2015-2016 SCHOOL PROSPECTUS

About St. George’s School of Montreal

Core Values

• The Discovery of Self: St. George’s encourages its students to develop an internal honesty that helps to determine what interests them. This self-knowledge enables a child to discover who they are and to seek out careers and life situations that will bring them happiness.

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At St. George’s, we focus on the whole child. By recognizing and celebrating the individual strengths and needs of each child, we prepare them to go forward in life with confi dence and self-assurance. In addition to providing a scholastically rich and rigourous academic curriculum, a St. George’s education nutures personal growth through the following:

Every child has a vast and unknown potential waiting to be discovered.

• The Encouragement of Curiousity: In contrast to traditional educational approaches, St. George’s progressive education draws children towards learning, as opposed to pushing them towards it. We empower curiousity and an appetite for knowledge and allow our students to take ownership of their education by encouraging them to be active and equal participants in the classroom.

• The Acquisition of a ‘Life Tool Kit’: St. George’s rigorous academic standards and extra-curricular programming allow our students the opportunity to develop a range of essential life skills. Critical thinking, problem solving and adaptability prepare St. George’s students to continuously evolve and grow.

Founding Principles

• Health comes fi rst• Learning comes from doing• Free the classroom of unnatural constraints• Adapt education to the individual child• Develop group-consciousness and social-mindedness• Provide our children with abundant opportunities for creative expression

The Founding Principles of St. George’s School of Montreal are:

Watch the “I Am St. George’s”

video.

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About St. George’s School of Montreal

Our MissionSt. George’s School provides a hands-on, well-balanced and rigorous educational experience. Mindful of the different strengths and needs of all of our learners, we prepare each student for what lies ahead.

At St. George’s:

• We challenge students to think critically and express themselves creatively; our students are confi dent problem solvers.

• We provide a nurturing, respectful environment that encourages both self-discovery and collaboration; our students enjoy and value learning.

• We embrace meaningful inquiry and thoughtful refl ection within and beyond the classroom; our students grow into engaged and compassionate citizens.

Grounded in the themes and practices of progressive education since 1930, St. George’s is aligned and actively engaged with research and innovation dedicated to the education of the whole child.

“Our graduating child could not

have had a better high school

experience. We are torn between

our excitement for the future and

wanting to roll back the years!”

At St. George’s we believe that...

• Refl ection is an integral part of authentic learning

• While structure is critical, rigidity is unnecessary

• Transferring and applying knowledge to new situations leads to the development of critical life skills

• Achievement is not measured only in terms of academic success

Why choose St. George’s?Top reasons for choosing our Elementary School:

1. Fully bilingual curriculum

2. Small class sizes to enhance hands-on learning

3. Weekly classes with Art, Music, Physical Education and Science specialists

4. Co-curricular Activities Program which includes fi eld trips

Top reasons for choosing our High School:

1. Daily Advisor Program

2. Accelerated Math and Science Mentorship Program

3. Advanced Placement (AP) courses

4. Extra-Curricular Activities including GMAA Athletics, Robotics, Theatre, Media Arts and Student Leadership

5. Unique Co-curricular Activities and Community Learning Programs

Our Philosophy

Our philosophy encourages an individualized and fl exible approach to learning and teaching, while challenging each student to excel. We believe in learning by doing.

Your child will be challenged in French, language arts, mathematics, social studies, science and technology within an integrated curriculum that fosters both academic commitment and independence. Critical faculties, essential to a growing mind, are developed at every opportunity and aesthetic sensibilities are developed by stimulating programs in both art and music. Your child will become an active participant in the learning process through collaborative learning, cross-grade projects, experiments and memorable fi eld trips.

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The St. George’s Method

Our ApproachAt St. George’s, we ask our students to actively engage in the process of self-discovery and challenge themselves in order to grow emotionally, socially and cognitively.

Best practice research indicates that Teaching, Learning and Curriculum are the basis for the development of effective pedagogy. These three key components are interdependent and are constantly in motion. Our primary focus at St. George’s is on Learning, equally supported by the science and art of Teaching and the development and delivery of enriched Curriculum.

