Hi everyone
You've got a great forum!
As the title says, I'm looking for English core school recommendations in Montreal. I have seen a few posts on this but most appeared to be dated a few years or more and neighbourhoods and schools can sometimes change a lot in that time.
Before we go any further, yes, I have been educated in English and French (although I am sadly rusty
) and come from a bilingual Ontario home and as a parent I have both English and French language rights.
Both my sons have been educated in Canada in English and are now in Grades 2 & 5. I would love to have them both educated in French but my older son has a learning disability (dyslexia) and although exceptionally bright struggles with reading and written work in his first language (English) so changing to core, bilingual or immersion French education is not an option at this time though he works hard and enjoys his French classes.
Both boys are looking forward to moving to Montreal and sharpening their French skills with their maman. The purpose of our move is to allow me the time and environment, during my online distance studies with Athabasca for upgrading my existing degree, to improve and restore my French language skills (which will also be supported by French language university studies). My end goal is to hopefully be accepted to McGill's bilingual law programme.
I have read the island as a whole is remarkably safe compared to similar and larger international multicultural cities in both Canada & abroad, so I have little fear of any of the neighbourhoods (I've also lived in Hamilton & Toronto over the years and visited Washington, New York, Pittsburgh, Richmond and others so to see the sliding scales of comparison has been helpful). Rental rates are also remarkably affordable in Montreal - a delight I am pleased to discover! I doubt our home selling in Ontario will coincide with moving day in Montreal, but, from what I've seen so far, the options are not disappointing even when not arriving in peak season.
The sole criteria that will therefore determine our settling location will be schools for my boys. My youngest son will be in elementary school for quite some time, my older boy will be moving to secondary within 2 years of our move. With his learning disability, English core is the only option for him. For my younger son, he has been quite intrigued by the possibility of bilingual education but is not enthused at the struggle a full immersion day might bring (in his words: that's like changing my whole life in one day mom!)
So, now you've read my tale, what would be your recommendations?
Je vous remercie en avance pour votre aide,
Chantal
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
