Comparing 3 schools side by side in USD.
261 Buena Vista Road, Rockcliffe Park, Ottawa, Ontario, K1M 0V9, Canada
Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 (ages 3 to 18)
Independent all-girls day school
Students from 47 countries are represented, creating a diverse international community
Learning support services available for students with individual needs
Canada
Non-denominational
Full-day programme with optional before-school and after-school care available
Transportation service is available for a separate fee
Day school only; no boarding facilities
School uniform is required. Estimated costs: CAD 400 (Pre-K to SK), CAD 650 (Junior School), CAD 1,000 (Middle and Senior School).
Bistro services are available on campus for a separate fee
Four houses compete for the House Cup throughout the year, building community spirit and friendly competition
Independent non-profit school governed by a board of directors. Accredited by CAIS (Canadian Accredited Independent Schools).
Elmwood is the only school in the Ottawa region offering all three levels of the International Baccalaureate programme: the IB Primary Years Programme, the IB Middle Years Programme, and the IB Diploma Programme. The curriculum exceeds the expectations of the Ontario provincial curriculum and is evaluated by the IBO, Ontario Ministry of Education, and CAIS.
Average class size of 15 students with 40% of faculty holding advanced degrees
Class of 2024: 100% university acceptance rate, CAD 15 million in total scholarship offers, 46% pursuing STEM-related post-secondary programmes
University and Academic Counselling department guides all students. 100% of graduates are accepted to university with substantial scholarship offers.
The full IB programme provides rigorous academic challenge. 46% of recent graduates pursued STEM-related programmes at university.
The school employs best practices in girls' education to develop principled, knowledgeable, and reflective lifelong learners
Learning support is available for students with individual needs. Contact the school for specific provisions.
Contact the school for EAL support information
Pastoral care and counselling services support student wellbeing throughout all divisions
Comprehensive safeguarding policies and procedures are in place
Applications are accepted for the 2026-27 academic year. A non-refundable application fee of CAD 150 is required. Contact admissions at (613) 749-6761.
Scholarship opportunities are available. The Class of 2025 received CAD 15.2 million in total scholarship offers for university.
Contact the school for waitlist information by grade level
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; 1635 Riverside Drive
Maternelle (preschool); Elementary; College; Lycée
French-language international school affiliated with the AEFE network (Agency for French Education Abroad)
France
School bus service operates for Moyenne Section (MS) and above. Three routes: North Line (Gatineau), East Line (Orléans), West Line (Kanata). Switzer CARTY Transportation operates the service. Registration via COBA portal. Real-time tracking with EZ Parent app.
Aramark provides school catering at Lycée Claudel. Packages include annual, 50 meals, or 90 meals, with a rechargeable prepaid Resto card for students in 3rd grade and above. The CP–Terminale menu includes a hot main course served with vegetables and three of the following: side salad, soup of the day, bread and butter, beverage or dessert of the day. Prices: CP–Terminale 50 full meal plan: 463.50; 90 full meal plan: 811.13; Annual plan (180 meals): 1,436.85. The Maternelle meal package for Moyenne and Grande Sections de Maternelle includes a hot main course with vegetables and side dishes, dessert of the day, fruit or yogurt, one drink (milk or fruit juice 60% less sweet), and two snacks. Prices: Moyenne et Grande Sections: 50 full meal plan: 491.83; 90-meal plan: 857.48; Annual plan (180 meals): 1,594.44. PS (Petite Section) annual plan (180 meals): 1,506.17. The online rechargeable prepaid Resto card, available for students in 3rd grade and above, gives greater autonomy in choosing from the full range of food products. Quick and easy online registration is available at aramarkenligne.ca or in person with Aramark staff on a specified date; contact Aramark at 613-733-8522 ext. 675 or raymond-louise@aramark.ca.
The school is affiliated with AEFE, the Agency for French Education Abroad, a network of French international schools.
