Montreal is consistently ranked as one of the world's best student cities. With its world-class universities (McGill, Concordia), rich cultural tapestry, and reputation as one of the safest major cities in North America, it is no wonder that families from Japan, South Korea, China, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Thailand are increasingly looking to Quebec for their children's high school education.
However, choosing the right school is a monumental decision. Asian parents often prioritize academic rigor, robust university placement (especially for Ivy League and top Canadian universities like U of T and McGill), strong ESL/French support, and a safe, welcoming environment. If you are navigating the 2027 admissions cycle, here is our curated guide to the best private English high schools in Montreal and its surrounding areas, specifically tailored for international students from Asia.
⚠️ Crucial First Step: Quebec's Language Laws
Before diving into the schools, international parents must understand Quebec's education laws. Under Bill 101 (and recent updates like Bill 96), the default language of instruction in Quebec is French.
- The exemption: international students whose parents are in Quebec on temporary resident visas (e.g., study permits, temporary work permits) are generally exempt and can attend English private schools.
- The time limit: this exemption is usually capped at a maximum of 36 months (3 years). If your family intends to settle in Quebec permanently, your child will eventually need to transition to the French system.
Always consult with the school's admissions office and a Quebec immigration lawyer regarding your specific visa status.
1. Lower Canada College (LCC)
Montreal (NDG) · Day School (Co-ed) · Grades K-12
Best for: The IB Diploma & Ivy League / top-tier university prep.
- Why it's great for Asian students: LCC has a highly established, diverse international student body with a strong, supportive community of students from China, Korea, and Japan. The academic rigor is exceptionally high, and the university counselling office has a proven track record of placing students in the US Ivy League, UK Russell Group, and Canada's U15 universities.
- Language support: Excellent ESL support for students arriving from non-English-speaking backgrounds, as well as mandatory French classes — a great way for Asian students to become trilingual.
2. Stanstead College
Stanstead, QC (1.5 h from Montreal) · Boarding & Day (Co-ed) · Grades 7-12
Best for: The full boarding experience & independent living.
- Why it's great for Asian students: For parents in Tokyo, Seoul, or Beijing who worry about their child's safety and daily routine, Stanstead's structured boarding environment is a dream. The school has a massive international population (often over 30% international students, with a very strong Asian demographic) and offers both the IB Diploma and Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
- The vibe: A tight-knit, campus-based community with elite sports facilities, arts programs, and weekend excursions to Montreal and nearby ski resorts.
3. St. George's School of Montreal
Montreal (NDG) · Day School (Co-ed) · Grades K-11 (IB in 11-12)
Best for: Diversity, inclusivity, and global citizenship.
- Why it's great for Asian students: St. George's is exceptionally welcoming to newcomers. The culture is less cut-throat than some ultra-elite schools, focusing instead on holistic development. For students from Singapore or Hong Kong who are already highly proficient in English, the academics are rigorous but the environment remains highly supportive.
- Community: Deeply integrated into the diverse NDG neighbourhood, giving students easy access to Montreal's vibrant Asian community, including authentic Asian supermarkets, bakeries, and weekend tutoring centres.
4. Kuper Academy
Pointe-Claire (West Island) · Day School (Co-ed) · Grades K-11 (IB in 11-12)
Best for: Suburban safety, athletics, and community integration.
- Why it's great for Asian students: Kuper has a very robust ESL department and a dedicated team to help international students integrate. The West Island is home to a growing Asian diaspora, meaning students can easily find community, weekend language schools (Japanese or Mandarin), and familiar foods a short drive away.
- Academics: They offer the IB Diploma and have a strong track record in STEM and athletics — highly appealing for students building a well-rounded university application.
5. Bishop's College School (BCS)
Sherbrooke, QC (1.5–2 h from Montreal) · Boarding & Day (Co-ed) · Grades 7-12
Best for: Tradition, leadership, and a close-knit international family.
- Why it's great for Asian students: BCS has actively recruited international students for decades and has a highly sophisticated support infrastructure — from airport pickup to dedicated international student advisors and boarding parents, the transition from Asia to rural Quebec is made as seamless as possible. The school offers both AP and IB pathways.
- Focus: A heavy emphasis on leadership, outdoor education, and character development — the soft skills top global universities increasingly look for in applicants.
💡 Pro-Tips for Asian Families Navigating Montreal Schools
1. The “trilingual” advantage
In Quebec, learning French is mandatory. While this can seem daunting for a student from China, Japan, or Thailand, frame it as a superpower. Graduating from a Montreal private high school with fluency in English, French, and their mother tongue makes these students incredibly competitive for global business, international relations, and diplomacy programs at the university level.
2. Weekend “hagwons” and juku
Families from Korea and Japan often worry about the lack of intense after-school cram schools (hagwons or juku) in Montreal. While the city doesn't have the same high-pressure cram school culture, private schools like LCC and Kuper offer extensive after-school tutoring. Montreal also has a strong network of private weekend math and science tutors catering specifically to the Asian community in areas like Brossard and Dollard-des-Ormeaux.
3. Food and cultural comfort
A major concern for parents is whether their child will miss home. Montreal's Asian community is thriving — from the massive Asian supermarkets in Brossard (T&T, Marché T) and the authentic Japanese/Korean districts downtown, to the diverse Chinese communities in the West Island and Brossard, students will never be far from a taste of home.
4. Homestays vs. boarding
If you choose a day school in Montreal (like LCC or St. George's), you will need to arrange a homestay. Use a reputable, government-licensed homestay agency. A good homestay family will not only provide a safe environment but also help the student practise English/French and navigate Canadian culture.
Don't forget: health insurance is mandatory for international students
International students in Quebec are generally not covered by the RAMQ public health plan. Schools and immigration authorities require proof of private medical insurance for the entire stay — including emergency care, hospitalization and, with some plans, maternity benefits up to $25,000. Compare the plans designed for international students before your child boards the plane.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a high school in Montreal is an investment in a truly global future. The city offers a unique blend of European charm, North American opportunity, and a safe, multicultural environment that allows students from Asia to thrive without losing their cultural identity.
Ready to start your journey? The 2027 admissions cycle is currently underway. We recommend reaching out to the admissions offices of LCC, Stanstead, and St. George's immediately to schedule virtual or in-person tours, and to ask specific questions about their international student support programs for the upcoming year.
Frequently asked questions
Can international students attend English high schools in Quebec?
Yes. Under Bill 101 (updated by Bill 96), French is the default language of instruction, but children of parents in Quebec on temporary resident visas (study or work permits) are generally exempt and may attend English private schools. The exemption is usually capped at 36 months.
Which Montreal private school is best for Ivy League or top university placement?
Lower Canada College (LCC) has a strong track record of placing students in the US Ivy League, UK Russell Group and Canada's U15 universities, thanks to its full IB continuum and dedicated university counselling office. Stanstead College and Bishop's College School also offer IB and AP pathways.
Is health insurance mandatory for international high school students in Quebec?
Yes. International students are generally not covered by the RAMQ public health plan (except students from countries with a social security agreement). Schools and immigration authorities require proof of private medical insurance for the duration of the stay.
Day school or boarding school — which is better for an international student?
Boarding schools like Stanstead College and Bishop's College School offer a structured, supervised environment ideal for students whose parents remain abroad. Day schools like LCC, St. George's and Kuper Academy require arranging a reputable, licensed homestay family in Montreal.
When should we apply for the 2027 admissions cycle?
Now. Admissions for the 2027 school year are underway. Contact the admissions offices of LCC, Stanstead and St. George's early to schedule virtual or in-person tours and confirm international student support and visa timelines.