École Internationale du Village

"École Internationale du Village is a public international school located in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada, serving families who are looking for a rigorous, globally oriented education within the public school system."

As part of the Commission scolaire au Cœur-des-Vallées (CSSPO), the school offers an accessible pathway to an internationally recognized diploma without the tuition costs typically associated with private international schooling — a meaningful distinction for expat families and relocating professionals who want quality without compromise. Founded in 2018, École Internationale du Village is a relatively young institution, bringing the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) to the Gatineau region. The IB Diploma Programme is designed for students in the final two years of secondary school and is widely respected by universities across Canada and around the world. It challenges students to think critically and independently across six subject areas while also completing the programme's signature core components: the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and Creativity, Activity, Service. For families accustomed to IB education from postings in other countries, or those seeking a strong foundation for university admission, the DP provides a familiar and credible academic framework. As a French-language public school in Quebec, instruction at École Internationale du Village is primarily conducted in French, which reflects both the school's provincial context and its commitment to developing students who are linguistically capable and culturally engaged. For families arriving in the Gatineau-Ottawa region — many of whom may be federal public servants, embassy staff, or professionals in the broader National Capital Region — this immersive French environment can be a significant asset, particularly for children developing or strengthening their French-language skills. Families should be aware that a strong working knowledge of French is important to succeeding in this environment. Gatineau sits directly across the Ottawa River from Canada's capital, Ottawa, making it a natural home for internationally mobile families who work on either side of the provincial border. The city offers a welcoming, bilingual community with a well-established expat and diplomatic presence, and the school's location within this dynamic region means students are surrounded by peers who often bring diverse national and cultural backgrounds to the classroom. What makes École Internationale du Village distinctive is the combination of its public accessibility and its commitment to the intellectual depth and global perspective of the IB Diploma Programme. For families who value an academically challenging, internationally minded education — and who are comfortable in a French-language environment — this school offers something genuinely rare: a publicly funded IB pathway in one of Canada's most strategically located cities. Though the school is still relatively new and continues to build its traditions and community, its grounding in the established IB framework and its position within the Gatineau public school system give it a solid foundation. Families interested in learning more are encouraged to contact the school directly or explore its programmes through the CSSPO website.