St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School Student Makeup: Enrolment and Class Size

Grade	Enrollment
St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School	Median of all other schools
JK	28	16
SK	28	16
Gr. 1	32	17
Gr. 2	32	16
Gr. 3	34	16
Gr. 4	36	16
Gr. 5	36	17
Gr. 6	54	18
Gr. 7	54	18
Gr. 8	54	18
Gr. 9	54	34
Gr. 10	54	35
Gr. 11	54	40
Gr. 12	54	40

Grade	Percentage of students on financial aid
JK	9%
SK	9%
Gr. 1	9%
Gr. 2	9%
Gr. 3	9%
Gr. 4	9%
Gr. 5	9%
Gr. 6	9%
Gr. 7	9%
Gr. 8	9%
Gr. 9	9%
Gr. 10	9%
Gr. 11	9%
Gr. 12	9%

Qualitative insights

These insights are based on conversations with parents, alumni, and school leadership. Handpicked and curated by our editor, they offer a close look at how the school is experienced and perceived by those who know it best.

Students thrive in an empowering all-girls education environment.

Observations from students and alumni suggest that St. Mildred's offers a unique all-girls education environment that helps cultivate confidence, leadership, and a sense of empowerment among its students.

I would say what St. Mildred's gave me was a platform to explore my interest in science that I didn't have at the previous schools that I was at before. So I think I've always been very interested in science, but definitely going to St. Mildred's and being surrounded by, especially in all-girls education with a lot of motivated girls, I definitely was more inclined to go into a rigorous program like Medical Sciences at Western.

—Melanie Peck, alum (see full interview)

So when I was in grade eight, I was actually at another independent school. It was a coed school. And my brother and I went there together. And I remember the reason why I ended up going to St. Mildred's was that I was with family friends of ours who had a daughter who was at St. Mildred's at the time. And I remember I always looked up to her, but this one specific day, she was talking about how much she loved her school and she was talking about how it was all girls, and she was just saying so many amazing things. And I remember looking at my mom and just being like, I want to try St. Mildred's. And was so random because I loved the school I was at, but there was just something about it and even, I guess now and while I was at the school, the all-girls environment is something that you never understand until you graduate, I think. But having that ability to explore your interests in a really comfortable setting was something that I was really grateful for. And I think it really helps me to be the person I am today.

—Melanie Peck, alum (see full interview)

Especially the all-girls education at St. Mildred's, I found was that it wasn't just about academics ever. It was really giving you the ability to volunteer. I'm sure you've heard of the Duke of Edinburgh program. I know a lot of private schools utilize it. So I finished my goal, Duke of Ed, and that kind of required me to volunteer every week, do a skill every week, do a physical activity every week. And that really, I think, kind of motivated me to get involved in different aspects of the school. And so probably what I would say is I had a huge mixture of everything.

—Melanie Peck, alum (see full interview)

My experience at St. Mildred's was really one where I established my confidence and was given all of these opportunities in leadership to kind of become who I was. I always say this and it's so cliché, but I feel like when I was there, I didn't know who I was necessarily. But the thing St. Mildred gave me was the ability to kind of express myself without even knowing it in every way, just kind of allowed me to explore everything and find out who I was. So when I left, I wasn't as overwhelmed and I kind of had a strong platform in a strong and confident approach to school, meeting people, whatever it was. So I would definitely say confident.

—Melanie Peck, alum (see full interview)

I don't want to use confident and leader again because I've already used them. So I would say empathetic. It definitely encourages students to not only be successful on their own, but to really help each other out and be there for each other during the toughest of times. I would say strong and independent. I think it's so important to raise girls and guys, but I think especially for girls to raise girls in an environment where they're always being told they can do anything they want. And I think that's been something that time and time again has proven to be something I learned at St. Mildred’s. And a lot of my friends and a lot of the people who I surround myself in my program with don't have that same mentality. And it's more like, oh, I'm a girl. It might be a little bit harder, but we always learned that was not the case, and I'm so grateful for that.