Senior high school follows the French Baccalaureate from Seconde to Terminale. Students prepare for the French baccalauréat exams; from Seconde, they can choose up to two complementary options; in Première, they select three specialties and may add two options; in Terminale, they deepen two of the three specialties chosen in Première and may choose up to three options (Latin, Audiovisual Cinema, Complementary Maths or Expert Maths). Lycée Claudel offers nine specializations within the baccalaureate, including HGGSP, HLP, SES, Cinéma audiovisuel, Numérique et sciences informatiques (NSI), Physiques-Chimie (SPC), Sciences de la Vie et de la Terre (SVT), and Mathématiques. The International French Baccalaureate (BFI) is available as a specialization within the Baccalaureate and combines advanced English and North American content; it is designed for students aiming at North American universities. English, Spanish and Latin are offered as language courses as part of a multilingual education that opens up beyond the French-speaking world; orientation sessions help students align their profiles with their chosen university programs.
Average class size: 23 students per class.
French Baccalauréat général results (2015–2025): Nb of candidates and pass rate by year were 2015: 73 candidates, 73 passed (100%); 2016: 58 candidates, 58 passed (100%); 2017: 62 candidates, 62 passed (100%); 2018: 62 candidates, 59 passed (95%); 2019: 67 candidates, 67 passed (100%); 2020: 65 candidates, 65 passed (100%); 2021: 74 candidates, 74 passed (100%); 2022: 70 candidates, 69 passed (99%); 2023: 60 candidates, 60 passed (99%); 2024: 78 candidates, 78 passed (100%); 2025: 68 candidates, 68 passed (100%). Distinctions data are also published alongside these figures.
Graduates pursue higher education at reputable universities worldwide; the BFI option is designed to facilitate admission to North American universities, with many English-speaking Canadian universities (e.g., Concordia, UBC) accepting the BFI as evidence of English proficiency. Orientation services support post-secondary planning, including guidance for studies in France, Canada, and beyond; students have access to MyBlueprint for education planning from Seconde onwards.
Advanced math options are available: Maths complémentaires and Maths expertes; NSI (Numérique et sciences informatiques) and other advanced track options support higher-level study within the baccalaureate.
The school includes citizenship education as part of the student's overall educational project. It teaches republican values and secularism. The school maintains a zero-tolerance policy for racism, antisemitism, and homophobia and actively prevents harassment. It fosters an engagement culture across all grades, integrating school life, after-school activities, and the democratic and social aspects of academic life. Health education is emphasised with protection and prevention at the core; in primary school we teach basic hygiene, the benefits of relaxation, and respect, while in secondary school we cover sexual education, addiction prevention, and healthy management of stress and emotions. Listening to the needs of our students and providing personalized action plans with individualized support are central to our approach, including for students with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or other learning needs.
We listen to the needs of our students and create personalized action plans for each child, providing an individually adapted education. We identify and support students with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, chronic illnesses, or food intolerances, and we implement specialized educational devices and arrangements to address their needs. We offer personalized projects and one-on-one support to foster independence. We provide accommodations to ensure participation in all aspects of school life. We maintain an inclusive school environment that supports all learners.
English is reinforced for all students, with English taught as a core language of instruction and communication. The program offers reinforced instruction in English to all our students as well as a program in the American International Section starting in CP for all students and in 6th grade for native speakers or those who have a strong level of English. The English program helps students connect with Canadian culture and history. In addition, a third language begins in 6th grade and a fourth language from entry to Lycée Claudel, broadening students' linguistic options.
The school places a strong emphasis on health education and student wellbeing, guided by protection and prevention. In primary school, students learn basic hygiene, the benefits of relaxation, and respect; in secondary school they study sexual education, addiction prevention, and healthy management of stress and emotions. The Health Centre provides first aid, confidential listening, and personal health monitoring in collaboration with parents and staff. We encourage health education and support student wellbeing across all grades.
The school has a zero-tolerance policy for racism, antisemitism, and homophobia and is committed to preventing harassment and promoting equality. Anti-bullying initiatives are in place, including campaigns like Non à l'intimidation. The Health Centre provides confidential care and rapid response to health concerns and risks, supporting safeguarding across the school community. Safeguarding is embedded in citizenship education and daily school life to protect all students.
