10 English private schools in Montreal, Quebec 2024

Home to some of the first settlements in North America, Montreal is both one of the oldest cities on the continent and one of the most progressive, dynamic and diverse. Located close to other cities on the east coast of the U.S. and Canada, Montreal serves as the starting point for a range of beautiful outdoor activities, including world-class ski resorts. It has the highest student density in North America, and this reflects the city's values and cultural traditions: the city is home to 6 universities and 12 colleges with 248,000 students.

With the presence of both French-speaking and English-speaking schools, life in Montreal is heavily influenced by its educational institutions, which creates a rich intellectual and cultural climate. It values the high quality of education, which encourages both local and international students to attend secondary and post-secondary institutions. Thanks to the provincial CEGEP program, there is a great integration of public and private institutions, a great integration between secondary and post-secondary institutions. The result is a unique educational climate unlike any other.

Quebec boasts the highest percentage of students attending private or independent schools in Canada, and possibly even in North America. Approximately 17% of the province's students are educated in over 200 private schools. In urban centers like Montreal, this percentage is even higher. One-third of Montreal's high school students attend independent institutions, and this figure rises to over 40% for English-speaking students.

Many Montreal residents opt for private education as certified independent institutions receive government subsidies, which helps reduce tuition fees. The majority of these private institutions are secondary (high school) establishments. Children wishing to enroll in a private high school are typically required to take an entrance exam and demonstrate academic excellence throughout their primary school years.

Montreal's international schools are also considered private institutions. The city hosts a variety of these schools, offering education in multiple languages and diverse curricula. Like other private schools, international schools are fee-based. Most will ask for records of previous education and an application form.

Montreal presents a plethora of private school types to choose from, including Montessori, boarding schools, Waldorf schools, preschools, special needs institutions, schools for the gifted, middle schools, and language schools. There are also establishments catering to specific religious or cultural groups. Among Quebec's private schools, one can find Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, and Seventh-day Adventist schools.

Nadya Shupta

Regional Marketing & Recruiting Manager at London International Academy (until 2021)

Why are Canadian schools so popular with families around the world?

Canadian schools are distinguished not only by the quality of their education, but also by their approach to respectful personal development. In a Canadian school, you will not hear rudeness or shouting, which, unfortunately, are so familiar to our schools, they are great at preparing for Western universities.

• Bishop’s College School
• College International Mont-Tremblant
• Marie-Claire Academy
• Sacred Heart School of Montreal
• North Star Academy

Tuition for private schools in Canada starts at CAD$ 4,000 (approximately $2,977) annually. In Montreal's independent institutions, the average tuition fee ranges from $14,000 to $18,000.

Private school fees can be quite steep. Indeed, beyond tuition, additional costs might include uniforms, textbooks, field trips, school supplies, and even laptops. However, if a family is experiencing financial hardships, the school itself may assist in covering some or all of these expenses through grants. Moreover, gifted students might be eligible for full or partial scholarships.

If you're considering applying for grants or loans, it's advisable to do so well in advance. It's also essential to understand that neither the province nor the school is your only financing option. Many corporations and charitable organizations offer grants and scholarships to help defray the costs of private education.