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THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School

Grades JK TO Gr. 12 — Oakville, ON (MAP)

St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT
REPORT CONTENTS:

Pages in this report:

School address

  • 1080 Linbrook Road, Oakville, Ontario, L6J 2L1 (MAP)
  • Busing available (View details)

School Busing:

SMLS offers bus transferring. Service options offered are regular rider, regular rider AM only, regular rider PM only, door-to-door pickup.

The regions SMLS offers busing from are:

  • Oakville
  • Burlington
  • Etobicoke
  • Milton
  • Georgetown
  • Brampton
  • Mississauga
  • Toronto
  • Hamilton

Our Perspective

How we see St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School


Our Kids Feature Review

  • SMLS brings the right mix of tradition and innovation, with time-tested best practices as well as cutting-edge programs and approaches.
  • A global view is key to the offerings, forming the basis of an interdisciplinary approach to the curriculum and a foundation for character development.

The 50-page review of St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School is part of our series of in-depth accounts of Canada's leading private schools. It provides a unique and objective perspective on the school's academics, programs, culture, and community.

Read our in-depth review

Key insights from our research

  • I was really pleasantly surprised by the global studies program and other opportunities the school offered. They place the girls in real-world environments in accounting firms, law firms, marketing firms, digital tech firms, and engineering firms. Their approach positions them well for integration into the real world.
    —From Interview with St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School parent: Samantha Cheung.
  • I’ve always been so impressed with the way the school incorporates its core values into the kids’ day-to-day life. There’s just always something interesting happening at St. Mildred’s. I find that my daughters have been educated on relevant global issues. They are really made aware of what’s going on in the world.
    —From 2020 roundtable discussion about St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School. (The quote comes specifically from Jennifer Diamond, a parent).
  • The one thing that’s really unique at St. Mildred’s is their global studies program. We did a lot of trips at the beginning of every year, whether it be portaging, or canoeing, and it was that kind of experiential learning, and leaving the classroom and doing things outside, that I had never had an experience before at other schools.
    —From Interview with St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School alum: Melanie Peck.
See all our top insights

School's Perspective

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How St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School sees itself


The school administration answered our questions

Who are you, as a school?

"SMLS students (JK to 12) benefit from an enriched academic and co-curricular program, a connected community where students and alumnae support and inspire one another, and teachers who are experts in educating girls. Established in 1891 by women for women, SMLS has always been forward-thinking. Today's Millies continue to enjoy a journey of empowerment from the moment they enter the school, and they graduate with the skills, mindsets, and knowledge to confidently pursue their passions."

  • Signature Programs in Global Citizenship, STEM & Robotics, Active Healthy Living, Arts & Design
  • Professional Internship Customized for Each Girl (Grade 11)
  • Focus on whole girl and student wellbeing
  • Enriched curriculum, Advanced Placement, DELF
  • Beautiful 10-acre campus in the heart of Oakville
  • Bus routes servicing the geographic regions in Halton, Peel and Toronto
  • World-class facilities, including fitness & yoga studios, soundproof music studios, theatre & more
  • Financial Aid

What do you do differently and uniquely well?

"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."

To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?

"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."

What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

"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."

What might families find surprising about your school?

"SMLS is an Anglican-based 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."


School Facilities

Photo-tour of facilities


Campus


School Videos

Insider Perspectives

How people from the school’s community see St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School


Video reviews of St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School

Parent, Samantha Cheung (2022)

Watch our parent interview with Samantha Cheung to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to have a child attend St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School.

Alum, Sarah Turner

Watch our alum interview with Sarah Turner to learn about the unique experience of attending St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School.

Roundtable Q&A (2021)

Watch our St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School Q&A discussion with Leah Kamanga (Alum), Leah Catina Mauer (Parent), Jennifer Diamond (Parent) to gain fresh insight into the school’s culture, values, and strengths.
See all video reviews (5 total)

School leadership

Top-down influence on the school’s direction and tone


Interview with school leader

Watch our St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School leadership interview with Catherine Hant to learn about the academics, culture, and values of the school.
Watch the interview

Message from school leadership

Catherine Hant, Head of School

Thank you for your interest in St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School. 

We are a school for girls. This means we work to deliver exceptional academics and growth opportunities each and every day in an environment intentionally designed for girls.

We are forward-thinking and future-ready. Our approach to education, the functioning of our school and our future planning is all centered around building the mindsets, knowledge, skills and experiences to ensure our school and our community are well positioned to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world. 

We are also a dynamic community of three schools. With students from JK all the way to Grade 12, plus an active alumnae network of more than 3500 accomplished women around the world, we curate a meaningful journey of learning and connection for our students. By it's very nature our community supports mentorship, empowerment, inspiration and empathy.

Whether girls join us at age 4, age 11, or age 14, we are preparing them to be curious, creative, collaborative, and confident, young women. Through our family-like community, rich Signature Programs, varied co-curricular activities, expert staff, and holistic approach to girls’ education and wellbeing, we intentionally create a learning environment where every student thrives - an environment where each student is encouraged and challenged to be their best selves. This care and attention to developing the whole person allows students to build their confidence, and their passions, and achieve excellence in whatever path they choose.

School years are a journey of discovery, and it’s at SMLS where a joy of learning, inner strength, and empowered women emerge.

I hope that you capture some of the essence of this special school by visiting the pages on our website before coming to see us in person at one of our Open Houses.

Mrs. Catherine Hant
Head of School


THE OUR KIDS REPORT: St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School

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