Montreal’s private and independent school sector is shaped by high demand, a distinctive provincial structure, and a wide range of program models. This guide brings together five key lenses families use when comparing options, including how the landscape is organized, what tuition really covers, how parents evaluate fit, what programs and curricula look like in practice, and the trends currently reshaping student support and learning beyond the classroom. You can also explore Montreal private school rankings and school rankings in the broader Canadian landscape.
List of Montreal private schools
Access school reviews, insights, and comparisons through our comprehensive reports below.
 Laval, Quebec Notre-Dame/ "Laval’s only private English high school—no certificate of eligibility required. A launchpad for future leaders, lifelong learners, and thoughtful citizens through strong academics and real-world learning. Grades 7-12." —From the school
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 Rigaud, Quebec Rue Saint-Pierre/Rue Bourget "Collège Bourget is a day and boarding school located between Montreal and Ottawa. French and English high school programs are offered. Bourget aims to foster personal autonomy, academic development, and perseverance." —From the school
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 Montreal, Quebec "We believe in Girls' Education. Trafalgar offers a strong liberal arts education, a comprehensive STEAM program, a broad and dynamic athletics program and a host of leadership opportunities through clubs and activities." —From the school
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 Montreal, Quebec De Maisonneuve West/Park Row West "At Kells, flexibility is key. We develop programs allowing students to work within their comfort zone, which may be above, below or at grade level. The result is students who outperform even their own expectations." —From the school
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 Montreal, Quebec Rue Sherbrooke/Ave Connaught "College Prep International, a traditional private school in Montreal, offers English instruction with partial French immersion, for grades five to twelve. Its average class size range from 12 to 18 Students." —From the school
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 Westmount, Quebec The Boulevard/Place Braeside "The Study, founded in 1915, is one of Canada's premier all-girls' schools. Our bilingual mother-tongue program, experiential learning, and small classes help girls become leaders who are driven to make a difference." —From the school
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 Westmount, Quebec Mount Pleasant Avenue/Cedar Avenue "Located in Montreal, QC, Miss Edgar’s & Miss Cramp’s School offers a bilingual education for girls from K-12. From entrepreneurship to STEAM, our unique learning environment empowers girls to lead the way." —From the school
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 Montreal / Westmount, Quebec "Our community inspires students to discover joy and passion in their learning, purpose in their lives, and the confidence to express their unique selves in a nurturing, inclusive, and collaborative environment." —From the school
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 Kirkland, Quebec Rue Edmond/Ch Ste-Marie "Kuper Academy offers programs from pre-school to Pre-University (Grade 12) in Kirkland. Its average class size is 22 students." —From the school
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A parent's guide to choosing a school in Montreal
Montreal’s private school landscape reflects unusually high participation rates and sustained demand, creating a diverse and competitive set of options for families. Across the city, schools differentiate through program models, learning environments, and the scale of their communities, with many emphasizing smaller class sizes and closer day-to-day support.
Montreal’s private school landscape and the options families consider
Quebec’s structure adds another layer to how families assess options, combining public and private education with subsidized private schooling and a fully private sector. Within that context, schools have expanded pathways and programming to meet changing needs—particularly around transitions beyond Grade 11—while also adapting to broader system pressures such as class size, staffing constraints, and the ongoing challenge of ensuring appropriate supports for students with more complex learning needs.
One way to begin exploring Montreal options is based on age groups: Private preschools, private elementary, middle, and high schools.
Families can also narrow their search by school type or approach, including Montessori, Waldorf, International Baccalaureate schools, and language immersion, as well as faith-based options such as Catholic, Jewish, and Christian. For families considering boarding, see Boarding (or browse more broadly at boarding schools). For learning needs and exceptionalities, explore Special Needs and Gifted.
For official information on Quebec education, see the Ministry of Education of Quebec (MELS).
Learn more about public vs. private school options in Montreal
Tuition, fees, and affordability in Montreal private schools
Private school costs in Montreal typically centre on annual tuition, which ranges from several thousand dollars to roughly $30,000 for day students. Quebec’s subsidized private school sector can moderate tuition in some settings, but costs still vary widely depending on language stream, program model, and what is included in the base price.
