doris
doris
Find Schools
Events
Saved schools
My account
Parent Guide Parent testimonials Community Transparency Charter About For Schools
Currency
S

Stanstead College

Canada, Stanstead

Save school
Share
Navigate

· Reviewed by · Co-founder & CEO

Independently researched by doris.
Not yet claimed by the school
Claim your profile
The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees CA$29,500 - 90,000
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 290
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 1872
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Canadian Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Taught languages English, French
Strengths Sport, Languages, STEM
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Middle School, Secondary School, High School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

Stanstead College is an independent, co-educational boarding and day school in Stanstead, Quebec, near the U.S. border. Founded in 1872 and independently governed since 1977, the college enrolls students from around the world. The curriculum follows Quebec guidelines with a Canadian program and Advanced Placement offerings, organized into junior (Grades 7–8) and senior (Grades 9–11). Graduation occurs after Grade 11, with options to pursue CEGEP or a Grade 12 intensive university-preparatory program. Instruction is bilingual—English and French—with language choices including Français langue maternelle or French as a Second Language, and an English as a Second Language program. The school supports students with a mandatory evening study period and a Learning Resource Centre, plus a Junior Study Skills Program. Facilities include Colby Hall, the library and Reading Room, the Amaron and Mackay Gyms, Pat Burns Arena, and multiple residential houses. Distinctive programs include Multicultural Week and Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award.

450 Dufferin Street, Stanstead, Quebec, Canada, J0B 3E0

The Essentials

Stanstead College has 290 pupils, instruction in English.

Location
Stanstead College sits in Stanstead, Quebec, on the Canada–United States border. It is set on a rural campus surrounded by the hills of Quebec's Eastern Townships and Northern Vermont. The school has approximately 300 students from around the world.

Stages
The school serves students in Grades 7 through 12. It is a co-educational, boarding and day school.

Type
The school is an independent, co-educational boarding and day school.

Pupil Nationality Mix
The school includes students from over 20 countries. The student population is approximately 300, providing a global experience.

Additional learning support
A Learning Resource Centre supports learning. A University Guidance team helps senior students with post-secondary planning.

Country affiliation
Canada. The school is located in Quebec, Canada.

School day structure
A mandatory evening study period is in place. From the start of the school year until the October break, all junior boarding students attend supervised study in Pierce Hall. The University Guidance team helps senior students with post-secondary planning.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Boarding is provided on campus in five residences: Bugbee House for junior boys; Wolfe House for junior girls; Davis House for boys in Grades 10–11; Webster House for girls in Grades 10–11; and Cowen House for Grade 12. Each residence is overseen by house directors with teachers on duty and student prefects, creating a safe, nurturing environment where students live and study on site.

Uniform Requirement
Uniforms are worn at school and on trips. The School Uniform includes a crest blazer—red for the fitted cut or navy for the traditional cut—white Oxford shirt, red school tie, and grey pants (Top Marks) or grey kilt (length not shorter than 2 inches above the knee), with a black leather belt and grey or black socks, plus black dress shoes. Outerwear is a black embroidered winter coat supplied by Top Marks. Gym uniform is mandatory, and Spring Dress is an optional option starting May 1.

Food Options
The dining hall offers cafeteria-style meals with a variety of entrées, soups and salads, including vegetarian options.

House System
Stanstead College operates five residential houses: Bugbee House (junior boys), Wolfe House (junior girls), Davis House (grades 10–11 boys), Webster House (grades 10–11 girls), and Cowen House (grade 12). Each house is guided by house directors and teachers on duty, with student prefects helping maintain a respectful, cooperative living environment.

Governance and Ownership
Stanstead College is a registered not-for-profit corporation governed by volunteer trustees and directors. It is financed through tuition, the school endowment, and the Annual Fund, with all revenues directed back into operating costs.
Fees

Annual tuition at Stanstead College ranges from CAD 29,500 to CAD 90,000 for 2026/27.

Annual tuition (by student type)

- CAD 72,000 — Canadian/USA boarding (tuition & residence).
- CAD 90,000 — International boarding (tuition & residence).
- CAD 29,500 — Day student (tuition).

