337 Trafalgar Road, Oakville, Ontario, L6J 3H3, Canada
200 Karolie Rd, Riverview, New Brunswick, E1B 1R1, Canada
1978
2020
250
33
JK to 6
K to 8
Coed
Coed
Day
Day
English
English, French
Academic
Academic
Progressive, International Baccalaureate
Progressive, International Baccalaureate
15 to 18
Varies
$24,515 to $36,608
$15,900
Yes
Yes
0%
0%
None
6 to 8
$10,000
$0
28
4
0%
0%
0%
0%
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes
Yes: grades 2 - 8
No
No
information not available
information not available
“MacLachlan prides itself on being at the cutting edge of innovation in teaching and learning theory,” says Michael Piening, head of school. “This generation of learner, and the world they are growing up in, is very engaged, social and interactive. We looked internally at how we could best respond and adapt to enhance student exploration, creativity and knowledge.” That’s quite a mouthful, to be sure, but it’s a good one nevertheless. Schools are challenged to adapt their programs to the needs of students, and there are a lot of red herrings out there, such as an over-emphasis on digital literacy, for example. To be a 21st century learner can mean many things, though at McLachlan it means engagement with ideas, peers, and community. The annual Word Fest is a great example of that, in that case using the language arts program as a starting point for an engagement with issues and topics that require students to think creatively, empathize, and communicate their ideas. Earlier this year the grade one classes took part in a workshop with the Hamilton Children’s museum, roll-playing a shipwreck, stuck on coral in the midst of a storm. That, and indeed many programs at MacLachlan, can rightly turn heads. They provide telling examples of how the school expresses its dedication to engagement, exploration, and social interactivity, all of it as charming as it is impressive. The ideal student is one who can thrive in a diverse, active, and challenging academic environment.
View full reportEastgate Academy is the first Moncton school to offer the International Baccalaureate Programme to students from Kindergarten to Grade 7. Students graduate with an internationally recognized diploma that’s highly regarded by universities in Canada and across the world.
Eastgate Academy structures the curriculum around themes to help students make sense of the world around them and to provide them with opportunities to build skills and understanding that can be transferred to various situations. The school tailors the learning experience to every student, allowing students the freedom to pursue their interests, while balancing academic and intellectual growth with physical and mental well-being.
"Each teacher stands out for their expertise in the subject they teach."
Tatiana Memos - Parent (May 27, 2021)
Our son started attending MacLachlan in grade 7 and is currently in grade 10. The choice was between...
View full review
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"MacLachlan College’s Lower School Campus in Oakville is tailored for Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6. Our co-ed IB Primary Years Programme fosters a vibrant learning adventure with an emphasis on international-mindedness. The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) is an internationally recognized and rigorous curriculum for Kindergarten to Grade 6 students. It empowers students to become lifelong learners, responsible individuals, and critical thinkers with a global perspective. Our specially trained IB teachers continuously update their knowledge and foster a culture of inquiry in the classroom, promoting higher-order thinking skills and a lasting curiosity about the world. Vibrant classrooms cultivate a love for learning, laying the foundation for academic success. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, promoting a profound sense of belonging. Students embrace learning, developing confidence, and finding their voice in a supportive, safe, and nurturing environment."
"Focusing on balancing academic and intellectual growth with physical and mental well-being, we offer a tailored learning experience to every student. Eastgate Academy is a Candidate School for the Primary Years Programme. This school is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. These are schools that share a common philosophy—a commitment to high-quality, challenging, international education that Eastgate Academy believes is important for our students."
"MacLachlan's academic program offers a transitional approach of two globally recognized programs beginning with the International Baccaulaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) for students in Pre-Kindergarten to Gr.6 and Gr. 7 to Gr. 12 academic program offering Advanced Placement preparation/enrichment. The overarching goal from Pre-K to Gr. 12 is to develop essential real-world skills, support academic excellence, foster a growth mindset, and cultivate transdisciplinary abilities."
"A central feature of our program is wellness. Our community believes in the importance of providing students with opportunities to learn more about personal and collective wellness. We frequently connect with local experts, practitioners, and community members, and our teachers intentionally build strong relationships with students. We provide our students with various experiences to explore tools and strategies to support their physical, social, and emotional wellness."
