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Kells Academy

Canada, Montreal

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees CA$20,500 - 23,700
Ages 5 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 300
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 1978
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Canadian Curriculum
Taught languages French, English
Typical class size 20
Strengths STEM, Visual and Creative Arts, Outdoor Education
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, High School
Introduction

Located in Montreal's Notre-Dame-de-Grace, Kells Academy operates three close-knit campuses providing an English-language Canadian curriculum for children aged 5 to 18. The elementary campus emphasizes a growth mindset, active participation, and a FLEX option program that includes coding, stop motion, yoga and meditation, chess, dance and filmmaking. The high school follows Quebec Ministry Guidelines but offers flexible math and science pathways to accommodate different levels, and in 2017 introduced a one-year Grade 12 pre-university program designed for direct university entry worldwide. An English Language Learning program supports students whose first language is not English, and enrichment streams challenge advanced learners. Facilities include modern classrooms with digital tools, science labs, music and art spaces, a dedicated Grade 12 cafeteria, and an on-site Maker Space and library. On-campus housing via the Kells International Residence supports a diverse, globally minded community of 35 nationalities and a 100% university placement record from Grade 12.

Kells High School: 6865 De Maisonneuve West, Montreal, Quebec, H4B 1T1; Kells Grade 12 (Pre‑University): 6645 De Maisonneuve West, Montreal, Quebec, H4B 2Y3; Kells Elementary: 2290 Cavendish Blvd., Montreal, Quebec, H4B 2M7

The Essentials

Kells Academy has 300 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English.

Location
Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Kells Academy operates three campuses in Montreal: Kells Elementary at 2290 Cavendish, Kells High School at 6865 De Maisonneuve West, and Kells Grade 12 at 6645 De Maisonneuve West.

Stages
Kells Academy provides K–11 English-language education leading to the MEQ diploma. A separate Grade 12 program is offered to prepare students for university.

Type
Co-ed, private independent school.

Pupil Nationality Mix
35 nationalities represented.

Country affiliation
Canada
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Kells offers on-site residence for boarding students in Montreal. Rooms are equipped with single beds, closets, desks, lamps, and dressers, and each room is shared by two students; male and female dorms are kept separate. The residence provides full-time supervision and video surveillance, a structured schedule with nightly prep time, tutoring options, and ESL support, and meals for boarding students (breakfast, lunch, and supper).

Uniform Requirement
The uniform is mandatory. Regular dress requires a light-blue Oxford shirt, a silver-and-blue striped tie, a light-blue polo, and grey dress pants or a Top Marks skirt; a navy blazer and navy v-neck sweater may be worn for formal wear under the Formal Dress Code. All uniform items bearing the Kells insignia—including the blazer, light-blue shirt, navy sweater, and Kells hoodie—must be purchased from Top Marks; Kells hoodies are allowed only on Fridays.

Food Options
Breakfast, lunch, and supper are provided for boarding students. The residence includes common room spaces, Wi-Fi, and a snack shop for additional options.

Governance and Ownership
Kells Academy is privately funded and privately owned. It operates as a private, co-ed English school and is fully accredited and recognized by MEQ; it is an associate member of the Quebec Association of Independent Schools.
Fees

Annual tuition at Kells Academy ranges from CAD 20,500 to CAD 23,700 for 2026/27.

Application fees

- Kindergarten–Grade 11: CAD 50 (non‑refundable; to be submitted with the application).
- Grade 12 program: CAD 150 (non‑refundable; to be submitted with the application).

Tuition fees by year group (annual and installment detail)

- Kindergarten (2026–2027): CAD 20,500 per year.
- Installment schedule: First installment to be received by August 3, 2026: CAD 10,250; second installment to be received by January 29, 2027: CAD 10,250.

- Grades 1–6 (2026–2027): CAD 21,500 per year.
- Installment schedule: First installment to be received by August 3, 2026: CAD 10,750; second installment to be received by January 29, 2027: CAD 10,750.

- Grades 7–11 (2026–2027): CAD 22,000 per year.
- Installment schedule: Payments to be received by August 3, 2026. Payments dated August 19, 2026: CAD 11,000 and January 29, 2027: CAD 11,000.

- Grade 12 pre‑university program (2026–2027): CAD 23,700 per year.
- Installment schedule: Payments to be received by August 3, 2026. Payments dated August 19, 2026: CAD 11,850 and January 29, 2027: CAD 11,850.

