261 Buena Vista Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1M 0V9, Canada
36 Scarsdale Road, Toronto, Ontario, M3B 2R7, Canada
261 Buena Vista Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1M 0V9, Canada
36 Scarsdale Road, Toronto, Ontario, M3B 2R7, Canada
1915
2000
375
180
Preschool to 12
Nursery/Toddler to 12
Girls
Coed
Day
Day
English, French
English, French
Academic
Academic
Progressive, International Baccalaureate
Liberal Arts, International Baccalaureate
15 to 17
12 to 18
Accelerated curriculum
In-class adaptations
$15,540 to $29,700
$20,700 to $26,150
Yes
Yes
24%
3%
6 to 12
Nursery/Toddler to 12
$6,800
$3,000
23
11
0%
0%
70%
80%
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades Preschool - 12
Yes: grades Nursery/Toddler - 12
No
No
Elmwood was founded in 1915 by Theodora Philpot who, in addition to having a great name, was well ahead of her time in the world of education. Like Maria Montessori, Rudolf Steiner, and others, she felt that traditional education wasn’t meeting the needs of students, both academically and personally. She wanted to offer an alternative, one that was student-centric, and that would stimulate a love of learning rather than the rote memorization of facts. She felt that there should be a bit of poetry in the course of daily life, and a bit of joy, too. She began that first year with just four students, all of whom were boys. Despite the obvious differences—it’s now home to nearly 400 students, all of whom are girls—the spirit of the school nevertheless is reflective of Philpot’s vision. The school is one very much centred on possibility, creating opportunities for students to explore their world and to find their place within it. The ideal student is a girl looking for a vibrant, challenging, community-oriented academic environment.
Read The Our Kids Review of Elmwood School
“At La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science, students experience academic rigour and high expectations alongside individualized support, warmth, and care.”
“Parents at La Citadelle told us they value the small class sizes, accessible faculty members, and frequent reporting on their children’s progress.”
“La Citadelle is a school that nurtures true bilingualism, meaning students learn both French and English as first languages—especially if children start their academic careers here.”
Read The Our Kids Review of La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science
Elmwood was founded in 1915 by Theodora Philpot who, in addition to having a great name, was well ahead of her time in the world of education. Like Maria Montessori, Rudolf Steiner, and others, she felt that traditional education wasn’t meeting the needs of students, both academically and personally. She wanted to offer an alternative, one that was student-centric, and that would stimulate a love of learning rather than the rote memorization of facts. She felt that there should be a bit of poetry in the course of daily life, and a bit of joy, too. She began that first year with just four students, all of whom were boys. Despite the obvious differences—it’s now home to nearly 400 students, all of whom are girls—the spirit of the school nevertheless is reflective of Philpot’s vision. The school is one very much centred on possibility, creating opportunities for students to explore their world and to find their place within it. The ideal student is a girl looking for a vibrant, challenging, community-oriented academic environment.
View full reportLa Citadelle was established in 2000 with just 5 students and operating out of a church basement. The program has grown considerably since then, with an annual enrolment of 200 students spanning prep-K to Grade 12. Further, in 2015 the school moved into a new space, doubling the size of the physical plan and providing an opportunity to grow the student population and its programs significantly. Despite that growth, the approach to instruction remains true to the original intentions. Since its inception La Citadelle has been progressive, and while achievement is one of the six core values, so are compassion and harmony. There is a high level of individual support, in part a function of a low teacher/student ratio. The ideal student is one that is operating ahead of her peers, able to thrive within a challenging, varied, and multilingual teaching environment.
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"Elmwood is one of the most innovative girls’ schools in North America, offering all three levels of the IB Programme. Acclaimed for its academic excellence, caring atmosphere and strong community spirit, Elmwood is a school where girls are encouraged to stretch themselves, try new things, create and explore. We strike a balance between traditional academic goals and innovative approaches to achieving those goals. We create inquiring lifelong learners, engaged global citizens, and confident, compassionate leaders."
