The 2026 OUR KIDS Private School Expo is coming to cities near you. Get your family pass
Indirect Support:
Elmwood School ACADEMICS & Curriculum
Page Contents
Insider community voices
Hear directly from Elmwood School community as they share insights into the Academics.
Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
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?]
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
| Program | Offered |
|---|---|
| Primary Years | |
| Middle Years | |
| Diploma program | |
| Career-related program |
Approach
| Focus |
|---|
| Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
-
Mathematics
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?]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
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?]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
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?]What Elmwood School says:
This information is not currently available.
-
Science
Science approach at Elmwood School: Inquiry
Elmwood School has an Inquiry approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Inquiry?]Teaching approach:
This information is not currently available.
Treatment of evolution:
Subject Offered Evolution as consensus theory Evolution as one of many equally viable theories Evolution is not taught Topics covered in curriculum:
Subject Offered Biology Chemistry Ecology Geology Meteorology Physics Physiology Zoology Literature
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?]What Elmwood School says:
This information is not currently available.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Canadian lit American lit European (continental) lit World (non-Western) lit English lit Ancient lit Social Studies
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?]What Elmwood School says:
This information is not currently available.
Humanities and Social Sciences
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?]What Elmwood School says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
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?]What Elmwood School says:
This information is not currently available.
Language instruction offered in:
Subject Offered Chinese-Cantonese Chinese-Mandarin French German Greek Italian Japanese Hebrew Latin Russian Spanish ESL Fine Arts
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?]Program offers:
Subject Offered 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
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?]What Elmwood School says:
This information is not currently available.
Program covers:
Subject Offered 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
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
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?]Approach to sex and health education:
Elmwood School has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What Elmwood School says:
This information is not currently available.
Preschool/K Curriculum
[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]
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?]
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
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 format
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Distance | |
| Asynchronous | |
| Synchronous |
Academic support and services
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Dedicated teacher per course | |
| Exam proctoring | |
| Student progress tracker | |
| Regular office hours | |
| Additional support | |
| Study groups | |
| Special needs support |
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
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?]
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
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at Elmwood School: Rigorous
Elmwood School has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
[Show: About Rigorous?]
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
[Show definition of Developmental priorities]
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
[Show definition of Special needs support]
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
Resource Assistance:
Withdrawal Assistance:
Partial Integration:
Full-Time Class:
Special NeedNeed
Forms of SupportA
EnvironmentsB
ADHD
-
Learning disabilitiesDyslexia (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.DyscalculiaThis 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.DysgraphiaThis is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.Language Processing DisorderThis 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 DeficitA 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.
-
DevelopmentalAutismRefers 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 SyndromeOn 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 syndromehis is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.Intellectual disabilityThis 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 syndromeThis 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 EmotionalTroubled behaviour / troubled teensroubled 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 DepressionThis 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 anxietyThis 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 thoughtsThis involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.Drug and alcohol abuseThis 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.
-
PhysicalMultiple sclerosisThis 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 palsyhis 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 dystrophyMuscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.Spina BifidaThis 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.BlindnessVisual 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."DeafnessHearing 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 FibrosisCystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.Multiple physicalAccommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.
Read our guide to special needs schools and special education
Academic support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation | |
| Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties |
Mild but clinically diagnosed learning disabilities
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| 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
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Social skills programs | |
| Occupational therapy | |
| Psychotherapy | |
| Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
[Show definition of Gifted learner support]
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]
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, Elmwood School students perform an average of 1.5 hours of homework per night.
| PS | JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elmwood School | 0 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins | 90 mins | 90 mins |
| Site Average | 1 mins | 6 mins | 7 mins | 16 mins | 19 mins | 26 mins | 31 mins | 37 mins | 44 mins | 56 mins | 60 mins | 75 mins | 84 mins | 100 mins | 107 mins |
What Elmwood School says about their flipped classroom policy:
This information is not currently available.
Report Card Policy
[Show definition of Report Card Policy]
How assessments are delivered across the grades
| Type | Grades |
|---|---|
| Lettered or numbered grades | Gr. 6 to Gr. 12 |
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Preschool to Gr. 12 |
| Academic achievement reporting | Preschool to Gr. 5 |
| Habits and behaviour reporting | Preschool to Gr. 12 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | Preschool to Gr. 12 |
