Lakefield College School offers bus transferring.
Service options offered are airport pick-up, regular rider, regular rider AM only, regular rider PM only, occasional rider.
The regions Lakefield College School offers busing from are:
The 50-page review of Lakefield College 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.
"At LCS, immersive, hands-on learning and strong academics—including AP, interdisciplinary courses, and Harkness discussions—empower teenagers with the skills, mindsets, and experiences to confidently navigate an ever-changing world. Our community helps each student discover their strengths and passions, supported by caring mentors and friends from around the world. Through real-world experiences on Canada’s largest waterfront campus, students build confidence, curiosity, and resilience for life beyond school."
Worldwide university acceptances
315 acres on Lake Katchewanooka
AP Capstone School
Harkness Method
Leadership, Character, Values Program
Renowned Outdoor Education Program
Individualized Fitness and Wellbeing program (for every student)
Small Family-Like residences
International travel, study, service
1.5 hours northeast of Toronto
1. Who are you, as a school?
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
At LCS, we believe spending time in nature and getting outdoors every day is so important, it is a core element of our strategic plan. Our programs are designed to help students deepen their connections with and responsibility to nature and the outdoors and support our belief that these go hand-in-hand with individual performance and wellbeing, and respect for others.
"At LCS, we believe spending time in nature and getting outdoors every day is so important, it is a core element of our strategic plan. Our programs are designed to help students deepen their connections with and responsibility to nature and the outdoors and support our belief that these go hand-in-hand with individual performance and wellbeing, and respect for others."
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
Information not yet available.
4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
Information not yet available.
5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
Information not yet available.
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
Information not yet available.
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
Families choose LCS for its intentional focus on belonging, commitment to the outdoors, well-rounded education and community-minded focus. LCS has a local footprint and a global perspective that inspires students to understand and respect the world around them. The LCS experience instills greater confidence and independence, a deeper self-awareness, and understanding of the importance of living by a shared set of community values designed to positively impact the planet and those around them.
"Families choose LCS for its intentional focus on belonging, commitment to the outdoors, well-rounded education and community-minded focus. LCS has a local footprint and a global perspective that inspires students to understand and respect the world around them. The LCS experience instills greater confidence and independence, a deeper self-awareness, and understanding of the importance of living by a shared set of community values designed to positively impact the planet and those around them."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
Information not yet available.
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
When families first join the LCS community, the sense of belonging created among students and staff, and the importance placed on providing a voice for students to share their perspective, may not be immediately obvious. A strong school culture is not something that can be artificially created. LCS is very intentional about building in time for daily, meaningful connections and opportunities to express perspectives. The benefits to new students and families quickly become noteworthy.
"When families first join the LCS community, the sense of belonging created among students and staff, and the importance placed on providing a voice for students to share their perspective, may not be immediately obvious. A strong school culture is not something that can be artificially created. LCS is very intentional about building in time for daily, meaningful connections and opportunities to express perspectives. The benefits to new students and families quickly become noteworthy."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
LCS graduates received over $1.4M in scholarships and offers last year to top post-secondary institutions worldwide. Lakefield’s focus on community, wellbeing and connecting to nature and the outdoors leverages the many benefits of its stunning campus. On first glance, it may appear less rigorous, academically. Families may be surprised that a community focussed on wellbeing and joy is filled with students driven to learn and lead through a breadth of opportunities designed to inspire leaders.
"LCS graduates received over $1.4M in scholarships and offers last year to top post-secondary institutions worldwide. Lakefield’s focus on community, wellbeing and connecting to nature and the outdoors leverages the many benefits of its stunning campus. On first glance, it may appear less rigorous, academically. Families may be surprised that a community focussed on wellbeing and joy is filled with students driven to learn and lead through a breadth of opportunities designed to inspire leaders."
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
Information not yet available.
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
Watch our Lakefield College School Q&A discussion with Cody (Alum), Max (Alum), Paula (Parent) to gain fresh insight into the school’s culture, values, and strengths.
Gr. 10 to Gr. 12 — My experience at Lakefield College School was amazing. I instantly fell in love with the community there. From the bonds I made on the first day to the relationships I built with teachers in the classroom, it truly felt like I was part of a family.
The school prepared me in ways that I did not expect. Yes, it prepares you very well for your future in terms of education, but it also prepares you for life in general, whether it is something as simple as a daily greeting or as important as an interview for a new job. LCS equips you with a unique skill set that helps you stand out and collaborate easily with others.
If a new student enrolled at this school, I would expect them to develop a new appreciation for nature, a love of learning, and a greater appreciation for people as a whole. Before coming to Lakefield, I liked being in nature, but it was not something I proactively sought out. Years later, LCS is the reason I attend a nature-focused campus in British Columbia.
