Why Lakefield College School?
Families who worry about too much screen time want their children to spend the high school years in nature and on the move. The school responds to this need by placing its "Outdoors Every Day" philosophy at the centre of its program. Its history of more than 145 years and its CAIS accreditation show that this approach is delivered within a reviewed institution.
- Students who love nature: It suits those who enjoy canoeing, camping and outdoor activities. These activities are part of the four-year curriculum.
- Families who want a small school: It suits those looking for a community where every student is known by name. The house system and the low student-teacher ratio make this possible.
- Those looking for a high-school-only focus: It suits those who prefer a campus with only grade 9-12 students. The school has no elementary or middle school division.
Reasons: the features that make Lakefield College School special
- A four-year outdoor curriculum: Outdoor Education is taught as a curriculum spread over four years. Students learn resilience and teamwork by experience.
- A lakeside campus: The 315-acre campus is on the shore of Lake Katchewanooka. Water sports and nature activities are part of daily life.
- AP and Harkness: The school combines AP courses with the Harkness discussion method. The student is the one who speaks and argues a case, not the one who listens.
- Low student-teacher ratio: The ratio is 6:1. Teachers closely follow the student's academic and personal development.
- 12 small houses: Students are spread across 12 small houses. Each student is known and supported in their own house.
- An international community: Students come from more than 40 countries. Despite the small-town setting, the environment is multicultural.
- A lean application: The Duolingo English Test and a conversational interview of about 45 minutes are required. The process is clear for the applicant.
Cost analysis: what one school year costs
International boarding tuition is CAD 90,800 for 2026-27; inclusions are not listed.
| Item | CAD | When |
|---|---|---|
| International boarding tuition | 90,800 | listed with the annual fees |
| Technology fee | 2,900 | listed with the annual fees |
| Activity fee | 350 | listed with the annual fees |
| Registration fee | 5,000 | one-time |
| Headline annual fee with boarding | 90,800 | 2026-27 |
| One-time fees in the first year | 5,000 | added to the first year only |
The headline fee works out to about CAD 9,080 per school month over a 10-month year, accommodation and meals included. Flights, pocket money, the study permit fee and biometrics are not included.
Page does not say which fees are one-time or annual (registration, technology, activity); first-year uniform cost is not stated; confirm with the school.
Fees were compiled in October 2026 and change every school year; confirm the amount with the school before applying.
How this fee compares
At CAD 90,800, this fee is CAD 1,150 above the median of CAD 89,650 among 24 CAIS schools with boarding included.
Outcome: resilient young people who can express themselves
- A healthy routine: Time spent outdoors every day supports physical and mental balance. This routine is especially valuable during adolescence.
- The ability to speak up: Harkness discussions develop fluency in thinking and speaking in English. For an international student, this is one of the fastest routes to language development.
- University preparation: The OSSD and AP courses lay the groundwork for applications in Canada and abroad. Recognition in the student's home country is handled by that country's education authority.
- Close relationships: Small houses and low ratios build a strong teacher-student bond. Parents can communicate directly with teachers who know their child.
Who it suits and what to consider
- Cost: The 2026/27 international boarding fee is CAD 90,800. To this are added a CAD 5,000 registration fee, a CAD 2,900 technology fee, a CAD 350 activity fee and the first-year uniform cost. The current fee should be confirmed with the school before applying.
- Location and climate: Lakefield is a small town and winters are long and cold. It may not suit students looking for city life and shopping malls. Being keen on outdoor activities is a precondition for the student to be happy at the school.
- Timeline: Boarding applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, but places are limited. The school recommends applying early. The decision is generally communicated within two weeks of the process being completed. After admission, the Study Permit application is made. The decision is made by IRCC. Students under 17 need a custodian in Canada.
Would your child be happy at a school immersed in nature? In a free preliminary assessment meeting, we can look at the Lakefield College School option together.