French (Canada) 
High School
Fond Memories
August 2024:
One fond memory I have of my time at Kells would be the time spent in the music room, practicing with the rest of the band in preparation for the Spring Concerts every year. I no longer play the piano as regularly as I used to, so I treasure those days of being able to create music with the band very much.
Minh Le, Class of 2020
Unforgettable
August 2024
I’ll never forget the time I competed in the World Scholar’s Cup - especially when I got to travel to The Netherlands and attend the Tournament of Champions at Yale University with my good friends Carolyn and Minh. We had a great time at the competition, and Mr. Jankowski was an amazing mentor. I also can’t leave out the amazing cookies from the cafeteria - I hope they still taste as good as I remember them to be!
Katie Phuong, Class of 2020
One Step at a Time
August 2024
When I was at Kells, I struggled severely in mathematics. That, mixed with my anxiety, made it
really challenging to successfully complete the necessary courses throughout high school. I
remember one time where I was having a panic attack during an assessment and my teacher
just took a minute to help me calm down and regain focus. This is not only a memory that has
stuck with me over many years but also taught me to approach problems one step at a time.
The field of psychology is heavily concerned with trying to find solutions/coping mechanisms to
very complex issues and disorders, this lesson of remaining calm and approaching a problem
one step at a time is one that I often employ. You can imagine my surprise when I ended up
working as a statistics tutor at the university level!
Ryan Shapiro, Class of 2017
Individual Support and Attention
August 2024
I enjoyed the individual support and attention I received at Kells. My first year at Kells was also my first year in Canada. Kells supported me as I adjusted from the Chinese education system to the Canadian system.
Isaak Zhang, Class of 2021
Crucial Skills
August 2024
Ms. Bailey taught me how to write professionally, which is a crucial skill in my Business courses. I remember her classes because they were always engaging and entertaining; she got to know us and gave the best advice.
John Qiu, Class of 2024
The Most Precious Lesson
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-->October 2018
Our nephew has just started his second year at Kells and is in Grade 9. To say this school has embraced and empowered him in so many wonderful ways is an understatement. We have been incredibly impressed with the administration, teachers and curriculum. On top of this, the school’s sports program has been excellent. The entire Kells team has been phenomenal in ensuring that our nephew is thriving on every level. The level of attention they pay to each student is exceptional. We knew that Kells had a super reputation but it has gone beyond our expectations. The teachers and school staff are so genuine in how they want the students to excel - and if there are any difficulties, they are responsive and on top of it. Direction that we have received from Mr. Banerjee both last year and this year, has not only been spectacularly helpful but he’s been right at every turn. Our nephew was born in Ethiopia, attended school in New Brunswick and then switched to Kells last year. He and we couldn’t be happier and his marks and demeanor show this. A huge thank you to the entire Kells’ body including Ms. Woods. A shout out, too, to Ms. Marosi as she has been a fantastic resource for us since Day One.
August 2024
The most precious lesson that I learned from my time at Kells grade 12 was the fact that anything will be possible with self-esteem and hardwork to reach your goals. Although the path to university was not effortless (and it won't be from now on either), I never gave up on my commitment and I had the chance to have awesome teachers and an extraordinary coordinator who helped all students go through this journey. In the end, I wish all the future grade 12 students will reach their goals and succeed in what they believe in, which is only possible through dedication, confidence, and hardwork.
Amir Bashiri, Class of 2024
Thriving at Kells
February 2017
After two years of struggling academically and just not being able to find his feet, our son enrolled at Kells in Grade 9. He is thriving in the Kells' environment of individual attention and excellent teaching. We are so grateful to see him having success and being happy at school. Thank you to Irene Woods and all of the kind, attentive, and professional staff members we have met at Kells.
Heartfelt Thanks, How Kells Saved My Son
April 2013
Our son Jordan was diagnosed as being dyslexic and with a condition called sensory Integration dysfunction. At the end of Grade 3 his reading level was that of a child in Kindergarten. We switched Jordan to the Vanguard School in grade 4. Vanguard is a school that specializes in teaching children with Learning Difficulties. By the middle of grade 6, Jordan was bored, restless, uninterested in learning and was heading towards being a juvenile delinquent drop out.