—Melanie Peck, alum (see full interview)

But what I've seen with all of my friends who did grow up from preschool all the way to grade twelve is they were confident enough that even though they didn't maybe have the same experience as in coed, as soon as they were in coed, it was totally fine. But yeah, I would say maybe that's the greatest drawback because other than that, I think all-girls learning is really the best way for girls to learn nowadays. If you have the ability to send your kid to private school, I really think that the all-girls environment is one that stands out compared to any other private school learning.

—Melanie Peck, alum (see full interview)

So I think what I would talk to parents about is I think that especially today, it's really important to raise girls with that mentality that they can do anything because everything is getting so much more competitive. And I think that that's one of the things that St. Mildred’s really provided me with. And I've said this and I'll say it again, when I walk into a room, I'm never questioning if I'm supposed to be there. I'm never scared to put up my hand. I'm never intimidated by the boys in my classes because I never was raised in an environment where I thought that I was any less than anyone else around me. And that’s how I think any parent who is fortunate enough to send their kids to a private school, I think that they want to raise their daughter to be that independent and be that confident leader that I'm so grateful that I was able to become. And so that's definitely probably the biggest thing that I keep talking about.

—Melanie Peck, alum (see full interview)

St. Mildred's-Lightbourn really values and believes in what an all-girls education can do, and believes in preparing all girls to lead and excel in all areas of their life. The emphasis on the power of an all-girls education also differentiates St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn from other schools.

—Sarah Turner, alum (see full interview)

The all-girls environment was the right choice for us. It felt like an environment without any barriers. The girls could do what they wanted to do in a controlled environment. They could grow and gain the life skills they needed to thrive at the next level of education at the university. Having two girls that have gone through the process successfully, I can say without a doubt that St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School was the right choice for our family.

—Samantha Cheung, parent (see full interview)

The school gave me the opportunity to not be afraid to raise my hand or ask questions, and not to stereotype men, but I wasn't prepared for the men who were talking over me or just ignoring what I was saying. When going to single-sex environment you wouldn't have that.

—Laiya Kamanga, alum (see full discussion)

All-girls educational experience has just really allowed us to focus on our education and also build such close female friendships. Like I'm so close to my good friends from St. Mildred's and I really appreciate that. I think especially in those high school years and all, you're really just learning about yourself and who you are, and I think just having other women who are going through the same things really helped to make that transition easier and more comforting. And now going into university and having more coed experiences, I know mostly who I am and I feel more calm being able to express myself and voice my opinions.

—Laiya Kamanga, alum (see full discussion)

I wouldn't have been the same person I am today if it wasn't for the all-girls environment. It really allowed me to come out of my shell and gain confidence in saying my opinions without fear. I am very thankful for that.

—Juliet Nishimura, parent (see full discussion)

St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School encourages girls to challenge boundaries and stereotypes, nurturing them into empowered and versatile individuals. They are taught to be agile and well-rounded, focusing not only on academics but also on developing critical thinking skills from an early age. This approach helps in raising young women who are empowered and well-rounded, prepared to excel in various aspects of life.

—Juliet Nishimura, parent (see full discussion)

Students belong to a supportive and inclusive community.

Comments from the school community reveal that the culture at St. Mildred's embodies strong support and inclusivity, creating a welcoming and nurturing environment where students feel safe and supported by both peers and teachers.

I think the first one would be supportive in all ways. Teachers are supportive, students are supportive. And I think kind of having that opportunity to be in an environment from preschool all the way to grade twelve, even if you were only there for a few years, kind of allows you to be nurturing and supportive and understanding of a lot of different situations. I know that they probably have specific things on their website, but I know that their slogan is Inspire Girls, Empower Women. And I remember when I was applying to St. Mildred's, even today, when I'm talking about it, that's always something I bring up. I think it holds true, because truly, every chapel, every class, even just walking in the halls, I honestly believe that I was always inspired and very empowered to do what I want to do without really any questions asked.

