Why Westmount High

At Westmount High we take a holistic approach to secondary education. High academic standards in the classroom are extremely important as we want to prepare students for success in all their future pursuits, be they educational or vocational. However at Westmount High our educational vision is not limited to classroom instruction. What happens outside the classroom is equally integral to a well rounded education. Below is a list which highlights many of the things that make Westmount a unique educational experience for students. Much of this should help explain why in recent years Westmount High has been consistently ranked as one of the top ten most improved schools in Quebec.

Advanced Placement Program

Westmount High is Quebec’s first and only public school to offer Advanced Placement courses which give students the opportunity to earn post-secondary credits and challenge themselves in advanced courses.

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Dedication to Fostering Academic Excellence in All Students

Not only does Westmount High allow students to excel in our Advanced Placement program, we also provide a wide range of support programs for students when they encounter difficulties. These include: Recuperation time that allows students more focused time with their teachers before or after class; ‘The Underground’, an after school tutoring program; A special plan of action to help cycle one students become better organized; Step 120 where students can get help with their work and study skills.

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Grade Seven Transition Program

Westmount High is committed to making all grade seven students feel welcome, informed and connected in their new school community. A wide range of activities and programs are therefore planned each year just for the grade seven students. These include: A classroom mentoring program with senior members of the Prefect Board; A special day of fun at Beaver Lake planned by the Prefect Board; A grade seven welcome lunch; A 4 day camp for grade seven students in the spring.

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School Uniforms

Like many other Quebec public schools, Westmount has in recent years made the switch to mandatory school uniforms. As with other schools it has been our experience that school uniforms help reduce bullying and fosters a more egalitarian spirit amongst students.

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Active Student Leadership Program

Through Westmount’s Prefect Board and Student Council students get a chance to make their contribution to student life and to the community at large. Activities include; serving as the school’s hosts at events, organizing fun activities such as Wacky Olympics, Winter Carnival & the Beaver Lake trip and organizing community events such as the annual family breakfast.

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Top-Notch Athletics Program

Thanks to its committed team of teachers and coaches, Westmount’s Athletics program has something for all students whether they’re looking for serious competition or just plain fun.

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Commitment to Extra-Curricular Activities

This year Westmount’s staff made a renewed commitment to providing a wide range of extra-curricular activities. The result has been that this year we have been able to offer students a choice of over 60 diverse extra-curricular activities.

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Performing Arts

Westmount High has a vibrant extra-curricular performing arts program of activities, including: An annual drama production; A fashion show; An improve comedy league; A hip-hop/spoken word collective; A school choir; A Christmas concert.

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Connecting Students to the Community

Every year Westmount students participate in a wide array of charitable fundraisers and community service events. These include: ‘Splash & Dash’ fundraiser for Montreal Children’s Hospital; Student Council fundraisers for the Generations Foundation; Visiting senior citizens program; Denim-day fundraiser for Breast Cancer research; Welcome Hall mission service; Christmas baskets for families in need; and many more.

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Staff Collaboration

Westmount High has organized a unique schedule which allows time for teachers to meet once a week to share ideas and best practices. Teachers also attend workshops and an annual retreat for planning.

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Active Parent Participation Organization

Westmount High has an extremely active and committed Parent Participation Organization that allows parents the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the school community.

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French Immersion Program

This program is offered for students already proficient in French who wish to take courses taught entirely in French.

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Recognition of Excellence

In addition to its term honour roll and distinction lists, Westmount high offers a number of awards and scholarships for graduating students.

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Cultural Enrichment

Westmount High's faculty and staff are committed to providing an educational experience which extends beyond the classroom. Often this involves leaving the school grounds for visits to cultural institutions and events. This may also involve inviting organizations or individuals of interest to Westmount to present to students.

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