Private School Information
September Private School Expo in Montreal
We have covered private schools in Canada since 1998. Every September, parents and students from across Quebec come to the Montreal Private School Expo to meet face-to-face with many day and boarding schools in just one day. Sit in on expert Q&A information seminars, and meet with 30 top-ranked schools. Click here for details and to RSVP.
Learning in Montreal
Because of its history, Montreal can often feel more European than North American. Home of some of the first settlements in North America, it’s both one of the oldest cities on the continent as well as one of its most progressive, vibrant, and diverse. Proximate to other US and Canadian cities of the eastern seaboard, Montreal is also a jumping off point for a range of exceptional outdoor recreation, including world class ski resorts.
The city is home to six universities and twelve colleges—all concentrated within an 8km radius—which host a population of 248 000 post-secondary students. It’s the highest density of students in North America, and it reflects the city’s values and its cultural tradition. With both Francophone and Anglophone schools, life in Montreal is heavily influenced by its educational institutions, creating a rich intellectual and cultural climate.
Excellence in education is valued, with incentives for both domestic and international students to attend secondary and post-secondary institutions. Because of the provincial CEGEP program, there is a greater integration of public and private institutions, as well as a greater integration between secondary and post-secondary institutions. The result is a unique educational climate that is unlike any other in Canada.
Montreal has many different types of private schools to choose from, including: Montessori, boarding, Christian, Catholic, Jewish, Waldorf, preschool, special needs, gifted, high schools, International Baccalaureate, and language immersion schools. Our Kids also hesitantly offers some Montreal school rankings based on specific, verifiable factors including admission rate, cost, age and other factors.
Find the Best Private School for Your Family in Montreal
If you are looking for a Montreal private school, be sure that the school is registered with the Ministère de l'Éducation (MELS or the Ministry of Education of Quebec). Get all the facts you can gather about the school's reputation and history. Does it have any warts? What are its main strengths? What does the Ministry of Education think about it?
You can also consult the Fraser Institute report cards, which rank schools according to province and/or categories. That said, be sure to weigh the rankings against your own values and the needs of your child. Then, visit the schools on your shortlist and ask a lot of questions!
Child-specific advice on school choice
For child-specific insights on choosing a school, read our guide. We explore how school choices crucially depend on kids' unique traits, such as their mental and academic focus, social tendencies, activity level, academic interests (such as art and STEM), and other attributes (such as giftedness, special needs, learning disabilities, and social issues).
To customize over 350 school profiles with insights unique to your child's traits, create a child profile through your user account.
Money matters
Paying for private school may seem overwhelming. Indeed, beyond the tuition costs, you may also have to buy uniforms, textbooks, field trips, school supplies, and even laptops. But, if you demonstrate financial need, the school itself may help you pay for some or all of these expenses through a bursary. Moreover, if your child is really gifted, he or she may be eligible for a full or partial scholarship. Our site offers much more information on financial aid for private schools. If you apply for grants or loans, you should be sure to do so early or make a note of the deadlines.
You should, furthermore, recognize that neither the province nor the school is your only funding option. In many areas, community support is available. Many corporations and charitable organizations offer grants and scholarships to assist you in meeting your child's private school expenses. We wish you "bonne chance!" in your search for a Montreal private school! Don't forget to consider a boarding school! Learn more about Montreal private and independent schools by clicking on any of the links below.
On this page, we list private schools in Montreal. Cliquez sur dessus les liens pour apprendre plus au sujet de chaque ecole ci-dessous.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many schools in Montreal are there?
There are 15 schools in Montreal that are Our Kids trusted members.
How much is tuition at schools in Montreal?
Tuition fees for schools in Montreal range from $5,165 to $65,828 per year with an average tuition of $22,365 per year.
What’s the largest school?
Of the schools in Montreal, the largest is College Bourget with 1940 students in Grades PS to 12.
Are schools in Montreal good?
We interviewed both parents and students. You can read reviews about schools in Montreal on this page.
Is there a private school expo where I can meet with schools in Montreal?
Yes. You can meet with private schools and education experts at the Our Kids Private School Expos held every year in September and October. These events are designed for both parents and students. Find event details and ticket info here.