- Alternative payment plan (available for K–11 and Grades 7–11 where offered): 10 post‑dated monthly payments payable August 19, 2026 and the 20th of every month from September 2026 to May 2027. An administrative charge of CAD 25.00 applies per post‑dated payment.

Accessory and other mandatory fees (amounts and timing)

- Transfer / New student enrollment fee (non‑refundable): typically CAD 1,500 (due for new students).
- Activity fee: CAD 750 (non‑refundable).
- Supplies & Technology fee: CAD 900 (non‑refundable).
- Building Fund (new students): CAD 2,000 (non‑refundable).
- Graduation fee (for graduating cohorts): CAD 500 (Grade 11/Grade 12 as applicable).
- OUAC account creation (Grade 12): CAD 250 (non‑refundable).
- Medical insurance for international students (when applicable): CAD 975 (Grade 12 figure shown as non‑refundable; international supplemental amounts for other years vary).
- Course transfer fee (if applicable): CAD 200.
- Airport pick‑up or drop‑off (each way, if required): CAD 200.
- ESL / English language support:
- English Language Learning (Language Centre): CAD 750 per month (where assessment requires placement).
- After‑school English Second Language program: CAD 550 per month (where applicable).

Boarding and homestay fees (where applicable)

- Homestay:
- Monthly rate: CAD 1,900.
- Placement fee (non‑refundable): CAD 200.
- Deposit due upon acceptance (international/homestay deposit reference shown): CAD 9,500 (deposit amounts listed for Grade 12/homestay).

- School residence (monthly rates and deposit):
- Triple room: CAD 1,650 per month.
- Double room: CAD 1,950 per month.
- Single room: CAD 2,300 per month.
- Deposit due upon acceptance (residence deposit reference shown): CAD 9,900. These residence fees include a furnished room and three meals per day.

Billing schedule, payment terms and overdue charges

- Standard billing: Annual tuition invoices are issued for the academic year with the primary payment deadline noted as August 3, 2026 (for the 2026–2027 year) and scheduled dated payments on August 19, 2026 and January 29, 2027 for two‑installment plans where used.
- Alternative monthly payment plan: 10 post‑dated payments payable August 19 and the 20th of month (September–May); CAD 25 administrative charge per post‑dated payment.
- Overdue accounts: An interest/late charge is applied to overdue accounts (rate and enforcement are specified by the school; historical documents note an overdue charge equivalent to an annualized percentage and possible suspension of services until settlement).

Refund and cancellation information

- Grade 12 program: No refunds are issued for the Grade 12 program; enrollment initiates administrative processes that the school considers complete even if the student does not begin the course.
- Kindergarten–Grade 11 and other programs: Cancellation and withdrawal carry administrative charges and specific non‑refundable items. Example terms include a cancellation fee of CAD 500 if cancellation is received before provision of services begins, and a higher fee per semester if cancellation occurs after services have begun; specified accessory fees (application, admission, supplies/technology, medical insurance, OUAC/building fund/activity fees where applicable) are listed as non‑refundable and tuition may be prorated if withdrawal occurs after services began. Parents should note that a one‑month notice or a one‑month cancellation fee may apply to homestay and residence arrangements.

Other costs and mandatory items

- Uniforms and dress code: A mandatory uniform policy applies. Several uniform items (navy blazer, v‑neck sweater, Oxford light blue shirt, Kells polos/hoodies and other branded items) are required to carry the Kells logo or insignia and must be purchased through the designated supplier (Top Marks) for logo items; the fee schedule does not list a standardized uniform price.
- Books, damaged/returned items: The school may invoice for damaged or unreturned books or materials at the end of an academic year. Historical fee documents note such invoicing practices.

Family discounts and scholarships

- Family discount (applies to full fees): 10% for the second child; 15% for the third child; 20% for the fourth child or more.
- Scholarships and bursaries: The school administers merit scholarships and bursaries; amounts and eligibility are handled through the school's admissions/financial aid processes.

Fee payment options and accepted methods

- Accepted methods: Cheque, wire transfer, or e‑transfer (Interac/e‑transfer). Some application or specific payment flows may use third‑party payment platforms for certain transactions.