LearningAt St. George’s, we embrace active and authentic learning by bringing together sequential and divergent thinking for creative thought and problem solving. Through the use of refl ective learning techniques, students learn to connect the abstract through meaningful fi eld trips and real-life experiences which engage students beyond the classroom wall and prescribed curriculum.

St. George’s favourable class sizes in the Elementary School and the High School provide the ideal learning environment. The nurturing and respectful classroom setting also allows teachers to adapt to the differences of the individual learner.

TeachingAt St. George’s, we practice and champion responsive teaching by applying just-in-time direct instruction prompted by the student’s ability to feel progress. Our environment provides students with the opportunity to safely and confi dently develop their own voice and to respect a diversity of ideas and opinions.

CurriculumAt St. George’s, we enrich the MEESR (Ministère de l’Éducation, de l”Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche) core curriculum based on ongoing cognitive research, thus delivering a developmentally appropriate program that is coherent, not only from grade to grade but cross-curricular as well.

Concept-based, integrated and challenging to all, our courses are geared to the diverse interests and talents of our students. St. George’s students are stimulated by our curriculum in French, Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, and Technology, with their creative abilities and aesthetic sensibilities further developed through inspiring programs in Art, Music, Theatre and Media.

“Beyond great academics, beyond athletic victories, beyond getting

into the right schools and getting the right jobs, there is frankly

the more important business of education, which is an education that

embraces not only the intellect but the heart and the passion.

St. George’s so respects the value of the individual.”

– Shawn Levy ’85, Producer & Director

Our Faculty

St. George’s faculty is comprised of highly qualifi ed and engaging professional educators who are also supported by a devoted staff. Understanding of students’ needs, our faculty is committed and dedicated to creating an environment of curiousity that encourages students to take risks in furthering their knowledge and creative-thinking. Our students are taught by knowledgeable, confi dent and enthusiastic professionals who inspire them to fully participate in their learning.

Ongoing professional development establishes a practical link between research-based best practices in education and the delivery of our rich and engaging curriculum.

The quality of our faculty is mirrored in the academic success of our students.

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Benefi ts of a Co-ed Environment

ResearchA study conducted in 2005-2006 by Toronto-based market research fi rm The Strategic Council points to the benefi ts of boys and girls working together. Many parents opt for a co-educational learning environment for the following reasons:

• Co-educational schools are microcosms of society. Since men and women are likely to interact in the workplace and in the home, school can be an environment in which gender differences come to be understood, preparing students for life. Students can also learn to deal with the social issues that arise in mixed company rather than avoiding them.

• Stereotypes can be broken. It is understood that girls seeing boys in the art or music classes and boys seeing girls in the math, science, and technology classes reinforces the notion that these pursuits are not gender-linked.

• Co-ed environments give students the opportunity to witness and adjust to different learning styles. Male and female students can learn from each other’s approaches as each brings their own style to bear in working for common goals. This is understood to be an important learning opportunity by advocates of co-education.

This study included a survey of over 17,000 recently graduated high school students, with the following insights:

• Girls at single-sex schools are no more likely than those at co-ed schools to participate in class discussions.

• Girls in co-ed schools voice an opinion regardless of peer approval just as often as girls in single-sex schools do.

• Girls’ perceptions of their abilities in math and science are not affected by the gender composition in schools.

• Boys in a co-ed environment are as likely to be engaged in learning as boys in a single-sex environment.

HOW CONFIDENT ARE YOU THAT YOU WILL BE ACADEMICALLY

PREPARED FOR UNIVERSITY WHEN YOU GRADUATE FROM HIGH SCHOOL?

CANADIAN STUDENTS’ ATTITUDES TOWARDS GENDER ROLES AND OPPORTUNITIES

INDEPENDENT, CO-ED 56% 38%

50% 44%INDEPENDENT, SINGLE-SEX

VERY CONFIDENT SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT

INDEPENDENT, CO-ED

“Most of the boys I know respect girls”

“Most of the girls I know respect boys”

INDEPENDENT, SINGLE-SEX

76%

80%

56%

62%

Source: Selecting an Independent School: The Benefi ts of the Co-educational Environment, The Strategic Council.

