Expat Education Guide: Schools in Montreal

Education Overview

Montreal scores 5.0/5 for education quality and 4.0/5 for family-friendliness. The city has 13 school neighborhoods with international, bilingual, and local options for expat families. Expect approximately 27 education-related costs.

Montreal offers a unique bilingual education system that is considered among Canada's best, with strong academic performance and distinctive French-English language options. The city is known for its comprehensive public school networks in both official languages, numerous private schools, and growing international school options, making it particularly attractive for multilingual families.

Quick Stats

Education Score

5.0 /5

Family Score

4.0 /5

School Areas

Cost Items

Estimated Costs

One-Time Costs

$6,255

Monthly Costs

$4,780/mo

Sample Costs

Full Breakdown →

One-Time

School Registration $150

Private School Application Fee $200

International School Application Fee $300

Monthly

Tuition Fees Private $1,250/mo

Tuition Fees International $2,000/mo

Transportation Monthly $110/mo

Showing 6 of 27 costs — sign up to see all

Top School Neighborhoods

See All 13 →

Downtown Ville Marie

Density 4/6

Types: French public, English public, private schools

Notable: École Secondaire Jeanne-Mance, Lower Canada College

Plateau Mont Royal

Density 4/6

Types: French public, English private, alternative schools

Notable: École Saint-Enfant-Jésus, Collège Français

Outremont

Density 4/6

Types: French public, private, and Jewish schools

Notable: Collège Stanislas, École Buissonnière, Académie Beth Rivkah

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Practical Tips

Consider applying to CEGEPs even as an adult for professional programs

they offer high-quality technical training at a fraction of university costs, often with job placement

Embrace French education for children, as most temporary residents attend French public schools.

French skills are crucial for integration, future employment, and higher education prospects in Quebec.

Try contacting school boards directly rather than using online portals for enrollment

phone calls often reveal spots not shown online, especially mid-semester transfers

Utilize free government-funded French classes before paying for private courses.

The provincial government offers comprehensive, structured French courses for newcomers.

Useful Links

Ministry of Education Quebec

Official Quebec education ministry portal covering school enrollment, curriculum, language requirements, and education system information.

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Commission scolaire de Montréal (CSDM)

Montreal's largest French school board providing elementary and secondary education enrollment procedures and school location information.

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English Montreal School Board (EMSB)

Official English school board serving Montreal with elementary, secondary, and adult education programs and enrollment services.

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Universities Quebec

Official government portal for Quebec university information, admission requirements, international student procedures, and program recognition.

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Government of Quebec - Learn French

Official Quebec language learning resources offering free French courses, placement tests, and integration programs for newcomers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Montreal has 13 neighborhoods with excellent school options. The best areas depend on whether you need international, public, or private schools. Check ReloPlanner for detailed school density scores per neighborhood.

International school tuition in Montreal varies widely by school and grade level. Create a free ReloPlanner account to see detailed education cost breakdowns personalized to your family size.

There are approximately 27 education-related costs to consider when moving to Montreal, including both one-time and recurring expenses. Create a free ReloPlanner account to see the full personalized cost breakdown.

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Data verified: March 2026

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