Notes for parents (concise)

- Accessory fees (activity, supplies & technology, building fund, transfer/enrollment fees, medical insurance where applicable) are charged in addition to published tuition and are commonly due with initial acceptance or on the accessory fee due date listed for the year (August dates appear in the 2026–2027 schedules).
- Homestay and residence arrangements require deposits due on acceptance and typically require one month's notice for cancellation or a one‑month cancellation charge.
Academics

Kells Academy teaches Canadian Curriculum for students aged 5 to 18.

Curriculum
Kells Academy provides an English-language curriculum for Kindergarten through Grade 12 across three Montreal campuses. The approach is individualized with flexible implementation to meet each student's needs. In Elementary, learning emphasizes a growth mindset and active participation, with a FLEX option program that offers coding, stop motion animation, yoga and meditation, chess, dance and filmmaking. In High School, the curriculum follows Quebec Ministry of Education guidelines while delivering greater flexibility in mathematics and science to match student levels. Grade 12 is a pre-university program introduced in 2017 to support transition to universities and other post-secondary institutions worldwide. The school also offers an English Language Learning program for students whose first language is not English and enrichment streams for advanced aptitude.

Exam Results
Approximately 100% graduation rate from Grade 11 (Quebec high school diploma) and acceptance to CEGEP. From Grade 12 (Ontario high school diploma), graduates gain acceptance to universities.

Higher Education Progression
The Grade 12 pre-university program has a 100% university acceptance rate, opening doors to universities around the world.

Gifted and Talented
Enriched learning streams exist for students with advanced aptitude. FLEX programs include the arts, robotics, chess and theater.
Wellbeing

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Kells Academy is an English language independent school in Montreal; French-speaking students can strengthen their English while continuing to maintain and develop their French.

Safeguarding
Article 21: Student & Parent Rights in Québec's Education System; Code of Ethics.
Parent Experience

History
Kells Academy is an English-language independent school in Montreal. From Kindergarten to Grade 11, students benefit from small classes, personal attention, and nearly five decades of experience supporting a wide range of learners. For families looking beyond Grade 11, Kells offers a distinct one-year pre-university Grade 12 program designed to prepare students for direct entry to university. French-speaking students can strengthen their English while maintaining and developing their French, allowing them to move forward without losing an important part of their language and identity. With students representing 35 nationalities and a 100 percent university acceptance rate from the Grade 12 program, Kells offers a personal, globally minded education across three closely connected Montreal campuses.

Community
Students represent 35 nationalities, reflecting a diverse, globally minded community. Cultural learning and global citizenship are emphasized through programs such as A Year of Cultural Learning at Kells and other diversity initiatives. The community gathers for major events, including Convocation 2025 at Concordia University, and regular showcases of student learning in newsletters. STEM achievements and other student life highlights are celebrated across the campuses.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The high school, Grade 12, and elementary campuses are four small blocks apart in Montreal's Notre-Dame-de-Grace. The High School building houses classrooms with advanced teaching technologies, Music and Art rooms, an IT/Resource Centre, a Learning Centre, and a Science Lab. The Grade 12 building has its own cafeteria with ping pong tables, a quiet study room, and space for outdoor recreation. The Kells International Residence provides on-campus housing for elementary and Grade 12 students and is minutes away for high school students, offering furnished suites and shared laundry and kitchen facilities.

Sports Facilities
Adjacent to the High School building is a fully equipped gymnasium, an outdoor soccer field, a baseball diamond, and a winter skating rink, all accessible to students during and after the school day. Students also have access to the NDG Sports Centre located at Benny and Monkland, which houses a double gymnasium and a 25‑metre swimming pool.

Academic Facilities
Classrooms are equipped with advanced teaching technologies, including PC and Mac laptops, SmartBoards, and iPads. The High School building also houses Music and Art rooms, an IT/Resource Centre, a Learning Centre, and a Science Lab. The Grade 12 building has its own dedicated space with the latest technology, a cafeteria with ping pong tables, a quiet study room, and outdoor recreation space. A dedicated library and a Maker Space are available at the elementary campus.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Inter-school tournaments and recreational clubs are organized, with drop-in gym times. Sports programs include soccer, volleyball, golf, basketball, futsal, swimming, badminton, and frisbee. A fitness room provides year‑round access for fitness training as part of the Physical Education program.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
STEM at Kells Academy features strong competition and real-world project work. The Math Competition Team earned top honours in national contests, including first place in Montreal for the Grade 10 Cayley Contest and first in Montreal and third in Quebec for the intermediate team in the University of Waterloo's Canadian Math Competition. Students also excelled at the Hydro-Québec Regional Science Fair, with projects ranging from mushroom-based oil spill solutions to AI and turbojet engines, earning Great Distinction and university awards. The STEM program emphasizes problem-solving and critical thinking, with opportunities in coding, robotics, and maker-space projects.

