MacLachlan College KEY INSIGHTS

MacLachlan College is a world-class, coed private school offering an exceptional learning experience from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. For nearly five decades, the school has maintained a consistent track record of nurturing students into confident and capable global citizens. The school emphasizes an individualized academic journey, supported by small classes and faculty-student interactions tailored to each student's needs.

MacLachlan College operates two campuses in Oakville, Ontario. The Trafalgar Campus (Pre-K to Grade 6) is in a historic mansion in Olde Oakville and embodies the Lower School’s bold, creative educational vision. The South Sheridan Way Campus (Grades 7-12) offers a future-focused learning environment with modern spaces designed to support collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity.

“My son feels seen, heard and appreciated,” says parent Tatiana Memos. “MacLachlan provides an extremely strong academic foundation and many opportunities for non-academic participation.”

School Culture and Background

Founded in 1978 by Audrey Hadfield, a graduate teacher who identified a lack of adequate reading support in mainstream schools, the school has evolved from a small, home-based teaching environment into a dynamic, progressive learning community. “We have an incredible level of appreciation and respect for the school,” says parent Tatiana Memos. “The leadership standard is set high … They are always open to new ideas, and listen to the parent body as well as the student body.”

When we met Audrey Hadfield, she shared a recent email with us from one of the parents, praising the school’s nurturing environment: “Every day, I saw how genuinely happy the students were, how naturally they felt at home, and how much the school truly belongs to them. In other schools, teachers teach; at MacLachlan, they connect. And that’s what transforms the experience.” The testimonial reflects the community’s appreciation for the school’s transformative impact.

“Audrey’s entrepreneurial vision and commitment to education built MacLachlan’s phenomenal foundation,” says Heather Birnie, Director of Admissions & Communications, “and we’ve very much expanded on it. We are a proud International Baccalaureate (IB) school, a Round Square school, with a mindset of educating global learners. We want to ignite the spark in our students.”

The school motto, Forte et Fidus (Brave and Trusty), reflects its emphasis on student agency, inquiry-based learning, and global awareness. As a Round Square member, MacLachlan College is committed to the IDEALS (Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership, and Service). “We nurture students’ agency through service,” says Leslie Leys, Assistant Head, Lower School, Student Life.

Leys describes a recent initiative called Service in Action, where they integrated elements of the IB Programme and the Round Square service IDEALS. Each class, through a design thinking process, developed a creative solution to a problem they identified. “We cultivate the idea of being principled, and being principled means doing the right thing when nobody is looking, which at its heart is character building,” says Leys. “A lot of our programs are about building character.”

Academics

MacLachlan’s educational philosophy is rooted in the belief that students learn best when they see how ideas connect across disciplines. This is why the academic program emphasizes interdisciplinary thinking, allowing students to make sense of the world by drawing connections between subjects and applying their learning in meaningful ways. “We’ve always tried to make sure project-based learning is part of the curriculum at every grade level,” says Head of School Michael Piening. “We have the space and resources to support students with their projects across all disciplines.”

Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) and global travel programs help students explore new cultures and perspectives. Opportunities such as Round Square exchanges and international service trips connect classroom learning to real-world experiences.

Course offerings at the Upper School include many Advanced Placement (AP) choices as well as Design, Skills & Technologies, English Language Arts, Life Skills, Mathematics, Physical Education, Sciences, and the Visual & Performing Arts. University preparation is supported by dedicated counselling, ensuring students are ready to thrive beyond graduation.

MacLachlan integrates technology to enhance traditional learning. The one-to-one iPad program begins in Grade 1. Classrooms are equipped with the latest smart boards and innovative software. “We have to approach technology, including AI, intentionally,” says Heather Birnie. “Having a deeper understanding of technology and its positive and negative impacts is important.” A current AI-focused, year-long initiative is underway to explore, evaluate and foster responsible academic uses of AI at the school.

Lower School Campus

In the Lower School, the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) sets the stage for inquiry-based learning. From Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 6, the Lower School Campus located on Trafalgar Road provides a warm and engaging environment where curiosity is the guiding force.

IB-trained educators provide personalized instruction in small class environments. The program includes specialist instruction in French, Personal, Social and Physical Education (PSPE), Music, Innovation (MacLachlan’s STEM program), and Visual Arts, alongside character and leadership development. Students thrive in an inquiry-based, transdisciplinary program that nurtures critical thinking, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.

