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Trusted by families since 1998.

AN OUR KIDS REPORT:London International Academy vs. St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School

one-to-one comparison:

View London International Academy's full report
VS.
View St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

    361 - 365 Richmond Street, London, Ontario, N6A 3C2, Canada

    1080 Linbrook Road, Oakville, Ontario, L6J 2L1, Canada

    Distance

    Distance

    5,776.6 km

    5,701.3 km

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    We have limited information on London International Academy as they are currently not registered with us.
    Request information

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    N/A

    1891

    Enrolment

    N/A

    540

    Grades

    N/A

    JK to 12

    Gender

    N/A

    Girls

    Living arrangements

    N/A

    Day

    Language of instruction

    N/A

    English

    Faith Based

    N/A

    School focus

    N/A

    Academic

    Developmental Priorities

    N/A

    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.

    Academics

    Academics

    Curriculum

    N/A

    Progressive, Reggio Emilia

    Curriculum pace

    N/A

    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.

    Academic culture

    N/A

    Rigorous
    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”.

    Avg. Class Size

    N/A

    15

    Special needs support

    N/A

    Gifted learner support

    N/A

    Dedicated gifted school

    Preschool/K curriculum

    N/A

    Reggio Emilia
    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.

    Tuition

    Tuition

    Day Tuition

    N/A

    $26,300 to $35,600

    Boarding Tuition

    N/A

    Financial aid (FA)

    N/A

    Yes

    Students on FA

    N/A

    9%

    Eligible grades for FA

    N/A

    JK to 12

    Median FA package size

    N/A

    $0

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    N/A

    36

    Percent in boarding

    N/A

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    N/A

    74%

    Day entry years

    information not available

    information not available

    Boarding entry years

    information not available

    information not available

    Day admissions deadline

    N/A

    Nov 05, 2024

    Boarding admissions deadline

    N/A

    Not available

    Interview required?

    N/A

    Yes: grades JK - 12

    SSAT required

    N/A

    No

  • School’s perspective

    We have limited information on London International Academy as they are currently not registered with us.
    Request information

    Who are you, as a school?

    Who are you, as a school?

    ST. MILDRED'S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL

    "For over 135 years, St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School has stood as the premier choice for girls' education west of Toronto. From JK through Grade 12, we don't just educate; we inspire young women to challenge the status quo and transform the world. Within our nurturing community, students are encouraged to explore their unique passions, develop their full potential, and gain the resilience needed to thrive in an ever-changing global landscape."

    • Signature Programs in Global Citizenship, STEM & Robotics, Active Healthy Living, Arts & Design
    • Professional Internship Customized for Each Girl (Grade 11)
    • Focus on whole girl and student wellbeing
    • Enriched curriculum, Advanced Placement, DELF
    • Beautiful 10-acre campus in the heart of Oakville
    • Bus routes servicing the geographic regions in Halton, Peel and Toronto
    • World-class facilities, including fitness & yoga studios, soundproof music studios, theatre & more
    • Financial Support

    What does school_name do differently or uniquely well?

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    ST. MILDRED'S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL

    "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."

    What tradeoffs has school_name made to serve families in this way?

    What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?

    ST. MILDRED'S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL

    "Our three priorities at SMLS are: 1) We are a school for girls, 2) We are forward-thinking and future-ready ready and 3) We are a dynamic community of three schools in one. Going “all in” on these three priorities means we may trade off on things like multiple buildings or large-scale facilities for different services or programming. The tradeoff, however, is seen in who holds the student leadership positions (in our case, it’s always the girls). The interactions between older and younger students are highly positive because no age group is isolated from the other; the result is a strong sense of mentorship, role modelling and community."

    What key junctures in school_name's history have most shaped its present?

    What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?

    ST. MILDRED'S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL

    "Our school was founded in 1891 by the Sisters of the Church and grew stronger through key moments like the establishment of The Lightbourn School in the 1920s and their merger in 1969, which brought together two leaders in girls’ education.

    SMLS is one of the few schools in Canada that was founded by women for women (and at a time when women weren’t even allowed to vote). The women who founded SMLS wove the DNA of women “can” and “will” into the fabric of the school.

    The school became independent with a permanent Board of Governors in 1986, opening the door for growth. A major capital campaign completed in 2011 transformed the campus with new facilities that support modern, personalized learning.

    In 2024, the school adopted a set of three key strategic priorities that guide both the daily work and the long-term planning of the school, allowing SMLS to be aligned in both purpose and action."

    What type of student is a good fit for school_name?

    What type of student is a good fit for your school?

    ST. MILDRED'S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL

    "SMLS suits girls who are curious, motivated, and eager to explore both academics and co-curricular activities. Students who thrive here appreciate a supportive and inclusive community, enjoy trying new things, and want to develop their leadership skills. The school works well for those who value a personalized learning experience, like working collaboratively, and can balance high expectations with strong support. Girls ready to challenge themselves and contribute to a lively community will find SMLS a great fit."

    Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing school_name?

    Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?

    ST. MILDRED'S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL

    "Families looking for a very traditional, lecture-focused academic environment or who expect a wide variety of specialized facilities may find that SMLS doesn’t meet those needs. The school’s personalized, inquiry-based approach might not suit students who prefer a strict structure or little involvement outside academics. Also, those uncomfortable with an all-girls setting or uninterested in leadership and co-curricular participation may not get the full benefit of the SMLS experience. The school is best for families who value community, diversity, and the development of the whole student."

    To your knowledge, why do families choose school_name over others?

    To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?

    ST. MILDRED'S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL

    "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."

    How would you characterize school_name's image amongst the public?

    How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?

    ST. MILDRED'S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL

    "SMLS is recognized as a leader in girls’ education, known for its caring community, academic strength, and innovative programs. The school’s reputation rests on seeing young women build confidence and preparing students well for university and beyond. It balances progressiveness with tradition, earning respect for its inclusive culture, strong alumnae network, and for nurturing well-rounded, compassionate leaders. Families and alumnae often highlight the school’s warmth and strong sense of belonging as a key strength of SMLS."

    What aspect of school_name is underappreciated?

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    ST. MILDRED'S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL

    "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."

    What do families find surprising about school_name?

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    ST. MILDRED'S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL

    "SMLS is an Anglican-based school 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."

    What improvements or changes has school_name made recently?

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    ST. MILDRED'S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL

    "In recent years, SMLS has completed a major campus renewal, adding new classrooms, a dining hall, and flexible learning spaces to support personalized and innovative teaching. The new Lightbourn Library and collaborative learning space opened in September 2025, quickly becoming one of the most popular spaces on campus. In 2026, SMLS will refresh the main floor of the South Wing, including the science labs, math classrooms, and the Middle and Senior School locker areas, creating new spaces where girls learn deeply, work together, and become bold leaders. These steps reflect SMLS’s commitment to providing a forward-looking, transformative education for every girl."

    How will school_name change in the next 5 years?

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    ST. MILDRED'S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL

    "Over the next five years, SMLS will grow its students’ success with a goal to exceed grade-level expectations based on provincial and national benchmarks. We also have a plan to see 100% of our students engaged in co-curricular programming.

    New and updated facilities are being added to our campus over the next few years, beginning with a new library that opened in September 2025 and the new STEM Commons opening in 2026. An elaborate Master Campus plan, which is currently in development, is set to roll out in the next few years.

    We also continue to invest in our Faculty and Staff by growing our professional development opportunities, conducting regular employee engagement surveys, and ensuring SMLS continues to be recognized as a thought leader in education, and particularly girls’ education."




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