Arts & Creative
Arts are integrated across the school, with a Visual Arts program that includes experimenting with a variety of mediums and visits to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Music education offers singing, instrumental instruction, theory, history, and appreciation, with opportunities to join the school choir and perform at events such as the Spring Concert. The arts cultivate creative expression and contribute to student portfolios and stage performance skills.

Cultural & Language
A Year of Cultural Learning at Kells highlights intercultural understanding through Truth and Reconciliation initiatives, cultural field trips, anti-racism education, and International Day. Na'kuset spoke at a school assembly about Indigenous leadership and experiences, inspiring classroom projects and actions. Theatre as a cultural lens, field trips to Pointe-à-Callière Museum, and language-center learning for international students reinforce global awareness and diverse perspectives.

Social & Hobbies
Students participate in a range of clubs and extracurricular activities, including Book Club and Student Council, with additional seasonal outings. The school emphasizes social activities through athletic and cultural programs, expanding social connections and personal interests.

Community & Service
Truth and Reconciliation efforts and anti-racism education reflect a commitment to community and social responsibility. A visiting activist from the Native Women's Shelter of Montreal and other leaders promote awareness and action. International Day celebrates a global family, reflecting the school's focus on inclusion and community across 45 nationalities.

Leadership & Professional
Student leadership opportunities include Student Council for international students and broader student governance. The World Scholar's Cup teams compete internationally, with the Senior Team placing first in Collaborative Writing and second in other categories at the Regional Round, and 24 medals and seven team awards overall; a Grade 11 student advanced to the Tournament of Champions at Yale. The program develops public speaking, teamwork, and leadership through debate and competition.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
An emphasis on athletics and outdoor learning includes a wide range of team and individual sports—soccer, basketball, badminton, cross-country running, rock-climbing, and more—and regular physical education classes. Students also participate in outdoor experiences such as winter tubing and Forest School visits, supporting physical health and stress relief. Montreal's urban setting supports activity through arts and performance opportunities, with events like the Spring Concert fostering community wellbeing.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction at Kells Academy. French is taught as a language subject for 65 minutes per day. French-speaking students can strengthen their English while maintaining and developing their French. There is language support for all students, including access to online language learning and reading instructional programs.

Bilingual Teaching
English is the language of instruction. French is taught as a subject for 65 minutes per day. Enrichment is provided to Francophone students or those who have attended French or immersion schools. From arrival, there is emphasis on language development with additional support and access to online language learning and reading instructional programs.
Admissions

Admissions
1. General Information. Contact Kells Academy by phone or email to speak with a member of the Admissions Team. The Admissions Coordinator is Lesley Farrell. Inquiries regarding admission options are handled by the Admissions Team. This step initiates the admissions process.
2. Visiting Our Campuses. Visitors may attend open house days or arrange to visit the campuses during regular school sessions. A “Kells Student for a Day” option is available to experience the school alongside a partnering student. A Kells Meet‑and‑Greet can be booked with the Admissions Coordinator online or in person by filling out the form.
3. Formal Application. After deciding to apply, complete the online application papers and participate in an interview and a placement test. For questions or to discuss aspects of the process, contact the Admissions Coordinator at 514 485 8565 or via the inquiry form.

Scholarships
Kells Academy offers financial aid in the form of bursaries to offset tuition for students with demonstrated need. Financial aid is available for grades K‑11. Eligibility requires Canadian citizenship or permanent residency; the bursary process uses supporting documentation and is assessed by the Financial Aid Committee. The online application and a non‑refundable application fee of $130 are submitted through Apple Financial Services. Bursaries are issued on a case‑by‑case basis and are not repaid. Any monetary assistance provided by the school is a bursary that goes toward tuition and does not need to be repaid.
School Events
The school has not added events
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