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West Island College Montreal

Canada, Dollard-des-Ormeaux

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The school at a glance
Instructs in French, English
Fees CA$17,370
Ages 12 - 17 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 1974
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Canadian Curriculum
Taught languages French, English, Spanish
Typical class size 24
Strengths Sport, Languages, Outdoor Education
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Middle School, Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

West Island College Montreal operates as two schools under one roof: an entirely French secondary school and an English school with a French immersion option, both co-ed and independent. The campus supports a bilingual Canadian curriculum for students ages 12 to 17, with the option to study in English or French depending on eligibility. In the English stream, Math, Science and Ethics are taught in English, while most other subjects are delivered in French; the French stream provides immersive Francophone instruction with English offered as a mother-tongue enriched course. Both schools confer a DES and are recognized by MEES. Facilities include a gymnasium, a courtyard, Musacchio Learning Studio spaces, interactive classrooms, study pods, science laboratories, a guidance office, and a school cafeteria. The program emphasizes collaboration through hybrid in-person/online instruction and a broad array of extracurriculars, including 50 athletic teams and more than 40 clubs and committees for student leadership.

851 Tecumseh, Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Québec, Canada, H9B 2L2

The Essentials

West Island College Montreal has typical class sizes of 24, instruction in French, English.

Location

West Island College Montreal is located at 851 Tecumseh, Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Québec, Canada, H9B 2L2, in the West Island of Montreal. The campus is located in Dollard-des-Ormeaux and accessible via Tecumseh and Labrosse Street. Public transit includes the city bus route 208 stopping in front of the school, connecting to Fairview Mall. Carpooling is common and bikes or scooters may be parked on campus.

Stages

Junior School (Secondary 1–2); Middle School (Secondary 3–4); Senior School (Secondary 5). From Junior to Senior School, Voyageurs chart their path.

Type

Two schools under the same roof: an entirely French school and an English school with a French immersion program. Both schools are co-ed, independent, secondary schools.

Additional learning support

Psychosocial support is provided by school counsellors (Junior School and Senior School), a school nurse, learning specialists, and an Academic and Career Advisor to support wellbeing and academic success.

Bus service

Transportation: The city bus 208 stops in front of the school at Tecumseh and Labrosse Street, connecting to Fairview Mall. Carpooling is common; bikes and scooters may be parked on campus.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement

Uniforms are required for all students. Junior School uniforms include white shirts (long- or short-sleeve) with a school tie, grey bottoms, black socks, and black dress shoes; Senior School uses a black crested blazer and a tartan kilt for girls. The Summer Uniform is optional at the start and end of the year, and a PE uniform is worn for physical education.

Food Options

An on-site cafeteria exists on campus. A meal plan (full lunch) is available at the College's cafeteria, indicating on-site meals are provided for students.

House System

The College has a House System with House Council and other student-life activities as part of the experience.

Governance and Ownership

The school is an independent private institution governed by the West Island College Foundation, a non-profit organization with a Board of Directors. West Island College operates two schools under one roof: a French school and an English school with a French immersion program.
Fees

Annual tuition at West Island College Montreal ranges from CAD 17,370 for 2026/27.

Application fees
- Non-refundable evaluation (administrative) application fee: CAD 50, payable by Interac e‑transfer to [email protected].

Tuition and fees (2026–27 academic year)
- Educational Fees (annual): CAD 6,015.00.
- Non‑Educational Fees (annual): CAD 11,355.00.
- Combined annual total (Educational + Non‑Educational): CAD 17,370.00.
- Optional meal plan (not included in the annual total):
- Standard Meal Plan (regular or vegetarian): CAD 1,385.00.
- Gluten‑Free or Vegan Meal Plan: CAD 1,670.00.
- Meal Plan Plus (double portion of protein): CAD 1,845.00.
- Gluten‑Free or Vegan Meal Plan Plus (double portion of protein): CAD 2,125.00.
- Items explicitly not included in the stated fees: meal plan (optional), books, uniforms, international trips, carnival, ski club, the Grad trip and other optional activities.