—Melanie Peck, alum (see full interview)

Okay, so I enrolled in a difficult time. At least I thought it was going to be a difficult time because it was kind of like grade eight to grade nine where you have all of your friends. And so I was really scared coming because I honestly just assumed everyone would have their own friend groups. And that was just so not the case. I remember walking into the school and being immediately greeted by my buddy, who I've been kind of attached to for that day, just so I knew where I was going. And I immediately felt so welcomed. And it's a feeling that I'll never really forget and a feeling that I think stayed with me my whole time at St. Mildred's. And even today when I walk through those doors, I just feel so safe and comfortable. And so when I talk to parents about St. Mildred’s, I also like to mention that I was really surprised about its lack of stuffiness. I feel like a lot of the time people kind of believe private schools are going to be very pretentious and entitled, and that was just so not the case. And being at other private schools beforehand, I definitely experienced more that side of it was always a competition with money. It was so not like that at all. It was very much everyone kind of realized how lucky they were to be there. And I think maybe it was the all-girls environment. I haven't really figured that one out, but it was never a conversation about anything other than how lucky we were to be there and how we wanted to. It kind of honestly motivated us to work even harder. And that environment was super important for me.

—Melanie Peck, alum (see full interview)

St. Mildred’s is such a great school and such a great place to kind of build your foundations before you move on to real life and post-secondary school. And so I would obviously just encourage them to get involved in everything. There's an opportunity for everyone. There's so many different options in every single realm of the school. And so I would say get involved, make good friends, Be kind to everyone and just walk around the hallways and say Hi to everyone Because everyone will say hi to you if you say hi to them.

—Melanie Peck, alum (see full interview)

I'd also like to say that one of the best parts about St. Mildred’s is that it’s rooted in tradition. The school in itself is so open to every religion and so diverse, And I think that's really important in any school, especially when you're sending your kid to a private school. I keep saying you're preparing your kid to go to post-secondary school, and it's so important to send your daughter, in this case, to a school that's open to all religions and is very diverse. That's exactly what St. Mildred gave me, and I'm really grateful for that now Because obviously, in real life, that's exactly how life is. And so I was able to learn about every religion, and obviously it wasn't necessarily religious school, but we celebrated everything, and so I was very cultured leaving the school.

—Melanie Peck, alum (see full interview)

New students and families might see the size of the campus and be surprised to find out that it feels really like a small, close-knit community despite the size. The teachers and staff go to great lengths to make sure that every girl is truly supported. And that extends to the classroom and to other areas of the school community and to the school experience, including clubs, sports, academic support, and more.

—Sarah Turner, alum (see full interview)

The most important thing was the fit between the school environment and our children’s personalities. And, for us, St. Mildred's-Lightbourn checked all of our boxes. I think that's why our children thrived in the environment. The child needs to feel comfortable and open to trying those new experiences and meeting new friends. When these things work together harmoniously, the child will thrive, and the results are unlimited. For us, St. Mildred's was the right choice.

—Samantha Cheung, parent (see full interview)

I would say just don't be afraid and don't worry about making friends. It is such a small school and such a close-knit community that it can be scary to go into a place where a lot of the girls already know each other, but I think it is such an accepting place and you really just get folded into the community so quickly and no one even remembers that you are new like in the third week, which I think is fantastic.

—Laiya Kamanga, alum (see full discussion)

The cohesive vibe and like-mindedness that pervade the community at St. Mildred's are quite evident, nurturing the students and setting them on a path of achievement and personal growth. Through the years, we've gotten to know many families from different walks of life, cultures, and backgrounds, yet share the common goal of wanting the best for our girls. These relationships have blossomed into close friendships, which are treasures in themselves. By the end of their time at the school, you can clearly see the effects of this nurturing environment, with the girls achieving their goals and taking steps towards their chosen paths.

—Juliet Nishimura, parent (see full discussion)

There are numerous fun events and traditions organized for both the girls and the parents, creating a lively community spirit. These events, ranging from galas to parent-daughter dinners, offer an opportunity for parents to be actively involved in the school community, fostering strong relationships and camaraderie. These events are cherished, because they contribute to creating a special and inclusive environment at St. Mildred's-Lightbourn.

—Juliet Nishimura, parent (see full discussion)

The preschool program has been a significant feature for the school, thriving greatly and introducing us to St. Mildred's community. We have been at St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School for over ten years, since my oldest was in preschool. It's been a wonderful journey watching her move on from preschool to middle school, nurturing a great connection with the community at the school.

