According to "A Pictorial History of the Town of Montreal West" by Mr. D. Watson, the "School Board bought a parcel of land on Northview Avenue in 1921, for forty-five cents per square foot. Construction was started on the first wing, containing eight classrooms of a new elementary school. It was completed in March, 1922.

The new school was named Elizabeth Ballantyne School, after Miss Elizabeth Gordon Watt Ballantyne, who taught for thirty years for the Protestant Board of School Commissioners, and a sister of Mayor James Ballantyne."

In 1993, Elizabeth Ballantyne School became an Alternative School.

The following Mission Statment was formulated in accordance with the former PSBGM mission to provide an education which meets the needs of all students, and to encapsulate our aspirations for an alternative school.

Elizabeth Ballantyne School is committed to growth of the whole child, fostering emotional and social development as well as academic achievement and inquisitiveness. Its caring but disciplined atmosphere promotes the growth of self esteem, personal responsibility and respect for others. A programme that challenges the intellectual curiosity and enhances the desire to learn is an integral part of our philosophy. EBS emphasizes the development of communication skills, encouraging excellence in early English language instruction and a strong second language programme that will ensure that every student is well prepared for further study at the secondary level.