Compare International Schools in Oakville, Canada

Appleby College

Instructs in English

Fees CA$48,130 - 96,010

Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)

Appleby College is a co-educational day and boarding school in Oakville, Ontario, offering the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum for Grades 7–12, with an Appleby Diploma complementary to Ontario Secondary Diploma. Middle School is organized as Middle One (Grade 7) and Middle Two (Grade 8); Upper One (Grade 9) and Upper Two (Grade 10); Senior One (Grade 11) and Senior Two (Grade 12). Students complete a four-year liberal arts program to earn the Appleby Diploma, with Diplomas of Distinction in Global Leadership, Business Leadership, Creative Arts Leadership, and STEM Leadership for focused study beyond the core program. Northward Bound experiences are required in Upper One and Upper Two, including trips to the S. Bruce McLaughlin Northern Campus. The campus features athletic facilities, Design Lab, art and performance spaces, and laboratories. AP courses in music and visual arts are available, and a broad co-curricular program supports leadership, service, and global engagement.

Location

Appleby College is located in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. The campus address is 540 Lakeshore Rd W, Oakville, ON L6K 3P1.

Stages

Middle School (Grade 7–8); Upper School (Grade 9–10); Senior School (Grade 11–12).

Type

Day and boarding.

Additional learning support

Appleby College Student Services provides accommodations for students with disabilities.

Country affiliation

Canada

Bus service

Appleby College provides a bus service with routes in Etobicoke, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Milton; transportation via Attridge Transportation; GPS tracking (Trackem); preliminary routes posted on BBK12; contact bus@appleby.on.ca.

Application fees

- CAD 200 non-refundable application fee for Canadian applicants.
- CAD 300 non-refundable application fee for international applicants.

Tuition fees by year group and payment plans (2026–27 academic year)

All amounts below are presented as payment-plan breakdowns. Three payment plans are offered: Annual (single payment), Quarterly (four payments) and Monthly (11 payments). Dates for installments are shown in the billing schedule section.

- Boarding — Type A (International boarders; tuition + boarding):
- Annual plan: CAD 96,010 (tuition) + CAD 1,430 (tuition refund insurance, optional) = CAD 97,440 total. Quarterly and Monthly plans are not offered for Type A.

- Boarding — Type B (Canadian boarders; tuition + boarding):
- Annual plan (one payment due March 1): CAD 88,530; tuition refund insurance CAD 1,320; total CAD 89,850.
- Quarterly plan: initial payment (March 1) CAD 36,778; three further payments (June 1, Sept 1, Dec 1) CAD 18,389 each; total CAD 91,945.
- Monthly plan: initial payment (March 1) CAD 27,890; ten monthly payments (April 1 to January 1) CAD 6,507 each; total CAD 92,960.

- Boarding — Type C (Senior One & Senior Two boarders; tuition + boarding):
- Annual plan: CAD 78,240; tuition refund insurance CAD 1,170; total CAD 79,410.
- Quarterly plan: initial payment (March 1) CAD 32,554; three further payments (June 1, Sept 1, Dec 1) CAD 16,277 each; total CAD 81,385.
- Monthly plan: initial payment (March 1) CAD 24,730; ten monthly payments (April 1 to January 1) CAD 5,769 each; total CAD 82,420.

- Day students — Senior One (Grade 11, tuition only):
- Annual plan: CAD 58,430; tuition refund insurance CAD 870; total CAD 59,300.
- Quarterly plan: initial payment (March 1) CAD 24,332; three further payments (June 1, Sept 1, Dec 1) CAD 12,166 each; total CAD 60,830.
- Monthly plan: initial payment (March 1) CAD 18,520; ten monthly payments (April 1 to January 1) CAD 4,322 each; total CAD 61,740.

- Day students — Upper School (Grades 9–10, tuition only):
- Annual plan: CAD 53,070; tuition refund insurance CAD 790; total CAD 53,860.
- Quarterly plan: initial payment (March 1) CAD 22,076; three further payments (June 1, Sept 1, Dec 1) CAD 11,038 each; total CAD 55,190.
- Monthly plan: initial payment (March 1) CAD 16,795; ten monthly payments (April 1 to January 1) CAD 3,918 each; total CAD 55,975.

