1080 Linbrook Road, Oakville, Ontario, L6J 2L1, Canada
245 Garner Road West, Ancaster, Ontario, L9G 3K9, Canada
1891
1997
550
16
JK to 12
7 to 12
Girls
Coed
Day
Day, eSchool
English
English
Academic
Academic
Progressive, Reggio Emilia
Traditional
Varies
1 to 6
Dedicated gifted school
$25,180 to $32,310
$5,600 to $34,000
Yes
No
9%
0%
None
None
$0
$0
37
3
0%
0%
74%
100%
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Oct 31, 2021
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades Preschool - 12
Yes: grades 7 - 12
No
No
“St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School has grown and evolved into a place where girls can forge their unique educational paths in a caring, close-knit community.”
“At SMLS, every aspect of students’ experience – whether it’s math class, basketball practice, debate club or lunch in the dining hall – is carefully constructed to be part of their growth and learning.”
“The students and parents we spoke to, who were from diverse cultural backgrounds, said the school works hard to live up to its aspirations on equity, diversity,
and inclusion.”
Read The Our Kids Review of St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School
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The school has a long history, having been founded in Toronto 1891. After a move to Oakville, it later paired with a school guided by Ruth Lightbourn, a renowned teacher who founded a school almost by default—she began as a tutor for the children of John Guest, then headmaster of Appleby College, and her success was of the kind we associate with Nanny McPhee. She became the go-to tutor, and in time founded her own school. That and St. Mildred's formally joined in 1969, combining the traditions and the drive of both under one umbrella. More than anything, the intention is to provide girls with the skills, experience, and esteem that will carry over into academic and professional success. Ample opportunities are provided for students to discover their passions, wherever they may lie, as well as the encouragement to grow within those areas of interest.
View full report
Private schools are created in order to address different kinds of learners, and different learning styles, and Tapply Binet is a great example of that. It’s a small school, which for the students who attend, is its great strength. The average class size is just 3 students, with none exceeding 6. As such, the program is very much student focused, and student led, in something akin to a tutorial approach to learning. Instructors engage closely with students, allowing them to interact with the material and with each other around the concepts being presented. Lessons are built to address the specific curiosities and perspectives that the students bring with them into the classroom. The goal of the program is to reward personal curiosity, and grow students’ ability to access and process information through that lens. The expertise of the staff is also a draw for the families that enroll—all instructors have doctorates and are specialists in the areas in which they teach. The ideal student is one operating at the top of his or her peer group, one who longs for an environment that will nurture their academic instincts, and who is preparing to continue to university.
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"He graduated from TBC as an Ontario Scholar, received early offers of admission from all..."
Nicholas Richter - Parent (Jan 06, 2021)
Our son attended TBC for grades 9-12 and liked it so much that he stayed an extra year (also known a...
View full review
"SMLS students (JK to 12) benefit from an enriched academic and co-curricular program, personalized learning, unique Signature Programs, world class facilities and teachers who are experts in educating girls. We engage each student in a personalized, real-world learning experience—one where she can explore her own unique pathways within a nurturing community. From the moment a student enters SMLS, she begins a journey of discovery to emerge empowered and ready to achieve excellence in whatever path she chooses."
"Flexibility best describes our approach to learning. We pride ourselves on accommodating student and parent needs. In consultation with students and their parents, TBC provides a program to suit the needs of the individual with full and part-time options with class sizes ranging from 1 to 6 students. Empowerment and responsibility given to students provide ownership and their personal sense of success and recognition as a member of their school and community."
"What differentiates SMLS from all the other schools are the fact that we are experts in personalization. We offer a large school experience with all of the same academic opportunities, athletics, co-curriculars and success, but with a tight-knit, small-school feel, where we’re all part of a community that cares and is connected to one another."
"Our team approach to education sets us apart. Together, staff are committed to reviewing student progress on an ongoing basis, ensuring the plan is optimal. Students are encouraged be part of this process as this fosters engagement in their learning."
