Loyola High School, a venerable Catholic educational institution with a 130-year history in Montreal, has decided to forego government subsidies and transition to full independence in order to uphold its religious values in light of Quebec’s new secularism legislation. The law, known as Bill 9, was introduced last year and officially implemented in April. It mandates that private schools receiving public funding must adhere to secular guidelines set by Quebec or opt out of government support. The regulations affecting school subsidies are set to come into force by 2029, allowing a three-year adjustment period.
In a communication to the school community, Loyola High School’s president, Fouad Maroun, and the chair of the board of governors, Patrick M. Shea, expressed that maintaining public funding would necessitate significant alterations to the school’s Jesuit principles. They stated in a letter that such changes would compromise the school’s fundamental beliefs and identity.
This decision comes after a history of legal disputes between Loyola and the provincial government regarding mandated curriculum. In 2015, the school achieved a legal victory at the Supreme Court of Canada when the province attempted to enforce a neutral teaching perspective in its Ethics and Religious Culture program.
Prior to opting out of subsidies, Loyola conducted a comprehensive survey involving nearly 1,500 members of its community and also engaged an independent financial analysis. By forgoing government funding, the school faces a financial gap of approximately $7,500 per student annually, leading to an increase in total fees from $12,530 to a range of $20,000 to $21,000, as stated in the letter.
To prevent exclusivity and ensure accessibility, the board has initiated a fundraising campaign to bolster Loyola’s financial reserves and enhance scholarship opportunities. The aim is to prevent the school from becoming unaffordable for certain families, aligning with its mission to provide education to a diverse student body.
A public information session is scheduled to be held in mid-September to address any concerns and provide clarity on the school’s transition to independence.