Tuition by year group
- Fees are published as the above Educational Fee and Non‑Educational Fee for the 2026–27 secondary school intake; a single fee schedule applies to secondary students (Secondary I–V) rather than separate published amounts by individual grade level.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- A non‑refundable deposit of CAD 200 is payable at the time of contract signing.
- School fees are collected by pre‑authorized withdrawals from a bank account.
- Available installment plans to complete the remaining balance: 1 installment (annual), 2 installments (semi‑annual), 4 installments, 6 installments, 8 installments, or 10 installments. Examples based on the combined annual total of CAD 17,370.00:
- 1 installment: CAD 17,370.00
- 2 installments: CAD 8,685.00 each
- 4 installments: CAD 4,342.50 each
- 6 installments: CAD 2,895.00 each
- 8 installments: CAD 2,171.25 each
- 10 installments: CAD 1,737.00 each.

Boarding fees
- Boarding: not applicable. West Island College (Montreal) is an independent secondary day school and does not operate a boarding/residential program.

Other costs and typical extras
- Uniforms and branded apparel are sold through the school's Voyageurs Boutique; sample retail prices include items such as hoodies (e.g., CAD 73.00), jackets (e.g., CAD 170.00), and T‑shirts (e.g., CAD 19.95). Exchanges are subject to a 15% restocking fee and returns are not accepted for WIC merchandise at the boutique. Uniform purchases are separate from the school fee structure.
- Technology access, student and parent portals, email accounts and network maintenance are included in the Educational/Non‑Educational fee components. Excursions and many outdoor education activities are covered in the fee structure; optional international trips and other optional activities are charged separately.

Refund information
- The CAD 50 application evaluation fee is non‑refundable. The CAD 200 contract deposit is non‑refundable. Other refund conditions for tuition or fees are not specified in the published fee summary.

Fee payment options
- School tuition and annual fees: collected by pre‑authorized bank account withdrawals (automatic electronic debit).
- Application administrative fee: required by Interac e‑transfer to [email protected] (use password: WIC if prompted).
- Uniforms and boutique merchandise: sold online via the Voyageurs Boutique (separate payment process for purchases).
Academics

West Island College Montreal teaches Canadian Curriculum for students aged 12 to 17.

Curriculum

WIC is two schools under the same roof: an entirely French school and an English school with a French immersion program, coexisting to offer a bilingual experience. If your child does not have eligibility for English studies, they can apply to the French School; if they do have eligibility, the choice is theirs. Both the English and French schools offer an enriched curriculum and mother tongue language courses in a bilingual environment. In the English school, Math, Science and Ethics are taught in English, while other courses are taught in French, including géographie, histoire, musique, arts plastiques, éducation physique and français. We are able to provide Mother Tongue French or Langue Seconde Enrichie depending on placement. In the French school, all subjects are taught in French, with English taught as an enriched, mother-tongue course, and the French instruction is Français langue maternelle; there are over 40 extracurricular clubs and sports that develop life skills.

Higher Education Progression

Graduates have post-secondary options including CEGEP for two-year studies. A Grade 12 Pre-University Program is available as a transitional path to university in Quebec, across Canada, or internationally. Some graduates attend US prep schools to prepare for American college admissions or pursue international programs. Vocational training or apprenticeships are also available as options.

Gifted and Talented

Enrichment is provided across the curriculum to engage students with real-world applications, small class sizes and technology-enhanced teaching that deepen learning.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Counsellors support students' emotional, social and psychological needs through advocacy, individual counselling, in-class workshops, and school-wide initiatives. The program fosters a safe and supportive environment where students can thrive. Anne-Marie Rhéaume (Junior School) and Angela Garcia-Fontaine (Senior School) provide counselling services. Learning Specialists support students with learning differences or specific needs and collaborate with teachers, parents and staff to implement strategies for academic success. Academic and Career Guidance guides students in course selection and postsecondary planning.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The Learning Specialists are dedicated to helping students reach their academic potential and accommodate learning differences or specific needs. They collaborate with teachers, parents and support staff to implement strategies that enhance academic success. Tara Sadeh and Karol Al Harati are Learning Specialists who provide direct support and guidance to students. The Academic and Career Advisor Brenda Williams provides guidance to help students plan courses and postsecondary options.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

West Island College is two schools under one roof: an entirely French school and an English school with a French immersion program. In the English school, Math, Science and Ethics are taught in English, while the remaining courses are taught in French, including geography, history, music, arts plastiques, education physique and français. Students in the English school may access Mother Tongue French or Langue Seconde Enrichie, depending on placement. Students in the English school must possess a Certificate of Eligibility for English studies.