"La Citadelle is a highly regarded private educational institution rooted in the fundamental concepts of Canadian bilingualism, holistic education, mastery learning, and excellence in both instruction and education. Founded in 2000, La Citadelle offers a highly academic reach-ahead IB and AP curriculum in Languages, Mathematics, Sciences, Technology, Humanities, and Fine Arts together with a panoply of co-curricular activities to an exceptional group of students, from PrepK (2 1/2 years old) to Grade 12, who excel academically, share an enthusiasm for knowledge, are outstanding world citizens and value ethics, personal achievement, and responsibility as fundamental traits of character. Inspired to learn and achieve by exceptionally competent and dedicated teachers, they are guided and encouraged to embrace challenges and reach their goals while being provided with extraordinary opportunities to develop individual interests and talents."
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"Navigating private school options can be overwhelming today. La Citadelle addresses this complexity with a focus on essential elements like studying, mastery learning, discipline, and genuine child success. Our conversations with parents are refreshingly candid, emphasizing commitment and hard work for the honest pursuit of success. La Citadelle is committed to providing an authentic and objective perspective on the efforts needed from both students and families for success."
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"La Citadelle welcomes diverse families seeking unique educational experiences. Academic-focused families value our commitment to excellence. Families seeking a fresh start appreciate our supportive environment. Those desiring a rigorous setting find familiarity in our structured approach. We tailor our methods to meet individual needs, ensuring a comprehensive and enriching academic journey for all students. Our unwavering commitment is to foster success and flourishing in education."
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"Our school's smaller size, often overlooked, prioritizes interpersonal connections over opulence. In contrast to larger institutions, our close-knit environment fosters a deep understanding of each student's needs, strengths, and challenges, enabling a personalized educational approach. The essence of our school resides in the quality of instruction, a sense of community, and individualized attention, challenging prospective parents to value substance over size for their child's education."
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"La Citadelle transcends academics, fostering a notable shift in student behaviour. Embracing values, discipline, and respect, diverse backgrounds undergo positive transformations, leaving parents astonished at improved conduct. Integrating academic excellence with a robust ethical foundation cultivates responsible, well-rounded individuals. Our unwavering commitment to education and character development redefines the educational experience, shaping promising futures for students and families al"
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When we talk to the girls about what makes their school special we get as many different answers as we have students. Not far from every girls answer though is family and confident young women. There is something here for each and every girl to love, to get involved in and to find inspiring.
Over 100 years ago, Theodora Philpot, an entrepreneurial 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
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, take risks and learn from their mistakes. We are specialists in how girls learn, so we can tailor things to exactly what works best for them.
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 the best preparation for university and beyond
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. We all look forward to sharing our school with you.
Best regards,
James Whitehouse, Head of School
Alfred Abouchar is the Headmaster and founder of La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science. With a rich and diverse educational background spanning 40 years in both Canada and internationally, Mr. Abouchar has created this unique educational institution to instill in children a profound value for education while offering them a curricular program of study that leads students to the highest standard of academic achievement. For the past 17 years, La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science has been the living testimony of his vision that All children can succeed!
Fluent in both English and French, Mr. Abouchar holds an Honours B.Sc. in Physics and Chemistry from the American University in Cairo, a B.Ed. from Althouse College of Education of the University of Western Ontario, a M.Sc. in Physics from the University of Western Ontario and a M.Ed. from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto.
Beginning his extensive career in education by teaching Physics and sciences at the secondary level, Mr. Abouchar was recruited by the Ministry of Education as Education Officer, Provincial Consultant in Mathematics and Sciences and Secretary General of the Council for Franco-Ontarian Education. He has among his various academic contributions also occupied the positions of Principal Investigator & Coordinator of the Ontario Assessment Instrument Pool in Chemistry and Physics, Professor at the Faculty of Education of the University of Ottawa and Superintendent of Curriculum, Research and Continuing Education with the Ottawa-Carleton French Language School Board. Mr. Abouchar has also lead the Ontario delegation at the joint Canada-France Educational Workforce in Chad, founded the Multicultural Francophone Association of Ontario, and served for 9 years on the Ontario Advisory Council on Multiculturalism and Citizenship.