This is where Kells entered our lives. We moved Jordan to Kells Elementary School in the middle of grade 6. We immediately saw an improvement in his learning, his grades, but most importantly in his attitude.
Kells High School saved our son. During his 5 years at the Kells High School, Jordan was engaged by his teachers. The faculty really got to know Jordan, both his strengths and his weaknesses. The staff helped Jordan as a team. This included everyone from the secretary at reception to the principal.
The teachers at Kells really made the difference. They understood Jordan and his issues. When homework was emailed to students in Grade 10 & 11 by the media teacher- we were on the email distribution list. This helped us ensure that homework was handed in.
The most important tool Kells gave Jordan was the ability to use out of the box solutions to his problems, including his lack of organizational skills. Ingrade 8, Ms. Cambell and Jordan discovered that the reason Jordan’s homework was not being handed in was because it was not getting from the printer at home to the classroom. Ms. Campbell encouraged Jordan to submit assignments by email. Jordan took this solution to all his classes and the issue virtually disappeared.
Kells used Jordan’s strength- his intelligence and his ability to quickly comprehend material – to make him feel capable and to give him the confidence to handle his weaknesses- his difficulty reading and writing.
Kells allowed Jordan to flourish because they made him feel welcome, safe and normal- even if he had learning issues. The teachers pushed him and told him they were doing so because they knew him to be smart and able to do more. Jordan believed them because he knew they really knew him. He also knew that the teachers would not let him get away with anything.
Jordan Graduated Kells with an 83% overall average, and won the award for most improved student!
The Path from Kells to McGill University
May 2013
I arrived to Montreal with my children in August 2006, and immediately began my search for a school to enroll my daughter Haya, who was in 8th grade at the time. After visiting many schools, it became clear to me that the high caliber mentors and unique learning environment offered by Kells Academy made it the best option for Haya.
At first, I was very anxious that my daughter would not be able to adapt easily to the new school. However, all uncertainty disappeared once I witnessed how the hospitable environment at Kells was not only helping Haya adjust and integrate herself quickly but also providing her with opportunities to develop qualities that helped her grow both academically and personally. Within a few months, Haya became part of the musical band, Student Activity Council, and in later years, editor of the Yearbook and member of the Peer Mediation Committee. This was only made possible through the help of committed teacher and members of the staff who always inspired her, encouraged her to always pursue excellence and provided her with countless possibilities to participate in extracurricular activities that enriched her experience. Even now, Haya always says that her best school years were spent at Kells, where she was surrounded by a supportive community that made her learning experience unforgettable.
The knowledge and the skills that Haya developed during her years at Kells facilitated her transition to CEGEP and motivated her to continue her studies in Health Science at Marianopolis College and now, as a student in the Faculty of Medicine at McGill University. I could not be more grateful to everyone at Kells for being instrumental in Haya’s achievements.
Today, when friends ask me for advice, I have no hesitation in recommending Kells Academy because I am certain that it provides students with the best opportunities to excel and guides them towards achieving their goals. The teachers and mentors at Kells work tirelessly to allow students to make use of all the tools they need to pave their paths to success!
Thank you from the Matosic Family
April 2013
Dear Ms. Woods,
Already 6 years has gone by since our son Anthony started attending Kells in Elementary School and now he is already in 9th grade and getting ready for grade 10.
At the age of 5 years, Anthony was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder and a Speech and Language Delay as well. Anthony attended public school in the East End of Montreal. The school did not have enough resources for all students, as Anthony’s difficulties were considered mild compared to other children that had more severe difficulties. Needles to say, we received very little help or assistance at school in regards to his needs. We had to seek for private Speech and Language Services, learn as much as we could about ADD on our own and use strategies at home to help him cope with his difficulties. After 3 years of public school, we knew we had to find a better place for him. We were very worried about him, not only about his academic success but also about his emotional well-being.