—Juliet Nishimura, parent (see full discussion)

The school emphasizes inclusion and diversity, portraying a far more diverse environment than what one might expect in Oakville. Various cultures are represented, and the community celebrates numerous festivals, including Chinese New Year and Diwali, promoting respect and appreciation for different walks of life.

—Juliet Nishimura, parent (see full discussion)

They develop a deep sense of community and lifelong connections.

Observations from students and alumni suggest that the sense of belonging and the lasting connections nurtured at St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School create a supportive, familial atmosphere that endures well beyond graduation.

I think what really connects the students at St. Mildred's-Lightbourn is the sense of community. Not only the friendships with each other, but the wonderful relationships with their teachers, with all of the staff at the school. There are still several girls from my Junior Kindergarten classroom that I have the opportunity to get together with regularly, and to see each other through these different stages in our lives has been a true, true gift. One of my dear friends celebrated her wedding reception at St. Mildred's-Lightbourn.

—Sarah Turner, alum (see full interview)

St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School always felt like a family and it always felt like a place that I belonged. And in my 15 years as a student at St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School, that was a feeling that never wavered. The fact that St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn offers preschool education all the way to the final year of high school is an important factor.

—Sarah Turner, alum (see full interview)

So honestly, I think the best way to describe how it has kind of impacted me is that my best friends are still the girls I grew up with at St. Mildred’s to this day. I've made a lot of great new friends, but I always find myself comparing my friends now to my friends at home. And I pick my friends based on the people that I met during my time at St. Mildred's. Looking back at my time there, I am so grateful for everything. And when I walk into those buildings, the buildings when I go home and I'm greeted by my teachers and by the students that were in the younger years when I was graduating, it's still such a sense of home. Honestly, when I walk back into St. Mildred’s, even if I'm having the worst day ever, I think that just shows me how much it shaped me and how much it's kind of changed my perspective on so many things. When I can enter those doors, everything seems so much better and brighter.

—Melanie Peck, alum (see full interview)

I'm incredibly grateful to the school for the amazing education that I received at St. Mildred's-Lightbourn, and also the lifelong friendships that I had the pleasure of making during my time at the school.

—Sarah Turner, alum (see full interview)

The thought of leaving the school upon graduating, as excited as I was for that next chapter and to go off to university, was incredibly emotional. I remember so clearly on my graduation day from St. Mildred's-Lightbourn, one of my dear teachers came up to me in the hallway after the prize-giving ceremony, and she could tell that I was emotional. It was an emotional day, I think, for all of us. She said to me, ‘Sarah, this is a day to be happy. This is a day to celebrate all the girls in your graduating class have accomplished.’ I sat there and I thought about what she had said, and she was right.

—Sarah Turner, alum (see full interview)

I have loved St. Mildred's-Lightbourn since the time that I had the opportunity to attend, and that love and respect for the school has only deepened over time. To have graduated and to have developed even more of an appreciation for the quality of education the school provides, the lifelong friendships, I think you really realize, even more so, after you graduate from St. Mildred's-Lightbourn. And I think that's something that truly sets the school apart and is truly something that makes St. Mildred's-Lightbourn the exceptional place that it is.

—Sarah Turner, alum (see full interview)

So what I thought families would find surprising about SMLS is the big emphasis on making sure that all the girls know each other and there's activities for them. So we had a Senior School or an Upper School girl (big sister) get paired with a Junior School girl (little sister). And I think going from both sides of that, as a Junior School girl I was so afraid of the older girls, but just seeing my big sister and being able to ask her questions at the Senior School I thought was fantastic. And then they make them less scary. Then, as a Senior School girl, I was able to get to know the younger girls and visit some old classrooms. So I really think what is special is that there's so much mixing between the grades.

—Laiya Kamanga, alum (see full discussion)

My children often refer to their class as their community. That shows the strong bond and feeling of unity at the school.

—Juliet Nishimura, parent (see full discussion)

From a student perspective, I also really want to highlight the friendships that I've made, across the different grades at the school. We still hang out, now that we have graduated, which really just shows the strong community that is fostered at SMLS.