Mr. Abouchar has furthermore participated in the provincial overhauling of the Ontario Science Curriculum, written Physics and sciences textbooks, developed innovative educational software and related films, and lectured extensively on a variety of topics in Education.
A passionate musician and composer, Mr. Abouchar has successfully merged his musical talent with his expertise in computer technology and pedagogy to create a unique Computer Music Program of study which is offered exclusively to all elementary and secondary school students at La Citadelle. The annually produced albums of their collective compositions are but tokens of the authentication of the development of their creativity and their power of learning and achieving at La Citadelle.
“Since 'seeing is believing ', I gracefully extend an invitation to all parents of school children to visit La Citadelle and experience first-hand its harmonious and scholarly perspectives and to join us on our fascinating endeavor of distinctly shaping the lives of our children and leading them to success,” - Mr. Abouchar.
Liberal Arts
International Baccalaureate
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.
Liberal Arts curricula share with traditional programs their emphasis on core knowledge-acquisition, but tend to borrow more best practices from the progressive approach. A Liberal Arts program might still feature group work and projects, for example, contrary to the more singular emphasis on tests and essays at a Traditional program.
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.
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.
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.
La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science offers an exceptional well-rounded international education and a truly comprehensive advanced instructional program from PrepK to Grade 12 in a multilingual environment within the Canadian experience. Promoting good education and a balanced instructional program of study covering languages, the arts and sciences in its pedagogy of excellence, which is based on the Ontario and French Curriculum, the IB and the AP programs, La Citadelle strives to create a well-rounded learning process that is geared to establish a marked impact on the holistic development of the learner.
Equal Balance
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
At La Citadelle, we believe that one can more effectively teach a subject if they have a passion for it. As such, specialized teachers are designated for specific subjects, and mathematics is no exception. Guided by the textbook, the approach to teach mathematics combines both the traditional and the discovery math approaches in an effort to equip the student with an array of skill sets relevant to the assimilation of mathematical concepts.
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Calculators may be used in an upper elementary class at the request of and under the supervision of the mathematics teachers. Secondary School students will possess a scientific calculator to use at their discretion, primarily outside of the classroom.
Phonics-intensive
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.
Systematic-phonics programs teach young children to read by helping them to recognize and sound out the letters and syllables of words. Students are then led to blend these sounds together to sound out and recognize the whole word. While other reading programs might touch on phonetics (either incidentally or on a “when needed” basis), systematic phonics teaches phonics in a specific sequence, and uses extensive repetition and direct instruction to help readers associate specific letter patterns with their associated sounds.
Reading beginnings are phonics-centred and will evolve into sound blends and word formation. Students begin this early reading practice in French in Junior Kindergarden and are relatively fluid readers in this language by the end of Grade 1. English as an academic subject begins in Grade 1, with a phonics-based system as well, but given their initial proficiency in the language overall, their reading skills are at par with their French ones by the end of this same year.
Systematic approach
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.
The systematic approach to teaching beginner writing focuses on directly imparting explicit sentence construction strategies, along with planning, revising, and editing skills. Students are asked to learn these explicit strategies and skills and practice them before applying them in more holistic writing assignments. Grammar and parts of sentences tend to have a central role in systematic writing instruction.
Beginner writing is systematic in both mechanics and content. As of Grade 1, there is a balanced approach to teaching a student the proper techniques to write cursive (how to hold a pencil, how to respect a line, forming letters, letter sizing, etc.) and what it is that they are writing. It begins with the ability to write sight words and to reproduce words containing sound blends seen in reading. From there, there is a gradual progression towards sentences, paragraphs and longer pieces of written works, all with a strong emphasis on correct sentence structure, and proper spelling.
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.
