361 - 365 Richmond Street, London, Ontario, N6A 3C2, Canada
1080 Linbrook Road, Oakville, Ontario, L6J 2L1, Canada
5,776.6 km
5,701.3 km
N/A
1891
N/A
540
N/A
JK to 12
N/A
Girls
N/A
Day
N/A
English
N/A
N/A
Academic
N/A
N/A
Progressive, Reggio Emilia
N/A
N/A
N/A
15
N/A
N/A
Dedicated gifted school
N/A
N/A
$26,300 to $35,600
N/A
N/A
Yes
N/A
9%
N/A
JK to 12
N/A
$0
N/A
36
N/A
0%
N/A
74%
information not available
information not available
information not available
information not available
N/A
Nov 05, 2024
N/A
Not available
N/A
Yes: grades JK - 12
N/A
No
"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."
"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 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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."