Record number of immigrants register in Montreal schools

A record number of immigrant students have registered to start school this year in the Montreal area.

According to data obtained by Radio-Canada, the school service centres for Montreal (CSSDM) and the Pointe-de-l’Île (CSSPI) are facing nearly double the number of students registered for their welcome classes for immigrants, compared to this time last year. The CSSDM’s number of registrations grew from 2,500 in August 2022 to 4,400 in August 2023. While the CSSPI’s number grew from 900 in August 2022 to 1,900 in August 2023.

The Marguerite-Bourgeoys school service centre (CSSMB) also has reportedly thousands of students signed up. As in the case in Laval and Longueuil.

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Last year was already a record-breaking year for the CSSDM and the numbers keep growing this year – which has been a challenge given the current teacher shortage.

Teachers for the immigrant welcome class usually need a teaching certificate with a specialization in French as a second language, but that is not a requirement for all hires this year, explained the Director of the School Organization Department at the CSSDM to Radio Canada.

Finding physical space for the record number of students has also proved challenging, with classrooms needing to be reorganized.

Immigrant students keep registering for school throughout the year so the school service centres worry they may not be able to meet the growing demand.

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