Expository science is the more traditional method of teaching science: students learn scientific facts, theories, and the relationships between them through direct instruction by the teacher. These programs still incorporate hands-on experimentation and “live science”; however, relative to inquiry-based programs, expository science tilts towards content mastery and knowledge acquisition. Direct instruction ensures this acquisition process is efficient. Textbooks are emphasized (starting in earlier grades than inquiry-based programs), as are knowledge tests: students are asked to demonstrate they have thoroughly learned the content of the course, and can apply that knowledge to novel and challenging problems or questions.
Based on the textbooks, we cover all strands required by the Ministry of Education at the elementary levels: Life Systems, Matter and Energy, Earth and Space systems and finally, Structures and Mechanisms. In grades 11 and 12, Science subjects are divided into the respective disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics which are offered as University Preparation courses.
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
In traditional literature programs students focus on decoding the mechanics of texts: plot, characterization, and themes. These texts tend to include a balance of contemporary and “classic” literature. When studying a past work, students investigate its historical context -- but only insofar as this adds understanding to the work itself. Past works are therefore studied “on their own terms”, and not merely as historical artifacts to be deconstructed: traditional literature programs are firmly rooted in the humanities, and carry the belief that great literature can reveal fundamental and universal truths about the human condition. These programs emphasize class discussions and critical essay writing, and aim to develop in students critical thinking, communication skills, and a cultivated taste and ethos.
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Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Core Knowledge
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.
Usually focused on teaching history and geography at an early age, the core knowledge approach uses story, drama, reading, and discussion to teach about significant people, places, and events. Breadth of content and knowledge is emphasized. The curriculum is often organized according to the underlying logic of the content: history might be taught sequentially, for example (as students move through the grades).
The Ministry of Education conglomerates History, Geography and Civics into one big umbrella called Social Sciences. At la Citadelle, we believe, in preparation for the upper grades, that, though interconnected, each facet of the Social Sciences is a subject to be treated independently. Grades 1 & 2, are given a generalized Social Science course using an Expanding Communities approach. From Grades 3 to 6, History, Geography and Civics are treated as distinct units. We further divide the curriculum in the following manner. History is taught more with regards to world history, and Geography is taught with a heavy Canada slant. Civics remains a course with an Expanding Communities approach. At the secondary levels, each facet is considered a different subject in which separate credits are obtained.
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
Pragmatism in the humanities and social sciences emphasizes making learning relevant to students’ present-day experience. Assignments tend to centre around projects and tasks rather than argumentative essays; these projects will often have a “real-world” application or relevance. There might be more of a social justice component to a pragmatic program, though that isn’t always the case. Subjects like history and philosophy are still covered/offered, but they play a less prominent role in the overall program than in the case of perennialism. The social sciences (contemporary geography, sociology, psychology, etc), meanwhile, might play a more prominent role in pragmatic programs. The key goals are to make learning progressive and relevant, while teaching students real-life skills and critical thinking.
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Communicative
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.
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.
Students are required to take a 3rd language (either Mandarin or Spanish), in addition to their bilingual (French, English) core education. This 3rd language is taken from Grade 2 all the way up to Grade 9. Guided by textbooks which are divided into units pertaining to everyday life, students are given the tools to actively communicate in every-day situations using the target language. Writing, though a key component, is not the primary focus of our 3rd language programme.
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
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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.
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.
At La Citadelle, our main goal is to bring out the artist in every student. Through Fine Arts, Music, Drama, Dance, Computer Music, Graphic Design and other forms of creative courses our students receive an in-depth hands-on experience from specialized teachers who are passionate in what they do and bring to each student and the classroom curriculum.
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Light integration
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.
Computers are used in the classroom from time to time, but integrating technology into everything students do is not a dominant focus. Digital literacy is understood to be a legitimate skill in the 21st century, but not one that should distract from teaching the subject at hand, or more fundamental skills and literacies. The idea is today’s students, being “digital natives”, are likely exposed to computers and new media enough outside the classroom: the role of the school, rather, should be to develop competencies that may otherwise get missed.