Connecting with teachers and students became something I looked forward to every day. The teachers care deeply about you and dedicate so much of themselves to supporting their students.
I would not change anything about LCS. It taught me everything I wanted to know about myself. My advice is to take advantage of every opportunity available to you. LCS is a rare place where you can experience truly wonderful opportunities.
Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 — My Lakefield experience was memorable and impactful. Throughout my four years at LCS, I grew so much through the experiences I had, like going on an exchange in grade 10. What I like best about Lakefield and my time here was the people and the sense of community; it really is something special and unique to LCS, and now that I have graduated, I cherish it and am better because of it. There isn't much I would change about the school. I think everything is very Lakefield, and each aspect really does make LCS like no other. I think the school prepared me as much as it could for life's next steps. I don't think it completely prepared me, but I also don't think that it needed to, and I learned throughout my experience post-LCS. A prospective student should expect to sometimes feel like they are at summer camp, meet some of the best people, be challenged in new ways, try new things, and learn a lot about themselves if they were to enroll in Lakefield College School.
Gr. 11 to Gr. 12 — I really appreciated the strong sense of community at LCS and how diverse the student body was. Students came from many different countries and backgrounds, yet we were still very close as a community. Even after graduating from high school, many of us still keep in touch, which I am very grateful for.
One thing I wish LCS could improve is its donation system. At times, I felt that students and parents were viewed mainly as potential donors, which created pressure to contribute to the school.
Overall, LCS helped me grow and become more independent. However, I also believe the university guidance system could be improved. While I understand that some career guidance counsellors are excellent, my personal experience was not positive. Since university decisions can have a major impact on students’ futures, I believe stronger and more consistent support in this area is very important.
Gr. 10 to Gr. 12 — My time at LCS was spent building meaningful friendships and learning about more than the core school subjects. I remember learning more about myself, about the world on a more global scale, and I learned to appreciate diversity in art, sport, and academics. What stands out to me is the opportunities for going above and beyond in extracurricular activities, having the opportunity to create a real impact on campus, and having faculty who had your back. Whether it was a guidance counsellor pushing you for the next award application or a head of house checking in on how your day went.
LCS prepared me extremely well for university life. During my time, we were required to take advantage of the resources available (like grove time, study time, etc). Having had that requirement made it feel normal to do at university, which many students don't do. I also maintained a lot of my study/work life structure from LCS into my undergrad, which helped keep me on track.
I'm not sure what has changed at LCS in the last six years. I'd hope they can still expect a campus that facilitates social connection in a way that feels like summer camp. Where students can learn a balance between goofing off together and putting in studious hours in the library. Maybe what LCS taught me most is to maintain this balance that is inevitably required once in the real world!
Gr. 9 (current),Gr. 9 (current) — I have twin girls attending LCS, who have very different temperaments and interests. Both girls enjoy the academic structure and educators. The enthusiasm teachers have for their subjects and their students' success is excellent. The mod system, regarding language mastery (both girls are in extended French), is certainly an asset. French, for example, is not simply left to the fall/winter term; it has been an all-year-round investment, and their language skills have benefited. One of the most pleasant surprises has been Outdoor Education. This is a unique class at LCS, a campus rich in outdoor opportunities. One of my daughters, who would have been unlikely to have selected traditional physical education as a course subject, is continuing with OE for grade 10. She enjoys being in the outdoors, expanding her knowledge of camping, orienteering, and canoeing, amongst other subjects.
Both girls have benefited from the large selection of co-curricular activities. From learning new sports like sailing, Nordic skiing and rowing to performing with the many musical groups to enjoying quieter time in groups like Creative Threads (knitting and crocheting). There is little idle time if your child chooses to embrace the many opportunities offered.
Gr. 10 (current) — Harmony is thoroughly enjoying her time at Lakefield College School. She has flourished both academically and personally, and the school has opened many doors for her. She is involved in a variety of extracurricular activities, such as volleyball, school plays, and the Lorelei choir. Harmony has made many new friends who have become much like family. During her time at LCS, she has become much more independent and confident. The beginning was tough on both of us, being apart, but the Head of House and team helped with Harmony adapting as well as keeping me in the loop. At this point, there is very little she finds disappointing about her experience, as she truly feels supported and engaged within the school community. As a parent, you can't ask for anything more than a happy, strong and independent child who lives away from home.
