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Selwyn House School

Canada, Westmount

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, French
Fees Fees not listed
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 540
Type Boys School
Opened 1908
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages English, French
Typical class size 20
Strengths Languages, Academic Enrichment, Performing Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Leadership and Professional
Stages Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

Selwyn House School is a private independent boys' school in Westmount, Montreal, serving Kindergarten through Pre-University. The campus comprises the Lucas Building for Elementary and Middle Schools, the Macaulay Building with classrooms, and the Speirs Building housing a library and learning centre, computer labs, and a full-size gym, all connected by indoor spaces and supported by outdoor facilities. The school blends Advanced Placement (AP) offerings with a Bespoke Curriculum, and in every year students study French in addition to another subject in French, reinforcing bilingual communication in a small, hands-on, experiential learning environment. The Pre-University Year in Grade 12 prepares students for post-secondary study alongside athletics, arts, and experiential education. Notable programs include the Veritas Diploma and College and University Advising. Extracurriculars span debates, theatre, STEAM, sports, and a wide array of student-led clubs; the Duke of Edinburgh's Award is offered, and a Department of Student Wellness supports wellbeing.

95, chemin de la Côte‑Saint‑Antoine, Westmount (Québec) H3Y 2H8

The Essentials

Selwyn House School has 540 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English, French.

Location
Selwyn House School is located at 95, chemin de la Côte-Saint-Antoine, Westmount, Québec H3Y 2H8. It is situated in Westmount, within the Montreal area. Public transit options are available nearby: the #24 bus stops on Sherbrooke Street West one block south of the school, the Atwater metro station is about a 10-minute walk away, and a bus from Vendôme metro provides access nearby. A BIXI bike station is located at the corner of Sherbrooke Street West and Argyle Avenue.

Stages
Kindergarten; Elementary School; Middle School; Senior School; Pre-University. The school offers Kindergarten, Elementary School, Middle School, Senior School, and Pre-University programs.

Type
The school is a private independent boys' school. It serves students from Kindergarten through Pre-University.

Additional learning support
The Department of Student Wellness provides support for students through the Student Success Centre, led by learning strategists. Counselors provide support for personal, social-emotional, and academic needs.

Country affiliation
Canada

School day structure
Elementary arrivals begin around 8:00 a.m.; Kindergarten uses entry at 442 Argyle Avenue; Recess and pickup occur around 2:10–2:30 p.m. For Middle and Senior Schools, students may arrive by 7:30 a.m. and must be in first period by 8:10 a.m., with dismissal times ranging from 2:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m., depending on grade and day. The After-School Program extends the day from dismissal to 5:45 p.m. on select days with Extended Day, Homework Supervision, and After-School Activities.

Bus service
Public transit is easily accessible: the #24 bus stops on Sherbrooke Street West one block from the school; a short walk from Atwater or Vendôme metro stations is also possible; there is a BIXI station at Sherbrooke Street West and Argyle Avenue. The school operates four dedicated bus services for students: West Island, Île-des-Sœurs, Laval & Town of Mount Royal, and South Shore, with morning pick-ups typically between 6:50 and 7:15 a.m. and afternoon drop-offs between 4:30 and 5:20 p.m. (second bus drops off between 6:05 and 6:30 p.m. on some routes). Costs are currently: West Island route $330/month two-way, $275/month one-way; Île-des-Sœurs route $330/month two-way, $275/month one-way; Laval & Town of Mount Royal route $330/month two-way, $275/month one-way; South Shore route $340/month two-way, $285/month one-way.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The school has a uniform. Uniforms are ordered through The Argyle Shop.

Food Options
Lunch is served in Coristine Hall. The kitchen offers a hot meal, sandwiches, soup and salad with vegetarian options; Pork is never on the menu. The kitchen is nut-free; Food delivery services are not permitted. Students may not leave school grounds during lunch.

House System
The school has a house system with a House Cup competition.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by the Selwyn House Association Board of Directors. The Lucas Foundation and the Veritas Fund support fundraising and scholarships. The Old Boys' Association represents alumni.
Fees
Application fees

- Application fee: CAD 50, payable by credit card at time of application.

Tuition and total annual fees by year group (2026–27 fee schedule items)

- Kindergarten (K)
- Tuition: CAD 20,396.
- Supplementary fees: CAD 4,674.
- Meal fees (mandatory): CAD 1,938.
- Privatization Fund abatement: (CAD 1,050).
- Total annual fee: CAD 25,958.
- Standard payment instalment (two instalments per year): CAD 12,979 per instalment.

- Grades 1–2
- Tuition: CAD 25,526.
- Supplementary fees: CAD 5,871 (includes elementary lunchtime supervision where applicable).
- Meal fees (mandatory): CAD 2,052.
- Privatization Fund abatement: (CAD 1,200).
- Total annual fee: CAD 32,249.
- Standard payment instalment (two instalments per year): CAD 16,124.50 per instalment.