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Computer literacy is an increasingly important skill in today's society, and it is a very valuable teaching and learning tool. We do not however believe that it should replace traditional teaching and learning skills as these too remain valuable assets. To maintain our students' level of computer proficiency, without it deterring teaching of other subjects, students from Kindergarten to Grade 10 take a mandatory computer technology course, in which they progress from learning basic computer and keyboarding skills to more advanced programmes and web design.
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
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.
Across all grades, the physical education programme combines both Health and Physical Education where students learn to make healthy active living a part of everyday life by participating in the classroom and gymnasium, out of doors, in schoolyards and school gardens, and in the community. Beginning with Kindergartens, students gradually develop their kinesthetic awareness and understanding of movement concepts as well as acquire an extensive subject-specific vocabulary. As students become adolescents, and are beginning to face important life decisions more advanced knowledge and skills are developed to help them better understand and cope with the changes they are experiencing and to make responsible decisions about the health of their adult bodies. In this programme, they have the opportunity to learn and establish patterns of healthy, active living
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.
Academic-based preschools and Kindergartens are the most structured of the different types, and have a strong emphasis on math and reading readiness skills. These programs aim to expose children to what early-elementary school is like. While time is still allotted to free play, much of the day is built around explicit lessons guided by the teacher. Classrooms often resemble play-based ones (with different stations set up around the room), but at an Academic program the teacher leads students through the stations directly, and ties these activities to a whole-class lesson or theme.
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.
At the four levels of the Kindergarten Panel, La Citadelle aims to instill in children a curiosity and a love of learning as they develop their own skills and talents. Offered exclusively in French through a concrete based pedagogy, the curriculum program at the Kindergarten Panel is structured in such a manner as to integrate a variety of subject matters such as play and learn, cursive writing, mathematics, sciences, computer studies, music and arts and to foster accelerated mastery learning and a high level of achievement by all children.
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).
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).
Starting from Grade 1, all subjects are taught by specialized teachers who teach across grade levels and who provide students with the flexible academic support needed to make them achieve mastery learning.
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”.
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”.
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.
La Citadelle provides a rigorous curriculum in a holistic and supportive environment whereby our students excel academically, share an enthusiasm for knowledge, are outstanding world citizens, and value ethics and personal responsibility.
"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
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.
La Citadelle offers a comprehensive, balanced and academically advanced program in languages, arts and sciences, enabling its students to acquire the fundamental intellectual, emotional, social and physical foundations to live a full and enriching life in an ever-changing global and technological world.
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RecreationalRec. |
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Badminton |
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Baseball |
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Basketball |
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Canoeing/Kayaking |
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Cricket |
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Cross-country skiing |
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Cycling |
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Downhill skiing |
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Equestrian |
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Fencing |
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Field Hockey |
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Figure Skating |
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Football |
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Golf |
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Gymnastics |
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Ice Hockey |
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Ice Skating |
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Lacrosse |
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Martial Arts |
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Mountain biking |
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Racquet Ball |
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Rowing |
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Rugby |
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Running |
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Sailing |
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Skateboarding |
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Snowboarding |
||||
Soccer |
||||
Softball |
||||
Squash |
||||
Swimming |
||||
Tennis |
||||
Track & Field |
||||
Volleyball |
||||
Weightlifting |
||||
Wrestling |
||||
Archery |
||||
Curling |
||||
Ultimate |
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
6 - 12
Nursery/Toddler - 12
24%
3%
$6,800
$3,000
70%
80%
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades Preschool - 12
Yes: grades Nursery/Toddler - 12
No
No
Yes: grades 6 - 12
No
Yes: grades 6 - 12
Yes: grades 3 - 12
No
Yes: grades 8 - 12
No
No
At Elmwood, we’re looking for motivated and enthusiastic girls who will contribute positively to the life of the school through their motivation, intellectual curiosity and willingness to try new things.
At La Citadelle, we believe that every child is unique in their own way, and that it is our duty to help each student shine and thrive through the grades and life itself. A Positive attitude and a willingness to learn always helps.
Interested families should fill out our online application form: http://www.elmwood.ca/application-form/
