They were two remarkable, progressive teachers, who in 1909 decided to start their own school for girls. They were daring and caring thinkers whose stamp of innovation became the guiding spirit of ECS. The School began its life in a home on Guy Street in downtown Montreal. There were 70 girls at the outset, including 15 Boarders. The Heads’ ideal was to equip their pupils with a broad understandin
g of literature, languages, ethics, fine arts, as well as science and mathematics. The most novel feature of the curriculum was the organization of literature and history: these were studied in tandem, century by century. Small classes, subject promotion, and individual timetables also made Miss Edgar’s and Miss Cramp’s pedagogical approach unique. Forty years later, the School relocated to a stately building on Cedar Avenue, on the slope of Mount Royal. By then there were approximately 150 girls attending, with 17 Boarders. The School continued to flourish in this building for another 16 years, but its leaders were always conscious of the need for a space designed and built to be a school. Setting their sights on a property at the corner of Mount Pleasant and Montrose Avenues, in 1964 the School undertook a major fundraising campaign to make the move possible. The official opening took place in November 1964: at this point, ECS became a dedicated day school. Rooted in the traditions of excellence and innovation established in its earliest days, ECS has continued to evolve and thrive in its current location! Explore our website to discover more about ECS today.