- Grades 3–6
- Tuition: CAD 25,526.
- Supplementary fees: CAD 6,566 (includes notes such as lunchtime supervision where applicable).
- Meal fees (mandatory): CAD 2,052.
- iPad rental fee (where applicable): CAD 308.
- Privatization Fund abatement: (CAD 1,200).
- Total annual fee: CAD 33,252.
- Standard payment instalment (two instalments per year): CAD 16,626 per instalment.

- Grades 7–8 (Middle School)
- Tuition: CAD 25,926.
- Supplementary fees: CAD 5,632.
- Meal fees (mandatory): CAD 2,166.
- Laptop rental fee (where applicable): CAD 684.
- Privatization Fund abatement: (CAD 1,200).
- Total annual fee: CAD 33,208.
- Standard payment instalment (two instalments per year): CAD 16,604 per instalment.

- Senior School / Secondary (Secondaire 3, 4, 5 and Grade 12)
- Tuition: CAD 25,926.
- Supplementary fees: CAD 5,928.
- Meal fees (mandatory): CAD 2,280.
- Privatization Fund abatement: (CAD 1,200).
- Total annual fee: CAD 32,934.
- Standard payment instalment (two instalments per year): CAD 16,467 per instalment.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Standard billing frequency: school fees are billed in advance and the standard semi-annual instalment schedule is two instalments per year: first instalment due September 1 and second instalment due February 1. Monthly and quarterly payment plans are offered as alternatives. Monthly and quarterly plans include interest charges.

- Payment plan mechanics and management: families may enrol in a Pre-Authorized Debit (PAD) / Auto-Pay arrangement and manage billing, view statements, and submit payments through the school's online billing module (mySelwyn). Additional billings (out-of-town trips, ASP, breakfast, athletics fees, etc.) are charged separately and are not automatically included in Auto-Pay instalments.

Boarding fees

- Boarding: not applicable. Selwyn House is a day school and no residential/boarding fee line items are published for the standard academic programs.

Other mandatory or commonly charged costs

- Activities / transportation fee (covers compulsory field trips and school activities): CAD 300 for Grades K–4; CAD 500 for Grades 5–6; CAD 750 for Grades 7–12.

- Supplementary fees: each year group's supplementary-fee line appears in the breakdown above (elementary lunchtime supervision is included in certain supplementary fees for Elementary School and is typically CAD 850 where noted).

- Technology/device rental: Grade-specific device rental charges appear in the breakdown above (example: Grade 5–6 iPad program rental and Grade 7–8 laptop rental where listed).

- Meal plan: participation in the school meal plan is mandatory for students; meal-fee amounts are shown in the group breakdowns above.

- After-School Program (Kindergarten to Grade 6): full‑time registration option and occasional/day rates are charged for the after-school program (examples published include full-time at CAD 5,250/year and occasional at CAD 45/day). Homework-supervision options are available for Grades 1–12 (fees apply).

- Uniforms: uniform items are supplied via The Argyle Shop; uniform purchases are a separate family cost.

Refunds and withdrawal

- Refunds and withdrawal terms: the school's enrollment and billing terms define refund, deposit and withdrawal rules as part of the contract between family and school; these terms are set out in the school's enrolment/billing documentation and financial guide. Parents should review the enrollment/billing documentation and the Educational Services Contract for the precise refund and withdrawal schedule that applies to their situation.

Fee payment options (accepted methods and notes)

- Accepted payment methods and mechanics for tuition and recurring billing include: pre-authorized debit (PAD / Auto‑Pay), bank account debit, debit card; cheque, online bill payment, and wire transfer remain available. Credit card payments for tuition are not accepted via the billing module (credit/debit card entries are for debit cards; credit cards are noted as not available for tuition billing). Application fees are accepted by credit card during the online application process. Monthly and quarterly payment plans include interest fees.

Notes for parents (practical points)

- Many fee lines are presented as separate components (tuition, supplementary fees, meal fees, device rental, activity/transportation fee, and any abatement). The numbers given above reflect the school's published fee breakdowns for the relevant 2026–27 fee materials and the standard semi-annual instalment schedule is shown as the default payment option.
Academics

Selwyn House School teaches Advanced Placement (AP), Bespoke Curriculum.

Curriculum
The school is divided into three schools: Elementary (Maternelle through Grade 6) with early immersion in French, Middle School (Grades 7–8), and Senior School (Grades 9–11) with a Pre-University Year in Grade 12. In all years, students study the French language in addition to another subject in French. The environment is small and student-centered, emphasizing hands-on, experiential learning, participation, teamwork, and fair play, while helping students learn to think critically and express themselves in both English and French. The Pre-University year prepares students for post-secondary education, and the curriculum is complemented by athletics, arts, and experiential education. Senior School also offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses and the Veritas Diploma to support university admissions.