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"Families seek out an SMLS experience for the opportunities the school provides their daughters. As an all-girls school that prioritizes both academic excellence and personal wellbeing, parents know that their daughters are developing in a safe, nurturing environment - one where students get to know themselves and take risks in a safe, comfortable way.
Families who have been at SMLS comment time and again about the warmth and strong sense of community that exists across the school."
"Families appreciate the dedication to their children's security and educational needs. "The Tapply staff are kind and helpful", as stated by one current Grade student."
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"Families are often surprised and impressed by the fact that we have leadership opportunities for every student, starting even in the Junior School and as early as Grade 1.There are ways for every student, whether they’re an introvert or an extravert, whether they have many interests or just one passion - whether they’re an athlete, an artist, an academic or still working on finding themselves - every student has an opportunity to lead."
"As we operate from a heritage building, once the home of the Marshall potato farming family, we reference the importance of family and community. The single dwelling offers a homey atmosphere to their educational experience. For example, we all share the kitchen!"
"SMLS is an Anglican-based that welcomes students from every faith, fostering diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging within our
school community. Our weekly chapels celebrate both our Anglican roots and world religions and cultures so that everyone in our community may develop an understanding of the diversity in the world around us."
"We profess to accommodate and empower our students. Families are surprised by the length we go to make this a reality. This year, a Grade 12 student sat in on the interviews to hire a Chemistry teacher. Another Grade 12 student taught the Grade 7 science class. Our Science Fair event included all science students."
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Thank you for your interest in St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School.
It is a great privilege and honour to be the Head of School at St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School. I am delighted to be a part of the school's warm and invitational learning community with such a longstanding and rich heritage of more than129 years. SMLS is an all-girls learning environment where girls are encouraged to discover and pursue their personal excellence through a rigorous academic program. Our faculty and staff are deeply committed and dedicated to preparing girls for a strong inspired future as empowered young women.
The entire community celebrates our recent graduates, all of whom are anticipating the start of the next phase of their journey at Canadian and international universities of their choice. For those families who are considering St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School for their daughter, there are a number of virtual opportunities for you to connect and get to know the school, where you will be warmly welcomed.
Nancy
Let me introduce myself, Sue Davidson, proud Principal of Tapply Binet College, a Brick and Mortar School established in 2003 and Principal of Tapply Online High School launched in April 2020.
Education for our young people is an essential service. We will continue to engage them. That is the key to students’ success. Our flexible program delivery, always considerate of the students’ schedules and needs, provides the students with a personalized program. This will ultimately lay the foundation for a bright future and tailored-fit career path. Our philosophy is simple – Engage, Empower, Encourage in a fluid world. Students will have access to post-secondary preparation by our Guidance Counselor Specialist.
Please contact us to learn more about how we are putting STUDENTS FIRST
Traditional
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Progressive (sometimes called "in- quiry-based") curricula attempt to place children's interests and ideas at the heart of the learning experience. Instead of lessons being driven by predetermined pathways, progressive curricula are often "emergent", with learning activities shaped by students' questions about the world. Instead of starting with academic concepts and then tying it to everyday experience, progressive methods begin with everyday experience and work back to an academic lesson. Teachers provide materials, experiences, tools and resources to help students investigate a topic or issue. Students are encouraged to explore, reflect on their findings, and discuss answers or solutions.
Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.
Reggio Emilia programs are offered by some schools at the preschool and elementary level. The approach aims to develop curiosity and problem-solving skills through the liberal use of projects (as opposed to activities or lessons): teachers design projects for children around their demonstrated interests. Projects can be geared to an individual student, a small group of students, or the class as a whole. They can last from a few days to the whole year. Art is strongly emphasized and is typically incorporated into every project. Teachers actively participate in projects alongside students, rather than sitting back and observing. The philosophy calls for a high degree of parent involvement as well, particularly when forming curricula and project plans (which happens throughout the academic year).
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SMLS is a dynamic learning environment designed to address the unique needs of girls from preschool to graduation. Our programs focus on the intellectual, social, emotional, physical, and spiritual development of girls, and are designed to develop our students to become courageous girls who challenge and change the world.