1. Fill out the admission request form. Submit your application via the Admission request link to open your file. Places are limited and priority is given to current families. Applications for 2026-2027 are accepted from October 1, 2025. 2. Send the documents. After the form is completed, send the following documents on the COBA portal: copy of birth certificate or family booklet; copies of the previous year's report cards mentioning the move to the next grade; copies of the current year's bulletins; school certificate (for students coming from a school approved by the French Ministry of National Education); for entry into Terminale, the marks of the early tests of Première. 3. Attend an introductory meeting. After the form has been completed and the documents sent, you will be contacted to schedule an introductory appointment during which your child will be invited to take the entrance exams. This evaluation indicates strengths and challenges to support integration. AEFE network or France students are exempt from the exam. 4. Finalize your registration. Once the exam has been successfully passed, a final nominative form is emailed to formalize your registration at Lycée Claudel. From this stage, the team will acquaint families with the services offered and the extracurricular activities that promote integration. 606.
Grants and financial aid are available. The Grants and financial aid page describes criteria and procedures. The scholarship program is open to children of French nationality, registered in the consular register, and enrolled in AEFE-approved schools. The seconde session of the 2025-2026 scholarship campaign is open; applications are due by October 16, 2025.
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Campus address: 3448 Richmond Road, Ottawa, ON K2H 8H7. Directions and campus information are available via Google Maps.
IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) bilingual; Pre-Secondary Programme (Grades 7–8); Ontario Secondary School Diploma (Grades 9–12).
Private micro-school.
Differentiated instruction tailored to each student's exceptionality; SMILE Literacy Programme.
Canada; affiliated with Ontario Ministry of Education.
Campus/office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Formal AcadeCap attire is worn on Mondays, during school outings, and for special events. Casual AcadeCap attire is worn for the remainder of the week, with a designated sports uniform for physical education classes. A full rain gear set (waterproof boots, jacket, and pants) is required.
Nutritious hot meals are prepared by a Cordon Bleu chef and offered through a hot meals program (Dial-a-Chef) from Tuesday through Friday. Dial-a-Chef accommodates allergies and religious dietary requests.
Founding Director: Lucie Lalonde.
The school uses competency-based curricula and offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP).
Small class sizes with a low student-to-teacher ratio.
Post-secondary progression includes admittance to programs and universities and to colleges of choice with scholarships, based on mastery of Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) course content.
We shape our approach around each student's exceptionality with differentiated learning experiences to help students reach their full potential.
The school supports social and emotional learning through Body and Mind. The IB PYP PSPE course helps children maintain a healthy and social lifestyle, with explicit teaching about relationships and how we interact with others. Jiu Jitsu classes foster focus, discipline, emotional regulation, and social‑emotional development by promoting respect, resilience, and self‑control. The school's values—Inclusion, Differentiation, Rigour, and International Kindness—nurture empathy, respect, and collaboration across ages.
The school recognizes exceptionalities and supports students with gifts and learning differences, including giftedness, dyslexia, and ASD. Differentiated instruction adapts the environment, programmes, and activities to individual abilities so that concepts and core competencies are mastered. Targeted supports are described for learners on the autism spectrum, ESL/FLS learners, visually impaired or blind learners, fine‑motor differences, and mobility needs.
The ESL and/or FLS Learner receives tailored support in English and/or French as a second language, focusing on academic success, integration into the new environment, and navigating different cultures.
PSPE links physical health with mental wellbeing by teaching healthy lifestyles, teamwork, empathy, and resilience. Outdoor learning spaces provide daily opportunities for exploration and collaboration, while activities such as Jiu Jitsu contribute to emotional regulation, focus, and self‑control.
Attend a Campus Tour or an Open House. Request a school tour or attend a scheduled Open House to explore our facilities and meet our educators. This is an opportunity for prospective students and parents to experience our micro school environment.
Start the Application & Schedule a Visit Day. Request the application documentation, complete it and schedule a day of visit for your child.
Participate in an Interview. After obtaining feedback on the visit day, an interview with our team will be scheduled to review the visit day observation and assessment, discuss your child, collect additional information, and answer any questions.
Review & Decision. The admissions committee will review your application, the visit day assessment and admissions interview. You will be notified of the decision by the specified deadline.
Proceed with Enrollment. Upon receiving letter of acceptance, complete the enrollment contract. Receive details on school year logistics and the start date for your child.
Scholarships: The Overall Academic Achievement awards include a tuition scholarship for the following year. The Transcending Borders award and the Founding Director's Award also confer tuition scholarships.