Higher Education Progression
Pre-University (Grade 12) provides post-secondary preparation with small classes and individualized attention. College and University Advising offers tools and a dedicated advisor to help students navigate university options and applications. Advanced Placement (AP) Program and Veritas Diploma are available in Senior School to support university admissions. US College & University Fair and Atlantic University Fair are hosted to connect students with universities.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Selwyn House School fosters social-emotional learning in a small, student-centered environment that encourages participation, positive attitudes toward involvement, personal growth, teamwork, and fair play. The school supports diverse learning styles through the Student Success Centre, overseen by Learning Strategists, with smaller work rooms and specialized instruction to promote active learning and engagement. Students belong to Teacher Advisor Groups (TAG) to support academic and social development. The overall culture emphasizes inclusivity and collaboration across grade levels.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Student Success Centre provides a Learning Strategist and accommodations for varied learning styles, including smaller work rooms and specialized instruction, with a focus on personalized pedagogy. The SSC supports tailored approaches to learning and ongoing professional development for staff to address diverse needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The language of instruction is bilingual in English and French across the grades. Proficiency in either English or French is required, as there are no formal ESL classes offered. Language of instruction by grade is: Kindergarten 50% French / 50% English; Grades 1–3 70% French / 30% English; Grades 4–6 50% French / 50% English; Grades 7–11 30% French / 70% English. The Kindergarten program includes both English and French language instruction.

Mental Wellbeing
A school counsellor provides emotional and psychological support for students, and families can reach out for concerns. The Student Success Centre offers a caring, welcoming, and safe learning environment with learning support and individualized strategies to promote wellbeing and engagement.

Safeguarding
The Parent-Student Handbook includes evacuation and lockdown procedures, field trip safety, and accident insurance information. Policies emphasize mutual respect and safe, responsible conduct, with guidelines for addressing conflicts and appropriate technology use.
Parent Experience

History
Selwyn House School was founded in 1908 in Montreal as Lucas School by Lieutenant Algernon Lucas. Two years later it moved to Mackay Street, and in 1912 Colin Macaulay renamed it Selwyn House in honour of Selwyn College. By 1920 the school had senior and junior sections and later expanded to Redpath Street with a library, gymnasium, dining room and assembly hall. In 1961 the school moved to its present Côte-Saint-Antoine site after purchasing the former Westmount High School, with further expansions over the years and the former St. Andrew's United Church added for space in 1985. A 2002 two-phase expansion added the Speirs Building with a library and learning centre, computer labs and a full-size gym, and in 2021 the school became fully independent from provincial grants, with a Pre-University year beginning in September 2023.

Community
Selwyn House maintains an active Old Boys' Association with the annual Old Boys' Reunion and Homecoming Weekend and regional reunions in other cities. Old Boys' News highlights events such as a TEDx Youth Event and Arts Fest with masterclasses, showcasing a vibrant cultural life. The news also covers charity and community initiatives, including Summit Flora Mothers Day collaboration and Hockey Helps the Homeless. The school's community life includes ongoing events such as New Parent Coffee and other volunteer-driven activities.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parent Volunteer Association invites Selwyn House parents to volunteer and support classroom and school activities; there are many opportunities and the help is appreciated. The PVA's goal is to create a strong, connected parent body that helps make the school a better place. Volunteer areas include Admissions helpers, the Argyle Shop, Class Parents for both Middle/Senior and Elementary, Decorating and School Beautification, Library Volunteers, Lunch Service, and Parent Connectivity. Special events include the Holiday Marketplace, Gryphon Sales, the Elementary School Play, Staff Appreciation, and Senior School Service Day. The PVA signs up new volunteers through a sign-up form. The Executive Committee leads the PVA, with Co-Chairs for Middle/Senior and Elementary Class Parents and coordinators for decorations, lunches, and special events. New Parent Coffee is one example of PVA events.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Selwyn House sits on a multi-building campus with a history of expansion. The Lucas Building houses the Elementary and Middle Schools. The Macaulay Building, the former church, contains classrooms and offices and includes an additional gym. The Speirs Building provides a state-of-the-art library and learning centre, computer labs, and a full-size gym, connected to Macaulay by a tunnel. A dining room and kitchen serve the school, and science laboratories were reconstructed as part of the expansions.

Sports Facilities
The athletics program uses on-campus and outside facilities. The Speirs Building houses a full-size gym. The Macaulay Building includes a gymnasium. The school rents 16 outside facilities to support its programs.

