Choosing an English School in Montreal

French is a required language for every primary and secondary student in Quebec, from kindergarten right through to graduation. But children who go to English schools have several French options. Understanding the programs available can help parents choose the right school for their family.

There are a handful of specialized programs available only in certain schools or districts of Montreal, but in general there are three programs of study for Anglophone students in Quebec. These are the English Core, the Bilingual Program, and French Immersion. The difference between these programs has to do with how much time the students spend in French on a given day or week. Because there are only so many hours in a school week, the program differences will also affect how much English instruction the students receive.

English Core

The English Core program is the one that places the most emphasis on studying in the English language. In this program students are taught almost exclusively in English, save for the required French classes. At the elementary level in Quebec, French as a second language is an unapportioned class. This means there is no minimum amount of time that must be spent learning and studying in French. To find out how many hours per week your child spends in French class, ask at your school.

Lester B Pearson elementary schools no longer offer the English Core program, while a number of English Core schools are available in the English Montreal School Board. If you wish for your child to attend an English Core school but live in the Lester B. Pearson territory, you might want to contact the EMSB and ask about registering, or ask at your local school about the possibility of setting up an inter-board agreement. Be aware that you will likely have to provide transportation for your child, however.

Bilingual Program

This program is sometimes called the "50-50" program, because students spend half of their time studying in English and the other half in French. In a bilingual program students may have two different homeroom teachers - one who teaches in English and the other in French. In some cases the same teacher will teach both the French and English portions of the curriculum. Bilingual programs exist in both EMSB and Lester B Pearson primary schools. At the moment there doesn't seem to be a bilingual high school program.

Schools and school boards differ as to the kinds of services available in each official language. Students may receive instruction in math, science, social studies, phys. ed, or arts in French, depending on the school. Check with the school to be sure what subjects are being taught in which language.

French Immersion

French Immersion programs exist at both primary and secondary schools in both Montreal boards. In the primary grades students receive a very intensive instruction in which all, or almost all, of their time at school is spent in French. As they get older the amount of French instruction tapers off, and more English is added. To know how much French is taught at any specific grade level, consult the school in question.

What Happens at College?

Once your child graduates high school and moves up to CEGEP, there is a requirement of three semesters (out of four, in a pre-university program) of French. Other subjects are generally not taught in French, though most English colleges and universities allow students to write papers and exams in French if they prefer it.

In professional (six semester) programs, there is frequently an effort made to teach technical vocabulary in both English and French. Students who must do a work placement ("stage") may have to work at least partially in French. A written French exam is required for licensing in many professions, whether the required credentials are a college diploma or a university degree.