Compare International Schools in Kirkland, Canada

Kuper Academy

Instructs in English, French

Fees CA$12,830 - 19,950

Type Co-educational

Kuper Academy is a bilingual private school in Kirkland, Quebec, offering a preschool-to-secondary program on a campus. The Early Learning Pavilion (K-3) and Elementary School (Grade 3–6) share space with the High School (Grade 7–11). The Canadian curriculum provides English instruction in the secondary years with French language instruction prioritized. Spanish is mandatory in grades 7 and 8, and a DELF/DALF pathway supports language credentials. The Grade 12 Pre-University program is offered with Ontario Virtual School, delivering an Ontario Secondary School Diploma and a fast track to university. The Kuper Model blends in-class teaching with asynchronous online learning, emphasizes small classes, and supports a North America-wide university application process; a 10-hour community service requirement is part of the program. Facilities include three buildings, a library, science labs, drama and arts spaces, and a FIFA-certified soccer field. The campus supports a bilingual program and extensive clubs and service opportunities for families worldwide.

Location

Kuper Academy is located in Kirkland, Quebec, Canada. It operates on three Kirkland campuses: Early Learning Pavilion (K–2) at 4 Aesop, Elementary School (Grade 3–6) at 2 Aesop, and High School (Grade 7–11) at 2975 Edmond Street. The campus sits on about 6.5 green, tree-lined acres in a safe, suburban setting.

Stages

Early Learning Pavilion (K–2), Elementary School (Grade 3–6), High School (Grade 7–11). A Grade 12 Pre-University Program is offered through a partnership with Ontario Virtual School.

Type

Private bilingual school; non-subsidized. Accepts international students.

Country affiliation

Canada

Application and Registration Fees

- A non-refundable application fee of CAD 50.00 applies for K5–Grade 11 applicants.
- For Pre‑University (Grade 12) applications, an application payment of CAD 150.00 is taken during the online application process.
- A non-refundable registration fee of CAD 200.00 per child is required at acceptance (K5 through Grade 11).

Tuition — Preschool, Kindergarten and Elementary (2026–27)

- K3 (preschool): Government‑subsidized program (fees set by the Quebec government).
- K4 (preschool): Government‑subsidized program (fees set by the Quebec government).
- K5 (Senior Kindergarten): CAD 12,830.00 per year.
- Grade 1: CAD 15,524.00 per year.
- Grade 2: CAD 15,600.00 per year.
- Grade 3 and Grade 4: CAD 16,457.00 per year.
- Grade 5: CAD 16,703.00 per year.
- Grade 6: CAD 17,155.00 per year.

Payment format for Preschool/Elementary tuition:
- Plan A: 100% of the annual tuition payable by August 25, 2026.
- Plan B: Two equal instalments — 50% due August 25, 2026 and 50% due January 11, 2027.
- Plan C: First payment due August 25, 2026, then monthly payments from October 1, 2026 through March 1, 2027 (2nd to 7th payments); a CAD 375.00 service charge applies for Plan C (not applicable to K3 or K4).

Tuition — High School / Secondary (2026–27)

- Secondary I (Grade 7 equivalent): CAD 18,950.00 per year.
- Secondary II: CAD 18,975.00 per year.
- Secondary III and Secondary IV: CAD 19,748.00 per year.
- Secondary V: CAD 19,950.00 per year.

Payment format for High School tuition:
- Plan A: 100% of the annual tuition payable by August 26, 2026.
- Plan B: Two instalments — 50% due August 26, 2026 and 50% due January 11, 2027.
- Plan C: First payment due August 26, 2026; 2nd through 7th payments due October 1, 2026 through March 1, 2027; a CAD 375.00 service charge applies for Plan C (not applicable to K3 or K4).

Pre‑University (Grade 12)

- Application/payment process for the Pre‑University program includes an application payment of CAD 150.00 processed during the online application; separate tuition for the Pre‑University program is administered through the Grade 12 program and related Pre‑University admissions materials. (Application fee reference.)

Building Fund and One‑time Contributions

- Elementary (K5–Grade 6) building fund contributions required at registration:
- K5 and Grade 1: CAD 1,525.00.
- Grades 2, 3 and 4: CAD 1,875.00.
- Grades 5 and 6: CAD 2,100.00.
- New High School parents are required to make a building fund contribution on acceptance:
- Secondary I and II: CAD 2,350.00.
- Secondary III and IV: CAD 2,250.00.
- Secondary V: CAD 1,800.00.

