Mutchmor Public School was erected by the city of Ottawa Public School Board. The school was unveiled on December 23, 1895 and is dedicated to John Mutchmor, Veteran of the War of 1812.

Mutchmor Public School opened under the name Mutchmor Street Public School taking its name from the adjacent Mutchmor Street. The street itself, and by association the school, were named for John Mutchmor, an Upper Canada homesteader. A number of years after the school opening, the street was renamed 5th Avenue, however the school retained its original name, eventually changing it slightly to Mutchmor Public School.

John Mutchmor is also honoured on Mutchmor Road in Ottawa (off of Main Street starting at the Cuban embassy and extending to McGillivray Street). It is unknown when Mutchmor Road was named and whether it was named as a replacement for the loss of Mutchmor Street.