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Go to child profileMacLachlan College is a world-class school offering the benefits of small class sizes, highly dedicated and engaged teachers and an internationally recognized curriculum. Our exceptional co-educational learning environment is centred on academic excellence and an ongoing commitment to the latest innovations in education. Believing that active learning has a central role in inspiring and supporting a new generation of learners, our classrooms are adaptive and dynamic spaces that foster collaboration, creativity, engagement and flexibility. MacLachlan is proud to be accredited as an IB World School. Our students develop a strong academic foundation through the IB Primary Years Programme in Kindergarten through Grade 6 and transition to an enriched university preparatory program in Grades 7 through Grade 12. MacLachlan is also a member of Round Square - an internationally diverse network of 200 like-minded schools in 50 countries on six continents. MacLachlan provides a rich and balanced education for every student by supporting academic achievement, accomplishments in the arts, extracurricular endeavors, community and international service, and other outdoor education pursuits. Our graduates are well prepared for future success and attend top universities in Canada and abroad.
“MacLachlan prides itself on being at the cutting edge of innovation in teaching and learning theory,” says Michael Piening, head of school. “This generation of learner, and the world they are growing up in, is very engaged, social and interactive. We looked internally at how we could best respond and adapt to enhance student exploration, creativity and knowledge.” That’s quite a mouthful, to be sure, but it’s a good one nevertheless. Schools are challenged to adapt their programs to the needs of students, and there are a lot of red herrings out there, such as an over-emphasis on digital literacy, for example. To be a 21st century learner can mean many things, though at McLachlan it means engagement with ideas, peers, and community. The annual Word Fest is a great example of that, in that case using the language arts program as a starting point for an engagement with issues and topics that require students to think creatively, empathize, and communicate their ideas. Earlier this year the grade one classes took part in a workshop with the Hamilton Children’s museum, roll-playing a shipwreck, stuck on coral in the midst of a storm. That, and indeed many programs at MacLachlan, can rightly turn heads. They provide telling examples of how the school expresses its dedication to engagement, exploration, and social interactivity, all of it as charming as it is impressive. The ideal student is one who can thrive in a diverse, active, and challenging academic environment.
Gallery showcasing school life and general photos of MacLachlan College.
Gallery showcasing specific locations and facilities found at MacLachlan College.
Some private schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programming. The "Diploma Programme" is offered to students in the final two years of high school, while the "Primary Years Programme" (ages 3 to 12) and "Middle Years Programme" (ages 11 to 16) serve as preparation for the diploma program.
| Program | offered |
|---|---|
| Primary Years | |
| Middle Years | |
| Diploma program | |
| Career-related program |
| Focus |
|---|
| Academic |
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
| Subject | offered |
|---|---|
| Evolution as consensus theory | |
| Evolution as one of many equally viable theories | |
| Evolution is not taught |
| Subject | offered |
|---|---|
| Biology | |
| Chemistry | |
| Ecology | |
| Geology | |
| Meteorology | |
| Physics | |
| Physiology | |
| Zoology |
| Subject | offered |
|---|---|
| Acting | |
| Dance | |
| Drama/Theatre | |
| Graphic Design | |
| Music | |
| Visual Arts |
| Expressive | |
| Disciplined |
| Subject | offered |
|---|---|
| Computer science | |
| Robotics | |
| Web design |
| Flexible pacing style | offered |
|---|---|
| Subject-streaming (tracking) | |
| Multi-age classrooms as standard | |
| Ability-grouping (in-class) as common | |
| Frequent use of cyber-learning (at-their-own-pace) | |
| Regular guided independent study opportunities | |
| Differentiated assessment |
MacLachlan College offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.
| Subject Type | offered |
|---|---|
| Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation | |
| Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties |
| Subject Type | offered |
|---|---|
| Accommodations | |
| Modifications | |
| Extra support |
Read our guide to special needs schools and special education
| Program | offered |
|---|---|
| Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school) | |
| Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class) |
Curriculum delivery: Enrichment (The main focus is on enrichment. This means that while students may work at a marginally quicker pace than public school peers, the primary aim is to study subject in broader and deeper ways.)
| Program | offered |
|---|---|
| Custom subject enrichment (special arrangement) | |
| Custom curriculum compacting (special arrangement) | |
| Guided independent study (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Cyber-learning opportunities (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Formalized peer coaching opportunities (specifically for gifted learners to coach others) | |
| Custom subject acceleration (special arrangement) | |
| Career exploration (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Project-based learning (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Mentorships (custom gifted arrangement) |
| Lettered or numbered grades | Gr. 1 to Gr. 12 |
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Gr. 1 to Gr. 12 |
| Academic achievement reporting | Preschool to SK |
| Habits and behaviour reporting | Preschool to Gr. 12 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | Preschool to Gr. 12 |
Competitive sports: 7
Recreational sports: N/A
MacLachlan College offers 21 clubs and extracurricular programs.