Families appreciate the safe and supportive atmosphere of the Lower School. They also benefit from flexible before- and after-school care, as well as a variety of enrichment clubs that extend learning beyond the classroom. Outdoor learning and field trips are frequent, enhancing real-world connections and community engagement.

Upper School Campus

The new Upper School Campus opened in 2024–25, providing a future-focused environment designed for innovation and collaboration. Learning commons, labs, and maker spaces support hands-on, inquiry-based education. Advisory programs, daily character education, and leadership development are embedded into student life.

The Upper School program is university preparatory, with a focus on excellence, critical thinking, creativity, and leadership development. The Grade 7–8 curriculum prepares students for high school through growing independence and academic readiness. In Grades 9–12, student-teacher interactions become more individualized as students take on more advanced courses.

“MacLachlan gave me a solid foundation,” says alum Haider Ishtiaq. “I spoke with most of my teachers about where I wanted to end up and what I wanted to study. And my business leadership class really inspired me to take business on as my major.”

Students in Grades 11 and 12 may choose from Advanced Placement (AP) courses such as Calculus, English, Computer Science, and more. “The AP courses are a great way of preparing our students for their university education, by giving them exposure to what they’ll be taking in their first year at university,” says Head of School Michael Piening. The courses are administered by the College Board and are globally recognized.

University counselling begins early, with each student receiving guidance aligned with their interests and goals. Members of the Student Services Department meet regularly with Grade 7–12 students to develop their Individual Pathway Plans. The collaborative approach between school, student, and family ensures a smooth transition to post-secondary education. MacLachlan has a 100% post-secondary acceptance rate, with graduates attending top institutions worldwide.

Extracurriculars

MacLachlan offers a vibrant extracurricular program that blends student-driven clubs, academic competitions, and athletics. House teams unite students across grades, creating a sense of pride through spirit events, service challenges, and friendly competition. In the Lower School, students explore interests through clubs like Chess, Public Speaking, Gardening, and Junior Journalists, and enrichment events such as the Caribou Math Contest. Spirit Squad and school-wide events build camaraderie.

Upper School clubs reflect student passions, with popular choices including DECA, HOSA, Engineering Club, and the Public Speaking & Debating team. Performance groups, such as the Upper School Band, as well as intramurals and staff-student sports, contribute to a well-rounded experience.

“We are the first school in Canada to develop a climbing program,” says Director Mark Hadfield. “It’s one of the fastest-growing sports, and it’s exciting for students. Bouldering has an intellectual, problem-solving aspect to it. It really suits our student body, and we see it as an opportunity to train future Olympic athletes for Canada.” Beginning in Grade 4, students explore climbing through both the physical education curriculum as well as additional instructional opportunities.

Athletic involvement begins early through the Private School Athletic Association (PSAA), continuing in the Upper School via the Halton Secondary School Athletic Association (HSSAA). MacLachlan’s High Performance Athletics program supports student-athletes aiming for provincial, national, international, and NCAA-level competition. Programs include U18 Boys’ Hockey, U22 Girls’ Hockey, and a competitive climbing and bouldering initiative led by Team Canada athletes.

Wellness

MacLachlan College has a close-knit community where students feel a strong sense of belonging, pride, and school spirit. Teachers build meaningful relationships with students, supported by intentional programs like Healthy Minds, which supports general well-being, social-emotional learning and promotes self-care and thoughtful responses to challenges. Character education and service learning are embedded into daily life, through which students cultivate a sense of responsibility toward themselves and each other.

In the Lower School, the Learning Buddies program connects younger and older students to build mentorship and community from an early age. In the Upper School, students develop leadership skills through the Prefect Council and student-led initiatives that encourage voice and responsibility.

Field trips, outdoor learning, and STEAM integration enrich the classroom experience. Technology is also thoughtfully woven into learning, preparing students with essential digital tools.

Takeaway

MacLachlan College provides an ideal environment for families looking for a rigorous yet nurturing academic setting where students are known, challenged, and supported. The global perspectives, leadership development, innovative academics, and the inclusive, tight-knit community appeal to families. Technology and interdisciplinary learning are thoughtfully integrated, while character education is prioritized at every stage of the learning process.

Known informally as "MacLachlan Magic," the school’s defining quality is its culture of belonging, excellence, and warmth. Whether a student is academically gifted, needs additional support, or seeks a well-rounded, internationally minded education, MacLachlan College offers a dynamic and thoughtful environment where learners thrive.