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9 best boarding schools in Montreal, Quebec 2026
This content was developed and approved with active participation of Nadya Shupta.
In the process of preparing the material, we referenced the following sources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_in_Montreal
- https://www.jechoisismontreal.com/en/study/7-reasons-to-study-in-montreal/
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Montreal is one of the largest and most culturally diverse cities in Canada, an important business, industrial and financial center, a real Babylon surrounded by magnificent landscapes. The city is famous for the quality of higher and especially secondary education.
Private boarding schools in Montreal have a long and rich history, closely intertwined with the history of the city itself. In the early colonial period, the city was alternately under French and British rule. Education at that time was clerical, schools operated under the patronage of Catholic and Protestant churches and were closely connected with church communities. Some of these schools were funded by patrons, but the first private boarding schools appeared here in the middle of the 19th century, shortly after Canada became a dominion.
The first boarding schools in Montreal were schools for the children of foreign diplomats, merchants and businessmen who came to Canada, and for families who were looking for the best preparation for their children to enter universities in Europe and the United States. These schools became the forerunners of modern private boarding schools.
In the following century, especially after World War II, the city gained the status of an important international academic center, and non-public schooling in Montreal began to compete with the public system.
In the 1980s, the best boarding schools in Montreal for the first time offered students International Baccalaureate (IB) and American AP courses. Today, institutions that are among the top boarding schools in Montreal - such as Lower Canada College, Collège Jean—de-Brébeuf, The Study - are at the forefront of the city's education system, largely determining its appearance: international, independent, flexible and fully compliant with the requirements of the 21st century.
Alternative destinations
The advantages of studying at boarding schools in Montreal
High quality education
Boarding schools in Montreal are known for their high academic standards and strict educational standards. Many of them offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programs that are recognized at leading universities in the world; Advanced Placement (AP) courses are popular, giving students the opportunity to study advanced subjects and receive credits accepted by universities in North America and some other countries. All this gives students great advantages when applying to higher education institutions.
Multilingualism and language flexibility
Montreal is a bilingual city where both French and English are spoken. Many boarding schools offer instruction in both languages (often combining them in one program), allowing students to improve their English or French in parallel with studying academic subjects. This is an important competitive advantage for those who want to become bilingual.
Well-developed infrastructure and comfortable conditions
Boarding schools in Montreal provide students with modern living and study conditions. The boarding houses have sports complexes, creative studios, libraries and specialized laboratories. The variety of leisure and extracurricular activities contributes to the comprehensive development of students, providing comfortable conditions for recreation and personal life of students, which is important for psycho-emotional well-being. Top boarding schools in Montreal offer a variety of extracurricular programs, including sports sections, cultural and volunteer projects, hobby clubs, and more. This allows students not only to engage in in-depth studies, but also to develop their talents in sports, art, leadership and other fields. Participating in such activities helps students make new acquaintances, develop teamwork skills, and boost their self-esteem.
Good starting positions for applicants
One of the key advantages is the focus on preparing students for entering the best universities in the world and the vast experience. The programs of such schools meet high academic standards, allowing students to be competitive when applying to top universities, and not only Canadian ones: many graduates go to Ivy League universities, Universities of Chicago and California in the USA, Oxford, Cambridge, St. Andrews and Sorbonne, universities of Zurich, Amsterdam, Vienna or Geneva.
Prices
With comparable quality and a variety of schools offering High School Diploma, A-level, GCSE, and International Baccalaureate programs, studying in Montreal is on average 30-40% cheaper than in the United States or the United Kingdom.
Traditions and reputation
The best boarding schools in Montreal were founded back in the middle of the 19th century, they have a rich history and successful academic traditions not only in Canada but also abroad, making these educational institutions popular among international students
What does make Canadian schools special? Why do parents from all over the world choose Canada primary and secondary schools for their children?
First of all, it is a high level of education, which is recognized throughout the world. Canada is the most educated country on the planet, so the culture of education is at the highest level here. All schools in Canada - public, private, independent - follow a provincial curriculum, and all educators are required to hold a teaching degree and certification. All these factors convince families that no matter which school they choose, their children will receive a first-class education.
School education in Montreal: disadvantages and features
Studying at private boarding schools in Montreal promises many advantages, but there are also a number of features that you should be aware of before you make a final decision.
Prices
Despite the fact that studying in Montreal is more affordable than in many other countries, the cost of tuition at boarding schools in Montreal, as well as fees for accommodation and meals, remains quite significant (Canada has a high standard of living, as a result of high prices), especially when it comes to prestigious educational institutions.
