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MacLachlan 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, the only private school in Oakville with this prestigious accreditation. 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 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.
Promotional videos for 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 |
|---|---|
| Biology | |
| Chemistry | |
| Ecology | |
| Geology | |
| Meteorology | |
| Physics | |
| Physiology | |
| Zoology |
| Subject | offered |
|---|---|
| Evolution as consensus theory | |
| Evolution as one of many equally viable theories | |
| Evolution is not taught |
| 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 |
| Sports Offered | Competitive | Recreational |
|---|---|---|
| Badminton | ||
| Baseball | ||
| Basketball | ||
| Football | ||
| Ice Hockey | ||
| Lacrosse | ||
| Rowing | ||
| Rugby | ||
| Running | ||
| Soccer | ||
| Softball | ||
| Swimming | ||
| Tennis | ||
| Track & Field | ||
| Volleyball |
| Clubs Offered |
|---|
| Jazz Ensemble |
| Math Club |
| Musical theatre/Opera |
| Outdoor Education |
| Photography |
| Poetry/Literature club |
| Robotics club |
| Science Club |
| Student Council |
| Yearbook |
| Yoga |
| Art Club |
| Audiovisual Club |
| Band |
| Chess Club |
| Choir |
| Community Service |
| Computer Club |
| Debate Club |
| Drama Club |
| Environmental Club |
| PS | JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
| Day | $9,100 | $18,200 | |||||||||||||
| Day (Domestic) | $21,600 | ||||||||||||||
| Day (International) | $27,500 | ||||||||||||||
Discounts
| Discount Type | Enrollment Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd child (sibling) | all students | 5% |
| Grade range that need-based aid is offered: | |
| Percentage of grade-eligible students receiving financial aid | 0% |
| Average aid package size | $0 |
| Percentage of total enrollment on financial aid | 0% |
| Total aid available | $0 |
This school works with Apple Financial Inc. for processing financial applications
This information is not currently available.
| Grades | Gender | Living Arrangement | Enrollment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | Preschool to Gr. 12 | Coed | Day | 350 |
| Total enrollment | 350 |
| Average enrollment per grade | 23 |
| Average class size | 15 to 18 |
| Gender (grades) | Preschool to Gr. 12 (Coed) |
| Boarding offered | No |
| Percentage of students are international students | |
| Number of different nationalities within student population | 0 |
| Five-day boarding programs offfered |
| Assessment | Required | Grades |
|---|---|---|
| Interview | N/A | |
| SSAT | ||
| SSAT (out of province) | ||
| Entrance Exam(s) | N/A | |
| Entrance Essay | ||
| Application Fee |
Day students: Rolling
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.
Student Entry Points
| 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 |
| Services | Offered |
|---|---|
| Career planning | |
| Internships | |
| Mentorship Program | |
| University counseling |
| Key Numbers | |
|---|---|
| Average graduating class size | 25 |
| *Canadian "Big 6" placements | N/A |
| **Ivy+ placements | N/A |
*Number of students in the past year who attended one of McGill, U of T, UBC, Queen's University, University of Alberta, or Dalhousie University.
**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)
Below, find stories and testimonials about MacLachlan College.
The inaugural Winter Wisdom Circles took place on Friday December 16th and were a resounding success. The event was attended by students from Grades 7-12 and opened with a smudging ceremony on the backfield. The students gathered in a circle and observed as Stephen Paquette explained the purpose behind the smudging ceremony and what it entailed. Stephen then invited a student to walk the circumference of the circle with burning sage. Upon the completion of her circle, she joined Stephen within the circle to take part in the remainder of the ceremony which involved clarifying sight, hearing, words, and heart through cleansing yourself with the smoke of the burning sage - a medicinal herb according to his people’s beliefs. After the ceremony, the students split up into their respective houses and headed off to the first of four Winter Wisdom Circles.
The first session I attended was a circle on mindfulness and your brain led by Kate Kerr. This session involved a discussion examining what mindfulness consists of and the purpose and idea behind mindfulness. Kate introduced our group to the wheel of mindfulness/awareness before leading the students through a mindfulness practice which involved focussing on certain elements - from the sensation of breathing on your body, to the sounds around you. The session closed with a discussion of what the practice meant to us, what we had experienced during the practice, and what the students proposed for how they could incorporate the practice of mindfulness into everyday life.
The second session was led by Shannon Kitchings and focused on poetry and the spoken word. Shannon began the session by reciting a poem about abducted indigenous women in Canada which was in keeping with our Winter Wisdom’s theme of truth and reconciliation. Shannon then exposed the students to methods looking at how to create their own poems through writing down words according to pre-designated categories, through conversion and finally through movement. We then delved into developing our very own poems which incorporated elements of each of the methods. The session ended with the students volunteering to read their poems alloud to each other.
