Selecting a school in Canada can seem like the most challenging aspect of relocating with children. Online resources seldom describe daily life accurately, and every family has its own priorities. This guide emphasizes practical questions and a straightforward decision framework — especially for families planning a move to Montreal.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating options, identify your non-negotiables. Most missteps happen because families compare everything at once without a clear priority list.
- Commute: how long you spend in the car each day matters more than you might realize.
- Curriculum: British, American, IB, or local curricula.
- Language environment: the language your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, and pastoral care.
- Culture fit: school structure, discipline approach, and communication style.
How to Choose Without Getting Overwhelmed
A practical approach that works well for expat families:
A simple process
- Shortlist by location first. In Montreal, traffic can turn a “good” school into a daily struggle.
- Confirm availability and admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Ask about the classroom reality. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Ask about support. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Do one visit (or virtual tour) per finalist. Trust your observations more than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Make a one-page checklist and score each school after a visit. It prevents the “everything feels the same” problem.
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These questions usually reveal more than general “tell us about your program” conversations:
- What is the typical class size for this age?
- How do you handle new students mid-year?
- How do teachers communicate with parents (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does the day actually look like (start/end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support kids who are anxious or adjusting to a new country?
- What is the policy for language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you handle heat/indoor/outdoor time in hotter months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
School choices aren't only about tuition. Consider the full ongoing expenses:
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the daily routine matters more.
- Ignoring commute time: it affects sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same everywhere: it doesn't.
- Not asking about support: transitions are real for kids.
- Waiting too long: admissions timelines can be tighter than expected.
The Bottom Line
In short, the right school is usually the one that fits your family’s real schedule: location, support, and everyday comfort for your child—not the one with the flashiest marketing.
If you'd like help sorting priorities for Montreal (commute, routines, questions to ask), get in touch — or call +1 514 555 0147.