Daycare, After‑School and Related Daily Fees

- After‑school daycare (Preschool to Grade 2 and Grades 3–6 homework room) is charged at CAD 22.90 per day; a special annual rate exists for full‑year enrolment.
- Late pick‑up penalty for daycare: CAD 7.00 per minute after 6:00 p.m.
- K3 & K4 (preschool) tuition as set by the Quebec government is CAD 9.35 per day for 241 days, for a total of CAD 2,253.35; field trips for K3/K4 are additional (maximum indicated CAD 525.00).

Uniforms and School Store (Other Mandatory Costs)

- A full dress uniform and a summer uniform are required. Most uniform items and authorized supplies must be purchased from the on‑campus Kuper Kloset (school store). Large items such as uniforms may be paid for by credit card; occasional small school supplies may be charged to the family account.

Other Typical Additional Costs

- Field trips, textbooks not returned or damaged, and certain extracurricular charges are billed to participating students and families as applicable. Textbooks must be returned in good condition or be replaced at the family's expense.

Refunds and Non‑Refundable Items

- Application fees (CAD 50.00 for K5–Grade 11 applicants; CAD 150.00 for Pre‑University online applications) and the CAD 200.00 registration fee are explicitly non‑refundable.

- No explicit, published tuition refund or detailed withdrawal refund schedule is provided in the school's publicly published admissions and junior‑school informational documents for the 2026–2027 materials reviewed. For transactional items, specified fees (application, registration) are shown as non‑refundable in the admissions materials.

Billing Schedule, Payment Terms and Invoicing

- Invoices are issued by email in July for the coming academic year. Families select one of the published payment plans (Plan A, B or C) and must meet the payment due dates for their chosen plan. For Plan C, a CAD 375.00 service charge applies (not for K3/K4).

Payment Methods and How Purchases Are Accepted

- Invoices are emailed; specific tuition payment methods are arranged through the school's accounting/billing process. Large items at the Kuper Kloset (uniforms) may be purchased by credit card; occasional supplies may be charged to the family account. Application payments for Pre‑University are processed online at the time of application.

Boarding / Residence

- Kuper Academy operates as a private day school and does not offer boarding/residence accommodation.

Key amounts at a glance (annual tuition examples)

- K5: CAD 12,830.00.
- Grade 1: CAD 15,524.00.
- Grade 6: CAD 17,155.00.
- Secondary I: CAD 18,950.00.
- Secondary V: CAD 19,950.00.

(End of fees overview.)

Boarding Arrangements

The school does not offer boarding. The school operates as a day school with on-site daycare available after regular hours (3:00 PM–6:00 PM) for preschool and elementary students.

Uniform Requirement

The school has uniforms. Kuper Kloset stocks authorized school uniforms and most items must be purchased at the Kuper Academy uniform shop located between the High school and Elementary school. High School Uniform Guidelines exist for winter, summer, and gym attire.

Food Options

The school has an in-house cafeteria headed by Chef Danny Stewart. The lunch team provides packaged meals to pre-school and elementary students and an a la carte service to high school students.

Governance and Ownership

Kuper Academy is a private day school operating with an English permit from the Quebec Ministry of Education and does not receive government funding.

Curriculum

The secondary school curriculum is offered in English, with French fluency prioritized. Secondary IV students who are sufficiently proficient may complete the secondary French requirement one year early and write the DELF exam; upon successful completion they are granted a diploma by the Ministry of Education of France. Spanish is mandatory in grades 7 and 8. The Grade 12 Pre-University program is delivered in partnership with the Ontario Virtual School and offers an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) as well as a fast track to university. Programs of Study include Science, Business, and Liberal Arts - Humanities; English is the core language and a supplementary French DELF/DALF program is available. The Kuper Model integrates in-class instruction with asynchronous online learning, supports small classes, provides individualized advising and a North America-wide university application process; a 10-hour Community Service requirement is part of the program.

Student Teacher Ratio

Small classes and a level adviser for each grade provide individualized guidance.

Higher Education Progression

Graduates pursue post-secondary studies across Quebec, Canada, and the United States. The Grade 12 Pre-University program offers an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) via the Ontario Virtual School and includes university admissions guidance. Pathways in medicine and law are described.

Gifted and Talented

Advanced placement is available for students who demonstrate outstanding proficiency in math and science.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school provides a resource specialist for preschool and elementary students who helps manage stress and negotiate social situations, and creates Individual Educational Plans for students experiencing difficulties. The High School Counselling Services support students academically, socially and personally; the school counsellor offers individual counselling for grades seven to eleven and coordinates psychosocial programs with guest speakers. Workshop topics include reducing test anxiety, healthy relationships, mental health, substance use prevention, and healthy eating and body image.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

A resource specialist supports preschool and elementary students and creates Individual Educational Plans for students experiencing difficulties.