Gr. 11 to Gr. 12 — An amazing academic curriculum that stretched my brain. Small class sizes, qualified and engaging and energetic teachers, breadth of academic options and depth of knowledge in staff and the library. This academic strength was coupled with an immersive campus setting that blended arts, sports, nature and leadership. The school motto - a sound mind in a sound body - was evident daily through the blend of academics and the other tangible and intangible aspects that shape young people into good humans. Wonderfully engaging and qualified staff, energetic and well-rounded, who often would go from teaching chemistry to after-school sailing lessons. Multiple and available opportunities to engage in community affairs and civic-mindedness. I used LCS foundations to become the successful person I am today.
Gr. 9 (current),Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 — My son is now in his third year at Lakefield (LCS). He feels both challenged and supported in his strengths and weaknesses. It motivates him that the teacher/school focuses on developing his competencies rather than pushing on his weaknesses. He feels encouraged to make the most of his talents while also receiving the help he needs to overcome challenges.
For example, my son often tells us that he experiences his teachers as highly motivated and truly invested in his success. They are consistently available to clarify questions during the organized Groove Time and even beyond. In class, they create an atmosphere of curiosity and engagement. Despite a full academic schedule, they never create a sense of stress; instead, they highlight each student’s progress and provide constructive feedback that motivates them further. As a boarding student, his "house" and "house father" play an important role. The engagement and sense of belonging created in the house where he lives together with the other boys make a huge difference for him. The community within the house, and the leadership that each student, depending on their grade, is able to take over, helps to create a home away from home.
Gr. 9 (current) — LCS continues to provide a high-quality experience for our son. From small class sizes to small residences, LCS is about community.
Community is created through special events, from school-wide to residence-driven. It is about events, both new and old, that create a sense of LCS through the ages while also adapting to today's climate.
The dining hall creates a warm atmosphere that encourages friendships among students and positive role modelling from staff. The variety of classes and co-curricular activities provides something for everyone.
This sense of community is one of the best things our son enjoys about the school. Additionally, our son has friends from all over the globe, and they connect through their love of the outdoors, music, sport, and all things teenager.
Gr. 11 (current) — Lakefield has exceeded our expectations. Our son joined in Grade 11, and he was immediately welcomed into a great community of boarders within his house. The school did a great job matching him with a roommate, and the boarding staff has done a great job of building community within his house. His Head of House and his Advisor encouraged him to join a variety of activities and clubs. He has had the chance to explore new interests (tennis, maker space, swim team, rock choir, school play, etc). There is so much offered that it was difficult to choose! The emphasis on the outdoors and making real connections has been refreshing. He has spent a lot of time at Northcote Farm this year and has really enjoyed connecting with new peers in nature.
Gr. 9 (current) — I rarely rate anything I provide a critique or review for as perfect, not that it's impossible, yet I rarely encounter anything ( service or product ) that exceeds all expectations. Our son has a keen intellect, love of the outdoors, academics and making new friends. He is also very independent ( bordering on stubborn), has his own drummer, deals with a learning disability and is challenged in a personal organization sense. It has become clear to us that LCS strives to feed his loves/interests while working with him and supporting him in his challenges. It leaves him feeling fully engaged with the school, his house, his peers and all the faculty. In his second year, he can't wait to get to school and always wants to stay late. If the admissions process seems lengthy and complex, I can now, with confidence, say they are working hard to get to know your child and you and make sure that a potential educational relationship between them and your family is beneficial to both parties. Its that relationship that will most impact the student, in our opinion.
Gr. 9 to Gr. 12,Gr. 9 to Gr. 12,Gr. 9 (current) — Sending three boys to Lakefield College School has been an extraordinary journey, as the school has masterfully embraced and nurtured each of their vastly different personalities and needs. While the boys enjoyed shared experiences and the unique culture of The Grove, each was supported in their journey to become the best version of themselves as a person, friend, student, athlete, learner, and artist. The one piece of advice each of the boys gave to the next member of the family to call Lakefield home was that, in order to be successful at LCS, it is important to be kind. The school's culture rewarded that advice tenfold; what our boys appreciate most is the genuine kindness and connection that defines the entire community. If there is any disappointment to speak of, it is only the bittersweet realization of how quickly their time there flies by. Watching all three of our boys succeed in their own unique ways—academically, artistically, athletically, and socially—has been a joy, and as parents, we truly cannot imagine a better school. As parents, we are grateful the boys had the opportunity to learn and grow from being great kids into the incredible individuals they have become. With two LCS graduates in the family, and a third on the way, the boys have commented that they hope they too will be able to have their own children attend Lakefield College School.
