Compare 4 international schools in Westmount, Canada. Filter by curriculum, fees (average CAD 32,156), location, and more to find the right international school now.
Westmount’s school scene mixes long-established independent English and French private day schools with a notable public presence: École internationale de Montréal, a French-language secondary and primary school in Westmount that is wholly devoted to international education. Many local private schools teach bilingually (English and French) and offer additional modern language instruction and internationally oriented options, while the public international school combines Quebec diplomas with International Baccalaureate-style certification and three-language study. Day-school tuition in Westmount’s private sector commonly falls in the low tens of thousands of Canadian dollars per year, with examples of full annual fees in the mid-twenties to low-thirties of thousands; by contrast resident pupils attend public schools without tuition. Admissions typically move in an autumn - winter cycle of open houses, entrance tests or interviews and application deadlines for the following September, and families should check each school’s policy on Quebec’s Certificate of English Eligibility because requirements differ between public, subsidised and unsubsidised private schools.
What does “international” mean here - is it the same as bilingual?
“International” usually refers to a school programme explicitly structured around international curricula (for example International Baccalaureate programmes or an international education mandate), whereas “bilingual” simply means substantial instruction in both English and French. In Westmount the public École internationale de Montréal describes itself as an international school with multilingual instruction and an international education programme, while many independent schools label themselves bilingual and follow the Quebec ministry curriculum with added languages or international options.
How much should we expect to pay for a private day school in Westmount?
Tuition for Westmount private day schools commonly sits in the tens of thousands of Canadian dollars a year; published fee schedules for local independent schools show total annual charges in the mid-twenties to low-thirties of thousands for many grades. Expect additional compulsory or optional charges such as registration/enrolment fees, capital levies, language-support or homestay charges, transport and extracurricular costs - check each school’s detailed fee schedule.
When should we apply and what does the admissions process look like?
Most private schools in the area run an autumn - winter admissions cycle with open houses in September - October and application deadlines or priority rounds running from October to January for entry the following September. Typical steps are an enquiry/application form, documents and transcripts, an interview or family meeting and sometimes entrance testing or visit days; public specialised programmes such as École internationale have their own selection procedures. Always confirm the school’s current calendar because exact dates and decision windows vary by institution.
Do we need a Certificate of English Eligibility to enrol our child in Westmount schools?
Quebec law requires a Certificate of English Eligibility (or an equivalent authorisation) for most children to attend public English schools, but the rule applies differently across institutions: some independent schools that do not receive provincial subsidies do not require the certificate. Because policies differ - and some schools will help families with temporary authorisations - check each school’s admissions guidance and the provincial eligibility rules before you apply.
What practical things should relocating families check when comparing Westmount schools?
Compare the curriculum (Quebec/MEES diploma, IB, AP or other international pathways), language provision and the school’s support for non-native speakers, plus services for international students such as advisors or homestay programmes. Also review published fees and financial-assistance or bursary policies, class sizes, transport options and the school’s admissions calendar; these concrete items determine fit and cost more than reputation alone.
