MONTREAL - Stunned parents huddled with officials and counsellors inside a prestigious Montreal school Saturday after the arrest of a popular teacher pinned a new sex scandal on the institution.

Selwyn House elementary teacher Richard Doucet was arrested in the United States on Thursday night on allegations of child pornography possession and solicitation of a minor, headmaster Will Mitchell told reporters outside the private school.

Mitchell said he learned about the arrest from American police.

An undercover officer posing online as a 13-year-old boy nabbed Doucet in Fredericksburg, Va., southwest of Washington, D.C., he said.

"We're all surprised, we're in something of a state of shock," Mitchell said.

"Mr. Doucet was a respected colleague and a very effective teacher."

Counsellors offered guidance to parents who showed up at the school on how to discuss the incident with their children.

Dozens of parents have attended information sessions held at the 100-year-old boys' prep school since the arrest.

Laurie Wiseman said her son wasn't in any of Doucet's classes, but she had heard he was an "excellent" teacher.

"I was shocked to hear it," Wiseman told reporters outside the school before heading in for the meeting. "It's so upsetting."

She said despite the allegations, the school, which charges about $16,000 for tuition, has her full support.

"I love Selwyn House," she said.

"I wouldn't pull my kid out of the school."

A Selwyn House student who had a class with Doucet ranked him as one of his favourite teachers.

"I thought I was really lucky to be in his class, now I'm not so sure," the boy said.

"I hope he's innocent because I really liked him as a teacher."

This is not the first time the esteemed Westmount school has been at the centre of a sex-related controversy.

Several former students allege they were sexually abused by three ex-teachers dating back as far as the 1960s.

The alleged victims launched a class-action suit against the school and accepted an offer of about $5 million for all claimants. The suit has yet to be finalized in court.

Mitchell said he is concerned about Selwyn House's reputation, but maintained officials have taken all necessary steps to make sure students learn in a safe environment.

"I do believe this is a safe place to be," he said.

Selwyn House board chairman Ted Claxton said he was impressed how the 570-student school has been handling the situation.

"I think the school is dealing with it incredibly well," said Claxton, whose son is in Grade 6.

Mitchell said Doucet, who taught English and math, was hired in 1999 and does not have a criminal record.

Virginia police said Doucet insisted he has never "interfered" with a student at Selwyn House, Mitchell said.

Doucet, who is in his 30s, is still in custody in Fredericksburg.

The teacher attended a professional reading conference last week in Atlanta before travelling to the Washington, D.C. area, Mitchell said.

He said police told him Doucet took a subway and train to the Virginia city.

"That's where he was arrested by an undercover agent who we assume was the purported 13-year-old boy," he said.

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