Kells was recommended to us by a teacher from the Montreal Children’s Hospital. We will never forget the day we met with you and Mrs. Wasserman. This was the most positive and encouraging meeting about our son that we ever had. The assurance and confidence that you expressed about Anthony’s strengths and potential was music to our ears. You accepted our son the way he was and told us not to worry.
From the start Anthony adjusted to his new school very well. Everyone at Kells made him feel welcomed and comfortable. Accommodations were made right away for his individual learning style. We had access to a Resource Teacher and continuous feedback with the teacher throughout the year. I believe that with the strategies that were put in place in the classroom, along with the different teaching styles (visual and hands on) has helped Anthony achieve success and increase self confidence. The teacher is able to give more attention to the students that are having difficulties.
Thanks to the positive and stimulating learning environment at Kells, Anthony was able to reach his personal and academic potential.
I can’t stress enough how grateful we are to your school, to you Ms. Woods, Ms. Perlman, Mrs. Wasserman, Ms. Morris and all the teaching and support staff at Kells Academy for making school a very positive and enjoyable experience for Anthony and for us as parents.
Yours truly,
Beautiful Memories
I will always remember when I was new to Kells Academy how the lovely teachers helped me a lot with their patience and professional attitudes. Kells is definitely a great school; we all get to know each other and we all share the best learning resources. As an international student, I received a warm welcome. The school provides an educational environment that takes into consideration students with different backgrounds. I really appreciated the various clubs and interesting activities at Kells. I especially enjoyed the time I spent preparing for and performing in the Spring concert. I would recommend Kells Academy to any family that is looking for an excellent education. Thank you to all the staff and teachers for all of their well wishes. I will always save my beautiful memories of Kells Academy.
Dear Mrs. Perlman,
Please allow us to take this opportunity to thank you and all the educators at Kells - especially Mrs. Brady - for the wonderful work accomplished with Zach over the last 4 months. We were delighted to have met all his educators at the Parent/Teacher meeting last week and very pleased with what each teacher had to say regarding his progress, accomplishments, strengths and weaknesses.
Zach has achieved a lot in his very short time at Kells, which demonstrates the high quality and standard of education provided at your school. We have seen tremendous development in many aspects of his education and we are sincerely grateful to everyone at Kells for nurturing his joyful spirit, creative thinking, love of learning, and for the continuous efforts spent to captivate and stimulate his very young mind.
There is no doubt in our minds and hearts that Kells is a fine, first class institution and the best choice we have made for our son, Zach.
Looking forward to many more years of continued success for Zach and Kells
With warm regards,
7 Wonderful Years at Kells
My experience with Kells Elementary during a 7 year period was extraordinary. The support given to my two children was excellent. The Head of School and all the teachers always went beyond expectation; evidence of their enormous commitment to their students. Their skill, wisdom and kindness was evident in the quality of teaching, support and parent communication. I would highly recommend this school to any parent who is looking for a school to nurture their child to his/her full potential.
Yes, we are fans of Kells!
May 2014
Education is not only an academic endeavor but also a personal voyage. Self- confidence, pride, personal growth, this all comes in a package which Kells successfully provides to all its students. The journey is not an easy one, there are many hours of hard work, weekends devoted to study and projects but the results are extremely rewarding. Kells instills a belief and desire for success, where academic challenges are overcome by positive thinking and there is an overwhelming feeling that everyone belongs.
I wish every kid could have a Kells experience.
- Private, co-ed English school
- Residential and day school
- Grades: Kindergarten to 12
- Students do not require the Certificate of Eligibility for English instruction to attend
- 1:1 technology device program (Grades 7-11)
- Accreditations: Fully accredited and recognized by MEQ; Associate member of Quebec Association of Independent Schools
- After school coaching, tutoring, homework program/study hall
- We are located in Notre Dame de Grace, 10 minutes from downtown Montreal by car
- Close to all public transportation - bus (105, 162), metro (Vendome, Villa Maria), and train (Candiac, St-Jerome, Vaudreuil-Hudson lines)
Kells at a Glance
Frequently Asked Questions:
Enriched FSL is also offered to those students who qualify.
