Élisa Lemonnier (24 March 1805 – 5 June 1865) was a French educationist considered the founder of vocational education for women in France.

[2] Élisa Grimailh participated in the discussion of ideas generated by the directors of the College of Sorèze, she met Charles Lemonnier, a young professor of philosophy, whom she married on 22 April 1831.

While remaining interested in the ideas that had attracted her to Saint-Simonianism, Élisa Lemonnier found herself confined to her small household and duties as a mother.

[2] After ten years in Bordeaux, Charles Lemonnier was named General Council of the French Northern Railway (Compagnie des chemins de fer du Nord) in Paris.

A building was rented in Élisa Lemonnier's name at 9, rue de la Perle, and on 1 October 1862, the first vocational school for girls was opened.

[2] Caroline de Barrau became interested in educational issues and won the respect of Élisa Lemonnier while raising her own children.