PUBLIC SYSTEM
Quebec operates two school boards:  one French and the other English. In the West Island, they are the Lester B. Pearson School Board (http://www.lbpsb.qc.ca) and La Commission Scolaire Marguerite Bourgeois (http://www.csmb.qc.ca).

• English Program - with a daily period of French as a second language. 

• Bilingual Program -  50% French and 50% English.

• Immersion Program -  up to  85% French and 15% English.  Could differ a little.

• Enriched French Immersion - offered in some High Schools, where students take their exams in French.

• French Program - where English begins only in Grade 4. 

Eligibility   Under the Charter of the French Language, children in the following  categories may be enrolled in English-language schools:

• children who are permanent residents of Québec and who qualify for a certificate of eligibility for instruction in English;

• children who are permanent residents of Québec and who are entitled to receive instruction in English under a special authorization;

• children who are living in Québec temporarily and who qualify for a temporary authorization to receive instruction in English.

Certificate of Eligibility    A certificate of eligibility is generally delivered to children:

• who did most of their elementary or secondary studies in English in Canada; or

• whose brother or sister did most of his or her elementary studies in English in Canada; or

• whose father or mother did most of his or her elementary studies in English in Canada; or

• whose father or mother attended school in Québec after August 26, 1977 and could have been declared eligible for instruction in English at that time.

Special authorizations

• children with severe learning disabilities

• children whose father or mother was declared eligible for instruction in English but who did his/her elementary and secondary studies in French after August 26, 1977.

For complete information on the school system in Quebec go to:
http://www.meq.gouv.qc.ca/rens/banque/Fiches/F95a.htm

PRIVATE SYSTEM  There are also many private schools in the Montreal area, and some in the West Island of Montreal. This would be a choice for parents who are not eligible to send their children to English schools.

Queen of Angels          http://www.qaa.qc.ca    (Girls High School)
West Island College    http://www.westislandcollege.qc.ca    (Co-Ed High School)
Kuper Academy            www.kuperacademy.ca    (Co-Ed Pre-school, Elem. & High School)
Alexander Von Humboldt School    http://www.avh.montreal.qc.ca
Institution Charlemagne                www.collegecharlemagne.com
Marie-Claire Academy                    www.academiemarie-claire.qc.ca

PRE- SCHOOLS  There are many Pre-schools that offer programs in both (or either) languages. Daycare is  available, but keep in mind you have to register early for this service.

POST- SECONDARY EDUCATION - C E G E P   -  Collège d'Enseignement Général et Professionnel

• 2-year program of pre-university, equivalent to grades 12 & 13

• 3-year program of professional/technical studies towards special Diploma

www.johnabbott.qc.ca            www.dawsoncollege.qc.ca       www.marianopolis.edu
www.college-gerald-godin.qc.ca

UNIVERSITIES