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"Families choose MAC because of our highly respected academic programs and co-educational learning environment. What families quickly appreciate is MacLachlan’s high level of communication between home and school and how our smaller school size allows for their child(ren) to immerse themselves in their learning. Smaller classes afford teachers the opportunity to foster and influence tremendous growth in our students, and we feel privileged to guide them through their learning journey."
"Eastgate Academy offers learners opportunities to grow in a safe, collaborative environment. Students are put at the center of learning and given voice, choice, and ownership in their learning journey. The educational experience at Eastgate is student-centred, inquiry-based, and focuses on developing the whole child. This allows students to develop attributes and skills to independently and collaboratively solve problems and create change in their local and global communities."
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"MacLachlan is an incredibly tight-knit community. It quickly becomes obvious to prospective families that staff have an impressive connection to students, knowing virtually all them by name. Our leadership team is highly engaged with the everyday routines within the school community and are immersed throughout the school year. This level of engagement lends itself to MacLachlan’s commitment to facilitate programs that have a whole child development approach with a focus on student wellness."
"Our Eastgate Explorers program allows our students to arrive at school an hour before our day begins or stay up to two hours after the school day ends. During these times, our learners can engage in explorations that connect with their interests or try something new. These explorations rotate throughout the year and support our learners in becoming balanced, open-minded, and collaborative. Explorations range from active (soccer, pickleball) to creative (stop motion, drama, yearbook)."
"MacLachlan is committed to creating successful and innovative approaches to learning by promoting and developing skills that transcend the classroom environment. MacLachlan is a small but mighty school. Our students score top achievements in cross-collegial local, national and international competitions in the areas of math, debate and public speaking. These opportunities provide enriching experiences for students outside the classroom where they can further explore their passions."
"While students' learning journeys are the top priority, educating our families on our programme offering and how best to support learning at home is essential. Of course, we see our families as partners and consistently communicate. However, we also offer parent workshops in the evening and provide childcare. These hands-on workshops give families a glimpse into how their child(ren) learns while exploring the central features of our program."
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MacLachlan College lives its mission statement by cultivating intellectual curiosity in its students and inspiring them to be active contributors to our ever changing world. Our small class sizes, averaging 15 in the lower school and 18 in upper school, ensure that every student is known on a personal level. This is a key feature of our school. MacLachlan College is committed to providing a superior, world class education.
Accredited as an IB World School, MacLachlan offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, making us the only private school in Oakville with this prestigious designation. The IB PYP programme is an internationally recognized curriculum designed for students from pre-school to grade 6. The IB is one of the world’s most highly esteemed education programs. In an increasingly globalized world, the IB challenges students to think critically, research deeply and develop internationally minded perspectives on a broad range of issues. Students become lifelong learners and conscientious critical thinkers.
In grades 7 to 12 we offer a rigourous academic program with an option to work toward Advanced Placement courses of study. We believe in the traditional approach to education. However, true to our motto "Where tradition and vision meet", our methodology and approach to the use of communication technology is progressive. Our teachers and students engage in dynamic and interactive educational opportunities. Our approach leads to inquiry based learning and the development of higher order critical thinking skills. At MacLachlan College we believe in the personal touch. We take the time to listen. I would like to hear about your child and I invite you to call for a visit.
Welcome To Eastgate Academy
We are, first and foremost, a community of students, educators and families committed to nurturing young people as they find their purpose and grow into their potential.
Our goal is to create a stimulating and supportive environment where our learners can grow through an iterative inquiry, action and reflection process. A culture of courage and curiosity encourages our learners to push the boundaries of their social, intellectual and physical comfort zones, while a culture of collaboration and community creates a system of support from which our learners draw the confidence to learn from successes and setbacks.
I am filled with gratitude to be part of such a special community. I feel fortunate to work alongside incredibly talented educators and staff and look forward to supporting Eastgate Academy’s continued growth as principal.
Progressive
International Baccalaureate
Progressive (sometimes called "in- quiry-based") curricula attempt to place children's interests and ideas at the heart of the learning experience. Instead of lessons being driven by predetermined pathways, progressive curricula are often "emergent", with learning activities shaped by students' questions about the world. Instead of starting with academic concepts and then tying it to everyday experience, progressive methods begin with everyday experience and work back to an academic lesson. Teachers provide materials, experiences, tools and resources to help students investigate a topic or issue. Students are encouraged to explore, reflect on their findings, and discuss answers or solutions.