- Day students — Middle School (Grades 7–8, tuition only):
- Annual plan: CAD 48,130; tuition refund insurance CAD 720; total CAD 48,850.
- Quarterly plan: initial payment (March 1) CAD 20,032; three further payments (June 1, Sept 1, Dec 1) CAD 10,016 each; total CAD 50,080.
- Monthly plan: initial payment (March 1) CAD 15,280; ten monthly payments (April 1 to January 1) CAD 3,565 each; total CAD 50,930.

One-time and other mandatory fees

- One-time Enrolment Fee (payable in addition to tuition): CAD 8,500.
- Orientation boarding fee for new boarding students: CAD 1,500 (one-time).

What the bundled fees include and what is extra

- Included in tuition: required curriculum outings (e.g., Northern Campus), required academic and co-curricular trips (admission, transport, meals), daily hot lunch, compulsory standard examination fees, class photos, printed yearbook, Parents' Association fees, Health Centre medical care, athletic therapy for sports injuries, campus facility use during scheduled hours, personalized e-mail and network storage, campus internet and certain licensed software, rental fee for school computer with warranty/accident protection, on-site help desk and loan replacement program.

- Items billed separately (extras): school uniform, physical education uniform, team tracksuits and some team apparel, textbooks and e-texts, clothing for Northern Campus, Duke of Edinburgh registration, computer damage/repair or replacement fees, short-term boarding for day students (if available), optional trip charges, participation in exchange programs, private lessons or tutoring, school bus service, Advanced Placement (AP) examination fees, health insurance for students without Canadian provincial coverage, prescriptions and other personal discretionary charges.

- The College Shop supplies new uniform and school items; a Sustainability/Turnover Shop sells gently used items (examples of used-item pricing: blazers CAD 75; kilts CAD 60; dress shirts CAD 10; dress pants CAD 10).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Payment plans and key dates:
- Annual plan: single payment due March 1 (tuition refund insurance optional for this plan; premium shown where applicable).
- Quarterly plan (4 payments): initial payment due March 1, then three payments due June 1, September 1 and December 1. Tuition refund insurance is included in the Quarterly plan.
- Monthly plan (11 payments): initial payment due March 1, then ten monthly payments from April 1 through January 1. Tuition refund insurance is included in the Monthly plan.

- Accepted payment methods for tuition and other charges:
- Tuition and boarding fees: online banking (electronic bank transfer), Interac e-Transfer, cheque, or for international payments via PayMyTuition by MTFX, Alipay, WeChat Pay, UnionPay or wire transfer. Tuition fees cannot be paid by credit card.
- Miscellaneous charges (extras) may be paid by online banking, Interac e-Transfer, cheque, cash, credit card, debit card, PayMyTuition by MTFX, Alipay, WeChat Pay or UnionPay. Credit card details can be provided to the Business Office for automated processing of miscellaneous charges. International families are required to provide credit card details for automated payment of miscellaneous charges or submit a CAD 2,500 deposit to cover such charges.

- Overdue accounts and fees:
- Interest on overdue accounts is charged at 1.5% per month (18% per annum).
- Charges for insufficient funds: first incident CAD 100; second incident CAD 200; third incident will trigger immediate demand for the full outstanding balance under the selected payment plan and a further CAD 200 service charge.

Refund and withdrawal policy (summary)

- Unconditional obligation: after July 1, parents/guardians are unconditionally obligated to pay all fees for the full upcoming academic year. No portion of fees paid or outstanding will be refunded for absence, withdrawal or dismissal after July 1.
- If written notice of withdrawal is received prior to July 1, the College will retain payments according to the following schedule (based on the registered fee plan):
- After registration to March 31: forfeit CAD 2,000 for Day students; forfeit CAD 5,000 for Boarding students.
- April 1 to April 30: forfeit 15% of the Tuition and Boarding Fee.
- May 1 to May 31: forfeit 25% of the Tuition and Boarding Fee.
- June 1 to June 30: forfeit 50% of the Tuition and Boarding Fee.
- July 1 up to the start of the academic year: 100% of Tuition and Boarding Fee is payable; no refund.
- After the start of the academic year: all Tuition and Boarding Fees are due and will not be refunded.
- Tuition Refund Insurance: included with the Quarterly and Monthly plans; optional for the Annual plan (premium shown where applicable). The Tuition Refund Plan protects in cases of voluntary or involuntary withdrawal during the school year subject to the plan's terms (students must have attended more than seven consecutive days, including weekends, to be eligible). Any insurance proceeds are applied to tuition due; overpayments may be refunded. Changes to tuition refund insurance cannot be made after July 1.

