Montreal is consistently ranked as one of the world’s best student cities. With world-class universities (McGill, Concordia), a rich cultural tapestry and a reputation as one of the safest major cities in North America, it is no wonder families from Japan, South Korea, China, Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand are increasingly looking to Quebec for their children’s high school education.
Choosing the right school, though, is a monumental decision. Parents typically prioritize academic rigour, strong university placement, solid ESL and French support, and a safe, welcoming environment. If you are navigating the 2027 admissions cycle, here is our curated guide.
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 such as Bill 96), the default language of instruction in Quebec is French.
- The exemption: international students whose parents are in Quebec on temporary resident visas (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 confirm your specific situation with the school’s admissions office and a Quebec immigration lawyer.
Five standout schools for the 2027 cycle
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 rigour 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, plus 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 large international population (often over 30% international students, with a strong Asian demographic) and offers both the IB Diploma and Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
The vibe: A tight-knit, campus-based community with strong 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
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 stays supportive.
Community: Deeply integrated into the diverse NDG neighbourhood, giving students easy access to Montreal's vibrant Asian community, including supermarkets, bakeries and weekend tutoring centres.
4. Kuper Academy
Pointe-Claire (West Island) · Day School (Co-ed) · Grades K-11
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, so students can easily find community, weekend language schools (Japanese or Mandarin) and familiar food a short drive away.
Academics: A strong track record in STEM and athletics — 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 sophisticated support infrastructure — from airport pickup to dedicated international student advisors and boarding parents, the move 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.
Pro tips for Asian families navigating Montreal schools
1. The “trilingual” advantage
In Quebec, learning French is mandatory. While that can seem daunting for a student from China, Japan or Thailand, frame it as a superpower. Graduating from a Montreal private high school fluent in English, French and a mother tongue makes students remarkably competitive for global business, international relations and diplomacy programs.
2. Weekend hagwons and juku
Families from Korea and Japan often worry about the lack of intense after-school cram schools (hagwons or juku). While Montreal doesn’t have that high-pressure culture, schools such as LCC and Kuper offer extensive after-school tutoring, and the city has a strong network of private weekend math and science tutors in areas like Brossard and Dollard-des-Ormeaux.
3. Food and cultural comfort
Montreal’s Asian community is thriving — from the large Asian supermarkets in Brossard to the Japanese and Korean districts downtown and the Chinese communities in the West Island. Students are never far from a taste of home.
4. Homestays vs. boarding
If you choose a day school (LCC, St. George’s, Kuper), you will need a homestay. Use a reputable, licensed homestay agency — a good host family provides a safe environment and helps the student practise English and French while adjusting to Canadian life.
Don’t forget: health insurance is mandatory
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 and hospitalization. Compare the plans designed for international students before your child boards the plane.
Compare international student plans →
Final thoughts
Choosing a high school in Montreal is an investment in a truly global future. The city blends European charm, North American opportunity and a safe, multicultural environment where students from Asia can thrive without losing their cultural identity.
The 2027 admissions cycle is underway. We recommend contacting the admissions offices of LCC, Stanstead and St. George’s now to schedule tours and ask about their international student support programs.
Frequently asked questions
Can international students attend English high schools in Quebec?
Yes. Children of parents in Quebec on temporary resident visas are generally exempt from Bill 101 and may attend English private schools, usually for up to 36 months.
Which school is best for top university placement?
LCC has a strong record of placements in the US Ivy League, UK Russell Group and Canada’s U15 universities. Stanstead College and Bishop’s College School also offer IB and AP pathways.
Is health insurance mandatory?
Yes. International students are generally not covered by RAMQ, and schools require proof of private medical insurance for the full stay.
Day school or boarding school?
Boarding (Stanstead, BCS) suits students whose parents remain abroad. Day schools (LCC, St. George’s, Kuper) require arranging a licensed homestay in Montreal.
When should we apply for 2027?
Now. Contact admissions offices early to schedule tours and confirm visa and support timelines.