Why Lester B. Pearson School Board?
Families who want their child in Montreal but prefer a residential area to the city centre often look at the West Island. The board stands out for its strong academic programs and its two accommodation models.
- Academic option: IB and AP are both offered within the same board.
- Accommodation: families can choose between homestay and boarding.
- Experience: a program running since 2003 that has reached about 500 international students.
Reasons: what makes Lester B. Pearson stand out
The board runs 52 schools and centres, eight of which are high schools that accept international students. It offers full-year and single-semester programs and describes its approach as based on innovative teaching.
- Graduation success: the board's five-year graduation rate is 16 points above the provincial public school average, so students are more likely to complete high school.
- IB and AP: students can choose an advanced track suited to their goals.
- French Immersion: intensive French instruction lets students become fluent in French while studying in English.
- Boarding option: students can live in a residence or with a host family, so families can choose the setting that suits their child.
- Homestay partner: homestay placement is run through the Canada Homestay Network, an experienced organisation.
- Educational philosophy: the board emphasises success, well-being and engagement, monitoring students' overall welfare as well as their grades.
- Sports and arts: sports and fine arts programs let students grow outside the classroom.
Cost analysis: what one school year costs
| Item | CAD | As published on CAPS-I |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, one school year | 15,200 | $15,200 (2024) |
| Application fee | 250 | $250 |
| Health insurance | 800 | $800 |
| Homestay, full year | see text | varies by homestay provider, please confirm directly with them. |
| Total of the published items, without homestay | 16,250 | Homestay is priced by the homestay provider and is not included in this total. |
Tuition alone works out to about CAD 1,520 per school month over a 10-month year. Flights, pocket money, the study permit fee and biometrics are not included.
Tuition on CAPS-I is labelled 2024; confirm the current fee with the board.
The tuition figure for the 2026–27 school year was confirmed on the district's own website on 11 October 2026.
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 15,200, this fee is CAD 1,400 above the median of CAD 13,800 among 6 public school districts in Quebec.
Outcome: what it means for the student and family
Taken together, these features offer a balanced option for families who want a strong academic program combined with a safe living arrangement in Montreal. For students, it means high school in a bilingual setting with strong support. Recognition in the student's home country is handled by that country's education authority. Students under 17 travelling without a parent need a guardian appointed in Canada.
- Strong diploma pathway: high graduation rates and advanced programs support university preparation.
- Lifestyle fit: boarding and homestay options let the student build a routine that meets their needs.
- Two languages: students develop both of Canada's official languages in Montreal.
- Easy arrival: Montreal's international airport is in Dorval, where the board's head office is located.
Who it suits and what to consider
- Cost: the board's 2026-27 price list for secondary programs gives CAD 15,200 for full-year tuition (10 months), a CAD 300 application fee and CAD 600 health insurance, a total of CAD 16,100. A five-month stay is CAD 8,000 in tuition. Accommodation costs vary by provider. Families should confirm current fees with the board before applying.
- Timeline and documents: the application deadlines are May 1 and October 31. Intakes are at the end of August and in February. In Quebec a CAQ must be obtained before the Study Permit.
- System difference: in Quebec, high school ends in Secondary V (grade 11), so the next step in education should be planned in advance.
Boarding or homestay, IB or AP? Book a free preliminary consultation with Canadian Edu Centre to assess the Lester B. Pearson options for your child's profile.