Mental Wellbeing

Counsellors provide emotional, social and psychological support through advocacy, individual counselling, in-class workshops, and school-wide initiatives. The program supports the emotional and social growth of every student and provides guidance, resources, and a listening ear. The team includes Anne-Marie Rhéaume (Junior School) and Angela Garcia-Fontaine (Senior School). Learning Specialists support students with learning differences and work with staff and families to promote academic success.

Safeguarding

West Island College follows the National Student Ombudsman three-step complaints process for Quebec education services. Step 1 is to contact the person directly concerned or their immediate superior, with a response typically within 10 working days. Step 2 is to contact the Complaints Officer, the Head of School, who has 15 working days to respond. Step 3 is to contact the regional student ombudsman, who has 20 working days to examine the complaint. The Act also protects against reprisals for those who file a complaint or report, making retaliation prohibited.
Parent Experience

History

The school was founded on January 4, 1974 by Mr. Terry Davies. It began with 40 Sec. 1 students in a building leased at 15 Cartier Avenue. It is a non-profit, independent institution with two schools under one roof: a French school and an English school with a French immersion program. The founding motto was Praestantiam Consectemur, meaning 'The pursuit of excellence'.

Community

The WIC community connects students with alumni, parents, and professionals through events and programs. The Innovation Fair blends real-world expertise with classroom creativity and featured 12 guest judges, including alumni and parents. An Alum Career Panel brings graduates back to campus to share experiences, and an Alum Mentorship Program connects alums with students for mentorship.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

Two schools under one roof: West Island College is an entirely French school and an English school with a French immersion program. Both schools are co-ed, independent secondary schools offering studies in French and English, leading to a DES and recognized by MEES. The campus includes a gymnasium, a courtyard, and classrooms, plus Musacchio Learning Studio spaces, student lounges, interactive classrooms and study pods. A guidance office supports students, and a cafeteria is on site for daily meals. The learning environment is designed for both in-person and online instruction, supporting a bilingual learning experience.

Sports Facilities

Athletics are a central part of the student experience. Over 65% of students participate on at least one of 50 competitive teams across 15 sports, with elite coaching and opportunities to travel to tournaments. Fall, Winter and Spring seasons offer a broad calendar of sports across multiple age groups. Students are supported in balancing academics with their athletic commitments. The athletics program complements the school's clubs and activities to foster teamwork and leadership.

Academic Facilities

Classrooms and online learning spaces support hybrid instruction. The Musacchio Learning Studio provides a dedicated learning space with a student lounge, interactive classroom and study pods. Science laboratories are on campus to support science instruction. A guidance office offers student support services. The campus emphasizes spaces designed for collaboration and ongoing learning.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Athletics are central with more than 50 competitive teams across 15 sports and participation by over 65% of students. There are more than 40 activities, clubs and committees offered before school, at lunch, or after school. The clubs include Chess Club, Robotics, Environmental “Green Warriors” Club, Film Club, Debating, Band, Art Club and Yearbook, among others. The Arts program includes Music, Performing Arts and Visual Arts with regular concerts and showcases.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The school offers more than 40 activities, clubs, and committees. Academic and intellectual clubs include Math Club, Science Club, Robotics, Debating, and QAIS public speaking, as well as Chess Club and Peer Tutoring. These clubs meet before school, at lunch, or after school, and provide leadership and service opportunities through Yearbook and the Interact Service Club.

Arts & Creative

Music is taught to all students in secondary I and II and may continue into the senior school; students perform in seasonal concerts after trying instruments before assignment. Performing Arts is part of the curriculum in secondary III and IV, with opportunities to participate in the Variety Show, theatre productions, or a staff/student coffee house. Visual Arts are offered in the early years with continued study in the senior school; the Art Club meets after school and runs four modules: drawing, painting, ceramics, and stained glass.

Cultural & Language

The Diversity Club exists to promote cultural awareness. The International Travel Program offers cultural experiences for interested senior students (secondary 4 and 5), tying trips to the curriculum and providing opportunities to interact with locals and practice a language. Destinations have included a wide range of countries, and upcoming trips include Argentina, France, Belgium, and Luxembourg.