Progressive (sometimes called "in- quiry-based") curricula attempt to place children's interests and ideas at the heart of the learning experience. Instead of lessons being driven by predetermined pathways, progressive curricula are often "emergent", with learning activities shaped by students' questions about the world. Instead of starting with academic concepts and then tying it to everyday experience, progressive methods begin with everyday experience and work back to an academic lesson. Teachers provide materials, experiences, tools and resources to help students investigate a topic or issue. Students are encouraged to explore, reflect on their findings, and discuss answers or solutions.
Some private schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programming. The "Diploma Programme" is offered to students in the final two years of high school, while the "Primary Years Programme" (ages 3 to 12) and "Middle Years Programme" (ages 11 to 16) serve as preparation for the diploma program.
Some private schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programming. The "Diploma Programme" is offered to students in the final two years of high school, while the "Primary Years Programme" (ages 3 to 12) and "Middle Years Programme" (ages 11 to 16) serve as preparation for the diploma program.
MacLachlan College is a dynamic and inclusive community where teachers guide and facilitate learning by creating real world connections and a growth mindset is nurtured in every student. The rigorous academic program is supported by our active and collaborative learning environment, resulting in successful and resilient students who are well prepared for future success in today’s ever-changing world. MacLachlan’s ongoing commitment to innovative and challenging educational experiences allows for the rapid integration of new technologies and emerging active learning resources to enhance student exploration, creativity, and knowledge. By combining traditional methods of instruction with a living systems approach, classrooms have been transformed into creative hubs where students fully participate and engage not only in their coursework but with their peers, deepening their intellectual inquiry and critical thinking abilities. These adaptive and dynamic learning environments enable students and teachers to collaborate, innovate and connect existing knowledge to new thinking.
Eastgate Academy's programme offering takes an inquiry-based approach to learning and teaching. As such, students are active participants in their learning and frequently collaborate with their peers and teacher to construct their understanding. Using the British Columbia curriculum and the International Baccalaureate framework, students develop attributes and skills, allowing them to become internationally minded.
Equal Balance
Discovery Math turns traditional math on its head: it frequently begins by introducing a novel problem to students, and works its way back to “discovering” a method of solving the problem. The goal is to ground mathematical procedures and algorithms firmly in their applications, and to challenge students to think critically about how they might go about solving the problem right from the beginning. Generally associated with the “Chicago Math” movement and related Everyday Math textbooks (Grades 1 to 6), Discovery math spends less classroom time mastering established algorithms and more time getting students invested in and thinking critically about novel mathematical problems and concepts. In this sense Discovery Math aims to establish conceptual and applied understand before procedural understanding.
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
Through inquiry, students independently and collaboratively construct their understanding of mathematical concepts. There is a balance between exploring mathematical concepts and processes and problem-solving. Students engage in investigations and are given opportunities to apply their mathematical understanding in real-life contexts.
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Learners build conceptual understanding and numeracy fluency in the Primary Years (K-5) and early Middle Years. Calculators will not come until later grades unless decided by the teacher for a specific learning engagement/purpose.
Balanced Literacy
Systematic-phonics programs teach young children to read by helping them to recognize and sound out the letters and syllables of words. Students are then led to blend these sounds together to sound out and recognize the whole word. While other reading programs might touch on phonetics (either incidentally or on a “when needed” basis), systematic phonics teaches phonics in a specific sequence, and uses extensive repetition and direct instruction to help readers associate specific letter patterns with their associated sounds.
Balanced reading programs are typically Whole Language programs with supplementary phonics training. This training might be incidental, or it might take the form of mini-lessons.
Our teachers use best practices based on individual student need.
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Equal balance
Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.
Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.
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Inquiry
Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.
Inquiry-based science emphasizes teaching science as a way of thinking or practice, and therefore tries to get students “doing” science as much as possible -- and not just “learning” it. Students still learn foundational scientific ideas and content (and build on this knowledge progressively); however, relative to expository science instruction, inquiry-based programs have students spend more time developing and executing their own experiments (empirical and theoretical). Students are frequently challenged to develop critical and scientific-thinking skills by developing their own well-reasoned hypothesis and finding ways to test those hypotheses. Projects and experiments are emphasized over textbook learning. Skills are emphasized over breadth of knowledge.
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Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Zoology
Equal Balance
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
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Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Thematic
The Thematic approach organizes the curriculum around certain themes or cultural universals. Students might spend time focused on food. Then they might focus on transportation or government, and so on.
