Some schools really do have it all, and College Bourget is one of them. Located near major urban centres, it also has the benefit of a bit of distance from them, allowing opportunities for a robust program of outdoor education and much else. The facilities, true to the school's long history, are stunning. The physical education spaces—from ice rinks to playing fields, to fitness and recreation spaces—are as good as it gets. There is a sense that you are in an institution with a long life and indeed, it's approaching two centuries since its founding. That said, classrooms and common spaces are modern and well-appointed. It’s the largest French-language boarding school and, language aside, one of the larger schools in the country. Day students outnumber the boarders, though for all, when on campus, there is a feeling of participating within a complete community, one in which all needs are met on campus. The school was begun by the Clerics of Saint Viator, and takes its name from the bishop of Montreal who served in the 19th century. While the foundation in humanist values remains, as does the religious tradition, the student population is notably diverse, both culturally and in terms of religious observance. It’s simply one of the best schools of its type in the country.
We questioned the school adminstration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"Founded in 1850 and situated on a magnificent site at the base of Mont Rigaud, the College is located between Montreal and Ottawa. This exceptional environment offers a safe haven encouraging an active lifestyle where sports and the arts are at the heart of our activities. At Collège Bourget, students can choose to study in French or English. We offer a French Quebec Curriculum from kindergarten to Grade 11 and an English Quebec Curriculum from Grades 9 to 11 and the Ontario Secondary School Diploma in Grade 12."
The Largest French boarding school in Canada
Extensive extracurricular program - sports, arts, science
Long tradition of excellence
Safe campus located in a quaint village 45 minutes from Montreal
After-school program with supervised homework
Warm, family-like atmosphere
Academic enrichment
Quebec secondary school diploma in Grade 11 and Secondary 5
Ontario secondary school diploma in Grade 12
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"All students have access to an integrated study period or a passion program during the school day. Students can receive academic support from their teachers, begin work on...(more)
"All students have access to an integrated study period or a passion program during the school day. Students can receive academic support from their teachers, begin work on individual assignments or groups projects and participate in clubs or sporting activities."
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
"College Bourget offers student athletes an opportunity to study in a demanding, yet supportive environment whilst performing their chosen sport at a high level. Our elite sports...(more)
"College Bourget offers student athletes an opportunity to study in a demanding, yet supportive environment whilst performing their chosen sport at a high level. Our elite sports teams train with qualified coaches during the school day and after school. Students can compete at the highest level in Quebec and the East of North America."
4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
"College Bourget was established in 1850.
The introduction of the Elementary School, created an opportunity for students to study at Bourget from Kindergarten to Grade 11. In...(more)
"College Bourget was established in 1850.
The introduction of the Elementary School, created an opportunity for students to study at Bourget from Kindergarten to Grade 11. In 2019 the English Secondary School (Bourget College) was opened. It provides an opportunity for local and international students to study in English from Grades 9 to 12."
5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
"We are looking for students who are passionate or who want to discover themselves through a passion program. Whether through sports, the arts, robotics or languages, the College...(more)
"We are looking for students who are passionate or who want to discover themselves through a passion program. Whether through sports, the arts, robotics or languages, the College emphasizes the perfect balance between their individual passions and education."
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
Information not yet available.
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"The large and beautiful campus, competitive prices for a private school that also offers a residence, the enriched academic program for all students, the extracurricular...(more)
"The large and beautiful campus, competitive prices for a private school that also offers a residence, the enriched academic program for all students, the extracurricular activities and elite level sports programs."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
"With the number of admissions we receive each year, the presence of our alumni in the College environment and the strong engagement on social networks, our reputation seems to be...(more)
"With the number of admissions we receive each year, the presence of our alumni in the College environment and the strong engagement on social networks, our reputation seems to be very well perceived externally."
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"The beautiful campus located on Mont Rigaud. The extensive facilities that are available to students on campus."
"The beautiful campus located on Mont Rigaud. The extensive facilities that are available to students on campus."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
"We offer both a French and English high school curriculum.
We offer the Ontario Secondary School Diploma to students in Grade 12."
"We offer both a French and English high school curriculum.
We offer the Ontario Secondary School Diploma to students in Grade 12."
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
"We have completed renovations to our students' external courtyard, and we're also completing phase two of these renovations over the next few years. We've added a dome to our...(more)
"We have completed renovations to our students' external courtyard, and we're also completing phase two of these renovations over the next few years. We've added a dome to our campus, allowing soccer, soccer and flag soccer training to continue indoors year-round. We have also added Grade 9 to our English program in 2024."
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
"Further renovations and improvements to the college's infrastructure, diversification of our international clientele, addition of extracurricular programs."
"Further renovations and improvements to the college's infrastructure, diversification of our international clientele, addition of extracurricular programs."