By Tara MacIntosh
In the heart of downtown Oakville, on a stunning 10-acre campus, sits St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School (SMLS), Oakville’s only independent all-girls school. The rich history of this learning institution, founded in 1891, began with the vision of Mother Emily Ayckbowm and later Miss Ruth Lightbourn. These forward-thinking women understood how young girls thrive when nurtured and encouraged and decided to make educating girls a priority when it wasn’t popular to do so.
This prestigious institution, with more than a 130-year legacy, has a solid commitment to empowering young women by instilling comfort, confidence, and a sense of community. Nancy Richards, M. Ed, Head of School, comments, “Our values include respect, integrity, innovation, commitment, and courage. These five core values guide our every effort and help us inherently foster a strong, supportive, and progressive community. Our families tell us that they enjoy a warm, uplifting, and inclusive school community where everyone feels welcome.”
At SMLS, exceptional academic achievement is only part of the experience. Student support extends beyond academia to encompass the whole student with access to social workers and advisors, emotional support, and physical activities. Feeling supported in all areas of a young woman’s life allows her to build a sense of confidence and independence. The personalized environment distinguishes each student as an individual recognizable by name to faculty, staff, and fellow students. The older girls mentor the younger ones, giving the youthful girls role models to look up to. The students are encouraged to engage with one another, building a larger community and lifelong network of friends outside their grade or age level.
One of the many reasons to attend SMLS is to participate in globally recognized Signature Programs. Nancy says, “Academic studies are integrated with unique Signature Programs that provide career and life experiences and allow students to gain a deeper personal understanding of the world around them and develop as global citizens and leaders.” Three pillars speak to the value of an SMLS education. The first pillar is superior educational experiences, including social and emotional well-being as well as physical and leadership development. The differentiated educational experience is the second pillar, including globally recognized Signature Programs. The third pillar is personalized educational experiences supporting the unique understanding of how girls learn as well as personalize choice and connection.
A notable difference in SMLS education is the hands-on technology and innovation teachings. Each classroom is equipped with a computer for each student, and the age-appropriate exposure to technology is engaging and encouraged. The girls progress from building with LEGO to building working robots. The incredibly talented and hard-working students are tested by competing against other schools in science, technology, engineering, and math. The robotics program has become increasingly popular, growing from two girls in 2002 to over fifty, making it the largest school program. SMLS proudly had the first all-girls Canadian competing robotics team and the first Canadian team to win the prestigious World Engineering Inspiration Award at the first Robotics World Championships. Along with robotics, the students try their hand with sewing machines, hand tools, and circuit boards. These subjects have become so popular students
often voluntarily extend their allotted time working on a broad range of projects that challenge their abilities.
St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School graduates are well equipped to succeed as they have had all the support they need to thrive in their adult lives. Nancy comments, “Our rigorous academic program sets our students up for success in higher education for sure, but more than that, our everyday school life includes out-of-the-classroom experiences too so that students are prepared for the real world after they leave SMLS. Our Signature Series, in particular, provide skills, competencies, character and leadership traits to thrive in an ever-evolving, increasingly interconnected and interdependent world.” Every part of the student and life experience gained at this exquisite campus has been carefully crafted to encourage girls to grow into their best selves. The advancement, personally and academically, sets young women up for a successful career and provides life-long friendships and community connections to lean on through all phases of their lives.
SMLS is often a family affair with multiple generations attending. The SMLS mission, to develop courageous girls who challenge and change the world, is woven into the fabric of everything the girls do. Graduates of St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School are forever grateful for the time they spent growing and learning at this exceptional all-girls campus.
