F.A.C.E. elementary students begin school year in new Montreal building
Posted August 28, 2025 7:41 am.
Last Updated August 28, 2025 2:41 pm.
On Thursday, students and staff at F.A.C.E. Elementary School began the school year in a brand-new building in the Plateau, marking a major transition for the unique bilingual institution.
The new facility, located at 4835 Christophe-Colomb Ave., now houses both the English and French sectors of the elementary school. The school day kicked off at 7:45 a.m.
Principal Jennifer Harriet, who has worked at F.A.C.E. for 13 years, described the atmosphere as uplifting.
“We are more than excited to welcome our students finally in the new location,” she said.
“Last night we had an open house for our parents and families… they were really pleased. Our students are happy to see each other, and we’re just very proud.”
Community adjusts to new space
The relocation follows a turbulent year for the school community. In spring 2024, over 1,000 students, staff, and parents staged protests outside the downtown building after the Quebec Ministry of Education cancelled a long-planned renovation due to ballooning costs — jumping from an initial $150 million to an estimated $375 million.
The protests, including a musical demonstration outside city hall, aimed to oppose the sale of the historic University Street building and call on Education Minister Bernard Drainville to reconsider.
Ultimately, the ministry confirmed the building would not be repaired.
Starting this year, elementary students have moved into École Christophe-Colomb, while the high school students will remain at the downtown site until their own relocation to St-Urbain Street in the coming years.
Mixed feelings among students and parents
Excitement was in the air Thursday morning, but some also expressed nostalgia.
“Today is the first day of school and the opening of the new FACE school. I just arrived a few minutes ago,” said one young student.
Mia, entering Grade 1, said she was “super happy… maybe I will see my friends.” Her older sister Tamera, starting Grade 4, was more reflective: “It’s good, but about the school, it’s kind of sad because the other school had lots of history.”
Some parents welcomed the new facility.
“Honestly, I personally really like the new location,” said Alexandra Apple, who was dropping off her daughter. “It feels like almost like a TV school… it’s brand new, lots of natural light. The kids were super excited.”
But others had practical concerns.
“The location, it’s a little less central and it’s in the area with a bunch of one-ways. It’s not ideal to drop off the kids,” said Philippe Cadieux, father of Mia and Tamera. “It’s not so bad for us… but for other parents, it’s a big thing.”
Principal Harriet acknowledged the concerns.
“The main concern… was the fact that they had to change their routines a little bit, change metro stations, find their new route to school,” she said.
She added the school has been working closely with the City of Montreal and safety officers on a drop-off and traffic safety plan.
“We have our cross guards. We have the City of Montreal working with us… we’re more than happy to see if we can make improvements.”
F.A.C.E high school to move in coming years
F.A.C.E. is the only school in Montreal jointly operated by the English Montreal School Board (EMSB) and the Centre de services scolaire de Montréal (CSSDM).
While elementary students have now moved into the new building, high school students will remain at the original University Street location for several more years.
That building requires nearly $400 million in repairs, and a major rehabilitation project has been postponed indefinitely, according to the province’s education minister. Plans are in place to eventually relocate the high school to the former Sun Youth headquarters and the old Baron Byng High School on St-Urbain Street.
EMSB leaders welcome families
EMSB Chair Joe Ortona and Commissioner Maria Corsi were on hand Thursday to greet students and families.
“It’s an adjustment, but the kids are excited to start the new year and reconnect with their friends,” said Ortona.
“Obviously, children… were used to the old school. And, you know, when you have to change things, sometimes it could be a difficult adjustment. But it’s a new beginning.”
Across the EMSB network, classes officially begin on Tuesday, Sept. 2.