Other notes on payments and charges

- Extras are billed regularly and are due upon publication of the monthly online statement. International and local families with overdue miscellaneous balances may be required to provide credit card details for automated settlement. A deposit may be requested from international families to cover miscellaneous charges. Interest and insufficient-funds rules apply to all accounts.

Summary statement

- The full 2026–27 fee schedule is structured by student type (Middle School, Upper School, Senior One, Senior Two, and boarding types) with Annual, Quarterly and Monthly payment options where available. Mandatory one-time Enrolment and orientation boarding fees apply, and uniforms, textbooks and a range of optional extras are billed separately. Accepted payment methods include online banking, Interac e-Transfer, cheque and several international payment platforms; tuition cannot be charged to a credit card. For clarity on individual billing amounts by chosen payment plan, use the payment-plan breakdowns above.

Boarding Arrangements

Boarding is available at Appleby College. Boarders reside in one of four houses: Baillie House, Colley House, Powell's House, and Walker House. The Boarding Life program coordinates house-based activities and support, and all Senior Two (Grade 12) students are required to board for the entire Senior Two year to graduate, subject to approval for exemptions.

Uniform Requirement

Uniform is required. Up to Thanksgiving, students may wear either the first dress uniform or the white crested polo shirt with the crested sweater as a warmer-weather option. After Thanksgiving and until the May long weekend, students are required to wear the first dress uniform, which includes a blazer, plain white or light-blue dress shirt, Appleby tie, grey pants or Appleby kilt, and socks as specified (black, navy blue or dark grey with pants; navy knee-high socks or plain navy opaque tights with a kilt).

Food Options

The school provides dining services through Sodexo. The Schlesinger Dining Hall offers a weekly menu with regular updates; students and staff can view this week's menu and provide feedback via the menu feedback email.

House System

Appleby uses a four-house boarding life system: Baillie House, Colley House, Powell's House, and Walker House. Each house has common rooms and a house leadership structure; the Boarding Life Council is composed of house prefects from the four houses.

Governance and Ownership

Appleby College is incorporated as a not-for-profit organization under Ontario law and is a registered charitable organization. It is governed by a volunteer Board of Governors and has no shareholders or owners.

Curriculum

Appleby College follows the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum for Grades 7–12. Middle School is organized as Middle One (Grade 7) and Middle Two (Grade 8); Upper School is made up of Upper One (Grade 9) and Upper Two (Grade 10); Senior School includes Senior One (Grade 11) and Senior Two (Grade 12). Courses are credited toward the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), with substitutions allowed to tailor a student's program. To earn the Appleby College Diploma, students complete a four-year liberal arts program and receive the diploma at the end of Senior Two; meeting the Appleby Diploma requirements also satisfies the OS Diploma requirements. In addition to the Appleby Diploma, there are Diplomas of Distinction in Global Leadership, Business Leadership, Creative Arts Leadership, and STEM Leadership, which recognize focused study and experiential work beyond the core program. Northward Bound experiences are a required experiential component in Upper One and Upper Two, with trips to the S. Bruce McLaughlin Northern Campus as part of the Appleby Diploma.

Student Teacher Ratio

Upper School student-advisor ratio is 9:1.

Exam Results

AP examinations are accepted as first-year credits at Canadian and U.S. colleges and universities. AP Capstone is available; to earn the AP Capstone certificate, students must complete AP Seminar and AP Research and take an additional four AP exams. In 2022-23, 572 AP exams were written.

Higher Education Progression

Over the past five years, graduates have been accepted into some of the finest post-secondary institutions in the world.

