Ready to step into a place where reason guides life? That’s the motto of Westmount High School. Westmount High School has a rich history and impressive alumni. Let’s dive into its story.
Westmount High School first opened in 1873. It was a humble beginning in a rented frame house. This house stood at the corner of Clarke and Cote St. Antoine. Back then, it was simply called House. Ms. Turnbull was the first principal and likely the only teacher.
By 1875, the school had outgrown its space. A new house was purchased on Stanton Street. In 1885, a proper school building was erected nearby. It was named Stanton Street School. The Rev. E. A. W. King became its principal. The name changed again in 1891 to Cote St. Antoine Academy. The city bought it in 1895. It then became the Police and Fire Stations.
In 1895, Cote St. Antoine Academy relocated. It found a new home at Argyle and Cote St. Antoine. This is where Selwyn House stands today. The name evolved to Westmount Academy. Mr. J. A. Nicholson was the first principal. The school was bursting with 681 pupils by 1896. This led to the construction of Kings, Queens, and Roslyn schools. These new schools relieved pressure on the primary grades.
A new Westmount High School opened on Academy Road in 1914. The Argyle building then became Argyle School. It housed primary and intermediate grades. Mr. A. W. Seaman took the helm as principal.
Concerns arose about the Argyle building’s structural integrity in 1927. It was torn down in 1934. A new structure was built in its place in 1935. It was named Westmount Junior High School.
The Westmount High School on Academy Road became Westmount Intermediate School in 1940. It then transitioned to Westmount Junior High School in 1943. Today, it is known as Westmount Park Elementary School.
The current Westmount High School building opened in 1961. It is located on St. Catherine Street West. The former building was sold to Selwyn House School. This new building was designed for 1,200 students. However, 1,282 students enrolled when it opened.
Westmount High School is Quebec’s first public school to offer Advanced Placement courses. The AP program began in 2003. Students can study AP Calculus and AP English Literature. They can also study AP Psychology and AP French.
Westmount High School attracts a diverse mix of students. It welcomes students from all neighborhoods and racial backgrounds. Many wealthy families send their children to private schools. This means Westmount often serves students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Westmount High School also has a YouTube channel called The Westmount Highlights. Students and the vice-principal create weekly news and entertainment.
Westmount High School boasts many notable alumni. Leonard Cohen the famous poet musician and writer attended Westmount High School. Kamala Harris, former Vice President of the United States, is also an alumna. Moshe Safdie the architect behind Montreal’s Habitat 67 also attended Westmount High School.
Westmount High School has come a long way from its humble beginnings. From a small house to its current location it has educated generations. Westmount High School continues to shape young minds. It prepares them to be future leaders.