A close and complete community
Kells Academy's High School and Grade 12 campuses are just four small blocks apart, situated in the borough of Notre-Dame-de-Grace, a safe, residential neighborhood in Montreal's west end. Its wide, tree-lined avenues and numerous parks, libraries, and sports centre make it an ideal location for our school, and one easily reached from so many parts of Montreal.
Campuses are easily accessed by car and all means of public transportation, with convenient bus, metro, and suburban train connections.
High School Facilities
Kells' excellent high school facility offers classrooms equipped with advanced teaching technologies (including both PC and Mac laptops, SmartBoards, and iPads) for Secondary I-IV classes. The building houses both Music and Art rooms, our own IT/Resource Centre, a Learning Centre, and a Science Lab. The building's cafeteria is a warm and inviting place where our students can enjoy lunch in a relaxed atmosphere, possibly followed by a game of table tennis. At lunchtime, hot meals are served each day, in addition to our cafeteria's several cold options. Equally, students are most welcome to bring their own lunches.
Adjacent to the Kells Academy High School building is a fully equipped gymnasium, an outdoor soccer field, baseball diamond, and winter skating rink, all accessible to Kells sports enthusiasts both during and after the school day. Students also have access to the NDG Sports Centre located at Benny and Monkland, a superb facility housing a beautiful double gymnasium and a 25-metre swimming pool.
The Grade 12 program has its own dedicated building, just down the street from the high school. All classrooms are equipped with the latest technology. The Grade 12 building also has its own cafeteria with ping pong tables, a quiet study room, and a space for outdoor recreation.
Kells International Residence
Kells' residence offers the great convenience of being on-campus for elementary and Grade 12 students and minutes away for our high school students. Living at the international residence connects students with a community, where they can make lasting friendships, experience the city, and develop a range of academic and life skills. Our residence is not just a convenient place to live, but an important part of the overall Kells experience. This is your home away from home. Tutorial support and ESL classes are offered. Social events on weekends include sports, arts, outings, and trips to local events. Our accommodations provide a modern yet homey atmosphere to students from 12 to 18 years of age. We provide fully furnished suites with common laundry and lounge facilities, as well as a clean, secure, and smoke-free environment. Approximately 40 students are accommodated in residence. This is a unique opportunity for students from a variety of communities and countries to share in the boarding school adventure. Kells residence rooms are equipped with single beds, closets, desks, lamps, and dressers. Each room is shared by a maximum of three students, however single and double options are also available. Male and female dorms are kept separate and parents can take comfort that our faculty provides a secure and caring environment for their child. Our staff participates fully in boarding life by implementing daily structure, as well as academic and personal support, which allows students to strive to their maximum potential in a positive and nurturing environment. Furthermore, the residence offers a plethora of exciting experiences, including athletics, access to high quality educators, and of course, great friendships. The residence has full time supervision and is equipped with video surveillance to ensure the safety of our students. In order to maintain academic focus, there is a mandatory prep time in the evenings from Monday to Thursday and on Sunday. Additional tutoring is available when needed at an extra cost. Private language courses are also available for students who would like to improve their English skills. Breakfast, lunch, and supper are provided for boarding students. While enjoying delicious meals, students socialize and foster lifelong friendships. Our residence is equipped with common room space, Wi-Fi accessibility, and a kitchenette area where students prepare snacks.
A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE. A PRIVATE SCHOOL HISTORY.
Working as an educator in the public sector, I found that devoting time to after-school tutorials was a most positive and enriching experience for my students. I was consistently impressed at what students were able to learn and accomplish in a few short tutoring sessions, in comparison to the hours spent trying to master the same material in the classroom. This led me to consider a practical application of the tutorial model in a classroom setting and resulted in the 1978 establishment of a unique tutorial service: the Westmount Learning Centre; and ultimately, to the founding of Kells Academy.
From those humble beginnings, Kells has evolved into a full-fledged international High School that is recognized as one of the premier independent schools in Montreal. Building on the founding principle of Kells Academy that each child has a unique personality and different talents, we have built a successful school based on a personal and individualized approach to pedagogy as compared to traditional teaching methods.