Gr. 11 (current),Gr. 11 to Gr. 12 — The first thing that comes out is the phenomenal balance between academic, social and extracurricular experiences. Not one of them stands out; all three do, and that has made our kids treasure their overall experience at the school. Exceptional infrastructure that only continues to improve (e.g. extraordinary new fitness room) in a campus surrounded by gorgeous nature. Structure of academic experience by modules concentrated on a small number of courses at each time is noted by our kids as so much better than their prior experience (a long list of courses all throughout the year). The quality of university guidance and application processes is simply out of this world. The knowledge the school has on AI and the learning that, especially our son, who is now at Lakefield, is acquiring in this field, is deeply researched, exquisitely delivered and designed entirely to enhance the students' overall capabilities as individuals and future professionals. Not many educational institutions can claim this.
Gr. 11 (current) — Lakefield is a beautiful, close-knit community where nature, academics, and personal growth come together. I do love it here—it’s not perfect, but it’s meaningful. The connections with teachers and peers feel genuine, and I’ve grown a lot as a person. I wish I’d known how busy the schedule would be; balancing classes, sports, and house life can get overwhelming. If I could change one thing, I’d add more downtime—quiet hours or cozy indoor spaces to relax, especially in the winter. Still, moments like skating on the lake at night or bonding with housemates make it all worthwhile. Lakefield teaches you how to lead, how to listen, and how to discover who you are—even if you’re still figuring that out along the way.
Gr. 10 (current) — Our daughter has wanted to attend LCS since she was a little girl. She saw her two nieces graduate from LCS and knew that I (mom) attended and loved it. She boards at LCS which has been an adjustment for her, but she has made many good friends and felt right at home from the beginning. She always looks forward to getting back to school after a break and is not wanting the school year to end! Fortunately, she will return next year! Our daughter spent her 9th-grade year at our local high school so the academics at LCS have given her a great challenge which she has risen to! There is always someone to help her if she needs it and all of the kids want to be successful so there is an overall positive attitude towards learning. She has loved the Outdoor Education course as well as all of the extra outdoor activities at the Northcote farm, and at nearby Outdoor centers. They seem to work hard and play hard and she is tired at the end of each day! She has loved all of her seasonal sports and was able to compete in OFSAA for Nordic skiing - a real highlight! She has grown immensely both academically, athletically, and socially. In one short year, she has become independent, determined, and mature. This has been a truly well-rounded education. The staff at LCS are a cohesive, supportive, caring team. The real bonus is the campus! She has loved enjoying Lake Katchewanooka sunsets and bonfires at the waterfront. LCS offers everything you'd get at a high-quality camp, combined with a rigorous academic curriculum. We couldn't be happier with the education our daughter is receiving at Lakefield College School!
Gr. 9 (current) — Our son's experience in LCS is beyond expectations.
He started boarding during the pandemic time, when restrictions ruled life. And still, he loved it. LCS had a way of welcoming the kids that is unique, they found ways of occupying them, making events and games outside. Also, the presence and dedication of the staff at any time were amazing.
Post-pandemic, we discovered the true spirit of LCS. The sports offered, the events organized, the sense of community, and just the beauty of the amazing campus make the high school experience exceptional. On the academic side, he benefits from an excellent teaching staff, who takes time to comment on all of his homework and tests, with clear, honest and precise feedback. This helped him so much to improve and become a better student. He is enjoying dedicated advisory and very personalized help from the university counsellor. They helped him choose the appropriate classes for grade 11. LCS offers so many different options and AP classes, the possibilities are endless.
He loves the "board house" solution LCS is offering. since he started LCS, he shares the same house with 24 boys from 14 nationalities and he ADORES it. They became a little family and he is truly living and enjoying diversity.
Gr. 10 to Gr. 12 — After investigating private boarding schools worldwide, LCS was our first choice, and the school did not disappoint. Our daughter started at the school in grade 10 after seven years of homeschooling, and the entire process was very supportive. She found all of the programs and staff, both academic and non-academic world-class, very supportive and caring. Having grown up in Singapore and an Asian food foodie, she and some of her friends did find they needed to go off campus to get their fill of authentic Asian cuisine and would have liked to see some of that in the dining halls. Overall our daughter would have to say that she has met some lifelong friends during her time at Lakefield and will always cherish that from her time at the school. They had a lot of fun and thoroughly enjoyed the environment and the experience.
Gr. 9 (current) — Lakefield College School has truly become a place I call home. From the staff that deeply cares and enriches my time at LCS by constantly checking in with me through advisor or house meetings, or nightly check-ins, I have felt an overwhelming amount of love and respect since coming to this school. As a student, I have grown in many ways academically, knowledge, and skills-wise, but also as a person, I have grown into a more independent, caring and kind, genuine person who has a love of learning and a deep respect for the people and place around me. LCS has helped me become these things, and day by day it continuously pushes me to take bigger risks, have more confidence, to be more. LCS has become a part of me, and it will stay with me forever.
