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Great Students Flourish in Great Environments
Our mission, to challenge and enable students to reach their individual potential in mind, body and spirit, comes with a commitment to uphold our community values and to ensure that the academic and social needs of our students are paramount. With one of the largest waterfront campuses among Canadian boarding schools, LCS has provided generations of teenagers an education that’s not only academically fulfilling, but that extends far beyond the classroom.
Quickfacts:
Founded 1879
Grades 9-12 Students
12 Houses
135 day students
295 boarding students
151 Staff & Faculty
International students from over 40 countries
10 Entrance Awards of Distinction in areas such as Academics, Outdoor Education, Musical Theatre, Community Service, and Indigenous Leadership
$2.8 Million Awarded in annual tuition assistance to 30% of Lakefield College Students
Lakefield didn’t change me. It made me. Alongside the experienced, supportive faculty here, the school’s exceptional curriculum and facilities have allowed me to pursue my highest academic and extracurricular goals. At the same time, I learned how to be grateful for these amazing opportunities and to pay forward to the broader community. LCS shaped me into an ambitious yet compassionate adult. --Yeseo '22
Outdoor Environment
Our beautiful 315-acre natural campus is equipped with a lake, fields, forests and small village-like houses, encouraging our students to spend time outdoors every day. A defining feature of the LCS experience is that outdoor education (OE) is embedded into the academic program. All Grade 9 students enjoy their geography and physical education courses integrated into a single OE course. Similarly integrated, OE courses are offered in Grades 10 and 11. The positive benefits of learning in an outdoor setting are significant, including increased personal development, emotional well-being, and better academic performance.
Leadership, Character, Values
We believe experience is the best teacher. Our schoolwide leadership program (Grades 9 through 12) provides opportunities for our students to come together, to discover, reflect and find meaning in their programming. It encourages personal growth and builds confidence and a commitment to becoming active and engaged citizens— ethical leaders—in all aspects of life; preparing our graduates to pursue their passions in any field while making a positive difference.
Thrive
Lakefield’s THRIVE well-being initiative infuses all aspects of school life and is based on three pillars: Physical Wellbeing, Positive Psychology and developing Lifelong Habits. Intended to promote optimal mental health, students learn habits and practices that will help them to flourish now and for a lifetime. Equally important, these habits help to improve the ability to focus, remember, and process information, contributing to better academic performance.
Boarding Experience
LCS houses are among the smallest of CAIS boarding schools providing us with a unique advantage to create and foster connections between students, teachers, Advisors, Heads of Houses, and Associate Faculty. The beautiful natural campus, and relaxed atmosphere means students feel comfortable being themselves. The small community also means students feel heard and supported and are challenged to take charge and demonstrate leadership in their life and the community.
Global Learning and Travel Credit Opportunities
LCS provides students with a wide range of meaningful, international opportunities. These opportunities include grade 10 exchanges, global learning March Break trips, adventure/expedition programs, Round Square Conferences, outdoor expeditions, and more.
Advanced Placement Capstone Program
If you would like to earn one or more first-year university credits while earning a secondary school credit at the same time, we offer 14 Advanced Placement (AP) courses to choose from. Included are two new courses, AP Seminar and AP Research, required to earn the AP Capstone Diploma. You may begin taking these courses in Grade 11.
LCS and the Harkness Method
Related to the Socratic Method, the Harkness Method is not focussed on a “right” or “wrong” way of learning or understanding material; it is a powerful exercise in collaboration and self-expression. During a Harkness discussion, our teachers take an observatory approach. Students lead the discussion themselves, asking each other questions, and prompting new avenues of inquiry.
Co-Curricular Offerings
Students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of co-curricular programming. The following list is reflective of the programming offered during the 2023/24 school year:
Arts: Campus Art, Ceramics, Coding Club, Concert Band, Creative Writing, Culinary Arts, Dance, Debating, Drawing and Painting, Film Making, Improv Club, Journalism Club, Jazz Ensemble, Lorelei Consort, Makerspace, Math Club, Model UN, Musical Theatre (Cast/Crew), Open Studio, Photography, Robotics, Rock Choir, Science Club, String Ensemble
Athletics: Alpine Racing, Badminton, Basketball, Canoeing, Cross Country Running, Curling, Female Fitness, Fitness, Flag Football, Golf, Hockey, Horseback Riding, Learn to Row, Learn to Sail, Bushcraft Basics, Nordic Skiing, Outdoor Recreation, Rock Climbing, Rowing, Rugby, Snowboarding, Soccer, Team Sailing, Tennis, Track & Field, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball, Windsurfing, Yoga
Culture: Business Club, Chess Club, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Dungeons & Dragons Club, Environmental Action Force, Entrepreneurship, Global Learning, International Club, Investments, Safe Space, Wellness Club