Gifted and Talented

Diplomas of Distinction in Global Leadership, Business Leadership, Creative Arts Leadership, and STEM Leadership.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Appleby College integrates social-emotional learning and wellbeing into student life. The Guidance program is integrated into Blue Time and the advisor system at all grade levels, offering credit and non‑credit courses that address self-awareness, learning strategies, growth mindset, and future planning. The program uses a strength‑based approach to support students academically, socially, and emotionally, with content aimed at promoting wellbeing and post‑secondary readiness. Peer Counselling provides a structured avenue for students to support peers and develop leadership skills. The Appleby Care Team (ACT) coordinates mental health support with in‑school mental health experts to respond to concerns and assist reintegration after wellbeing‑related absences.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Appleby College provides accommodations for students with disabilities in line with the Ontario Human Rights Code. The school has a Student Success Centre and Learning Strategist teachers who provide accommodations to assist students with exceptionalities to develop their potential, while maintaining essential program requirements. Documentation from qualified practitioners is required to determine accommodations, and a Student Success Profile is prepared after review to guide supports. Temporary therapeutic supports may be provided while a student is receiving treatment, with reassessment at the end of each school year. Appleby emphasizes inclusive access to education through these supports and accommodations.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Transition policies support English language learners at Appleby College. Potential transition students are identified at admission by the Director of Guidance, and those from non‑English‑speaking backgrounds may qualify for transition status; other students may qualify under exceptional circumstances in consultation with the Guidance and Academic Student Support teams. The Appleby English program prepares students for university study, developing speaking, writing, reading, and media literacy within a literature‑based approach and small class environments. The Languages Department offers Arabic, German, Mandarin and Spanish, with continued language study through Upper One and beyond; exchanges and additional language opportunities exist as part of the program. Appleby provides English language learning supports to assist all students as part of the broader guidance and academic support framework.

Mental Wellbeing

Appleby College is committed to student mental wellbeing. The school's goal is for every student to graduate with a deep sense of themselves, mental health literacy, and the ability to apply wellbeing strategies in a complex world. The Appleby Care Team (ACT) works with health professionals and school staff to respond to mental health concerns, assess risk, and recommend supports. ACT also supports students' reintegration back to school after mental health–related absences, reflecting the school's focus on wellbeing as central to learning.

Safeguarding

Appleby College safeguards students through dedicated wellbeing and health services, including accommodations for students with disabilities and a formal student support framework. The school's Student Success Centre and Learning Strategist teachers provide accommodations under the Ontario Human Rights Code to enable access to education while maintaining program requirements; documentation from qualified practitioners is required to implement supports and a Student Success Profile guides staff. Temporary therapeutic supports may be provided while a student is receiving treatment, with annual reassessment. The Appleby Care Team coordinates with Health Centre staff and other professionals to assess risk and communicate with the student's circle of care to ensure safeguarding and ongoing wellbeing.

Admissions

Step 1: Online Application. To apply for admission to Appleby College, complete the online application form. New applicants must create an account; returning applicants use the updated BBK12 access. The non-refundable application fee is CAD 200 for Canadian residents or CAD 300 for international residents and the form takes about 5–10 minutes to complete before payment. Step 2: Applicant Checklist. Within two days of submitting the application you will receive a welcome email with an applicant checklist. The checklist includes a confidential school report, proof of age, report cards (final 2025–2026 and 2024–2025; interim reports may be submitted if available), the KIRA Talent online assessment invitation and instructions, and an admissions interview (in person or via Teams/Zoom if distance is an issue). The Sir Edmund Walker Scholarship is optional and may provide up to 20,000 CAD per year toward tuition for up to five new incoming students; the full scholarship amount is applied to tuition; the scholarship deadline is December 1, 2026. Financial assistance is 100% need-based; applicants are encouraged to submit the financial assistance application concurrently with admissions, as the review can take four to six weeks and is conducted by an independent firm; FA decisions may be limited by available funds and are applied to enrolment or tuition fees. Step 3: Academic Accommodation. Appleby College Student Services can arrange accommodations for students with disabilities; the school does not maintain a dedicated special education department but can provide certain accommodations; see the Student Access Document for details.

Scholarships

Sir Edmund Walker Scholarship: A merit-based scholarship named after the school's founding patron. Up to five new incoming students will receive 20,000 CAD per year toward tuition, starting with the recipient's year of entry, and the full scholarship amount will be applied directly against annual tuition fees. The scholarship is open to all day, boarding and international students, regardless of financial need, and is renewable each year if the recipient continues to meet the requirements. Recipients will also be eligible to apply for Appleby's Financial Assistance Programme. Applications for the 2027–28 Sir Edmund Walker Scholarship are due December 1, 2026. The scholarship supersedes any other financial award. Requirements include high academic standing, leadership in athletics/arts/community, and a written reflective piece describing positive impact on the student's current school community. The scholarship amount is $20,000 per year and is renewed annually until graduation. The program is described as starting with the 2027–28 school year, with the intention to support exceptionally talented and motivated students. For more information, see the admissions materials and FA details.