Application / acceptance fees and initial charges

- Acceptance fee for all new students: CAD 200 (payable on acceptance; non‑refundable).
- Residence security deposit (boarding students): CAD 1,500 for Canadian/USA boarding; CAD 2,500 for international boarding. This security deposit will be refunded or credited on the final statement when the student graduates or completes their final school year; otherwise it is non‑refundable.
- Down payment on registration for boarding students: 10% of the annual tuition & residence fees, to be applied to first‑term residence fees; this down payment is non‑refundable.
- Capital investment fee for each new student (invoiced on first statement): CAD 750 (day students); CAD 2,500 (Canadian/USA boarding); CAD 4,000 (international boarding).

Tuition billing schedule and payment terms

- Standard due dates used for instalment options: payment on acceptance/registration, plus payments due around mid‑August, 1 December and 1 March. Families may choose a two‑installment or three‑installment plan and must make instalment arrangements with the Business Office prior to the first instalment date. (Instalment timing and structure follow the school's billing schedule.)

- Typical instalment structures and example per‑term amounts (calculated using the school's usual instalment pattern applied to the annual tuition figures above):
- Day student (CAD 29,500 annual):
- Two instalments (50% / 50%): CAD 14,750 + CAD 14,750.
- Three instalments (approx. 40% / 30% / 30%): CAD 11,800 + CAD 8,850 + CAD 8,850.
- Canadian/USA boarding (CAD 72,000 annual):
- Registration down payment (10%): CAD 7,200 (non‑refundable) plus residence security deposit CAD 1,500. Remaining balance may be split per the instalment options agreed with the Business Office; for example, after the down payment the remainder (CAD 64,800) would be approximately CAD 32,400 + CAD 32,400 under a two‑installment plan, or CAD 25,920 + CAD 19,440 + CAD 19,440 under a three‑installment plan.
- International boarding (CAD 90,000 annual):
- Registration down payment (10%): CAD 9,000 (non‑refundable) plus residence security deposit CAD 2,500. Remaining balance may be split per instalment choices; for example, after the down payment the remainder (CAD 81,000) would be approximately CAD 40,500 + CAD 40,500 under a two‑installment plan, or CAD 32,400 + CAD 24,300 + CAD 24,300 under a three‑installment plan.

(Note: the instalment examples above apply the school's documented instalment proportions and the published annual tuition figures; families must make formal payment arrangements with the Business Office and the school issues the final invoice amounts and due dates.)

Boarding‑specific fees and charges

- Annual boarding charges are included in the boarding tuition figure noted above; additional boarding‑related initial charges include the residence security deposit and the registration down payment equal to 10% of tuition & residence. The capital investment fee for new boarding students also applies. Weekend or optional overnight accommodations not required by the school are charged separately per night.

Other mandatory or common supplementary costs

- English Second Language (ESL) support: CAD 2,000 per term (three terms per year) for students enrolled in the English support program.
- Instrumental music fee: CAD 175 for students in Grades 7–9 and for Grades 10–11 students who opt for the music elective.
- Art supplies fee: CAD 175 for the specified grades and electives.
- Mandatory third‑party student travel insurance for international and non‑resident Canadian students: CAD 800 annual premium (subject to change); charged to the parent account in the first month of school.
- Personal items and incidental costs not included in tuition: uniform, pocket money, dry cleaning, private lessons or tutoring, sports equipment, school‑store purchases, medical prescriptions, optional weekend activities/hotels/trips and certain transportation costs. Incidental spending is managed via the school's online Spartan Cash account.
- Transportation (examples with per‑person, one‑way rates): Montreal downtown/airport CAD 190; Burlington airport CAD 190; Sherbrooke CAD 105; Magog/Coaticook CAD 75; Stanstead College Limocar to/from Montreal (scheduled breaks) CAD 75 each way (plus supervision fee). Wait time CAD 23/hour; other destinations CAD 1.60/km.

Refunds and non‑refundable items

- Acceptance fee: non‑refundable. Residence down payment: non‑refundable. Residence security deposit: refundable or credited on final statement when the student completes their enrolment; otherwise it is non‑refundable. These specific refund/non‑refund provisions are stated in the school's fee schedule and related contracts.

Billing notes and payment handling

- Families must complete the Educational Services Contract and, for boarding students, the Residence Contract; registration is not complete until required contracts and the acceptance fee, residence down payment and security deposit (as applicable) have been paid. Payments received in non‑Canadian dollars are converted at the exchange rate in effect on the date the payment is processed. Instalment arrangements must be made with the Business Office prior to the first instalment due date. Incidental spending uses the Spartan Cash online account.

