At St. George’s School of Montreal, progressive education is more than just a catch phrase. It’s their purpose—progressive tenets woven into the very fabric of its ethos.

The school’s research-based pedagogy promotes diversity in all forms where the uniqueness of each student is at the heart of teaching and learning. “At St. George’s, well-being and academics are prioritized equally,” says Michael O’Connor, Head of School. “There’s no academic rigour without well-being, and vice-versa.” 

The Foundation
Established in 1930 by a group of forward-thinking parents wanting to offer their children more than the traditionally prescribed educational format, the school has grown and evolved to be the leader in progressive education in Montreal. With both a co-ed elementary and high school, students are welcomed into a student-centred learning environment that puts them in the driver’s seat. “We create a culture and a stage to welcome our students’ voices and we use their feedback to shape and measure student progress as well as our own practices,” says O’Connor.

With a robust co-curricular offering—activities, clubs and programs that compliment in-class learning—students quickly garner a strong sense of belonging and pride in their school. “Our students are excited to come to school to be immersed in experiences that they choose themselves,” explains O’Connor. Students learn by doing, and teachers play the role of coach and facilitator to support the student’s journey through learning.

Innovation in Education
Embracing the progressive education experience is the Core 5 program from kindergarten through grade 11. “Core 5 is part of our curriculum, teaching resilience, having a constructive outlook, intrapersonal and interpersonal skills, dealing with the social world and the digital age,” says O’Connor. “It imbues our culture.”

During the pandemic, students were still able to choose from a huge variety of co-curricular activities offered virtually. “That was a testament to our commitment to the social-emotional aspects of learning, as we didn’t sacrifice social opportunities,” says O’Connor. “Instead, we innovated and offered as many co-curriculars as possible right along with the academics.”

With society at large changing at an unprecedented pace, progressive education allows for a certain agility as it adapts to what’s on the horizon of science and humanity. “We don’t chase innovation; we shape it,” says O’Connor. “When you send your child to our school, their learning experiences will help them develop the mindset and intrinsic motivation for a successful and meaningful future. In essence, you are ‘future-proofing’ your child to be a confident contributor and a positive change-maker.