Our son has had a terrific couple of years at LCS. He has been able to follow his passions (math and computing, areas in which he has traditionally excelled and the school has supported him in participating in Canadian competitions) while exploring new frontiers that have challenged him both on sports fields and academic ones. At all times he has felt supported by his house parent and his teachers, who have shown real care and understanding of his personality. He did also feel really at ease when he had to stay in the school for 10 consecutive months in his first year due to COVID restrictions. The school organized activities during every break and we as parents were always confident he could not be under better care.
Gr. 9 (current) — My daughter Judy has stayed in LCS for 3 school years. My wife and I can feel that she is happy and enjoys school life very much. She likes the beautiful school environment with a nice lake close to her dorm. Judy also enjoys the abundant facilities and places that the school provides which lets her learn and exercise with a firm foundation. The points she appreciates are the teachers and staff in LCS, they take care of my daughter very nicely and provide lots of warm activities for boarding students, especially on the days they are not able to come back to China during the holidays and quarantine periods. These days she's staying with us for the summer holidays and sharing with us lots of happy moments she experienced in LCS for the past school year. We could feel the education by LCS change and make her kinder and more sincere.
Our son attended Lakefield College School (LCS) for Grade 9 and now he is a Grade 11 international boarding student. LCS is truly the home away from home, a caring community that allows our son to develop himself into a young man knowing and respecting people around him, making a lot of good friends, and growing himself into a more responsible community contributor and a future leader; LCS is also a continuous learning environment that is keeping push our son to challenge himself to reach next higher level and discover his potentials both on academic studies and competitive sports activities, and nurture him to find out his real interests he would like to pursue in future. LCS is really a fun place full of joys, happiness and kindness. Our son’s great experiences in LCS have our family decide to bring another boy to the school for Grade 9 study in 2021.
The relationships between students and staff is truly like no other. Lakefield is a place where you do not only have to be great at one thing but to become good at many things. Pushing yourself to limits you may never have thought of before. The community environment and the facilities Lakefield has is what sets it apart from other schools. Being able to attend AP Biology classes 10 feet away from where you get to paddle and camp out with another class is an experience you cannot get anywhere else. The overall academics push your brain, the outdoor experience pushes your strength, the athletics push your physicality, and the arts test your creativity. These aspects create a Lakefield student that is ready to take on the world and future challenges that they may be faced with.
Our son attended Lakefield College School for Grade 12, instead of doing CEGEP in our home province of Quebec. LCS provided our son with independence, confidence and security all while allowing him to develop each of those skills on his own. Changing him into a confident, independent young man overnight. Instilling a good work ethic all while having fun in his school community. The staff would be our son's number one takeaway from LCS. The guidance, encouragement, community and family feel prepared him for university life. LCS campus provides the students with a home atmosphere the activities and house events give all students the opportunity to get involved. Our son appreciated the art sports facilities! His ONLY regret or disappointment would be that he didn't attend LCS sooner, one year was not enough in his opinion.
If I was to describe LCS in one word I would use Kindergarten. Remember that time in life when play-based learning, inquiry, discovery, kindness and inclusivity were quintessential to teaching and knowledge transfer? That is what LCS is - on a high school scale. Our child has appreciated this approach to learning. He finds it fun, engaging, challenging and relevant. The expectations of him go beyond the classroom block where he is encouraged to discover and nurture other talents through required clubs, sports and boarding house events. There is nothing he is disappointed with because he is invited for feedback often with resolution. For example, he finds the food tasty and reflective of the diversity on campus, which came from a feedback session he participated in.
LCS is an amazing school that offers a wide range of top notch classes. The staff is phenomenal and are truly there to teach, mentor and guide their students. The outdoor education is unique and a wonderful experience for students. They have a great set of arts and sports available to all students. Not only was there regular school activities but all the students had opportunies to participate in international volunteer expeditions, or leadership programs. The school has intersession days where the students do community work, go on field trips, and do team building exercises. The range of extra curriculars is awesome and the sports are offered at different levels from beginner to highly competitive. There are many opportunities to participate in the arts, through plays, musicals, band, choirs, visual arts clubs, and photography. If the students find a need for a club or group they are encouraged to run it, providing an opportunity for leadership and having another option for the student body.
Anne-Marie Kee’s passion for Lakefield College School didn’t just start when she became Head of School. Kee actually enrolled her children at the school prior to signing on as Head of School.
