARTS We know the arts enhance our girls’ abilities, expand their creativity and enrich their understanding of the world.

Our students have many opportunities to experience and participate in the arts throughout the school year, in and out of the classroom. Elmwood girls gain an appreciation of the arts and benefit from a more well-rounded education.

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Senior School

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ATHLETICS Whether it’s participating in a recreational activity or becoming part of one of Elmwood’s competitive teams, Elmwood girls will find something that suits their interests and helps them develop leadership skills and build self-esteem.

ACTIVITIES AND CLUBS Our School is full of girls with a wide range of interests and passions. We offer a wide variety of activities and clubs that help them challenge themselves, develop their creativity and become more confident.

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78% of Senior School students and 86% of Middle School students play on at least one sports team.

T E A M S A N D C L U B S Inspiring each girl to reach her full potential isn’t just about academics—in order to develop conident, engaged and healthy girls, there has to be balance. Educating the ‘whole girl’ opens up the whole world.

KATE ANGELL Director of Co-curricular Learning

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H O M E W O R K

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M E A L S

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T R A N S P O R T

THE HOME-SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP We understand that families have a lot to do from the time they wake until it’s time to rest. We are committed to providing solutions that not only help our girls, but support their families.

3:26 CLUB AND HOMEWORK HAVEN The fun and learning doesn’t end when the final bell rings each afternoon!

Junior School families who need after-school care can register their daughters in our “3:26 Club” which runs daily from 3:26 to 5:30 p.m. The program consists of time for fun playing with friends, a supervised homework period, planned recreational activities and a nutritious snack. Middle School girls can attend Homework Haven three afternoons a week—it’s an opportunity for students to organize and complete their homework under the guidance of a skilled Elmwood educator.

HEALTHY MEALS Our in-house Chef has a passion for food and is a firm believer in seasonal and local farm-to-table cooking, the use of organics and the slow-food philosophy.

The Elmwood Bistro provides girls with healthy meals and snacks—nourishing her mind and body is another way that Elmwood supports the Whole Girl; teaching and guiding her to eat for vitality.

Our herb and vegetable garden is a source of produce used in the Bistro and the girls are encouraged to dig in. Any surplus produce is donated to local food banks.

TRANSPORTATION From Cumberland to Kanata, from Manotick to Downtown, Elmwood students come from all corners of the city. Our private transportation partner provides door-to-door service, eliminating one more stress from your busy day.

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D I S C O V E R

E L M W O O D

At Elmwood, we’re looking for ambitious and enthusiastic girls who will contribute positively to the life of the school through their efort, intellectual curiosity and willingness to try new things. In turn, we inspire each girl to reach her full potential, motivate her to succeed and prepare her for university and beyond.

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Discovering Elmwood is an exciting process.

Our Admissions team is dedicated to helping you learn what makes Elmwood the right it for your daughter and family, guiding you through our admission process, and answering all your questions along the way.

Take the irst step and contact us today.

CONNECT WITH US EMAIL

admissions@elmwood.ca CALL

(613) 744-7783 WEBSITE

www.elmwood.ca SOCIAL MEDIA

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E L M W O O D . C A

261 Buena Vista Road Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1M 0V9 (613) 744-7783