Marymount Academy International
Marymount Academy International: A Model of Global Learning in Montreal
Introduction
In the culturally rich city of Montreal, few institutions embody the spirit of diversity, academic excellence, and international-mindedness as fully as Marymount Academy International (MAI). Located in the Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough, Marymount Academy International is a secondary school under the jurisdiction of the English Montreal School Board (EMSB). It has gained prominence for its International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme, inclusive approach to education, and deep commitment to developing responsible global citizens.
Over the years, Marymount Academy International has grown beyond being just a local high school — it has become a place where students from a wide range of backgrounds are nurtured into curious, critical thinkers who engage actively with their world. This essay explores the history, academic structure, values, student experience, and challenges facing this institution, offering a full portrait of what makes Marymount Academy International a cornerstone of English education in Montreal.
Historical Background
Marymount Academy traces its roots back to the early 1960s when it was established to serve the growing population of English-speaking students in the western sector of Montreal. Originally conceived as a traditional high school, Marymount underwent significant changes in both its mission and student demographics over the years. With shifts in population, immigration, and educational reforms, the school adapted its model to stay relevant and responsive.
The school’s transformation into an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School marked a turning point. By adopting the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), Marymount aligned itself with a global network of schools committed to academic rigor, intercultural understanding, and community service. It officially became Marymount Academy International, highlighting its commitment to a broader, globally focused educational approach.
Philosophy and Mission
Marymount Academy International operates under the motto: "Soaring Above and Beyond." This vision speaks to the school’s dedication to helping students exceed expectations — academically, personally, and socially.
The school’s mission is to provide a nurturing, inclusive environment where students are challenged to achieve academic excellence while developing compassion, integrity, and a sense of global citizenship. The integration of the International Baccalaureate philosophy means that education at Marymount is not just about content knowledge but also about building inquiry skills, ethical reasoning, and an understanding of multiple perspectives.
Central to this approach is the belief that all students can learn and succeed when given the tools, support, and encouragement to do so. As such, Marymount is committed to differentiated learning, inclusion, and equitable access to quality education.
Academic Programs
One of Marymount Academy International’s defining features is its status as an International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) school. This program serves students in Secondary I to V (Grades 7 to 11) and focuses on both academic development and personal growth.
1. IB Middle Years Programme
The IB MYP is an internationally recognized curriculum framework that emphasizes:
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Inquiry-based learning
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Interdisciplinary connections
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Global contexts
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Student reflection and autonomy
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Service as Action (a key component of IB philosophy)
Students at Marymount complete units of study in eight subject areas: Language and Literature, Language Acquisition (French), Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, Arts, Design, and Physical & Health Education. These are supported by Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills that focus on communication, self-management, research, and critical thinking.
A major feature of the program is the Personal Project, completed in Secondary V. This long-term independent research project allows students to pursue an area of personal interest, demonstrate their learning, and apply the skills they’ve developed throughout the program.
2. Language Programs
Marymount emphasizes bilingual proficiency, offering robust instruction in French as a second language, with both regular and enriched options. Students are encouraged to attain strong oral and written French skills, essential for life in Quebec and beneficial in the global workforce.
3. Technology Integration
The school is equipped with Smart Boards, computer labs, and mobile Chromebook carts, and it integrates digital tools into everyday learning. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the school seamlessly transitioned to online platforms such as Google Classroom, helping students continue their education remotely without significant disruption.
Student Life and Extracurricular Activities
Marymount Academy International prides itself on being more than just an academic institution. It aims to nurture the whole student, with a vibrant array of extracurricular offerings that promote creativity, leadership, and collaboration.
1. Clubs and Activities
Students can participate in:
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Student Council
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Debate Club
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Model United Nations
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Drama and Music
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Art Club
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Robotics and Coding Club
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Environmental Club (EcoSchool)
These activities provide students with opportunities to develop confidence, voice their opinions, explore passions, and contribute meaningfully to the school environment.
