REVIEW OF Lakefield College School BY Alum, Nicholas Latimer

(5) Overall Experience

My time at LCS was spent building meaningful friendships and learning about more than the core school subjects. I remember learning more about myself, about the world on a more global scale, and I learned to appreciate diversity in art, sport, and academics. What stands out to me is the opportunities for going above and beyond in extracurricular activities, having the opportunity to create a real impact on campus, and having faculty who had your back. Whether it was a guidance counsellor pushing you for the next award application or a head of house checking in on how your day went. LCS prepared me extremely well for university life. During my time, we were required to take advantage of the resources available (like grove time, study time, etc). Having had that requirement made it feel normal to do at university, which many students don't do. I also maintained a lot of my study/work life structure from LCS into my undergrad, which helped keep me on track. I'm not sure what has changed at LCS in the last six years. I'd hope they can still expect a campus that facilitates social connection in a way that feels like summer camp. Where students can learn a balance between goofing off together and putting in studious hours in the library. Maybe what LCS taught me most is to maintain this balance that is inevitably required once in the real world!

Looking Back

Inter-house competitions/social nights between residences! Grads are taking over the library after hours to study in a social setting and help each other along the way. Student life class with O-G!

Current Perspective

Compared to other private school programs, I think LCS could benefit from having more competitive athletics. I also think most schools have changed over the years in ways that have taken away the autonomy and independence of students, which is really too bad.

Your Advice

"It's ok to go to LCS even if you're not completely sold"! I wasn't sure if LCS was right for me before I attended, and I was too close to not attending. I remember being told its ok to just try it for a year. I think this kind of messaging is fantastic to make the program feel less daunting and get students' feet in the door. I attended the 10th grade and found it a really lucky place to start. I appreciated having had a high school experience in another place to really appreciate what LCS provides. But, attending any later can be difficult to find your footing and break through the tight friendships that form in the early years. For introverted folks, I'd probably push for attending all 4 years, but more extroverted/busy kids may enjoy the chance to attend different schools and start later (grade 10, 11?).

(2.5) School Leadership

It is difficult to identify the leadership administration from my time at LCS. Other than the head of school, it felt as if everything else was done in the background. Leadership from instructors and heads of houses around campus was strong and felt supportive. I recall substantial variation in approaches to rules and regulations between staff that was extremely frustrating for students who had harsher regulations in one residence relative to another. Discipline via the standards committee was a respected approach, however.

(5) Teaching

Amazing instructors. Unique, eccentric, and supportive. I always really appreciated having the younger teaching assistant staff, too. I never took AP courses, and I feel like I really missed out. This should be required! Any student is capable and will be 10x more prepared for first-year university, which is already a culture shock.

(4) Academics

I remember feeling supported and supportive in terms of learning with peers. I never felt competitive. I felt there was a norm of overachieving, which was stressful to keep up with, but probably helpful in the long run. Also, all teachers seemed to have time to spend the extra moment with a student who sought them out, so there was a lot of support for those who were struggling.

(5) Extracurriculars

Always appreciated the variety of options for extracurriculars each term. Also, having the change throughout the year was fun. Sports were definitely a weakness and always a bust. But it helped build character, losing so much. And to be fair, being able to walk onto any team was awesome for encouraging people to try new things! Arts were fun too, and definitely got people out of their comfort zones. I appreciated having the requirement to have at least one of each.

(4) Students

In terms of how the student body felt at the time, I think it depended on the clique you fell into. Some groups may have appeared to be formed based on shared background/identity, and others on shared interests (e.g., athletics, academics, arts). I always appreciated the amount of respect groups had for each other, as in there never felt there was a hierarchy between groups, but they definitely existed. Everyone and anyone was still genuine and supportive of each other at the end of the day. I think especially within the boys' residences/groups. Prospective students should know that you will find your place and people at LCS, no matter how cool or weird you are.

(5) School Life

Prospective families should know that LCS encourages balanced students, which may not support everyone's goals (e.g., if they have their heart set on one single accomplishment), but for most students, getting such a broad exposure will lead to personal growth they probably wouldn't get anywhere else! I loved going to LCS, I loved the classroom learning, and the extracurriculars.

(1.5) Community

Alumni engagement in Vancouver has been minimal. However, while I was a student, my parents had the opportunity to get involved on the board, and that was a cool experience

(3.5) School Location

(4) Admissions

(3.5) University placement and counselling

I remember feeling that my guidance counsellor was supportive but not super knowledgeable. But I know some others were fantastic (KJ)!! I also felt that Ontario schools were emphasized/encouraged significantly for local students. While I was able to leave the province for school, I would have loved to be pushed to at least explore options overseas.