Tapply Binet College delivers the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum and meets the requirements as it passes the Ministry inspections.
Equal Balance
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
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Students too often have a fear or reluctance in mathematics. Our staff encourage a love for the subject with confidence building as well as a sense of humour.
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Balanced reading programs are typically Whole Language programs with supplementary phonics training. This training might be incidental, or it might take the form of mini-lessons.
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Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.
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Equal Balance
Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.
Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.
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We encourage students to study science as an essential component of the way the world works. Everyone should take Physics.
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Zoology
Equal Balance
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
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Developing process work skills is the focus in the English department. Proficiency in literacy is encouraged by honing reading and writing skills.
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Not applicable
Not applicable
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Equal Balance
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These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
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both perennialism and pragmatism are important in the teachings of these disciplines
Equal Balance
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
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students are encouraged to use only the foreign language during class therefore optimizing language fluency
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
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Equal Balance
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
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We encourage students to express their creativity in fine arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Medium integration
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
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In a tech-savvy world, students need to be efficient on the keyboard and confident with their personal electronic devices. All aspects of computers are encouraged
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
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At Tapply Binet College, we believe all students need a healthy balanced lifestyle. With a Goodlife gym nearby and numerous outdoor activities in the area, students in elementary school take part in regular exercise. The high school students will take Grade 9 gym as a compulsory course and encouraged to continue this routine throughout their school life and beyond.
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Reggio Emilia programs aim to develop curiosity and problem-solving skills through the liberal use of “projects”, (as opposed to “activities” or “lessons”). Teachers design projects for children around their demonstrated interests. Projects can be geared to an individual student, a small group of students, or the class as a whole. Projects can last from a few days to the whole year. Art is strongly emphasized and is typically incorporated into every project. Teachers actively participate in projects alongside students, rather than sitting back and observing. A high degree of parent involvement is also encouraged, particularly when forming curriculums and project plans (which happens throughout the academic year).
If you want to learn more about Reggio Emilia education, check out our comprehensive guide.
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At SMLS, we use best practices from the philosophies of the Ontario 'Play Based' program, Reggio Emilia, inquiry based learning and direct teaching. We take this approach because we believe that providing a balanced program allows for the development of curiosity and the joy of learning in every child. Our process of instruction educates children in the fundamentals needed to go on to a successful academic career in the primary, junior, middle and senior programs. Our goal is to develop within students the core skills of a lifelong learner.
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Standard-enriched
Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.
Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.
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Supportive
A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.
We are rigorous in our academic culture, while at the same time supportive of girls of different learning styles.
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"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
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CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
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Badminton |
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Baseball |
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Basketball |
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Canoeing/Kayaking |
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Cricket |
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Cross-country skiing |
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Cycling |
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Downhill skiing |
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Equestrian |
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Fencing |
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Field Hockey |
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Figure Skating |
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Football |
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Golf |
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Gymnastics |
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Ice Hockey |
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Ice Skating |
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Lacrosse |
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Martial Arts |
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Mountain biking |
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Racquet Ball |
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Rowing |
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Rugby |
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Running |
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Sailing |
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Skateboarding |
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Snowboarding |
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Soccer |
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Softball |
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Squash |
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Swimming |
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Tennis |
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Track & Field |
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Volleyball |
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Weightlifting |
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Wrestling |
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Archery |
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Curling |
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Ultimate |
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
9%
0%
$0
$0
74%
100%
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Oct 31, 2021
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades Preschool - 12
Yes: grades 7 - 12
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Students applying to SMLS should be prepared to participate in an enriched academic program that balances fundamental skill development with inquiry-based learning. SMLS offers a wide range of co-curricular opportunities and we encourage students to participate widely. Students who are most successful at SMLS are bright and engaged learners who are keen to get involved.
Students at Tapply Online School are as varied as at any school. All academic levels and learning styles are accommodated in our small familial setting.
Please see our website: http://www.smls.on.ca/Page/Admissions
All students are welcome to attend Tapply Binet College.