Mental Wellbeing

The school counsellor supports students' psychosocial and emotional wellbeing, providing individual counselling for grades seven to eleven. The counsellor coordinates awareness and prevention psychosocial programs, with topics such as mental health, healthy relationships, test-anxiety reduction, substance use prevention, and healthy eating and body image.

Safeguarding

A Code of Ethics governs safeguarding and safety: staff must watch for signs of distress and direct students to appropriate resources (including the Director of Youth Protection). Staff must report breaches of the Code that could threaten physical or psychological safety and follow formal reporting procedures, including notification to school leadership. The Code also requires action to combat bullying and violence and to protect student safety.

History

In 1986, Kuper Academy was founded by Janet Perdue as a junior elementary school with imaginative learning in a safe, family-oriented environment. In 1988, Joan Salette joined Kuper Academy, expanding the school and its facilities to offer a full elementary program from kindergarten to grade six. The dynamic growth of Kuper followed the rapid development of the west island community, and the 1990s marked the start of Kuper's expansion into a secondary school. In 2001, the construction of a modern building for the secondary school completed Kuper's evolution into a full preschool-to-secondary institution, with four additional expansion projects to follow. Each building has its own address and entrance, but all share the same campus, which fosters a sense of camaraderie throughout the Kuper community.

Community

The campus unites Kuper Academy's Early Learning Pavilion, Elementary School and High School on six and a half green, tree-lined acres in Kirkland, Quebec; each school has its own address and entrance but shares the campus to foster camaraderie across the community. The school serves a diverse student population including community and international students and offers a bilingual program with differentiated French instruction and advanced placement options in math and science. Kuper integrates technology in the classroom, with iPads starting in preschool, formal computer classes in grades 1–8, and opportunities in robotics, computer programming and digital media; personal iPads are required from grade 5 onward. The school supports experiential learning through field trips and class outings across divisions.

Facilities Overview

Six and a half green, tree-lined acres house three modern, air-conditioned buildings. The Early Learning Pavilion houses subsidized daycare and kindergarten classes, plus rooms for grades 1–3 with a gym and age-appropriate playgrounds. The Elementary Building features spacious classrooms, a gym, a library, an art room, a music room and a computer lab for exclusive use by its students. The High School complex spans three levels with bright classrooms, three science labs, a computer room, a drama room, a stage, an art room, a gymnasium and a workout room. All students have access to the FIFA-certified artificial turf soccer field, a fully enclosed play area and a wooded green space. The campus is adjacent to a hockey arena and a golf dome.

Sports Facilities

The school has a FIFA-certified artificial turf soccer field. The High School includes a gymnasium and a workout room. The campus is adjacent to a hockey arena and a golf dome.

Academic Facilities

The Elementary Building includes a library, an art room, a music room, and a computer lab for exclusive use by its students. The High School complex includes three science labs, a computer room, a drama room, a stage, an art room, a gymnasium and a workout room.

Extra Curricular Facilities

High School offers a wide range of clubs and groups including Student Council, Aviation Club, Tech Team, Improvisation Team, Rock Band, Jazz Band, Yearbook Committee, Free The Children, Board Games, Sewing Club, Kuper Actors Guild, Debate Team, Visual Arts Club, Law Club, CPR Course, Blood Drive Club, Leukemia and Lymphoma Drive, Film Festival, Grad Committee, Poetry Club, Glee Club, DJ Club and the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Elementary School offers Cross Country Running, Intramural Basketball, Breakdancing, Zumba Kids, Robotics, SKUPE, Book Club, Chess Club and a School Musical or School Play. Lunchtime activities include Sportball, Yoga, Zumba, Breakdancing and Micro Soccer, and after-school options include Cooking Class and Healthy Snacking.

Academic & Intellectual

The school provides a bilingual academic program geared to satisfy inquiry and curiosity, with emphasis on mastery of academic disciplines, understanding, critical thinking and problem solving. A Pre-University Program leads to an Ontario Secondary School Diploma through Ontario Virtual School, with live course delivery at Kuper Academy and university application guidance and mentorship. Technology in the Classroom supports a STEM focus, with iPads starting in preschool, formal computer classes from grades 1–8, and opportunities in robotics, computer programming, digital media and computer science; personal iPads are required from grade 5 onward.