Academic Facilities
The Lucas Building houses the Elementary and Middle Schools. The Macaulay Building contains classrooms and offices and includes an additional gym. The Speirs Building provides a state-of-the-art library and learning centre and computer labs. The Wanstall Library provides additional academic resources for students.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Extracurricular Activities at Selwyn House include Debating, Senior Play, STEAM Club, Chess Team, Wood Shop, Fine Arts Club, and Senior Jazz Band. There are 12 student-led clubs, including Chinese Cultural Club, Contactivity, Crochet Club, Entrepreneurship Club, German Club, Investment Club, Jewish Student Union, Math Club, Model UN, Music Production Club, PreMed Club, and Sunday Supper Club. Activities run across campus in spaces such as the Physics Lab, Theatre, Wood Shop, and Speirs spaces. The program also includes a range of additional clubs and activities listed on the Extracurricular Activities page.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers Advanced Placement (AP) Program and Veritas Diploma in the Senior School. It provides College and University Advising and a Department of Student Wellness, plus a Student Success Centre.

Arts & Creative
The school has Visual Arts, Music, Digital Arts, Drama, and Future Selwyn as part of its Arts offerings.

Social & Hobbies
The school has an After-School Program and Extracurricular Activities; Gryphons Athletics; and Camps.

Community & Service
Community Engagement is part of School Life. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is offered as an experiential program.

Leadership & Professional
Student Leadership and The Duke of Edinburgh's Award are part of the school's leadership programs. College and University Advising and Career Opportunities support students' professional development.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The school has a Department of Student Wellness and a Counsellor. Outdoor Education and a Student Success Centre support well-being and experiential learning.
Languages

Language Provision
English and French are the languages of instruction. There are no formal ESL (English as a Second Language) classes offered; candidates must be proficient in either English or French. Non-French-speaking elementary students pay additional fees for French as a Second Language (FSL) classes. In all years, the French language is studied in addition to another subject taught in French.

Bilingual Teaching
The school teaches in both English and French. Language of instruction by grade is: Kindergarten 50% French / 50% English; Grades 1–3 70% French / 30% English; Grades 4–6 50% French / 50% English; Grades 7–11 30% French / 70% English. The program supports bilingual development and is framed within Quebec's bicultural heritage, helping students develop proficiency in English while refining their French.

Immersion Programs
Early French immersion is offered in the Elementary School (Kindergarten through Grade 6). French is taught and used across the curriculum as part of the immersion approach. The elementary program is described as early French immersion. Throughout the school, language exposure blends French and English across grades.
Admissions

Admissions
The school has online applications for Kindergarten to Grade 11 and Pre-University. Applications for the 2027-2028 school year are now being accepted. A $50 CAD application fee is required. Entrance exams are no longer part of the admissions process. A Certificate of Eligibility is not required for admission. The Admissions Office seeks students who will contribute to the school and who will thrive in the program; the candidate's previous school record and the impression from the family meeting are both considered. International students are welcome, and the school requires proficiency in either English or French, as there are no formal ESL classes offered. Language proficiency is assessed through a review of current report cards, the Confidential School Report form, and an online or in-person interview. Language of Instruction is: Kindergarten 50% French / 50% English; Grades 1–3 70% French / 30% English; Grades 4–6 50% French / 50% English; Grades 7–11 30% French / 70% English. Step 1 - Apply Online. Kindergarten to Grade 11 applications are submitted through the online portal; Pre-University applications use the same system for new students. Step 2 - Complete Checklist Items. After submitting, the candidate's online file is used to complete the required items by grade. Step 3 - Schedule a School Tour. The school hosts Open Houses and other tours; registration is required for each event. Step 4 - Decision. After the Admissions process, the family is contacted with the Admissions Committee's recommendations. Application Deadlines: Applications for the 2027-2028 school year are accepted year-round; to be considered in the first round for Kindergarten to Grade 11, apply between August 15 and October 15, 2026; for Pre-University, apply between August 15 and December 1, 2026.

Scholarships
Bursaries are available to families of new and returning students in Middle and Senior Schools (Grades 7–12) and are reassessed and awarded yearly. For new students entering Grades 7–12, several bursaries of up to 50 percent or greater are available to families who qualify for financial assistance (there is no minimum income to apply). Bursary awards are based on two criteria: the family's financial need (as determined through a completed Apple Financial Services (AFS) application) and the applicant's merit or potential contribution to the Selwyn House community (assessed via academic reports, personal statements, Confidential School Report or recommendations, and participation in activities). Athletic scholarships are not available. Selwyn House uses Apple Financial Services (AFS) to process bursary applications, starting September 28, 2026; the tax documents deadline is October 15, 2026 (December 1, 2026 for Grade 12 applications). For more information on bursaries, contact the Admissions Office.
School Events
The school has not added events
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