This model proved to be very successful for Kells Academy and the school flourished both in size and reputation. The increasing number of students with their different interests led us to think innovatively about broadening the purely academic syllabus to include an array of wide-ranging activities like advanced computer skills, sports, extra-curricular activities, and various community service projects in our curriculum. Read More
To accommodate these growing needs, in 1990, Kells Academy acquired its own building in NDG at the corner of De Maisonneuve Boulevard West and Park Row West. Further expansion took place with the acquisition of the Hydro Quebec building in 2004 that was situated on Cavendish Boulevard at the corner of De Maisonneuve, where the Elementary School soon relocated.
Lack of space continued to be an issue as student enrollment rose and we saw an increasing number of international students from all over the world, including the Ukraine, China, Vietnam, Syria, Korea, and Turkey. When the property attached to the Elementary School became available, we immediately purchased, rebuilt, and separated Grades 7 and 8 to create the Kells Middle School and residential accommodation for our international students. The doors to the new building opened in 2017. It now houses the Kells Grade 12 Program.
That same year we rented space in Westmount, not far from the main campus, to establish the Kells Academy Language Center. The Center was specifically created to ease the pressure on our new international students who struggle to adapt to a foreign culture and academic milieu while simultaneously coping with the pressure of learning a foreign language and maintaining their grades. The Center, now located within the Kells High School building, provides these students with special resources to learn English and fast-track their assimilation into the mainstream classroom. Read More
We also consider ourselves as leaders in the field of digital technology which plays a major role in both the academic and Flex (extra-curricular) programs at Kells Academy. Apart from using computers as a pedagogical tool that aids learning, students can also explore courses that interest them - from coding to robotics.
As the school has expanded and flourished, our students have competed very successfully in various inter-school, national, and international events, ranging from Math and Science to Debating and Sports. In 2024, students from grades 9-11 wrote the Pascal, Cayley, and Fermat Contests administered by the University of Waterloo. One of our six-member Kells teams placed first among 11 teams from Montreal; they were also the only team to achieve a perfect score in the Relay event. One of our students was awarded the medal for School Math Champion by the University of Waterloo. In the Euclid Math Contest; each member of the Kells team was awarded a Certificate of Participation and one student received a Certificate of Distinction and a medal, placing him in the top 25% of participants. In the Pythagoras, Newton, and Lagrange contests, nine of our students were shortlisted for the Honour Roll. At the Hydro-Quebec Science Fair Regional Finals, thirteen students from Kells were selected to present their work. Our students were recognized by the judges, with several earning the highest distinction. Kells students took home a Bronze Medal in the senior division, the McGill University Faculty of Science Award, the McGill University Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Award, and the McGill University Civil Engineering and Mining Materials Engineering awards. Thrilled and proud of their achievements, we are confident that Kells will continue to reach greater heights in the coming years.
The growth of Kells Academy from a small learning center to a full-fledged international school has proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that our method of teaching works for all learners. We are proud to say that today, Kells Academy has the structural model of a school that is aligned to the requirements of the new era. We are committed to meeting the specific needs of each student and providing the best environment for their academic, social, and psychological development.
Welcome to Kells Academy High School. We are a high school with a powerful educational program that prepares our students for success in university in Quebec and beyond. At Kells, we work as a team of talented, committed, and determined educators to get to know each of our students as individual learners, and to help them to gain an awareness of their strengths, interests, and growth areas each year.
Our customized approach to delivering the Quebec curriculum is designed to challenge and accommodate students with a variety of learning profiles, such as English language learners, gifted and talented students, and students who may not have found success in larger settings. We take great pride in the extra enrichment and support we offer in languages and mathematics, and our flexible and rich extracurricular offerings allow students to explore their gifts in the arts, athletics, and technology. All of our programs are provided in a school community based on inclusion, respect, and support for all, values that are emphasized and lived out both school-wide and in our small-group Advisory sessions.
As you peruse our website, I hope you can begin to appreciate the value of a Kells education. To find out even more, please contact the school or schedule an appointment with us. We would love to share more about Kells with you!
Tom Malone, High School Principal
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