The third session explored the traditions of indigenous people and was led by Stephen Paquette. Stephen explained the four cardinal directions and the colours they were associated with: yellow for East, red for South, white for North and black for West. After exploring the colours behind each direction, Stephen then taught the students how each direction is also associated with a stage of life. Yellow is associated with babies - since it is their belief that babies enter the world through the “East door"; youth is associated with red; black is the colour designated for adults; and white is the colour of the elders. After a quick conversational quiz on whether or not we had retained this information (we had), Stephen moved on to the final explanation of an aspect of his culture, which is the four states of self: mental, emotional, physical and spiritual. Testing us once more (we passed again!), Stephen concluded the session with a round table discussion looking at something each student and teacher in attendance learned over the past year.
The fourth and final session was a session on elemental movement with the two session leaders, Eunji Kim and Heryka Miranda. This session explored the theme of truth and reconciliation through movement - specifically the rhythm and movement of the four elements: air, water, earth and fire. Eunji and Heryka began the session by leading the students through some warm-up movements and then split the students into four groups (one to represent each element). The students were given a scenario in which the four elements would meet in the centre of the room, but as language had not been developed yet, they would need to convey the message through movement and sound alone. Our group was given access to a variety of instruments - from djembe drums to tambourines and were then told to choreograph a short segment that conveyed the message of their element. The session ended once the students had convened in a circle in the centre of the room in order to watch the dances.
The Winter Wisdom Circles were a complete success and exposed students to cultural experiences we had not encountered before.
...From September 28-30, Grade 7 & 8 students stayed at the overnight leadership camp, Bark Lake. During these three days students learned about team building and leadership skills. They experienced many activities including archery, canoeing, the campfire, low ropes, orienteering, rock climbing, and survival skills. Fire building was an amazing experience where students used the materials they found from the forest and built a structure for a fire. Each group the used matches to start their fire and then had to use the fire to boil some water. During their last night at Bark Lake students participated in a Wacky Talent Show and ended the trip with lots of laughs.
...On September 26th, MacLachlan College hosted a special assembly and presentation on Inuit history and culture, called “Nomad,” by Dr. Susan Aglukark, O.C., a renowned Juno awarding winning Inuit singer and passionate speaker.
MacLachlan’s Grade 5 to 12 students and special guests from the community were moved by Dr. Aglukark’s description of how Inuit people in Canada have had to adapt over the last century due to rapid change and adversity affecting their social, spiritual and cultural traditions dating back thousands of years.
The presentation highlighted the quiet dignity, determination and resilience of Inuit people, despite the many challenges they have faced. Dr. Aglukark shared how she continues to learn about her own history and heritage, and how it inspires her music and activism regarding issues facing Inuit and Indigenous peoples.
The special assembly also marked the beginning of MacLachlan’s Mindful Nation: A Vision for Canada’s Future project, a year-long celebration in recognition of Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation. Throughout the year, students will be guided through learning experiences using the themes of acknowledging our past, looking forward to the future and being in the present today.
Dr. Aglukark will return to MacLachlan on May 27th for a community celebration which will include Indigenous dancers and drummers, the unveiling of an Indigenous art installation, a gathering with pen pals from a First Nations School to encourage students to share their experiences, and the presentation of the first annual Dr. Susan Aglukark Award for Inuk Culture and History.
...
House League Kick-Off at MacLachlan!
Spirits were high on Friday afternoon, as the Lower School officially started our House League season for 2016/17. Students will compete throughout the school year in a variety of games and activities. The emphasis as always is on active participation and fair play. The year will end with all members of the winning house being recognized at the final end of year assembly.
MacLachlan's four houses include Thomas Red Hawks, Sumner Sharks, Colborne Gators and Chisholm Cheetahs.
... As part of MacLachlan's Grade 10 program, students form groups to research deserving charities in the community. Each group is required to make a presentation to a panel of judges who select the winning presentation. The designated charity is then awarded $5,000 as part of the Youth Philanthropy Initiative (YPI), to support their work in the Oakville community.
Since 2002, YPI has granted over $12 million to community-based social service charities across Canada, the United Kingdom and New York City, 100% determined by 400,000 informed and empowered secondary students who have completed the award winning philanthropy project.
Our winners for 2015 were the team of Rachel and Susan. As a result, $5,000 goes to Safety Net, a grassroots, local charity located in Oakville.
