History

Kells Academy started as a tutoring center when Kells founder, Irene Woods, noticed the profound impact that tutoring can have on student success. Based on this observation, her goal was to bring the tutorial model to the classroom by identifying the needs of each student, tailoring the teaching approach to them, and progressing at their pace. Kells Academy was built on a student-centered approach, where teachers are responsive and adaptive. 

This model proved to be very successful for Kells Academy and the school flourished both in size and reputation. Since the founding of Ms. Woods’ Tutoring Centre in 1978, Kells has expanded into a full-fledged independent school across three campuses–the High School, Elementary School, and Grade 12 Program. Kells also has a dedicated residence for international students.

Kells, a Symbolic Name

Schools are often named for places or figures with symbolic significance. Kells Academy’s name comes from Kells, a historic Irish town known for its monastery, where monks preserved texts and knowledge during the Dark Ages. This includes the famed Book of Kells, a richly illustrated 9th-century manuscript of the Gospels, now housed in Trinity College, Dublin.

An anonymous quote, "Words have meaning, names have power," reflects the school’s tribute to the monks’ dedication to preserving wisdom. Like the Book of Kells, Kells Academy aims to inspire students to make a meaningful impact on the world. Plus, “Kells” has a nice ring to it!

The Kells Approach Attracts International Attention

Kells began accepting international students in the 1970s and we continue to see increasing numbers of students from all over the world. The resulting diversity of our student body has had a profound impact on the school because Kells celebrates the drive, determination, and diverse perspectives that each new student brings to the school community. The establishment of the Language Center to meet the needs of students from around the world was a pivotal moment for Kells. The Language Center now offers three levels of ESL instruction, enabling students to progress towards English fluency at their own pace and integrate into mainstream high school classes with confidence and readiness. 

The Establishment of Flex - a Kells Signature Program

The introduction of the Flex program was yet another expression of Kells Academy’s dedication to a student-centered approach. The Flex program creates an opportunity for students to explore their own passions and interests; students choose from a variety of options that would not typically be part of the regular school day, such as cinematography, chess, robotics, baking, and yoga. This gives them the chance to explore something new and potentially spark a newfound passion. 

Leaders in Technological Innovation

The spirit of openness and adaptability at Kells also comes across in the school’s integration of technology. Kells was an early adopter of assistive technologies in the classroom, which continue to have a profound impact on students, empowering them to reach their full potential. This openness to technological innovation allows Kells to respond effectively to unprecedented challenges, like the pandemic. It also future-proofs Kells because our teachers have the expertise and flexibility to adapt as new technologies, such as AI, transform the educational landscape.

Reaching New Academic Heights

As Kells continues to expand, our program offerings expand in kind to meet the needs of our growing student body. When our students began to excel in Math and needed an extra challenge, enrichment courses were introduced and Kells started to participate in national and international math competitions, with glowing results. Our academic program offerings continue to expand to meet the needs of our talented and driven study body. The introduction of the Grade 12 program in 2017 has empowered Kells graduates to navigate the transition from high school to university, opening doors to top postsecondary institutions around the world.

Recent Academic Accomplishments at Kells:

Postsecondary Success:

-The Grade 12 Class of 2024 won scholarships totalling $390,000 at some of the most prestigious universities in North America and abroad, such as McGill, University of Toronto, University of Ottawa, Queen’s, Western, Howard, Clemson, KU Leuven, and Eindhoven

Math Competition Wins:

-First place among 11 teams from Montreal in the University of Waterloo Math Competition

-Perfect score in the Relay event

-Certificate of Distinction in the Euclid Math Competition, placing our student winner in the top 25% of participants

-Nine students shortlisted for the Honour Roll in the Pythagoras, Newton, and Lagrange contests

Hydro-Quebec Science Fair:

-Thirteen students selected to showcase their work at the Regional Finals

-Bronze Medal in the senior division

-McGill University Faculty of Science Award

-McGill University Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Award

-McGill University Civil Engineering and Mining Materials Engineering awards

Essay Competition:

-First place in the Montreal Bar Association's annual "Write for Justice" contest