Why SMLS?

Founded in 1891, SMLS has been a leader in education for girls and young women for more than 130 years and is the only CAIS accredited, all-girls school west of the city. We believe courageous girls can challenge and change the world.

Our academic program utilizes the highest standard of proven best practices and innovative approaches. We identify each girl's academic strengths and challenges, so that we can support her in achieving success and confidence in her own abilities. We focus on the social, emotional, spiritual and physical wellbeing of every girl from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 and work with each girl to ensure she is known, supported and challenged to be her best self. Our faculty members are experts in their fields, with extensive experience teaching and learning designed for girls. They get to know each girl and form a personalized connection to help her thrive in her education at SMLS and beyond. Our program integrates academic studies with relevant career and life experiences, allowing students to gain a deeper personal understanding of the world around them and to develop as global citizens and leaders. We support each girl's interests, talents, learning needs and strengths, and our world-class facility and signature programs equip her to achieve excellence in whatever path she chooses.



Open Houses

Interested in the SMLS Senior School Experience?

We still have a few spaces available in our Senior School for the 2023-24 academic year.

Contact our Admissions Team today to arrange for a personal tour or have your questions answered.  


 

SMLS IS AN ANGLICAN-BASED SCHOOL THAT FOSTERS INCLUSION & DIVERSITY

SMLS is an Anglican-based school and welcomes students from every faith. We foster and encourage inclusivity and diversity within our school community. Our Anglican roots and traditions are reflected in weekly Chapel and three yearly Eucharist services, as well as religious studies in Junior School. Students in Grades 1 to Grad Year are required to attend Chapel and Eucharist services, and participation in communion is voluntary. 

At Chapel, we celebrate both our Anglican roots and world religions and cultures, so that we may develop an understanding of the diversity represented by each student within our school community. Chapel also includes important school announcements and presentations, as well as celebrations of student achievements.
          

Why should I send my girl to SMLS?

We are experts in girls' learning. Your daughter's passions, interests, character development and learning needs will be met.
We focus on each girl's whole development. Your daughter's teachers will know how to inspire and engage her.
We deliver excellence and innovation in academic programming. Your daughter will have a quality education of the highest standard.
We offer unique programs designed specifically for girls. Your daughter will experience opportunities here that she can't get anywhere else.
Girls thrive at SMLS and are inspired and empowered to be successful women as graduates and alumnae. Your daughter will be equipped with the tools she needs to succeed in her education, her career and her life.
          

          
          

SMLS Programs

List of 4 items.

  • Signature Programs

    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 world-class facility and signature programs equip her to achieve excellence in whatever path she chooses.
    Read more...

  • Junior School

    JK – GRADE 5 (JS5)
    The commitments and values of St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School are expressed in our mission statement: “To develop courageous girls who challenge and change the world.” These, along with the priorities contained within the Strategic Plan 2020, guide the Junior School’s ongoing development.
    Read more...

  • Middle School

    Grades 6–8 (MS6, MS7 & MS8)
    Our innovative Middle School program was designed based on research and best practices to engage girls intellectually, socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually during the pivotal pre-teen and early-teen years. The Middle School at SMLS is a place where girls feel a sense of belonging and community and develop the skills and knowledge to be successful in Senior School.
    Read more...

  • Senior School

    Grades 9 (SS9) – Grade 12 (SS12/Grad Year)
    Throughout her Senior School years, your daughter will be supported by a caring advisor, academically challenged by subject-specialist teachers, and invited to explore a wide range of co-curricular opportunities.
    She will be engaged through real-world learning experiences in the classroom, the local community and across the globe.
    Read more...

          

Girls’ School Advantage

What do girls’ schools do best? A lot!

Whether they want to be astronauts, ambassadors, or accountants, girls need to know — not just think, but really know, deep down in their gut — that nothing can stand in their way. Girls' schools send that message to girls every day.


Girls’ schools are a place where girls take center stage. And we think that's just where they belong. Let us be your guide as you explore more about what girls' schools are really like. -The National Coalition of Girls’ Schools 
At St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School, our educational journey is one built on meaningful relationships and programs, and grounded in research.

With so many choices available in both the independent and public spheres, girls and their parents need to remember the ‘added value’ of an all-girls school and the richness of the SMLS experience. 

Want to understand more? Watch this video from the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools explaining the Girls’ School advantage: 


It is important for Middle School parents, and in particular parents of Grade 8 girls who at this age and stage begin to think about a co-ed experience, to fully understand the unique advantage of a school for girls.

          
Did you know?
Girls’ school graduates thrive in university.
A new research study provides further evidence that an all-girls environment
better prepares female students for success at the university level.

SMLS Media Gallery

Podcast



PEP Talks: Podcast on Educational Possibilities
Educating Ethical, Globally Minded Changemakers
featuring Head of School, Nancy Richards

Come Visit Us

Discover how your daughter will benefit from SMLS's superior academic program, our attention to each girl's social, emotional and physical wellbeing, and student leadership development - all designed for girls.
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St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School


1080 Linbrook Road, Oakville, ON L6J 2L1
T: 905-845-2386 | F: 905-845-4799
www.smls.on.ca

General Inquiries: contact@smls.on.ca
Admissions Inquiries: admissions@smls.on.ca
Communication & Media Inquiries: communications@smls.on.ca
Web-related Issues:  mysmlshelp@smls.on.ca
"SMLS prepares students to succeed in their post-secondary experiences and life beyond the pillars, through academic challenges such as AP courses, support such as extra help lessons and, most importantly, talented and dedicated teachers and the peers who surround you. I feel excited for what the future holds.”
Melanie Peck '18, former Head Girl