Education and Schools in Montreal

If you’re an expat parent, note that the main language of instruction in most of Montreal’s schools is French. While this language barrier might prove difficult for some new arrivals, you can rest assured that children whose first language is not French will receive adequate support.

Public schools in Montreal

Public schools in Montreal are structured differently than in other parts of Canada. Your child will start school at the age of five in a maternelle and usually finish at 17. Grade 1 to 6 is école primaire, and école secondaire is from Grade 7 to 11. The Quebec education system is unique, as it prepares students differently for higher education.

High school in Montreal only goes up to Grade 11 instead of the general Canadian education system’s Grade 12. For this reason, if your child wishes to continue to the university level, they must first complete Grades 12 and 13 at a post-secondary college, also known as CÉGEP. This extra step makes the transition to higher education distinct from other provinces.

Public schools are best suited for very young children who tend to assimilate quicker or those who already have a good grasp of French.

Language in schools in Montreal

Language in Montreal’s schools is a key consideration. Children in Quebec are encouraged to attend French-language public schools, but English-language public schools are also available. Quebec’s Charter of the French Language governs access to these schools, which ensures the predominance of French while providing certain rights to the English-speaking community.

You must apply for your child to receive instruction in English, and fortunately, applications are normally processed within 10 working days. Eligible families can apply through the school board or the private schools where they plan on enrolling. Successful applicants will receive a déclaration d’admissibilité à l’enseignement en Anglais (declaration of eligibility for instruction in English). The application process involves submitting the child’s birth certificate, proof of Canadian citizenship, and educational records.

English is taught as a second language in French schools, while English immersion programmes are also available. There are also fully bilingual schools in Quebec, with many private schools in Montreal offering bilingual instruction.

Read more about Schools and the Education System in Canada.

Useful links

• Quebec Ministry of Education

Private schools in Montreal

Private schools in Montreal are quite popular, especially among families seeking specific curricula or religious affiliations. Many of Montreal’s student population attend private schools, as many of these institutions receive government subsidies that help reduce fees. 

Subsidised schools must adhere to the provincial curriculum and meet standards set by the Ministry of Education, but it’s worth noting that subsidies are only allocated for educational services and not for additional support for students with specific difficulties.

Your child must pass an entrance exam and demonstrate academic excellence throughout primary school to attend a private high school.

Be aware that non-subsidised private schools in Montreal can be quite expensive, and costs can add up quickly for extras like extracurricular activities and specialised programmes.

International schools in Montreal

International schools in Montreal offer a wealth of opportunities if you’re a non-Francophone expat. You’ll be spoilt for choice, with many schools catering to different languages and curricula, although tuition fees can be on the higher side, so careful budgeting is essential.

Many international schools in Montreal offer bilingual programmes, reflecting the city’s rich linguistic diversity. Typically, these programmes are in English and French, allowing students to gain fluency in both, but some schools offer other languages.

Application requirements vary between international schools in Montreal, but are generally quite extensive. Most institutions will require your child’s previous schooling records, an application form, and a copy of the child’s déclaration d’admissibilité à l’enseignement en Anglais if applicable. Make sure to familiarise yourself with different schools’ offerings to find the right fit for your family’s needs.

Best International Schools in Montreal

Special-needs education in Montreal

Special-needs education in Montreal has grown significantly, with a focus on inclusive education. Thanks to the rising popularity of inclusive education, children with physical, social, behavioural and learning disabilities can enter mainstream schools and receive the additional support necessary to succeed.

Montreal has also been actively working towards more inclusive policies to ensure no child is left behind. The Ministry of Education has also suggested new policies, such as implementing special education guidelines at the school board level and creating advisory committees to support inclusive education.

You can also find specialised schools and education programmes for youth and adults with disabilities, offering tailored support and resources to help your child thrive.

Homeschooling in Montreal

Homeschooling in Montreal is a legal right, and you can choose to educate your children at home rather than have them attend traditional schools. However, the law states that homeschooling must be rigorous, with content standards that families must meet.

You must submit a learning project that outlines the educational activities planned for your child. The project should cover essential subjects like language of instruction, second language, mathematics, science and technology, and social sciences. It should aim to develop key skills, including literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving.

You must notify the Ministère de l’Éducation and the school board of your homeschooling plans on or before the first of July each year. There will also be regular meetings and evaluations to track your child’s progress, using methods such as evaluations by the school service centre, licensed teachers, ministerial exams, or a portfolio review. Parents must also submit two written reports: a midterm and completion reports.

Tutors in Montreal

Tutors in Montreal can be an indispensable resource, whether your child needs extra help with specific subjects or you’re looking to learn French. Finding a tutor is fairly easy, and tutors can be especially helpful for children transitioning into the local education system or looking to boost their language skills.

Tutors in Montreal typically have strong qualifications, such as a bachelor’s degree in their subject area, teaching certifications, or several years of tutoring experience. Many tutors are bilingual, which is particularly advantageous given Montreal’s English and French language context.

A fair few emerging tutoring platforms, including TutorLyft, Superprof, and Tutorax, provide personalised services to meet various needs. These platforms offer additional services like flexible scheduling, access to a wide network of tutors, and customised lesson plans to help your child thrive.

A good tutor can make a world of difference, giving your child the extra support they need to thrive academically and adapt confidently to their new environment.

Useful links

• Tutorlyft
• Superprof
• Tutorax