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St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School

Instructs in English

Fees CA$26,300 - 35,600

Type Girls School

St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School is an all-girls independent day school in Oakville, Ontario, serving JK through Grade 12 on a 10-acre campus in Olde Oakville. The school teaches in English and follows the Canadian curriculum, enhanced by the Reggio Emilia–inspired approach in the Junior School and an Advanced Placement (AP) program in the Senior School. From Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12, the curriculum is personalized and real-world, with Middle School students engaging in reach-ahead academics, leadership opportunities, project-based learning, and co-curricular experiences, and Senior School students pursuing areas of passion and deeper learning. AP courses cover Mathematics, Sciences, Languages and Visual Arts, with potential university credit. Distinctive programs include STEM Commons, Global Citizenship, STEM & Robotics, and the Professional Internship. Facilities include a soccer field, indoor gym, science labs and STEM spaces; the campus houses the Student Success Centre and University Guidance, supporting learning and transitions. Preparing students for global futures.

Location

1080 Linbrook Road, Oakville, Ontario L6J 2L1. The campus spans 10 acres in Olde Oakville. It serves girls from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12, with Junior School JK–5, Middle School 6–8, and Senior School 9–12.

Stages

Junior School (JK–5); Middle School (Grade 6–8); Senior School (Grade 9–12).

Type

Independent day school for girls.

Additional learning support

Student Success Centre provides Learning Strategies; differentiated instruction and accommodations address varied learning needs. Some girls require skill-building, academic accommodations, and/or adaptive technology, with specialists working to tailor support to each student's learning profile.

Country affiliation

Canada

Religious affiliation

Anglican-based.

Bus service

Transportation includes Regular (door-to-door) bus service, Regular Rider–One-Way, and Occasional Riders. Busing serves Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington, Etobicoke, Milton, Halton Hills and Brampton, with arrangements for riders outside these areas by emailing bus@smls.on.ca. A 5 p.m. late-bus pilot is available for eligible students in outlying areas.

Application & Registration Fees

- Application Fee (new students): CAD 200 (payment required if applicable with application).
- Registration Fee (new students): a non‑refundable CAD 5,000 payable when an offer of admission is accepted.
- International students: required to pay 50% of tuition upon acceptance to confirm enrolment.

Annual Tuition by Year Group (2026–2027 academic year)

- Junior Kindergarten / Senior Kindergarten (JK/SK): CAD 26,300 per year.
- Junior School (JS1 to JS5): CAD 31,000 per year.
- Middle School (MS6 to MS8): CAD 34,400 per year.
- Senior School (SS9 to SS12): CAD 35,600 per year.

Technology & Facility Fees (billed separately)

- Technology Fee, Junior School (JS1–JS5): CAD 600 per year.
- Technology Fee, Middle & Senior School (MS6–SS12): CAD 1,900 per year.
- Facility Renewal Fee (all students JK–SS12): CAD 900 per year.
- Note: Technology and Facility Renewal Fees are billed in accordance with the payment plan selected; families choosing the Advanced Payment Plan receive a 3% discount on the Technology Fee.

Tuition Payment Plans — amounts and schedules (full detail by year group)

- Advanced Payment Plan:
- Deposit: CAD 3,000 (all year groups).
- Balance due on May 1 (2026):
- JK/SK: CAD 22,511 (total after deposit: CAD 25,511).
- JS1–JS5: CAD 27,070 (total after deposit: CAD 30,070).
- MS6–MS8: CAD 30,368 (total after deposit: CAD 33,368).
- SS9–SS12: CAD 31,532 (total after deposit: CAD 34,532).
- The Advanced Payment Plan totals above reflect the advanced‑payment amounts stated for the 2026–2027 handbook.

- Standard Payment Plan (four payments plus deposit):
- Deposit: CAD 3,000 (all year groups).
- Four scheduled payments due on: May 1, July 1, September 1, and December 1 (amounts by year group):
- JK/SK: 4 payments of CAD 5,825 (deposit CAD 3,000 + 4 x CAD 5,825 = CAD 26,300 total).
- JS1–JS5: 4 payments of CAD 7,000 (deposit CAD 3,000 + 4 x CAD 7,000 = CAD 31,000 total).
- MS6–MS8: 4 payments of CAD 7,850 (deposit CAD 3,000 + 4 x CAD 7,850 = CAD 34,400 total).
- SS9–SS12: 4 payments of CAD 8,150 (deposit CAD 3,000 + 4 x CAD 8,150 = CAD 35,600 total).
- These amounts are billed according to the Standard Payment Plan schedule.