2. Athletics
Marymount is home to several sports teams, including:
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Soccer
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Basketball
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Volleyball
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Badminton
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Track and Field
Participation in inter-school competitions builds school spirit and fosters teamwork, resilience, and physical well-being.
3. Community Engagement
A unique aspect of the IB program is its emphasis on Service as Action, which encourages students to participate in volunteer work and service learning. Marymount has partnered with local organizations and encourages student-led initiatives such as food drives, environmental cleanups, and awareness campaigns on issues such as mental health and anti-racism.
Diversity and Inclusion
Marymount Academy International serves a culturally and linguistically diverse student population, reflecting the multicultural character of Montreal itself. Students hail from dozens of countries, and many are first- or second-generation immigrants. This rich diversity is celebrated through school-wide cultural events such as Multicultural Day, Black History Month, Lunar New Year celebrations, and more.
In addition, the school fosters equity and inclusion through anti-bullying campaigns, LGBTQ+ support groups, and mental health initiatives. The school staff and administration work hard to create a space where every student feels seen, respected, and empowered.
Support Services
Recognizing that every student has different needs, Marymount offers a range of support services, including:
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Guidance counseling
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Academic resource rooms
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Special education technicians
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School psychologist and social worker
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Career counseling and post-secondary planning
These services aim to support students’ emotional well-being, help them navigate challenges, and guide them toward future educational or vocational paths.
Admissions and Eligibility
As a public English-language school, Marymount Academy International falls under the jurisdiction of Bill 101 (Charter of the French Language). This means that only students who meet certain eligibility criteria can attend English public schools in Quebec.
Students must typically have at least one parent who was educated in English in Canada. However, once a student is granted a certificate of eligibility, it often extends to their siblings.
Marymount is also a designated IB school, which means prospective students undergo an application process that may include interviews, academic records, and interest in the IB philosophy. Despite this, the school maintains a commitment to accessibility and inclusion.
Challenges
Marymount Academy International, like many public schools in Quebec, faces ongoing challenges:
1. Language Laws
Bill 101 limits the number of students eligible for English-language education. This affects enrollment and presents long-term planning difficulties, especially in light of shifting immigration patterns.
2. Funding Constraints
Public education funding in Quebec is often tight, and maintaining a rigorous program like the IB requires resources for teacher training, materials, and extracurricular programming. Marymount must balance excellence with financial realities.
3. Societal Pressures
Rising concerns around student mental health, screen time, and social media present challenges that all schools must address. Marymount has responded with proactive wellness initiatives, but the need for more systemic support remains.
Successes and Recognition
Despite these challenges, Marymount has consistently demonstrated excellence:
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Students score well on provincial exams and IB assessments.
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The school maintains a strong graduation rate, with many students pursuing post-secondary education in both English and French institutions.
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Alumni go on to careers in science, the arts, technology, and public service.
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Marymount’s commitment to sustainability has earned it the status of a certified EcoSchool, thanks to its waste reduction programs and green initiatives.
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The school’s participation in Model UN and international exchange programs has provided students with life-changing experiences and global exposure.
The Global Perspective
Marymount Academy International’s embrace of the IB program is not just a curriculum choice — it's a philosophical commitment to internationalism. Students are taught to think critically about global issues such as climate change, migration, human rights, and inequality. Through inquiry-based learning and interdisciplinary projects, they are equipped with tools to understand and impact the world.
The school promotes intercultural understanding, not as a side project, but as a core component of education. This is particularly important in a globalized society where cross-cultural communication is essential.
Conclusion
Marymount Academy International stands as a beacon of forward-thinking, inclusive education in Montreal. Through its commitment to the International Baccalaureate program, its celebration of diversity, and its dedication to student success, Marymount is more than a school — it is a community of learners, leaders, and changemakers.
In a province where language, identity, and education are deeply intertwined, Marymount Academy International provides a powerful example of how an English-language institution can thrive by being globally minded, locally rooted, and universally inclusive.
As it continues to adapt to the needs of a rapidly changing world, Marymount’s mission — "Soaring Above and Beyond" — remains not just a slogan, but a daily reality for the students, educators, and families who call it home.
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