Lack of places
Canadian schools generally have a fairly strict selection policy, there is a queue in popular educational institutions, and places have to wait for months or even years.
Strict rules of conduct
Boarding schools in Montreal are the very essence of English private schools, with strict discipline and subordination. At the same time, strictness is not limited only to studying, even "personal life" is clearly regulated: some schools prohibit the use of mobile devices, regulate social interactions outside of school, and they have a strict dress code. This can be a problem for some guys, especially if they are used to a more relaxed atmosphere.
How to choose a boarding school in Montreal? A few simple tips
Decide on the languages
Please note in which language the studying is conducted — English or French. Make sure that the chosen school meets your language needs and provides you with a comfortable learning experience. You can take exams in advance and improve your language (or choose a school with a preparatory program, go to a language camp for the summer).
Take care of your reputation
Check out the rankings of schools, reviews from students and parents, and the success of graduates. This will help you assess the level of education and preparation for university admission.
Living conditions
Make sure that the accommodation conditions meet your expectations and standards. Comfortable accommodation and staff support are important factors for a successful learning process.
Extracurricular activities
Pay attention to the availability of sports and cultural events, and the breadth of choice: the best boarding schools in Montreal can have dozens, if not hundreds, of clubs, sections, and programs for every taste. An intense extracurricular life will not only help to diversify leisure time, but also help to develop soft skills and become more confident.
Tuition fees at boarding schools in Montreal
Tuition fees for international students in private schools in Montreal range from 10 to 35 thousand CAD per year, depending on the program and level of education.
In addition, it is important to consider additional costs such as educational materials, insurance, extracurricular activities and meals, which can range from 2,000 to 5,000 CAD per year.
3 best boarding schools in Montreal 2026 rankings
| 1 | Bishop’s College School |
| 2 | College International Mont-Tremblant |
| 3 | Sacred Heart School of Montreal |
Advantages and disadvantages of English schools
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| The opportunity to enter the best universities in England, USA, Canada, Switzerland, Europe, the world | Expensive |
| High quality of education and academic standards | Strong workload |
| Perfect English after graduation | The need to change the social environment; it takes time to adapt |
| Useful contacts | The difficulty of choosing the most suitable school for the child, requires a qualified specialist |
Top 35 best schools in the USA - 2026 Smapse rankings
| 1 | North Broward Preparatory School |
| 2 | Phillips Academy Andover |
| 3 | The Storm King School New York |
| 4 | Red Bank Catholic High School |
| 5 | Windermere Preparatory School |
| 6 | Shattuck St Mary's School |
| 7 | Cheshire Academy |
| 8 | Cate School |
| 9 | Ross School |
| 10 | Deerfield Academy |
| 11 | The Village School |
| 12 | Amerigo Los Angeles – Bishop Montgomery High School |
| 13 | Webb Schools |
| 14 | Kent School USA |
| 15 | The Winchendon School |
| 16 | Darlington School |
| 17 | Marian Catholic High School Amerigo Education |
| 18 | Grier School |
| 19 | The MacDuffie School |
| 20 | CATS Academy Boston |
| 21 | The Cambridge School of Weston |
| 22 | Milton Academy |
| 23 | Amerigo Education Napa Valley |
| 24 | American Hebrew Academy |
| 25 | Northfield Mount Hermon School |
| 26 | Mater Dei Catholic High School San Diego Amerigo Education |
| 27 | American University Preparatory School Los Angeles |
| 28 | Webb Schools |
| 29 | Kent School USA |
| 30 | Groton School |
| 31 | Maine Central Institute |
| 32 | The Lawrenceville School |
| 33 | Grand River Academy Ohio |
| 34 | Saint John Paul II Academy |
| 35 | Chicago North Shore |
Top 14 best schools in Switzerland 2026
| 1 | College Du Leman |
| 2 | St. Georges School Montreux |
| 3 | Institut Monte Rosa |
| 4 | Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz |
| 5 | Saint-Charles Collège et Lycée |
| 6 | Leysin American School |
| 7 | Hochalpines Institut Ftan AG High Alpine |
| 8 | Aiglon College Switzerland |
| 9 | Institut Le Rosey School |
| 10 | Institut Montana Zugerberg |
| 11 | Champittet College |
| 12 | Brillantmont International School |
| 13 | Surval Montreux |
| 14 | Ecole Pre Fleuri |