| PS | JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
| Day | $20,600 | ||||||||||||||
| Day (Domestic) | $24,100 | ||||||||||||||
| Day (Half day) | $12,000 | ||||||||||||||
| Day (International) | $26,300 | ||||||||||||||
Discounts
| Discount Type | Enrolment Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd child (sibling) | all students | 5% |
| Grade range that need-based aid is offered: | PS to 12 |
| Percentage of grade-eligible students receiving financial aid | 0% |
| Average aid package size | $0 |
| Percentage of total enrolment on financial aid | 0% |
| Total aid available | $0 |
This school works with MacLachlan College Educational Foundation. for processing financial applications
Financial need must be established by a letter of application. The letter should
describe the family’s financial circumstances that establish the financial need and provide supporting reasons why such a bursary should be granted. Each application must be accompanied by a copy of each working parent’s Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Notice of Assessment for the past 2 years. If the latest year assessment is not available the current Income Tax Return filed with CRA should be substituted. The Foundation will notify the Applicant in writing with regard to acceptance and the amount of the bursary granted. Applicant must re-apply annually.
This information is not currently available.
| Grades | Gender | Living Arrangement | Enrolment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | Preschool to Gr. 12 | Coed | Day | 350 |
| Total enrolment | 350 |
| Average class size | 15 to 18 |
| % of international students (total enrolment) | N/A |
| Number of different nationalities within student population | N/A |
| Assessment | Required | Grades |
|---|---|---|
| Interview | N/A | |
| SSAT | ||
| SSAT (out of province) | ||
| Entrance Exam(s) | N/A | |
| Entrance Essay |
Day students: Rolling
Offer mid-year entry: N/A
Application fee: $150
Registration fee: $2,000
Deposit: N/A
Applications are welcome throughout the year, however, beginning the process early increases the likelihood of securing a space for your child. MacLachlan accepts applications from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. Please note, admission procedures are more informal for children at the PK to SK levels. Rolling admission is available for Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 8. MacLachlan offers a full-year course schedule in Grades 9 through Grade 12 and typically cannot enroll students in these grade levels mid-year.
This is the percentage of applicants typically accepted into the school. So if 50 students are admitted out of 100 applicants, the school has an overall acceptance rate of 50%.
Student Entry Points
This shows approximately how many openings there are likely to be in each grade in a typical year, as well as the estimated acceptance rate for each grade level.
| Student Type | PS | JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day Acceptance (Acceptance rate) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Homestay Acceptance (Acceptance rate) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Average graduating class size | 25 |
| Students accepted into post-secondary studies upon graduation | N/A |
| Percentage of students who attend post-secondary institutions outside of Canada | N/A |
| Students who attended a Ivy+ school Number of students in the past 5 years that that attended one of Harvard, Yale, Princeton, University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth, Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Stanford, University of Chicago, Oxford or Cambridge (UK) | N/A |
MacLachlan College Graduates’ Post-Secondary Studies:
This information is not currently available.Aggregate of All Schools’ Post-Secondary Studies:
| Career planning | |
| Internships | N/A |
| Mentorship Program | N/A |
| University counseling |
MacLachlan College lives its mission statement by cultivating intellectual curiosity in its students and inspiring them to be active contributors to our ever changing world. Our small class sizes, averaging 14 in the lower school and 18 in upper school, ensure that every student is known on a personal level. This is a key feature of our school. MacLachlan College is committed to providing superior, world class education. Accredited as an IB World School, MacLachlan offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, making us the only private school in Oakville with this prestigious designation. The IB PYP programme is an internationally recognized curriculum designed for students from pre-school to grade 6. The IB is one of the world’s most highly esteemed education programs. In an increasingly globalized world, the IB challenges students to think critically, research deeply and develop internationally minded perspectives on a broad range of issues. Students become lifelong learners and conscientious critical thinkers. In grades 7 to 12 we offer a rigourous academic program with an option to work toward Advanced Placement courses of study. We believe in the traditional approach to education. However, true to our motto "Where tradition and vision meet", our methodology and approach to the use of communication technology is progressive. Our teachers and students engage in dynamic and interactive educational opportunities. Our approach leads to inquiry based learning and the development of higher order critical thinking skills. At MacLachlan College we believe in the personal touch. We take the time to listen. I would like to hear about your child and I invite you to call for a visit.
July 7, 2020
MacLachlan College to open second campus in Glen Abbey
MacLachlan College announced that it has been successful in securing a second campus location in Oakville for Grade 8 to 12 students.
Read full article
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