- Monthly Payment Plan (deposit + 10 monthly payments):
- Deposit: CAD 3,000 (all year groups).
- Ten post‑dated monthly payments due on the 30th of each month from April 30, 2026 through January 30, 2027 (amounts by year group):
- JK/SK: 10 payments of CAD 2,435.20 (10 x CAD 2,435.20 = CAD 24,352; plus deposit CAD 3,000 = CAD 27,352 total).
- JS1–JS5: 10 payments of CAD 2,924.00 (10 x CAD 2,924.00 = CAD 29,240; plus deposit CAD 3,000 = CAD 32,240 total).
- MS6–MS8: 10 payments of CAD 3,277.60 (10 x CAD 3,277.60 = CAD 32,776; plus deposit CAD 3,000 = CAD 35,776 total).
- SS9–SS12: 10 payments of CAD 3,402.40 (10 x CAD 3,402.40 = CAD 34,024; plus deposit CAD 3,000 = CAD 37,024 total).
- Monthly payments must be provided by 10 post‑dated cheques or by pre‑authorized debit.

Billing schedule & payment terms

- Deposit is CAD 3,000 for all payment plans unless otherwise indicated (new‑student registration fee CAD 5,000 is separate and non‑refundable).
- Standard Plan: payments due May 1, July 1, September 1, December 1.
- Monthly Plan: 10 monthly payments due on the 30th of the month (Apr 30 to Jan 30).
- Advanced Plan: deposit CAD 3,000; balance due May 1.
- For Monthly & Standard plans, Tuition Refund Plan (insurance) is included automatically; for the Advanced Plan TRP is optional.
- Late payments: interest at 1.5% per month (18% per annum) applied to accounts exceeding 15 days overdue.
- NSF/declined payment fee: CAD 50 per declined payment.

Accepted payment methods & processing details

- Cheque or money order payable to St. Mildred's‑Lightbourn School (include the 7‑digit User ID on payment).
- Online banking (add St. Mildred's‑Lightbourn School as a payee using the 7‑digit User ID): Bank of Montreal, CIBC, Royal Bank of Canada, Scotiabank, TD Canada Trust.
- Plastiq online credit card payments (third‑party processing fee applies).
- Wire transfer (bank fee CAD 15 applies; sender responsible for bank charges). Bank details (CIBC) and instruction to notify the Finance Office are used for wire payments.
- Monthly Plan: payments may be made by pre‑authorized debit or by providing 10 post‑dated cheques.

Boarding fees

- St. Mildred's‑Lightbourn School does not list boarding fees; the school operates as a day school and no residential/boarding charges are included in the 2026–2027 schedule.

Other costs and typical supplemental charges (estimates for 2026–2027)

- Uniform (standard items; paid to Inschoolwear) typical range: CAD 650 – CAD 1,250.
- School supplies / textbooks (varies by division): Junior School supply list CAD 200 – CAD 300; Senior School textbooks CAD 300 – CAD 500.
- Extended Day (annual rates): morning options CAD 450 – CAD 1,765; afternoon options CAD 795 – CAD 3,200 (depending on number of days per week).
- Team/activity fees (athletics, clubs, robotics, competitions): variable — examples: JS athletics CAD 50–110 per team; MS athletics CAD 50–130 per team; SS athletics CAD 100–250 per team; robotics registration CAD 165–265; robotics competitions CAD 400–500.
- Optional travel and global citizenship trip costs (examples): Senior School discovery abroad CAD 5,000–7,500; March break optional trips CAD 7,000–11,000; Round Square conferences CAD 5,000–8,000.
- Bus program: bus charges are billed in September and due upon receipt; route pricing available from the school.
- Lost uniform replacement: CAD 100–150.
- AP testing: approximately CAD 175 per exam; PSAT CAD 30.
- These supplemental cost ranges are estimates and are billed as incurred; specific charges vary by participation and program.

Refunds, withdrawals and tuition‑refund insurance

- Enrollment contracts create an obligation for full annual tuition; the Tuition Refund Plan (TRP) is an insurance program intended to provide a pro‑rated refund in covered circumstances. Participation in TRP is mandatory for families on the Standard and Monthly Payment Plans and is optional for families selecting the Advanced Payment Plan. TRP premium amounts for 2026–2027 are by division (examples): JK/SK CAD 165.31; JS1–JS5 CAD 194.85; MS6–MS8 CAD 216.22; SS9–SS12 CAD 223.77.

