The St. George’s Story

Our school was founded by a group of forward-thinking parents unsatisfied with the quality of education available to their children. When St. George’s first opened its doors in 1930, the feeling was unmistakable: this school would be different.

“A central aim of the St. George’s School is the release of creative energy in the child.

Every child wants to know a multitude of things that they do not know.

Every child is endowed with the capacity to express themselves, and this innate capacity is immensely worth cultivating.”

First St. George’s Prospectus, 1930

Our Founding Principles and the values that define us

St. George’s has been at the forefront of progressive educational research and practice since 1930. While our Founding Principles continue to guide us, their meanings and application are always evolving, particularly as we gain a deeper understanding of child development and the neuroscience of learning.

The child should have abundant opportunity for creative expression

The ability to think and act creatively is our most precious resource. At St. George’s, we have always recognized this. We ask students to apply creativity in teamwork, in re-approaching and improving work, in solving complex problems, and in understanding and appreciating diverse viewpoints and experiences.

Adapt education to the differences of the individual child

The sciences of learning and child development have come a long way since 1930. Our work to under-stand and apply new research findings and concepts has continued apace. This inspires and enables us to build learning experiences suited to every child as they grow, develop, discover, and pursue their own passions.

Health must come
first

Our programs are designed to accompany children from Kindergarten onward, providing physical activities, and social emotional learning opportunities for constructive, age-appropriate play.

Group-consciousness and social-mindedness should be developed

More than ever, today’s world needs people who understand and care for one another, and who are devoted caretakers of our most essential resources. Active learning, engagement outside the classroom, and an emphasis on the development of character—from the classroom to the community—imbue a capacity for social engagement and global stewardship.

Learning comes from
doing

St. George’s has always supported learning by doing as a fundamental principle of our school. Here, hands-on, project-led classroom experiences engage students in real-world exploration that turns theory not just into practice, but also lifelong interests.

The classroom should be freed from unnatural restraints

In St. George’s classrooms you will find students working individually and in groups, on questions and projects that draw them into their own learning process. We value productivity, and treasure the relationships and empathy that develop between students, teachers and each other.

Mission Vision Values

Over the Years

1930

St. George’s welcomed its first class of 22 students, pioneering progressive teaching and learning practices that were considered outside of the norm. The original building was located at the corner of Clarke Avenue and The Boulevard.

1946

By 1946 the school had grown to more than 80 students from preschool to Grade 9, and had moved into a series of “rambling, comfortable” residential buildings at the corner of Ramezay Avenue and The Boulevard.

1955

On the occasion of St. George’s School’s 25th anniversary, students presented Principal Agnes Matthews with a sketch of their “dream school”. Two years later, the present-day High School building at 3100 The Boulevard was completed.

1958

The Class of 1958 became the first to graduate from St. George’s High School. Eight students received their diplomas, including one who had been at St. George’s since Grade 1 - the first “lifer”.

1971

St. George’s acquired the former St. George Snowshoe and Curling Club at 3685 The Boulevard, which was then renovated and expanded to become a new home for the Elementary School.

1993

Students, parents and teachers collaborated to bring about new updates to the Elementary School. State-of-the art computer labs and expanded library facilities were a fitting addition to usher in the new millennium at both campuses.

Past Heads of St. George’s School of Montreal

Mme. Nathalie Bossé – 2019-2021
Ms. Sharon Klein – 2014-2019
Mr. James A. Officer, Head of School Emeritus – 1993-2014
Mr. Bahadur C. Bhatla, Head of School Emeritus – 1990-1993
Mr. Leslie I. Larsen – 1987-1990
Mr. Bahadur C. Bhatla – 1986-1987
Rev. Murray C. Magor – 1981-1986

Ms. Norma Passaretti – 1978-1981
Mr. Bahadur C. Bhatla – 1977-1978
Mr. Vincent P. Skinner – 1975 - 1977
Mr. Robert T. Leicester – 1966-1975
Mr. Raymond Lester – 1963-1966
Dr. Agnes Matthews* – 1935-1963
Ms. Dorothy Cross – 1930-1935

* Dr. Matthews was granted the degree of Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa, by McGill University at the time of her retirement from St. George's School. This degree was conferred to her in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the progressive education movement in Montreal.