A Boarding And Day High School Like No Other
Ottawa hours1½ northeast of Toronto, Ontario
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.
Founded 1879 Grades 9-12
Students 435
151
Staff & Faculty
12
Houses
135 day students
300 boarding students
Students from over 40 countries
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 KIM ‘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.
Awarded in annual tuition assistance to of Lakefield College School students 30% 10 Entrance Awards of Distinction in areas such as Academics, Outdoor Education, Musical Theatre, Community Service, and Indigenous Leadership
$2.9 Million
Scan to learn more about tuition management at LCS
A Schedule that Supports AUTHENTIC LEARNING
We want to make sure that our students have the best possible schedule—one that allows them to engage in deep learning and transformative experiences.
At LCS, our modular schedule is designed to prioritise student well-being and deep learning, all grounded in research-based practices. By breaking the academic year into smaller, manageable parts, we reduce the number of classes students take simultaneously, allowing for more meaningful learning experiences. Each course is divided into four modules, each lasting about a month, with students focusing on just three classes per day.
This approach extends class time, allowing students more opportunities to engage deeply with teachers, clarify uncertainties, solve problems, and strengthen relationships. Research shows that this focused, less fragmented schedule not only enhances deep learning, but also supports overall well-being. Moreover, our schedule enables authentic learning experiences, where students can immerse themselves in each subject, making their classroom experience more impactful and relevant.
Scan to learn more about our modular schedule and what to expect during a typical day at LCS
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 2024/25 school year:
Boarding Experience
• Campus Art
• Ceramics
• Concert Band
• Culinary Arts
• Dance Company
• Drawing and Painting
• Film
• Jazz Band
• Learn to Play Guitar
• Lorelei Consort Choir
Arts Athletics
• Alpine Racing
• Badminton
• Basketball
• Canoeing
• Cross Country Running
• Curling
• Field Hockey
• Fitness
• Flag Football
• Golf
• Hockey
• Horseback Riding
• Learn to Row
• Learn to Sail
• Martial Arts
• AI Innovation
• Aviation Club
• Business Club
• Coding Club
• Creative Writing Club
• Debating & Public Speaking
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Makerspace
• Musical Theatre (Cast/Crew)
• Open Studio
• Photo ClubAdvanced/DSLR
• Photo ClubBeginner
• Rock Choir
• Spring Play (Cast/Crew)
• String Ensemble
• Nordic Skiing
• Outdoor Recreation
• Rock Climbing
• Rowing
• Rugby
• Snowboarding
• Soccer
• Team Sailing
• Tennis
• Track & Field
• Ultimate Frisbee
• Volleyball
• Windsurfing
• Yoga
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
At Lakefield College School, we use the Harkness Method in our English classes at every grade. Related to the Socratic Method, Harkness discussions provide a unique and experiential opportunity for students to lead the learning and discussions about their course materials, asking each other questions, and prompting new avenues of inquiry. During a Harkness discussion, and depending on the Grade level, our teachers take on more of an observatory approach, providing students with feedback on ways to improve lines of communication and inquiry.
• Wellness Club Enrichment & Culture
• Environmantal Action Force
• International Club
• Investments Club
• Math Club
• Model UN
• PAGE
• Robotics
• Safe Space
• TALK
• Dungeons & Dragons Club
Providing Opportunities to OUTSTANDING STUDENTS
TOP University Destinations
Canada: Queen’s University, McGill University, University of Toronto, Western University, University of Waterloo, and University of British Columbia
USA: Savannah College of Art and Design, Northeastern University, Harvard University, Stanford University, Caltech, and Georgetown University
$2.3M Over in scholarship and Still
Finding the school that is the best fit for your family is a big decision. Our Admissions team is happy to answer any questions you might have about LCS and whether it is the right choice for you and your child.
Application Form
International: IE University (Spain), University of St Andrews (UK), Newcastle University (UK), University of Warwick (UK), University of Oxford, and London School of Economics and Political Science (UK)
Once logged in to your account, you’ll be able to complete the student application form. We’ll
A member of our Admissions team will personally walk you through each step of the application process.
This includes sending in report cards, a confidential teacher reference form, and completing an interview.
LCS SUMMER ACADEMY & PROGRAMS
Credits, Camp, Community: Immersive online and on-campus student experiences
Experience our 315 acre waterfront campuses
Develop new skills and build confidence
AGES 4-10
Early discovery, sport, and adventure await! Explore and connect outdoors with various day camp sessions available throughout the summer.
Blend of experiential hands-on learning and traditional camp-like fun
Credit and Enrichment opportunites
AGES 11-14
Opportunities for adventure, sports, arts, skill development, and more through overnight and day options.
LCS challenges students with opportunities to discover. The values-based, positive school culture promotes comprehensive personal development and instills a discipline of hard-work while providing flexibility so students can pursue areas of individual interest and achieve the fullest possible realization of their individual potential.
Learn and explore through the outdoors
GRADES 9-12
Earn high school credits and explore enrichment opportunities through authentic, hands-on learning, with both overnight and day options.
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