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Co-curricular Activities Program

ProgramsAt St. George’s, students participate in a unique Co-curricular Activities Program at both the Elementary and High School that complements their experience and broadens their exposure in areas related to athletics, health, fi tness, culture and community.

Throughout the school year, our students participate in many co-curricular activities organized in conjunction with various departments. These activities are designed to enhance and deepen the learning.

Winter Outdoor Education

• Snowshoeing• Skating• Snow tubing

Winter Outdoor Education

• Cross-country skiing• Snowshoeing• Skating

Elementary School Program High School Program

Activities include: Activities include:

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Physical Fitness

• Rock climbing• Squash• Golf• Yoga• Weight training

• Spinning• Bowling• Hockey• Swimming• Pilates

Culture and Community

• CPR/First Aid instruction• Community outreach• Museum visits• Music/Dance workshops

• Cultural exhibits• Plays• Concerts

Specialized Programs

• Dragon boating• Curling• Fencing• Zip-lining• Tree-trekking• Orienteering

Specialized Programs

• Yoga instruction• Volleyball• Badminton• Tennis• Dance and choreography

Culture and Community

• Art gallery visits• Musical concerts• Museum visits• Community outreach

Grade 6 Program

• Curling• Co-operative games• Yoga• Dance and

choreography• Aqua-fi tness

• Geocaching (GPS Treasure Hunt)

• Archery• Ice Skating• Hiking• Snowshoeing

Physical Education

AthleticsAt St. George’s, our Physical Education and Health Program recognizes and values individuality by offering a variety of both competitive and recreational sports and physical activities. The goal of our program is to expose students to activities that they can pursue once they graduate to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

The school’s proximity to Mont Royal provides all our students with the perfect venue to familiarize themselves with seasonal activities such as running, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and skating.

In partnership with the Co-curricular Activities Program, students are also introduced to less conventional activities such as rock climbing, zip-lining, self-defence, fencing, dance, and dragon boating.

In addition to Physical Education classes, many students participate in lunchtime intramurals including volleyball, badminton, basketball, cosom hockey, ultimate Frisbee and dodgeball.

As a member of the Greater Montreal Athletic Association (GMAA), our High School students compete against other schools in the following sports:

• Touch & Flag Football

• Soccer

• Cross-Country Running

• Golf

• Basketball

• Badminton

• Swimming

• Track & Field

• Tennis

• Volleyball

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Elementary School Program

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The St. George’s Elementary ExperienceAt St. George’s School of Montreal, your child is welcomed to a home away from home. From the moment you step through our doors, you will sense the warmth and caring that surrounds each child and makes him or her feel very much a part of our inviting family. Our curriculum is based on child-centric learning, innovation and collaboration. St. George’s faculty members are dedicated to creating a learning environment that encourages and fosters both academic and personal growth.

At St. George’s, every student’s natural curiosity to learn is respected and nurtured. As a team, our faculty and staff work to help students attain their personal best. All parents want a school where they feel safe in knowing that their “little ones” are being supported when needed and academically challenged when required. They want their children to become emotionally and socially intelligent. En tant qu’équipe-école, nous sommes sensibles aux besoins de nos élèves dans une province où le français à une importance primordiale. Nous offrons donc un programme français immersion pour nos élèves dès la maternelle. Il nous tient à coeur de bien préparer nos élèves soit en anglais ou en français. A well-rounded education is the goal at St. George’s, and we strive to instill a strong sense of citizenship and global respect, never forgetting ourselves in the process.