- Withdrawal & refund obligations (key deadlines for the 2026–2027 year):
- If the school receives a formal withdrawal request prior to April 15, 2026, the school will retain the non‑refundable deposit only.
- If the request is received between April 15, 2026 and July 15, 2026, the school will retain the non‑refundable deposit and parents/guardians are responsible for payment of 50% of the outstanding tuition according to the Standard Payment Plan.
- If the request is received after July 15, 2026, parents/guardians are unconditionally obligated to pay fees for the full academic year; no portion will be refunded or cancelled for absence, withdrawal, or dismissal.
- For medically covered withdrawals or other covered circumstances, the Tuition Refund Plan provides benefit payments to the school according to its policy terms (TRP details describe coverage percentages and exclusions).

Summary of key administrative charges & penalties

- Registration Fee (new students, non‑refundable): CAD 5,000.
- Deposit (all plans, unless otherwise stated): CAD 3,000.
- Technology Fee: CAD 600 (JS) or CAD 1,900 (MS/SS).
- Facility Renewal Fee: CAD 900 (all students).
- Late payment interest: 1.5% per month (18% per annum).
- NSF/declined payment fee: CAD 50.
- Wire transfer bank fee: CAD 15 (added to wire amount).

Important procedural notes

- Payment plans and amounts above apply to the 2026–2027 Financial Handbook schedule and include the detailed payment dates and instalment amounts for each plan option.
- Supplemental, optional, and incidental charges vary by program participation and are billed as incurred; bus, extended‑day and auxiliary program fees are billed separately at stated times during the year.

Uniform Requirement

All students wear a regulation school uniform. Uniform items are supplied by InSchoolwear (505 Iroquois Shore Rd, Unit 7, Oakville) and Made for Millies Store. Phys-ed uniforms and Wellness Wednesday gear are worn, and alterations can be arranged through Stitch It.

Food Options

Food services are provided in partnership with Chartwells Canada. Meals are prepared from scratch with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, offering hot and cold options and accommodating dietary restrictions. The program includes healthy snacks and on-site nutrition education in an on-site teaching kitchen.

House System

There are three Houses: Brant-Massey (red), Cartier-Vanier (green) and Grenfell-Alexander (blue). Sisters and Legacy daughters are placed in the same House. Students earn House Points through intramurals, service, clubs and other activities; the House with the top average points is recognized at the final assembly and the House Cup is engraved.

Governance and Ownership

St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School is governed by an independent Board of Governors, the ultimate decision-making body responsible for governance, long-term sustainability and the school's strategic plan. Board members are drawn from parents, alumnae, the Community of the Sisters of the Church, and friends; the Board oversees committees such as Finance & Audit, Strategy & Facilities, Governance, and Community Relations.

Curriculum

From Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12, the curriculum is personalized and real-world. The Junior School uses a Reggio Emilia–inspired approach. In Middle School students test their strengths through reach-ahead academics, leadership opportunities, project-based learning, and co-curricular experiences. In the Senior School students engage in deeper learning, pursue areas of passion, and develop critical thinking, with the Advanced Placement (AP) programme offering university-level coursework. AP courses cover Mathematics, Sciences, Languages and Visual Arts, and successful completion of AP examinations may earn first-year university credit or advanced standing; the AP programme is recognized by American universities.

Student Teacher Ratio

Small class sizes have been maintained.

Exam Results

80% of graduates achieved the Ontario Scholar Award.

Higher Education Progression

Two University Guidance Counsellors guide students through course selection, scholarship applications, and post-secondary pathways.