Arts & Creative

The arts program includes Fine Arts, Drama, and Music and Band as part of the curriculum. The music program features two concerts per year and the Kuper Concert Band, with opportunities to perform and participate in band and choir. In the high school, students can participate in clubs such as the Kuper Actors Guild and a range of visual and performing arts activities, with occasional full-scale productions.

Cultural & Language

The school is Quebec's largest English private school. Differentiated French instruction is offered to students from beginners to mother tongue Francophones, with advanced placement for students who demonstrate proficiency in math and science. The school also offers language diploma programs, including DELF/DALF and TEF.

Social & Hobbies

Over thirty clubs and activities provide opportunities to learn about topics of interest and to develop a sense of belonging. Elementary and high school offer a variety of clubs and sports, including basketball, soccer, ice hockey, tennis, curling and table tennis, with additional performing arts and academic clubs such as Student Council, Debate Team, Rock Band, Visual Arts Club and the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Community & Service

Giving back to the community is integral, with a major campus-wide fundraiser walk-a-thon each autumn and ongoing charitable initiatives. The program supports various charities and involves student-led fundraising and community volunteering, including service hours in the high school and opportunities to assist in the broader community and abroad.

Leadership & Professional

The Pre-University Program provides university application guidance and mentorship. Student leadership is fostered through numerous clubs and organizations, including Student Council, Debate Team and the Duke of Edinburgh Award, with additional leadership opportunities available in specialty clubs and activities.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Athletics and physical education are a strong focus, with many competitive athletic teams. Facilities include three gymnasiums, three science labs, two libraries and a FIFA-certified soccer field on a 6.5-acre campus, supporting both fitness and well-being. The program emphasizes physical development and extracurricular engagement to promote a balanced lifestyle.

Language Provision

Languages taught are English and French. English is the language of instruction in the High School, with French deemed a priority and opportunities to complete the DELF diploma through early French qualification. An international class supports students new to Quebec to develop English language skills while learning French. Differentiated French instruction exists from beginner to mother-tongue levels.

Bilingual Teaching

The school provides bilingual education with English and French. A dual-language environment and intensive French language arts support true bilingualism in the Early Learning Pavilion and Elementary School. The High School program is taught in English, with French remaining a priority, and advanced options allow qualified students to complete the French requirement early and pursue the DELF diploma. Differentiated French instruction is available for students at all proficiency levels.

Immersion Programs

Immersion-style language learning is offered through a dual-language environment in the Early Learning Pavilion and Elementary School, with an intensive French language arts program to promote bilingual fluency. French language acquisition occurs gradually using a complementary approach. An international class supports students new to Quebec by developing English language skills while they learn French. The overall approach fosters bilingualism across the lower grades and into secondary studies.

Admissions

Step 1: Language and eligibility context. Kuper Academy operates with an English Permit from the Quebec Ministry of Education and does not receive government funding. The school is permitted to accept students who would not be eligible to attend English-language schools funded by the Government of Quebec. A certificate of eligibility is not required. Admissions inquiries for Preschool/Elementary are handled by the Admissions Officer, while High School inquiries are handled by the Associate Director.

Step 2: Apply. Students are admitted through an individual selection process for the Early Learning Pavilion and Elementary School, generally including a personal interview and an entrance examination. A non-refundable application fee of $50 CAD applies. Submit the appropriate Application for K3 & K4 (preschool) or K5 & Grade 1-6, with the required documents. After submission, testing and evaluation are scheduled and the school will notify you of the evaluation results.

Step 3: Testing and evaluation. The processing of documents leads to a date and time for testing and evaluation. Parents are duly notified of the evaluation results. If accepted, a letter of acceptance triggers the next steps for registration.

Step 4: Registration after acceptance. On acceptance, a completed registration form must be submitted along with a non-refundable registration fee of $200.00 per child (K5 through Grade 6). Signed contracts, a completed payment plan, a supplementary Field Trip Contract (K3 and K4 only), a field trip release form, and the required building fund fee must also be provided. Building fund fees are specified by grade (Pre-Kindergarten K-4: $1,500; K5 and Grade 1: $1,525; Grades 2, 3 and 4: $1,875; Grades 5 and 6: $2,100).

Step 5: Fees and payment plans. Tuition and fees are payable in advance and offered in three plans: Plan A (100% by a specified date), Plan B (50% by the date and 50% by a later date), Plan C (first payment by the specified date and additional payments through the school year; a $375 service charge applies for Plan C, not for K3 or K4). Invoices are emailed by the stated dates each year.

Scholarships

Kuper Academy offers sports scholarships to deserving scholar athletes.

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