Summary reminders for parents

- Annual tuition totals are CAD 72,000 (Canadian/USA boarding), CAD 90,000 (international boarding) and CAD 29,500 (day student). Instalment plans are offered with standard due dates through the year; boarding students must pay a non‑refundable registration down payment equal to 10% of tuition & residence plus a refundable security deposit. Additional mandatory small fees (capital investment for new students, ESL, travel insurance) and variable supplementary charges (transportation, optional trips, personal expenses) apply and are invoiced or charged during the year.
Academics

Stanstead College teaches Canadian Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP).

Curriculum
Based on Quebec Ministry of Education guidelines, Stanstead College divides the curriculum into junior (Grades 7–8) and senior (Grades 9–11), with Mathematics, English and French emphasized at each level. Grade 11 features advanced level courses in Mathematics, French, Chemistry and Physics. Students may choose Français langue maternelle or French as a Second Language, and an English Second Language program is offered. Graduation occurs after Grade 11 (Secondary V), after which students may attend CEGEP or enroll in Grade 12 for an intensive university‑preparatory program. The Junior Study Skills Program supports Grades 7–9 with routines such as using an agenda, binder organization, supervised study, and periodic study-skills instruction; University Guidance and Learning Resources are available to help post‑secondary planning.

Student Teacher Ratio
Approximately 280 students. Small class sizes are a feature of Stanstead College.

Higher Education Progression
The University Guidance team helps students discover post-secondary options, narrows goals and guides the applications process, including ACT/SAT preparation and university fairs. For the Class of 2026, there were 64 Grade 12 graduates with offers from 36 Canadian, 46 American and 3 international institutions. Popular majors included science/engineering (33%), business/finance (18%), and social sciences/humanities (30%), with scholarship dollars for the class totaling about $6 million. A list of where 2026 graduates are studying includes McGill, University of Toronto, Concordia, Clemson, Boston College, University of Ottawa, University of Vermont and other institutions.

Gifted and Talented
Advanced coursework includes Advanced Science & Technology 10 (Chemistry 10 and Physics 10) and Science & Technology 10, plus Grade 11 offerings such as Advanced Chemistry 11 and Advanced Physics 11. The program also includes AP courses across English, French, Economics, Geography, Studio Art, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, with AP English Language and Composition, AP French, AP Studio Art, AP Biology, AP Chemistry and AP Physics described; AP exam references indicate exams are part of these courses.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Stanstead College supports social and emotional wellbeing through the Wellness Centre. The Centre provides 24-hour nursing coverage, on-site clinics and a full-time student counsellor based in the centre to respond to students' emotional needs. Nurses are on-call on weekends, and a doctor visits the school regularly to address health concerns. The Wellness Centre is an on-campus resource that integrates health and emotional support into daily student life.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Academic accommodations are available for students with diagnosed and documented special learning needs. Psycho-educational testing is arranged for students with undisclosed or undocumented needs. The Learning Resource Centre provides learning strategies and targeted support, with one-on-one help from junior faculty or the LRC coordinator during spare periods. Private tutoring is available in math, science and French. The John C. Colby Library supports study and reading.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English Second Language is offered as a one-year intensive program for students with little or no English. Students generally spend one school year in the ESL program and may transition to regular courses during the year, with continued language support available on a one-to-one basis after entering the regular program. ESL 7/8 has no French, six periods of English, ESL support, and a Duolingo score between 65 and 80. ESL 9 has no French, six periods of English, ESL support, and a Duolingo score between 75 and 80. ESL 10 must take French, with English for second language learners and six periods of English; Duolingo scores between 85 and 90.

Mental Wellbeing
Stanstead College provides mental wellbeing support through the Wellness Centre. The Centre offers 24-hour nursing coverage and clinics, with a qualified nurse on staff and on-call nurses on weekends. A full-time student counsellor based in the Wellness Centre responds to students' emotional needs, and a doctor visits the school regularly. The Wellness Centre can be reached via email at wellnesscentre@stansteadcollege.com.

