It opened its doors in 1963[1] as part of the Protestant School Board of Greater Montreal (PSBGM)[2] and closed in 2005 as part of the English Montreal School Board (EMSB).
At its peak in the mid-70s, Wagar's population topped out at over 1,700 students, despite its having been built to accommodate 1,100.
[5] Over many years, particularly in the 70s, Wagar High School enjoyed a reputation for high academic achievement, consistently scoring at the top of the provincial rankings, and regularly eclipsing teams from rival high schools such as West Hill, Mount Royal, Loyola, Father MacDonald and others, in the CBC Television quiz show "Reach For The Top".
After years of declining enrollment, Wagar High School was closed in 2005.
The Wagar building was renamed The Giovanni Palatucci Facility on May 16, 2006, after a World War II hero who risked and eventually gave his life to save 5000 Jews.