K-Grade 3

AcademicKINDERGARTEN TO GRADE 6 CURRICULUM

Grades 4-5 Grade 6

• Ethique et Culture Religieuse

• Ethique et Culture Religieuse

• Leadership

• English Language Arts• Français• Mathematics• Science

• Univers Social• Arts Plastiques• Music

• Information Research & Technology/Library

• Physical Education

• Leadership• Transition Program• Community Learning

• Spanish• Digital Design

Grades K to 6 (Cycles I, II and III)At St. George’s Elementary School, our students live and learn in an environment that refl ects the bilingual richness of our city. Our small class sizes of 12-16 students and our dedication to responsive teaching enables us to offer a rich and stimulating French program to every student, no matter their prior exposure to French before entering our school. Our students spend an equal amount of time in English and French learning environments. French exposure is emphasized with a French homeroom with an additional 35 minutes a day for students in Kindergarten to Grade 2 and again in Grade 6. In Grades 3 through 5, the homeroom period is spent in an English environment. St. George’s has historically fostered a love of reading through its strong literacy program which is delivered in both official languages.

Overall, our challenging curriculum engages our students without overwhelming them. Each child receives individual attention to ensure that his or her academic and social environments are both enriching and supportive. Tout au long de leur primaire, les élèves étudient les arts visuels, l’ethique et la culture religieuse ainsi que les sciences sociales en français et bénéfi cient d’un programme de musique bilingue. Les mathématiques et l’éducation physique sont pour leur part enseignés en anglais. De plus, l’école St-Georges a traditionnellement encouragé l’amour de la lecture par un programme littéraire très exigeant. Ce programme est maintenant offert dans les deux langues officielles.

Elementary School Program

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Grade 6 Transition ProgramBy the time a child reaches Grade 6, they are emotionally and socially ready to leave Elementary School behind. Yet for most, the prospect of entering High School can be very intimidating. There is much research indicating that students who ease their way into high school are much more successful academically and emotionally. The stress of entering high school is highly reduced when students are exposed to their future environment ahead of time and are aware of the physical layout of the building, for example.

Our Transition Program gently eases our Grade 6 students into high school life. Every Friday, the Grade 6 students spend the day following their regular Grade 6 curriculum but in the context of a typical high school day. They have the opportunity to meet the high school teachers they will be working with once they enter Grade 7. The students benefi t from the use of the high school science labs, gym, cafeteria and theatre spaces. Most importantly, they become comfortable and familiar with older students and the daily fl ow of high school life.

Research Conclusive research indicates that English speaking students who enroll in immersion programs acquire the same levels of competency in English reading and writing as comparable students in all-English programs and, at the same time, acquire signifi cantly higher levels of functional profi ciency in French reading and writing than students in conventional programs with French as a second language.

Extra-Curricular Activities (ECAs)At St. George’s, students are involved and engaged both during and after school. Consistent with the child-centred philosophy of the school, St. George’s caters to the individual needs of every student. Extra-curricular activities (ECAs) complement our curriculum by helping each child realize his or her potential.

Our ECAs include the following activities:

• Atelier d’écriture creative• From Inspiration to Creation Jr. & Sr.• Master Chef Cooking Class • Club de Français – La future cinéaste• Bollywood Dancing

• Glee: E Minor• Jr. & Sr. Robotics• Dynamix• Kung Fu• Jr. & Sr. Soccer

• Chess Club• Basketball• Jr. Hip Hop• Karate• Jr. Yoga

GRADE 7-11 CURRICULUM

High School Academic Program

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Grade 7 (Cycle I, Year 1) Grade 8 (Cycle I, Year 2) Grade 9 (Cycle II, Year 1)

• Science & Technology

• Géographie

• Histoire & Citoyenneté

• Theatre Arts

• Visual Arts

• Music

• Science & Technology

• Géographie

• Histoire & Citoyenneté

Elective Classes (2 required):

• Theatre Arts

• Visual Arts

• Music

• Science & Technology

• History & Citizenship

Elective Classes (2 required):

• Theatre Arts

• Studio Art (Afterschool or at lunch)

• Visual Arts

• Music

• Spanish as a 3rd Language

Grade 10 (Cycle II, Year 2) Grade 11 (Cycle II, Year 3) Enrichment Courses

• Science & Technology

• History & Citizenship

1 of the following:

Visual Arts or Theatre Arts or Music

Elective Classes (2 required):

• Exploration in Multimedia

• Marine Biology

• Phys. Ed. Leadership

• Music

• Studio Art

(Afterschool or at lunch)