For many families, the key is understanding the full cost picture beyond tuition. Schools may charge additional fees for activities, technology, meals, or capital projects, while others structure pricing to include most day-to-day costs and reduce surprises. Financial aid also shapes access, with a mix of bursaries, scholarships, flexible payment schedules, and practical cost-reduction measures—such as second-hand uniform programs—helping families plan for sustainability over the years a child may be enrolled. For more on support options, see financial aid and grants.
Learn more about Montreal private school tuition and fees
How Montreal families choose a private school
For many Montreal families, the decision journey begins with a practical assessment of what feels missing in a child’s current setting—often related to class size, day-to-day support, and the overall learning environment. Families typically build a “checklist” of priorities that can include academic structure, enrichment opportunities, school culture, language pathways, and whether a co-ed or single-gender setting is the best fit for their child.
Compare Montreal private schools in one place
Many families also use the annual OUR KIDS Private School Expo in Montreal as a step in their school search. By bringing admissions teams from a range of independent schools into one setting, the expo makes it easier to compare programs, ask practical questions about supports and applications, and get a first feel for a school’s culture before booking tours. For parents still refining a shortlist or hoping to compare specialized, faith-based, and university-preparatory options side by side, it can be a good place to begin. Learn more about the Montreal Private School Expo.
As families narrow options, admissions processes become part of the experience, with many schools aiming to reduce stress by looking beyond a single test score and focusing on readiness, placement, and fit. Smaller ratios also shape the experience after enrolment, allowing for more personalized instruction, closer progress monitoring, and stronger relationships—factors that many parents see as central to both academic success and student well-being over the long term. Helpful tools include questions to ask and our guide; families can also create a user account and child profile to organize their shortlist.
Learn more about how Montreal families choose private schools
Programs and curriculum: STEM, STEAM, bilingual learning, and flexible pathways
Montreal private schools often differentiate through programming that extends beyond the standard curriculum, including interdisciplinary approaches that integrate the arts into STEM, expanded course offerings, and structured enrichment built into the school day. Families comparing options frequently look for breadth—strong academics alongside arts, athletics, and experiential learning—especially when they perceive gaps or constraints in other settings.
Language learning is also a defining feature of the Montreal landscape, with program models designed to move students beyond basic bilingualism toward real fluency in both English and French. Across grade levels, schools may offer multiple streams and levels to support different learner profiles, while smaller classes make it easier to tailor instruction, provide targeted support, and create room for students to go deeper in areas of strength or interest.
Learn more about programs and curriculum in Montreal private schools
Trends shaping Montreal private schools: well-being, support, and applied learning
Across Montreal private schools, a clear trend is the move toward research-informed practices that support student well-being alongside academic performance. This includes schedule changes designed around adolescent development, as well as dedicated time within the school day for students to access guidance, extra help, and structured academic support without extending the length of the day.
Schools are also building more personalization into students’ weekly routines through enrichment periods that let learners pursue interests in the arts, technology, and other domains while keeping those activities connected to learning goals. At the same time, real-world learning is expanding through initiatives such as entrepreneurship and leadership programming, reflecting a broader shift toward practical skills, student agency, and pathways tailored to different strengths and ambitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How many Montreal private schools are there?
There are 9 Montreal private schools that are Our Kids trusted members.
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How much is tuition at Montreal private schools?
Tuition fees for Montreal private schools range from $5,330 to $37,480 per year with an average tuition of $23,572 per year.
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What’s the largest school?
Of the Montreal private schools, the largest is College Bourget with 2085 students in Grades 12 to PS.
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Are Montreal private schools good?
We interviewed both parents and students. You can read reviews about Montreal private schools on this page.
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Is there a private school expo where I can meet with Montreal private schools?
Yes. You can meet with private schools and education experts at the Our Kids Private School Expos held every year in September and October. These events are designed for both parents and students. Find event details and ticket info here.