The Thematic approach organizes the curriculum around certain themes or cultural universals. Students might spend time focused on food. Then they might focus on transportation or government, and so on.
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Equal Balance
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
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Communicative
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
The communicative method of language acquisition emphasizes the use of the target language in authentic contexts. The approach commonly features interactive group work, games, authentic texts, and opportunities to learn about the cultural background of the language. Drills and quizzes may still be used, but less frequently than with the audio-lingual method.
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Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
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Equal Balance
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
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Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Medium integration
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
Technology is seamlessly integrated throughout our curriculum.
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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
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Play-based
Academic-based preschools and Kindergartens are the most structured of the different types, and have a strong emphasis on math and reading readiness skills. These programs aim to expose children to what early-elementary school is like. While time is still allotted to free play, much of the day is built around explicit lessons guided by the teacher. Classrooms often resemble play-based ones (with different stations set up around the room), but at an Academic program the teacher leads students through the stations directly, and ties these activities to a whole-class lesson or theme.
Play-based programs are the most common type of preschool and Kindergarten, and are founded on the belief young children learn best through play. Largely open-ended and minimally structured, play-based programs aim to develop social skills and a love of attending school. “Pre-academic” skills are taught, but in a more indirect way than at, say, an Academic program: through children playing in different “stations” set up around the classroom, which children choose on their own volition. Stations often contain an indirect lesson or developmental goal. Play-based classrooms are highly social and active.
Our educational philosophy of international mindedness is cultivated and supported through the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. MacLachlan is proud to be the only school in Oakville designated with the prestigious IB PYP designation. Small class sizes provide personalized attention where students develop a sense of belonging and purpose through strong bonds with their teachers and fellow classmates. It is of paramount importance that we provide an atmosphere where students do not just learn, but are eager and engaged. Our students embrace learning, develop a spirit of confidence and find their own voice in a supportive, safe and nurturing environment.
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Standard-enriched
Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.
Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.
Currently, at Eastgate Academy, three grades are combined into one homeroom class: K-2, 3-5, 6-8.
Supportive
A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.
The academic culture at Eastgate is both rigorous and supportive. There are high expectations and a challenging curriculum as students progress through the grades. However, at the heart of the culture is support to support student wellness, inspire curiosity, and cultivate a love of the pursuit of learning. Students are heavily involved in creating norms and expectations that guide the academic culture, and educators are seen as facilitators that create learning engagements that meet students where they are and challenge them.
"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Emotional
The goal is to cultivate "emotionally intelligent and confident individuals, capable of leading both themselves and others."
Eastgate Academy focuses on balancing academic and intellectual growth with physical and mental wellbeing to offer a tailored learning experience to every student.
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
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Badminton |
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Baseball |
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Basketball |
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Canoeing/Kayaking |
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Cricket |
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Cross-country skiing |
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Cycling |
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Downhill skiing |
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Equestrian |
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Fencing |
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Field Hockey |
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Figure Skating |
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Football |
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Golf |
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Gymnastics |
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Ice Hockey |
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Ice Skating |
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Lacrosse |
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Martial Arts |
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Mountain biking |
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Racquet Ball |
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Rowing |
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Rugby |
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Running |
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Sailing |
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Skateboarding |
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Snowboarding |
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Soccer |
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Softball |
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Squash |
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Swimming |
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Tennis |
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Track & Field |
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Volleyball |
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Weightlifting |
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Wrestling |
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Archery |
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Curling |
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Ultimate |
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
6 - 8
0%
0%
$10,000
$0
0%
0%
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes
Yes: grades 2 - 8
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes: grades K - 8
No
No
No
No
Applications are welcome throughout the year, however, beginning the process early increases the likelihood of securing a space for your child. MacLachlan accepts applications from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. Please note, admission procedures are more informal for children at the PK to SK levels. Rolling admission is available for Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 8.
Application fee:
$100 per student (non-refundable), paid at the time of online application submission. This covers the cost of the admissions assessment.
Registration deposit:
$1000 per student, due upon enrollment to secure a place at the school. This amount is non-refundable but will be applied towards tuition.
Bond:
$10,000 per family, paid upon enrollment. The bond is an investment in the growth and development of the school. It is reimbursed to the family at the end of the school year in which the last child leaves the school.