Queen of Angels Academy (QAA) in Dorval is closing for good on June 30, 2014. The all-girls private school is suffering from declining enrollment according to notices sent to school parents. Enrollment has fallen from 515 students during the 2006-07 school year to only 186 at present. During that same time, tuition fees have almost doubled as the school struggles to meet costs.
QAA was founded in 1888, and moved to its current location on Bouchard Blvd in eastern Dorval in 1959. The English language school is housed in the former Royal Montreal golf clubhouse on an expansive piece of land that still looks like a golf course. Chairman Domenic Varvaro said that the school’s board has been trying to improve the school’s financial situation since 2011. These efforts apparently include trying to sell off part of the surrounding grounds suggests CTV.
“QAA is an intimate, welcoming and caring sisterhood community,” according to its website. “The staff is nurturing, caring and committed to the success of each student. The family-type environment encourages parents to be part of their daughter’s educational experience throughout their high school years. Our graduation rate is virtually 100 percent. The Academy prepares students for the challenges of CEGEP, university and beyond.”
The Times tried to reach Dorval Mayor Edgar Rouleau for comment, but he did not respond to our enquiries by press time. Among other things, we were curious to know what a change of ownership for the school property might mean for local residents.
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