—Juliet Nishimura, parent (see full discussion)

The one thing that I most appreciate about the school is the community and more specifically, the parent community. Everybody is there to help each other out, and we learn from each other. Early on, I got involved in the school through the parent association and co-ran the used uniform sale as a way to get to know other parents. St. Mildred's offers that, because it’s a small, close environment.

—Samantha Cheung, parent (see full interview)

They experience academic excellence integrated with innovation.

Feedback from the school community reveals that St. Mildred’s commitment to high academic standards, alongside the integration of technology and innovative teaching practices, prepares students effectively for post-secondary success and global awareness.

The graduating classes are very small, which is one of the best parts. I think my graduating class was 42 girls, and so that really gives you that hands on one on one experience with your teachers. And I would say in my graduating class, there were a lot of STEM graduates who are going around Ontario and Canada and globally to study science related topics, but there were also a lot of people who pursued things in the arts and history and social sciences. But I would say that St. Mildred's has a really great STEM program. And that’s one of the reasons I was so motivated to go there. But we also definitely do have excellent art facilities and athletic facilities as well.

—Melanie Peck, alum (see full interview)

I definitely think that we've had a lot of international girls coming into the school, so don’t I think that coming into the school from a coed environment she would be missing out too much in that respect. Academic-wise, the IB Programme, of course, is very rigorous, but I do also think that St. Mildred’s provides a very intense and good education.

—Laiya Kamanga, alum (see full discussion)

One aspect of the school that I’d really like to focus on was the Global Studies program. I felt like that was super unique to SMLS and from all of the opportunities from camping in Ontario to getting out-of-country travel experience, that was absolutely phenomenal. I was able to learn so many different skills through that from camping, learning how to start a fire, which is not something you get to do in a classroom. I got to learn more about the culture from the countries I visited, meet some of the locals there, pick up a few phrases in the local language, and in most of the countries I went to, there was a little bit of a service aspect. We got to apply a lot of what we were learning in the classroom to real-life situations, and that was definitely an extremely unique experience. I got to bond with my classmates outside of the classroom in a traditional aspect, and we got to know everyone on a more personal level, which helped bond those friendships and keep in touch as we all grow older.

—Juliet Nishimura, parent (see full discussion)

They cultivate leadership skills and community values.

Insights from parents and alumni indicate that St. Mildred’s dedication to nurturing values such as kindness, respect, and integrity, alongside strong leadership opportunities, creates a supportive atmosphere where students develop confidence and empathy.

I think if the school were to be represented as a person, its personality would be confident, accepting, and supportive. I think it is a very confident school because they are not afraid and are always trying new things. And even when there's so many different girls who are coming to us from class with different personalities and characteristics, I think school really just folds them in. You know, when a girl falls or messes up, the whole community is there to help her and to support her and let her know that she is included and respected.

—Laiya Kamanga, alum (see full discussion)

I was actually head girl in my year, which was the best opportunity I've ever really been given. It allowed me to learn how to do public speaking and get to know a different side of the school that I think has really shaped my perspective and my gratitude towards St. Mildred’s over the years. St. Mildred's really allowed me to have a really broad resume that kind of gave me an opportunity to apply to a bunch of different things, not just science, which was great.

—Melanie Peck, alum (see full interview)

The older students serve as role models, instilling a sense of ambition and inspiration in the younger ones. This chain of inspiration creates a ripple effect, encouraging everyone to strive for better and pursue continuous learning.

—Juliet Nishimura, parent (see full discussion)

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St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School Student Body

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Catherine Hant

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Breakdown by grade

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Qualitative insights

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My Shortlist

BUILD YOUR SHORTLIST

EVALUATE YOUR SCHOOLS

TRACK IMPORTANT DATES

St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School Student Body

Page Contents

Insider community voices

Catherine Hant

Catherine Hant

Catherine Hant

Catherine Hant

Taegen Poles

Facts and analysis

Total enrollment

Breakdown by grade

Why it matters

Gender

Why it matters

International Students

Why it matters

STUDENTS ON FINANCIAL AID

Breakdown by grade

Why it matters

Qualitative insights

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