Academics

An SMLS Education

An Education That Lasts a Lifetime

We have a profound understanding of how girls learn, which is: Differently.

Our expertise is reflected in the confidence, curiosity, and bold impact our students go on to make in the world. As each student moves through her school years and beyond, she carries with her a strong sense of pride and possibility—knowing that gender will never limit her path.

Our mission is to engage every student in a personalized, real-world learning experience. Personalization at SMLS empowers students to follow their own unique pathways, all within a supportive and nurturing community.

At SMLS, we believe that when girls are known, supported, and challenged, they learn to dare. From Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12, our personalized approach ensures that every student is seen as an individual—with her own strengths, aspirations, and potential.

Supported by our dedicated Circle of Care Team—including social workers, a school nurse, guidance counsellors, and learning strategists—students are empowered emotionally, socially, and academically. In the Senior School, this support becomes even more focused, with structured time with Advisors and access to two University Guidance Counsellors who guide students through course selection, scholarship applications, and post-secondary pathways.

Our curriculum is enriched and deeply personalized, fostering the confidence and independence our students need to thrive in a changing world. From their earliest years, SMLS students are immersed in experiences tailored to their stage of development. The Reggio Emilia-inspired approach in our Junior School lays the foundation for curiosity and self-awareness.

As students move into Middle School, they begin to test their strengths through reach-ahead academics, leadership opportunities, project-based learning, and co-curricular experiences that help broaden their perspectives and build resilience.

By Senior School, students are encouraged to take on deeper learning—engaging with complex concepts, pursuing areas of passion, and developing the critical thinking skills they’ll carry forward into university and beyond. Our Advanced Placement (AP) program, overseen by the College Board, offers opportunities for students to study university-level material and earn advanced standing at post-secondary institutions.

With a clear progression from one division to the next, the SMLS experience is intentionally curated to meet girls where they are—and help them grow into who they’re meant to be. Our graduates leave not only with offers from their top-choice programs and scholarships in hand, but with a strong sense of self and purpose.

In essence, the educational model at SMLS is all about developing lifelong learners; supporting the curiosity and confidence that will see empowered young women challenging and transforming the world.

What does an SMLS education offer your daughter?

List of 4 items.

Superior Academic Excellence
Unique Signature Programs
Real-World Learning Experiences
Expertise in Girls' Education

At St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School, girls from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 experience an enriched academic and co-curricular program delivered by teachers who are experts in educating girls. We support each girl’s interests, talents, learning needs and strengths, and our exceptional facilities and signature programs equip her to achieve excellence in whatever path she chooses.

Explore Our Program

List of 3 items.

Junior School

In the Junior school, SMLS draws on the Reggio Emilia approach, which sets the stage for personalized learning in the following years.
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Middle School

In the Middle School years, students begin to test their skills and increase their confidence through a variety of academic challenges, travel opportunities, and expansive co-curricular offerings.
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Senior School

The Senior School offers deeper learning, where teachers encourage students to pursue their interests and areas of strength, and tackle new concepts more independently.
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