Our History

Who Are the Marcellines?

Collège Sainte-Marcelline draws its roots from an educational tradition nearly two centuries old. From Milan to Montréal, across eight countries and three continents, this is the story of a vision carried out with conviction: that education transforms individuals — and, through them, the world.

0_BANNIERE histoire

International Institute of the Marcelline Sisters

An International Educational Network Born in Italy in 1838

Founded in Milan in 1838 by Mgr Luigi Biraghi, the International Institute of the Sisters of Saint Marcellina is now present in 8 countries: Italy, Brazil, England, Switzerland, Canada, Mexico, Albania and Benin. It brings together more than 25,000 students, from early childhood through university.

A Visionary Approach to Education

As early as 1838, Mgr Biraghi championed a bold idea for its time: educating girls is a driver of social transformation. He believed that a complete instruction (intellectual, human and spiritual) produces engaged and influential individuals in their respective communities.

Nearly two centuries later, this vision still guides Marcelline schools. In Montréal and elsewhere, the goal remains the same: to educate girls and boys who are cultured, responsible, committed and open to the world.

A Private School in Montréal, Connected to the World

Since 1961, Collège Sainte-Marcelline has benefited from the strength of this international network of private schools, recognized for their excellence. This connection elevates a student’s experience, by fostering cultural exchanges and a broader worldview.

A Family Spirit That Makes All the Difference

In every Marcelline school, students grow in a warm environment where they feel supported, valued and truly at home. In Montréal, this human environment is at the heart of each student’s success and well-being.

Collège Sainte-Marcelline: 65 Years of Education in Montréal

Key Milestones That Shaped Our School

1959

It all began in 1959, when the Marcelline Sisters arrived in Canada and founded Villa Sainte-Marcelline in Westmount. Two years later, they settled on the Saraguay estate and welcomed their first 20 kindergarten and elementary school students.

1967

Growth was rapid. In 1967, the current school building was constructed, and the girls’ high school program was launched, welcoming both day students and boarders. Five years later, a major expansion added a gymnasium, library and new classrooms. The Sisters also acquired a cottage at Lac Brome, where generations of students enjoyed friendship camps until 2025.

1974

In 1974, Résidence l’Amitié Saraguay opened its doors on the school’s property, the start of a neighbourly relationship that would take on deep meaning decades later. The following years brought continuous growth. The boarding school closed in 1983 to welcome more day students; new laboratories and an auditorium were built in 1985; the School Foundation was created in 1993; and new kindergarten facilities were constructed in 1997.

2012

In 2012, Robotique Marcelline was born. The team would go on to become the world’s best all-female robotics team. A source of pride that resonates far beyond Montréal.

2018

The school has continued to evolve. In 2018, the preschool space gave way to the Madre Elisa dance pavilion, dedicated to the popular high school dance program. In 2019, the senior high school floor was completely restructured to accommodate growing enrolment.

2024

In 2024, the school and Résidence l’Amitié jointly launched Carrefour Mosaïque, a unique intergenerational program in Québec that brings students and elderly residents together throughout the school year.

2026

In 2026, major renovations were undertaken to enhance the school’s common areas. That same year, the school received the Innovation Award from the Fédération des établissements d’enseignement privé (FÉEP) for its AI ethics program: Marcelline for Humanistic Artificial Intelligence (MIAH).

To come

Over the next few years, the College will continue its major renovation work, supported by a fundraising campaign carried out in collaboration with the College Foundation. This renovation phase will be followed by the construction of an annex including a new elementary school gymnasium, spaces dedicated to the arts, artificial intelligence, and robotics, a collaborative workspace, as well as a rooftop terrace. 

The Marcelline Sisters, at the Heart of the School

The Marcelline Sisters are at the heart of school life. Through their presence and daily commitment, they pass on the founding values of a Marcelline education: humanity, rigour and global mindedness.

Guardians of an educational tradition nearly two centuries old, they inspire each generation of students to grow, to get involved and to positively contribute to society.

Similarly to the students in the school itself, they come from four different countries: Canada, Italy, Mexico and Cambodia.

Sister Teresa Belgiojoso
Principal

Of Italian origin and a former student of one of our schools in Milan, Sr Teresa has been at the school since 1981. After teaching and holding the position of high school director for 22 years, she has been serving as principal since 2009.

Sister Martine Dalpé
Vice-Principal

A graduate of the school’s 16th class, Sr Martine has been teaching there since 1992. After 34 years at the high school level and serving as its director from 2006 to 2025, she has been holding the position of Vice-Principal since 2022.

Sister Martha Delgado Miranda

Of Mexican origin, Sr Martha has worked in several Marcelline schools throughout the world before joining our school community, where she works with the youngest students.

Sister Laura Patelli

Of Italian origin and a former student of one of our schools in Milan, Sr Laura taught physical education in several Marcelline schools in Italy before settling at our school. She now contributes to pastoral life and the Environmental Action committee.

Sister Kateri Tan

Of Cambodian origin, she arrived in Canada in 1980 and entered religious life in 1983. Present at the school for many years, she provides invaluable daily service to the community.

Make a request
for admission
See the open day
schedule