Safeguarding
There is a Filing a Complaint process available to address concerns, and a Privacy Policy is published for the school community.
Parent Experience

History
Stanstead College was founded in 1872 in the Eastern Townships of Quebec as Stanstead Wesleyan College, serving Grades 7–12 on a campus surrounded by the hills of the Eastern Townships and Northern Vermont, with about 300 students from around the world. In 1977 the school chose independence from the Quebec government per-student subsidies, enabling it to control its policies and enroll francophone students without certificates of eligibility. The Girls returned to coeducation in 1979. Facilities expanded in the following decades, including Webster House (1991) as a new girls' residence and the Pat Burns Arena (2011) after a major capital campaign; the Rec Hall was rebuilt following a 2001 fire. In 2022 Stanstead College began its 150th anniversary celebrations and, in 2023, Wolfe House—a new junior girls residence—alongside a wellness centre were added.

Community
Stanstead College maintains a diverse, global boarding community with students from Canada, the United States, Mexico, China, Japan, Germany, France and other countries. Students live and study on campus and participate in clubs, weekend activities, school events and academic and service trips. The Spartans Athletics program promotes teamwork, perseverance and healthy living with after‑school practices across multiple sports. Alumni and families stay connected through events, newsletters and the advancement program.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Stanstead College sits on a scenic campus along the Tomifobia River in Stanstead, near the US border. The campus includes Bugbee House (junior boys residence), LeBaron Hall (dining hall and classrooms), Colby Hall (main academic and administrative building with the library and Reading Room), and several residences including Davis House, Webster House and Cowen House. The Amaron & Mackay Gymnasiums host basketball, volleyball and badminton, with a viewing gallery and a weight room, and the Pat Burns Arena is a full-service hockey facility opened in spring 2011. Outdoor sport facilities include Philip Field for soccer and rugby and five additional fields, with tennis courts resurfaced in 2016. La Ruche swimming pool is used by the swim team during winter at Centre Sportif La Ruche in Magog. Parking is located at the south end of campus behind Webster House and at the Pat Burns Arena.

Sports Facilities
Stanstead College maintains extensive athletic facilities on and near campus. The Amaron Gymnasium provides facilities for basketball, volleyball and badminton and includes a viewing gallery, change rooms and a weight room. The Pat Burns Arena, opened in spring 2011, is a full-service hockey facility and home to the Spartans. Outdoor facilities include Philip Field for soccer and rugby, ringed by a track, with five additional fields for practices and games, and the tennis courts were resurfaced in 2016. The La Ruche pool is used by the swim team during Winter Term at Centre Sportif La Ruche in Magog.

Academic Facilities
Colby Hall is the College's main academic and administrative building and houses the school library and a Reading Room. Holmes Model School, built in 1903, now houses classrooms for Art and Humanities and a pottery studio. The Eric T. Webster Student Centre includes the student lounge, offices, classrooms and a tuck shop. The Learning Resource Centre supports students and there is a mandatory evening study period.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Stanstead College offers clubs, weekend activities, school events and academic and service trips. Summer Camps include Language Adventure Camp, Hockey Camps, Facility Rentals and Co-Ed Basketball Camp. Language Adventure Camp provides language immersion in English or French. The campus hosts athletics and service opportunities as part of student life.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school teaches in English and French. The core curriculum emphasizes Mathematics, English and French, with an English Second Language program available. A mandatory evening study period and a Learning Resource Centre support academics. Debating, Problem Solving (Sat Prep), Reading and the Literary Anthology provide opportunities for academic enrichment.

Arts & Creative
Art and Pottery clubs are offered; School Play and theatre productions provide performance opportunities. Music-related activities include Soundtrax, and creative writing is supported through the Literary Anthology.

Cultural & Language
Multicultural Awareness is a feature. Students come from around 20 countries, and Multicultural Week showcases heritage with traditional meals from home countries.

Social & Hobbies
Clubs include Animation, Art, Baking, Board Games, Chess, Debating, DIY, Fishing, Knitting, Reading, Yoga, and other activities; weekend events include dances, cinema nights and performances.

Community & Service
A Community Service program operates weekly, with visits to seniors' homes and involvement with local after-school programs. Service trips partner with Habitat for Humanity in Central America and Africa, and a Community Service Day is held each year.

