Why English Montreal School Board?
Families who want big-city life at a lower tuition than Toronto or Vancouver consider Montreal. The board suits parents who want their child to study in English while living in a cosmopolitan, French-speaking city.
- City: Montreal, founded in 1642, is a metropolis where English and French culture meet.
- Language goal: students earn an English-language diploma and build a strong foundation in French.
- Programs: the board offers a clear academic focus, such as the IB or STEAM.
Reasons: what makes English Montreal School Board stand out
The board has 33 elementary schools, 16 high schools, and adult and vocational education centres. Its international program began in 2004 and admits about 100 students each year.
- Scale: as Quebec's largest English public board, it offers a wide range of programs and schools. Eight of its 16 high schools accept international students.
- International Baccalaureate: students follow an internationally recognised curriculum that prepares them for university.
- STEAM: the program combines science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, encouraging interdisciplinary work.
- Arts and sport: Fine Arts Core Education and Sport-Études let talented students train in their discipline alongside regular classes.
- Enriched French: enriched French is one of the languages of instruction, so students can take advanced French while studying in English.
- Central location: schools are in the central part of the Island of Montreal, close to the city's cultural and transport options.
- Duration options: families can choose a full ten-month year, a five-month term or a short three- to four-month program.
Cost analysis: what one school year costs
| Item | CAD | As published on CAPS-I |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, one school year | 13,400 | $14,000 (2026) |
| Application fee | 250 | $250 (non-refundable) |
| Health insurance | 600 | $600 |
| Homestay, full year | see text | Verify with the homestay provider |
| Total of the published items, without homestay | 14,250 | Homestay is priced by the homestay provider and is not included in this total. |
Tuition alone works out to about CAD 1,340 per school month over a 10-month year. Flights, pocket money, the study permit fee and biometrics are not included.
The district's own website lists CAD 13,400, without stating the school year, while its CAPS-I page shows CAD 14,000. This page uses the figure from the district's website.
The other items are taken from the district's CAPS-I member page, read on 11 October 2026. Items shown as "see text" could not be read as a single amount and are left out of the total.
How this fee compares
At CAD 13,400, this fee is CAD 400 below the median of CAD 13,800 among 6 public school districts in Quebec.
Outcome: what it means for the student and family
Together these features offer students a rich academic and cultural high school experience, and give families access to big-city opportunities on a more balanced budget. The nearest airport is Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport in Dorval. Recognition in the student's home country is handled by that country's education authority. High school study is exempt from the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL).
- Bilingual skills: students finish high school proficient in both English and French.
- City experience: living in Montreal builds independence and cultural knowledge.
- Academic focus: the IB, STEAM or arts programs support university planning.
- Affordable tuition: at CAD 13,400, the fee is budget-friendly among big-city boards.
Who it suits and what to consider
- Cost: full-year tuition for 2026 is CAD 13,400 and a single term costs CAD 7,000. Families also pay a non-refundable CAD 250 application fee and CAD 600 per year for health insurance. Accommodation is arranged through host families, and the fee should be confirmed with the provider. Current tuition should be confirmed with the school before applying.
- Timeline and documents: entry is in August and the application deadline is May 31. In Quebec a CAQ is needed before applying for a Study Permit, so applications should be submitted earlier.
- System difference: in Quebec, high school ends at Secondary V (grade 11), so families should plan the next educational step early. Places are limited, and students under 17 who travel without a parent need a guardian.
Does an English-language high school in Montreal fit your child's goals? Book a free preliminary consultation with Canadian Edu Centre to map out the CAQ and application timeline.