• Spanish

• Contemporary World (Integrated Project)

1 of the following: Visual Arts or Theatre Arts or Music

Elective Classes (3 required):

• Chemistry

• Psychology

• Phys. Ed. Leadership

• Physics

• Photo Media

• AP Studio Art (Afterschool or at lunch)

• History of the 20th Century

• Virtual Studies

• Spanish

• AP English

• AP French

• AP Psychology

• AP Studio Art / Art History

• Independent Studies

• Pre-Calculus Math

• Science Mentorship

• English Language Arts

• Français

• Mathematics

• Physical Education & Health Sciences

• Ethics and Religious Culture

Grade 7-11 (Cycles I & II)At St. George’s, our curriculum provides a broad selection of challenging courses drawn from all major disciplines and, where possible, marrying the analytical skills of the scientist with the creativity of an artist and vice-versa.

The program for students in Grades 7-8 (Cycle I) and Grade 9 (Cycle II, Year 1) is designed to strengthen communication skills in both French and English and to encourage enriched learning in the areas of Mathematics, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, Athletics and Performing Arts (Art, Music and Drama).

Students in Grades 10 & 11 (Cycle II, Year 2 & Year 3) may select from the following specialized options:

• Science Option: designed to provide students with the necessary prerequisites for a post-secondary education in Health or Applied Sciences and/or Commerce.

• Liberal Arts Option: a broad variety of courses designed to provide students with a diverse and enriched background for post-secondary studies in Liberal Arts or Social Sciences.

High School Academic Program

French ProgramAt St. George’s, our rich French program allows students to develop either second language profi ciency or French as a mother tongue (Langue Maternelle).

French Integration

• An intensive program intended for students who have very limited ability in French or who have not learned French in the past. This program is designed to integrate students into French as a second language classes within a few years.

Français Langue de base (Core Program)

• Intended for students who have learned some French in elementary school but who have not previously been exposed to an immersion environment. In this program, students will acquire basic fl uency in French as a second language.

• Students who demonstrate a favourable disposition for learning French as well as a strong reading ability in French can be invited to join the Français Enrichi program at any grade level.

Français Enrichi (Enriched Program)

• Similar to the Core program in its components and approach, the material used in this course requires advanced reading capability and writing profi ciency in French as a second language.

• Students who qualify are graded using more stringent criteria than are students in the Core Program.

Français Langue Maternelle

• Offered to students who join the High School with an advanced profi ciency in French.

• This course is modeled on the French language of instruction courses of the Québec French school system and uses the same textbooks and materials. Students require an advanced mastery of oral communications, reading and writing.

• Grade 11 students who are registered in this course may opt to write the “Français Langue d’Enseignement” examination if they choose to join the afterschool French coaching program that completes the yearly hourly requirements for this program.

• All students registered in this course will take the Français Enrichi (Enriched Program) exam in Grade 11.

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High School Program

Math ProgramAt St. George’s, our Math programs are focused on meeting the needs and abilities of each and every student and taught in such a way so as to provide them with the opportunity to grow their profi ciency and interest in math.

Grade 7 students who demonstrate a readiness for a greater challenge in Math studies may begin our Accelerated Math Program at the end of their Grade 7 second semester. These students will go on to complete the most challenging Quebec High School Math courses by Grade 10 and will be given the option to take Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus in Grade 11.

By Grade 10, students interested in applying to CEGEP in Pure and Applied Science, Health Science, Commerce and/or Computer Science will be in one of three different math options:

• Accelerated program (Math 506 (S), Math 554, AP Calculus)

• Science Option (Math 426 (S); Math 506 (S))

Those students looking to apply to CEGEP entry in Social Sciences and Liberal Arts will take the Cultural, Social & Technical Option (Math 414 (CST); Math 504 (CST)) or more challenging Math courses listed above.

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PLEASE NOTE: Students taking the Social Science and Liberal Arts stream in Grade 10 and/or 11 have the opportunity to transition into the Science stream math programs if they take a summer bridge course in Grade 10 or various math transition courses in the fi rst year of CEGEP.