Leadership & Professional
Prefects serve as student leaders and liaisons. Leadership opportunities span formal roles, community service, travel experiences, and school-wide initiatives; all Grade 9 students participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award program as part of Physical Education.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Sports and fitness facilities include outdoor tennis courts, a volleyball court, soccer fields and an outdoor rink in winter; Mackay and Amaron Gyms are available, along with fitness rooms in the Amaron building and Pat Burns Arena.
Languages

Language Provision
English and French are taught; ESL provides English-language instruction for students with limited English; ESL is typically one year and there is no French in ESL; French courses are offered, including options for fluent French speakers.

Bilingual Teaching
English and French are taught; core subjects include Mathematics, English and French across Grades 7 through 12.

Immersion Programs
Summer Language Adventure Camp offers immersion in English or French.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Contact Us. Contact a member of the Admissions team. If possible, visit the school during a Campus Visit Day or by appointment. The Admissions team will guide applicants through the process and help make the transition to Stanstead College smooth.

2. Complete an application. The online application is available on the site and should include a $100 CAD application fee, a recent photo, a birth certificate or equivalent, references from the applicant's principal, a teacher and a personal reference, and a statement of interest written in English describing current interests and what the applicant would like to get out of Stanstead College. It also requires copies of the applicant's most recent school report and the preceding year's final report, plus an English proficiency score (TOEFL, TOEFL Junior, IELTS or Duolingo) for applicants whose first language is not English.

3. Write the admissions test. The admissions test is administered online by the Admissions team. SSAT results written recently may be submitted in lieu of the admissions test.

4. Have an interview. The interview can be in person or online with a member of the Admissions team. Explain why Stanstead College would be a good fit.

5. Acceptance. Applications are received and accepted on an ongoing basis throughout the year. However, places are limited. Priority will be given to applications submitted before the end of March. All non-Canadian students must obtain a Certificate of Acceptance from Quebec (CAQ) and a Canadian Study Permit to study in Canada. Stanstead College accepts the Standard Application Online (SAO).

Scholarships
Financial Assistance: Financial assistance is available to students in Grades 7 through 12 based on academic merit and financial need. To be eligible for financial aid, students must first submit a completed application to the College as well as a completed financial aid application to Apple Financial Services (FACS) or Financial Aid for School Tuition (FAST). Applicants are encouraged to apply early, ideally by February 1 to receive full consideration. FAST will be discontinued as of August 31, 2026. The College makes every effort to meet the needs of families applying to the school; however, awards normally do not exceed 50% of tuition fees. The average financial aid award is 25% of tuition fees. Financial aid awards are normally offered for one academic year and are renewable annually provided the student has maintained a strong academic average, with no major disciplinary issues, and has remained active within the College community.

Scholarships: Students entering Grades 7 through 12 may be eligible to compete for scholarships, renewable annually based on the same criteria as financial aid awards. Scholarships are based on both merit and financial need. To qualify, applicants must be Canadian or American citizens, have fully completed an application by January 31, have submitted financial paperwork via FACS or FAST by January 31 (FAST will be discontinued as of August 31, 2026), and have a core-subject average of at least 85% on their most recent report card. Athletic scholarships are not available. Note that the amount allocated for scholarships varies year to year.

Entrance Scholarship Exam: The annual entrance scholarship examination is by invitation only. It includes testing in core subject areas including English, French and Mathematics. The next Entrance Scholarship Exam takes place February 13, 2026.

Partial Scholarships: A number of partial scholarships are available each year to new students, awarded on the basis of the scholarship examination, averaging 25% of tuition fees, up to a maximum of 50% of tuition fees. These are renewable according to the same criteria as the full scholarship.

Alumni Legacy Scholarships: Spartan pride is something you carry with you all your life, and alumni often pass that pride onto their children and grandchildren. Financial assistance may be available to the children and grandchildren of alumni.

Scholars Include...: Andrew Martin Scholarship; Eric T. Webster Scholarship; Nick & Enid Carter Scholarship; Northeast Kingdom Day Student Awards; Ontario and Maritime Scholarships.

Special Prizes and End-of-Year Awards: These awards are available to returning students and range from $100 to $3,000.

Sibling Discount: For families with more than one child attending the school, assistance may be available.
School Events
The school has not added events
Search for more schools
Search schools in Canada View all schools in Stanstead View all schools in Canada American curriculum schools in Canada Open days & tours in Stanstead What is the American curriculum? View all schools Search all schools