Social & Hobbies

Clubs and Committees number over 40 activities, clubs, and committees. Examples of clubs include Art Club, Band, Board Games, Chess Club, Creative Writing, Debating, Diversity Club, Environmental 'Green Warriors' Club, Film Club, Photography, Yearbook, Robotics, Science Club, Service Club (Interact), Student Leadership, Swim Team, Table Tennis, Tennis, Theater, Variety Show, and more.

Community & Service

The Service Learning program (formerly known as Community Service) provides a cycle of inquiry, action, and reflection. The Interact Club is a Service Club at WIC.

Leadership & Professional

Student Leadership at WIC includes multiple bodies: House Council, WICAA (West Island College Athletic Association), Warriors Verts, Interact Club, and Yearbook Committee. There is a Leadership Camp at the beginning of each academic year, and an orientation day for incoming secondary I students.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Athletics are central to student life. Over 65% of students play on at least one of 50 competitive teams across 15 sports, supported by elite coaching and a focus on discipline and teamwork. The Halo Run is a spring-running program that trains for the Halo Road Race on Mount Royal. Outdoor Education provides wilderness trips at every grade level, linking camping, canoeing, snowshoeing, and hiking to the curriculum. The school prioritizes health and well-being with a school nurse, psychosocial support, student support services, and Academic and Career Guidance events such as career and postsecondary fairs and workshops.
Languages

Language Provision

Instruction is offered in French and English. Two schools operate under the same roof: a French-language school and an English school with a French immersion program. The program leads to a Diplôme d'Études Secondaires (DES) and is recognized by MEES.

Bilingual Teaching

Two schools operate under the same roof: a French-language school and an English school with a French immersion program. Both schools are co-ed, independent, secondary schools. They offer enriched studies in French and English. These studies lead to a DES and are recognized by MEES.

Immersion Programs

The English school has a French immersion program.
Admissions

Admissions

1. Campus visit. The admissions process begins with families discovering the school. On-demand campus tour videos and 360-degree photos are available to view online. For a private tour and to learn about WIC's pedagogical approach, complete the private tour form or email the admissions team.

2. Online Application. Gather all required documents for both the French and English schools; only PDF documents are accepted. Submit the WIC online admission application for your chosen school (you may apply to only one school). Scan each document separately in PDF format and attach them in the appropriate spaces. Send the non-refundable $50 evaluation fee by Interac e-transfer to finances@wicmtl.ca (use WIC as the password if prompted). Incomplete files will not be assessed. After the complete file is received, an email detailing the next steps will be sent within the following week.

3. Self-introduction videos recording (SEC. 1 ONLY). When prompted by the admissions team, the student records and submits on-camera responses to a series of questions in both French and English.

4. Dialogue (interview) with an admission team member. After the videos are received, an invitation is sent with the date and time of the online dialogue, which includes the student, their parents, and a member of the WIC admissions team.

5. Online exam. Candidates who have completed the self-introduction videos and the dialogue receive an email about two weeks before the entrance exam date with details for test day. The English-school entrance exam is scheduled for October 2026 and the French-school entrance exam for September 2026; exact dates are announced and published on the site. For missed deadline exceptions, contact the Admissions Office at 514-683-4660.

6. Admission decision. Each applicant is assessed individually using multiple indicators, including report cards, the online entrance evaluation, the self-introduction videos, and the dialogue. The Admissions Committee reviews files and makes decisions.

7. Commitment & celebration. After decisions are issued, families select the school that best fits their child's needs. The family celebrates the choice and looks forward to the new chapter ahead.

Scholarships

Bursaries & Financial Aid: WIC maintains a bursary fund to help students in need. New and existing WIC students (from secondary II–V) may apply, with the amount varying per student depending on funds available and the number of requests.

Named bursaries: The Rita and Victor Bertrand Foundation began funding named bursaries in 2016. Each bursary is typically $5,000 to $7,500 per year, totaling $25,000–$37,500 per bursary, awarded to deserving students for the duration of their time at WIC. There are a limited number of bursaries available, and additional named bursaries are sought.

Application & review: Apple Financial Services is used to assess tuition assistance. Both parents must complete the online application and submit the required documents. Apple provides an objective analysis, and the West Island College Financial Aid Committee reviews the results and approves final grants, subject to the availability of funds.
School Events
The school has not added events