On Friday, May 29, MacLachlan College held its Swing Into Spring Social Event. It was an excellent day at Piper’s Heath Golf Course that benefitted the MacLachlan College Education Foundation significantly. The mission of the MacLachlan College Educational Foundation is to maintain a bursary fund that provides students from varying economic backgrounds access to a MacLachlan College education. It is with thanks to the generous support of parents, teachers, sponsors and other members of the community that through this fund we are able to maintain a diverse student body and help families that could not otherwise afford a private education.
...MacLachlan College was awarded the Oakville Beaver Readers selection diamond first place award for best private school. Thank you to all our students, families and alumni for voting!
...Our MacLachlan Make Your Mark Golf Classic was held at Piper's Heath Golf Club on Friday, May 24th. Although the weather was cool and windy, parents, staff, alumni and friends all shared a great time on the links. Unfortunately, no one was able to make a hole-in-one and win the $50,000 nor the Mercedes-Benz.
We are pleased to report that our fundraiser for the MacLachlan College Educational Foundation Scholarship and Bursary Fund was a great success. Thank you to all members of the MacLachlan community for supporting this event and kudos to the many parents who gave of their time and energy to make Friday so rewarding. ...
The following article is written by MacLachlan Head Prefect, Ishan Aditya. He shares his experience at the Canada Wide Science and Engineering Fair held at the University of Lethbridge, Alberta.
I competed at the Canada Wide Science and Engineering Fair from May 11th to May 18th that was held at the University of Lethbridge in Lethbridge, Alberta. There were a total of 482 students all the way from Australia to Nunavut. The title of my project was: "Skeletal Muscle Inflammatory Cytokine Expression Predicts Metabolic Disease Risk". I chose to investigate the inflammatory chemokine CCL2 located on chromosome 17 in skeletal muscle tissue in lean, overweight and obese patients. The reason was because I wanted to see whether the skeletal muscle tissue experiences inflammation in a state of obesity as virtually nothing is known, and so the gene expression of CCL2 would serve as a novel representation of this. Then I combined a population study looking at South Asian and European male and female patients that were lean, overweight, and obese as I wanted to see what role genetics plays in terms of skeletal muscle inflammation. Since South Asians experienced a higher concentration of this inflammatory cytokine, this means that they are more highly predisposed to inflammatory disorders like insulin resistance which leads to type 2 diabetes mellitus. The findings of my project essentially showed that the BMI scale needs to be re-defined and restructured as skeletal muscle inflammation occurs at different degrees in different ethnic groups of our world. This is a major finding as it's a scale that's used by physicians globally. With the findings of my experiment I am also one step closer to helping find a cure or a possible non-invasive treatment at an "in-utero" for type 2 diabetes mellitus and lower the risk of patients for cardiovascular disorders.
I presented my project to judges that were MDs and PhDs and my project was awarded a silver medal in the senior category, $300 in cash, and up to $10,000 in scholarships from the Universities of Dalhousie, Western, UBC, and Ottawa. Overall, it was an amazing experience and I had one of the best weeks of my life. I plan to continue my research at McMaster University in their Health Sciences program. ...
Mrs. Duke's Grade One class is participating in a trial iPad one to one program. Each student will be receiving a school iPad for use in the classroom and also at home. Over the last several months, Mrs. Duke has been working creatively planning how to effectively integrate the iPads into the curriculum and classroom routines. Starting this week, the students will be taking the iPads home. All grade 1 pupils will be using a variety of specially selected apps and reading resources to enhance their learning. Traditional learning methods, such as journal entries and math workbooks, will continue to be utilized as core components in the programme. The iPads will be used as an additional resource to reinforce and enhance math and language concepts in an interactive and engaging way. A large selection of leveled reading material has also been pre-loaded on the iPads. We are very enthusiastic about this exciting educational opportunity and it is our belief that a technology rich environment will increase student interest and enjoyment of learning.
...
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.
November 27, 2017
Playing in the Sandbox: Engineering Fun for Grade 8s and 12s
MAC's Grade 8 Science & Grade 12 Physics classes visited the Ontario Science Centre to see the IMAX film Dream Big: Engineering Our World ...
September 19, 2016
Empowering Today's Learners for Tomorrow's World
MacLachlan's school-wide dynamic, collaborative and inquiry based environments support the changing needs of today's social learners. ...
August 4, 2015
MacLachlan Teachers "Take MACtion" in the Dominican Republic
This summer, a group of MacLachlan teachers, staff and family members put vacation plans on hold to volunteer in the Dominican Republic. ...
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