Why Lower Canada College?
LCC suits families who want a high school in a bilingual, major university city and who prefer a city day school to a boarding campus.
- Families seeking the IB: Students who want to graduate with the internationally recognised IB Diploma Programme.
- Strong English speakers: Students who can enter the academic programme directly, without language preparation.
- Families living in Montreal: Parents who relocate with their child, or who are open to a homestay arrangement.
Reasons: the features that make LCC fit this need
- IB continuity: The school offers both the IB Middle Years Programme and the IB Diploma Programme, so students follow one approach from middle school through to graduation.
- Pre-University year: Quebec's high school diploma is awarded at Grade 11, and LCC also offers a Pre-University year at Grade 12, so students can move on to university from the same school.
- International student share: The school reports that 15% of enrolled students are international and that it admitted 48 new international students in 2025-26, so newcomers are not isolated.
- Homestay partnership: The school works with the Canada Homestay Network, so students arriving without family can stay with a matched host family.
- Clear language thresholds: For Grade 7 and above the school requires TOEFL iBT 90, IELTS 6.5 or CAEL 70, so families know their preparation target in advance. Applications also require certified translations of immigration documents and report cards.
- Global programmes: The school is a Round Square member and offers student exchanges, so students build links with schools in other countries.
- Mandatory French: A Quebec diploma requires French as a second language, so students develop French alongside English. Students with no prior French may find this course demanding.
Cost analysis: what one school year costs
Grades 9-12 tuition is CAD 33,220 to 34,945 per year for 2026-27, plus a CAD 7,500 annual surcharge for students who have lived in Quebec for less than three years.
| Item | CAD | When |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, Grades 9-12 (lower end of range) | 33,220 | listed with the annual fees |
| Tuition, Grades 9-12 (upper end of range) | 34,945 | listed with the annual fees |
| International student surcharge (lived in Quebec less than three years) | 7,500 | listed with the annual fees |
| Headline annual tuition | 33,220 | 2026-27 |
The headline fee works out to about CAD 3,322 per school month over a 10-month year, before accommodation. Flights, pocket money, the study permit fee and biometrics are not included.
Homestay cost is not included and its amount is not stated; uniform, books and laptop are billed separately; tuition inclusions not specified; confirm with the school.
Fees were compiled in October 2026 and change every school year; confirm the amount with the school before applying.
How this fee compares
At CAD 33,220, this fee is CAD 120 below the median of CAD 33,340 among 5 CAIS schools, tuition only.
Outcome: what it means for the family
- Academic level: An IB diploma is a recognised credential for university applications in Canada and abroad. The school describes its facilities as among the best in the city, with dedicated spaces for arts, sports and learning support.
- City life: Students experience Montreal's everyday life rather than a closed campus. Museums, universities and bilingual street life become an extension of the school.
- Two languages: French classes give an advantage to students who plan to study at a Quebec university.
- Lower school fees: Because there is no boarding fee, the school bill is lower than at boarding schools. Accommodation costs are calculated separately.
Who it suits and what to consider
- Language level: The school does not provide ESL support, so it is not suitable for students whose English has not yet reached the required threshold.
- Accommodation and custodianship: There is no boarding. Students under 17 arriving without parents need a custodian and a homestay arrangement in Canada. The homestay fee is not included in tuition, so the total budget must account for it.
- Fees and permits: Tuition for Grades 9-12 in 2026-27 is CAD 33,220 to CAD 34,945. International students who have lived in Quebec for less than three years pay an additional CAD 7,500 per year. Confirm current fees with the school. A CAQ and a Study Permit are required. Extras such as uniforms, books and a laptop are billed separately.
Let us assess LCC's language requirement and Montreal accommodation options in light of your child's situation. You can request a free preliminary consultation from Canadian Edu Centre.