ST. GEORGE’S MATHEMATICS PROGRAMNote that this overview is revised as necessary to best serve the needs of our students, and to refl ect any changes to the Quebec Educational Program.

Unique Programs

Advisor ProgramAt St. George’s, every high school student is assigned to an advisor group which provides the framework for the development of student autonomy and improves the overall quality of student life. Our faculty members serve as advisors to a group of approximately 12 students. Each advisor meets with their students on a daily basis to review individual progress, performance and social integration. For parents, the advisor is a reassuring presence who provides the essential link between home and school.

Performing Arts/Sport-ÉtudesAt St. George’s, students who perform in the arts or who compete at a high level in a sport and who wish to concurrently pursue an Elementary or High School experience can do so under our Performing Arts/Sport-Études program.

Subject to specifi c qualifi cation criteria, students admitted to the Performing Arts/Sport-Études Program will complete a course load equivalent to that of a regular student. Depending on the individual student’s performances and/or competition and training schedules, modifi cations to the student’s attendance schedules can be made in order to ensure the requirements of compulsory courses are met.

The St. George’s Performing Arts/Sport-Études Program respects the pedagogical expectations by le Ministère de l’Éducation, Loisirs et Sports.

Advanced Placement Courses At St. George’s, our High School students have an opportunity to take a wide variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses administered under the aegis of the Princeton Testing System. Students who perform well on the Advanced Placement examination receive credits or advanced standing when they enroll in universities in Canada and/or the United States.

Advanced Placement opportunities are offered in English, AP French, Psychology, Studio Art/Art History, World History and Calculus or a variety of other AP courses through our Virtual Studies option.

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Student Life

Extra-Curricular ActivitiesAt St. George’s, students are involved and engaged both during and after school.

Consistent with the child-centred philosophy of the school, St. George’s caters to the individual needs of every student. Extra-curricular activities complement our curriculum by helping each child realize his or her potential.

St. George’s encourages and recognizes a wide range of student involvement through our Student Life Achievement Medal (S.L.A.M) Program.

Community Learning ProgramAt St. George’s, Community Learning focuses on providing students with experiences that enable them to understand how their actions can create a meaningful impact within the greater community.

Each student in Grades 7-10 is required to complete at least ten hours in a minimum of three volunteering sessions every year. Students self-select an organization which they feel matches their interests and values, and volunteer in a small group, often accompanied by a parent volunteer. Refl ection about their volunteering activities are intergrated within the Ethics and Religious Culture Program.

In Grade 11, Community Learning becomes an important component of the Contemporary World Issues course and is core to the Integrated Project.

Leadership

• Student Council• Big Brother & Sister Program• School Ambassadors• Duke of Edinburgh• Kids on the Block• Environmental Group• Stride to Succeed• Graduation Committee

Math & Science

• Robotics• Physics Challenge

Media

• Photography• Yearbook

Language Arts

• Debating• Book Club

Arts

• Musical Productions• Performing Arts Productions• Glee Club (G Major)• Band• Jazz Band

Examples of High School Student Life Activities

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St. George’s Graduates

About Our Graduates

Sciences

Arts & Culture

Social Science/Liberal Arts

Commerce

Other

26%

14%

42%

14%

4%

54%27%

8%

8%

Dawson College

Marianopolis College

Other CEGEP

Grade 12/Prep

What do our students study?*

*Data based on 5-year trend

Where did our Class of 2015 choose to go?

Confi dent in at least two languages, the St. George’s graduate is self-motivated, an independent learner and a caring, sensitive individual who is well prepared to meet the rigour of demanding post-secondary experiences. Our graduates are ready to take on the world by using their knowledge to aid, innovate and create.

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Tel: 514.937.9289www.stgeorges.qc.ca

High School Campus3100 The Boulevard

Montreal, Quebec H3Y 1R9

Elementary School Campus3685 The BoulevardWestmount, Quebec H3Y 1S9

Admissions: 514.904.0542 admissions@stgeorges.qc.ca

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