Gifted and Talented

Advanced Placement (AP) course offerings in Mathematics, Sciences, Languages and Visual Arts provide first-year university credit or advanced standing; AP courses are offered through the School's own program and via the e‑learning consortium (ELCC). AP courses offered for 2025–2026 include Biology, Calculus AB, Chemistry, Chinese Language and Culture, Studio Art, French Language and Culture, English Literature and Composition, Physics 1, Psychology, and more; Students may study AP subjects through ELCC online or on campus. AP courses are designed for highly motivated students, with guidelines for enrollment and testing, and final AP exams are offered in May with results available in July. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Programme is also part of the program, with Bronze compulsory and Silver/Gold encouraged. The External Studies Programme provides reach-ahead courses and opportunities beyond the school walls through ELCC and partner arrangements. The Susan E. Both Enhanced Learning Centre (ELC) provides access to technology to support learning.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school supports social and emotional learning through Circle of Care, a dedicated multidisciplinary team that supports students across academic, social, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs. Circle of Care includes divisional principals, guidance faculty, learning strategies faculty, the school nurse, and the school social worker. When social or emotional concerns are raised by students, staff, or families, Circle of Care collaborates to improve student well-being. The approach emphasizes holistic development and proactive support to help students build resilience, confidence, and healthy relationships. This framework underpins student life across academics and co-curricular programs to support girls as learners and leaders.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Student Success Centre and Learning Strategies Program support diverse learning needs. The program recognizes that each child has a unique learning style and coordinates with classroom teachers to address different profiles. Some girls require skill-building, academic accommodations, and/or adaptive technology. Specialists work with the girls to nurture and develop their learning profiles, with the goal of academic success. Learning Strategists liaise with parents and connect with outside professionals as needed and develop a learning plan for each student.

Mental Wellbeing

Wellbeing is a central focus at the school. Circle of Care supports mental wellbeing by addressing students' social and emotional health as well as academic, physical, and spiritual needs. The Circle of Care Team includes divisional principals, guidance faculty, learning strategies faculty, a school nurse, and a school social worker. When concerns arise, Circle of Care collaborates to improve wellbeing and provide timely support. This multidisciplinary approach helps students feel secure, supported, and ready to engage fully in school.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is embedded in Circle of Care, a multidisciplinary team supporting student welfare. The Circle of Care Team includes divisional principals, guidance faculty, learning strategies faculty, the school nurse, and the school social worker. The team collaborates to address concerns raised by students, staff, or families. They support student needs across academic, social, emotional, physical, and spiritual dimensions. The aim is to ensure a safe, healthy learning environment and timely coordinated responses to concerns.

Admissions

1. The journey to SMLS begins with a simple online application. The goal is to understand your daughter's unique learner profile, emerging aspirations, and the spark she will bring to the community. The process is organized with grade-level pathways and a secure Admissions Portal to manage documents, track progress, and communicate with the admissions team.

2. Admission is organized by grade level: Junior School (JK–5), Middle School (Grade 6–8), and Senior School (Grade 9–12). This structure guides the review for each division, with grade-level information available for applicants. Families use the grade-level pathways to identify the appropriate entry point and steps.

3. Applications follow three windows: Fall – the Priority Window with a deadline of October 31 (priority for major entry points such as JK, Grade 1, Grade 6/7, and Grade 9); Winter – Mid-Cycle Admissions with a February 14 deadline for remaining spots; Spring & Summer – Rolling Admissions. Placements are subject to space availability. Decisions are made and communicated once the application is complete.

4. To begin this journey, select the appropriate pathway; prospective families create an account on the secure Admissions Portal. A non-refundable application fee of $200 initiates the comprehensive review of the daughter's profile by the Admissions Committee. Current families may log in through MySMLS and many details will be pre-populated to streamline the process.

5. The journey continues with a comprehensive review of the daughter's profile by the Admissions Committee. The Admissions team will communicate decisions once the application is complete. General inquiries go to contact@smls.on.ca and admissions inquiries to admissions@smls.on.ca.

Scholarships

The school offers a Financial Support Program funded by donors and the Endowment Fund, currently valued at over $2.3 million, to make SMLS education accessible. The program is administered through a confidential process with an emphasis on fairness and broad impact. Prospective families should submit the financial support application with the daughter's Application for Admission, while returning families should renew by January 15. Applicants complete an Apple Financial Services online assessment (fee $137.50) and AFS provides a confidential eligibility report to the SMLS Financial Aid Committee, which reviews recommendations for allocation of funds. Grade 9 Merit Scholarships are renewable awards for incoming Grade 9 students, valued at $20,000 per year for four years, based on pillars including Athletics, The Arts, STEM & Robotics, Global Citizenship, and Leadership; eligible students must be fully enrolled in Grade 9 for the 2026–2027 academic year. Applications for the 2026–2027 Grade 9 Scholarship have now closed; applications for 2027–2028 will open in autumn 2026.

Waitlist

Waitlists are used when a grade reaches capacity during mid-cycle admissions. Qualified applicants are invited to join the waiting list. If a space becomes available, wait-listed students are first in line for admission.

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