St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School, A Private All-Girls School, Oakville, ON

A school where girls feel at home.

Attend an Open House
April Private Tours

Offered Tuesday-Thursday, all month long.
The Lightbourn Library Fund

Make a Donation
A school where girls learn confidence.

Through Academic Programming
A school where girls learn courage.

Through unique Signature Programming
A school where girls learn tenacity.

Through a well-rounded experience
A school where girls learn to dare.

See the SMLS Advantage

We know how girls learn.

We have a profound understanding of how girls learn, which is: Differently. The measure of our expertise is the bold mark our students will make on the world. As a student moves forward through her school years and beyond, she looks to SMLS as a source of pride and power, with gender never standing in her way.
Read More

1 / 3

10

advanced placement courses offered each year
130+

years of experience in leading girls' education
1st

all-girls robotics team in canada
280+

Offers of Admission from Leading Universities for the Class of 2023
40+

athletics teams
5

unique signature programs
50+

clubs and councils
550

students across 3 divisions

1/8

1 / 4

Our SMLS Values

At SMLS, we engage each girl in a personalized, real-world learning experience, where she explores her unique pathways in a nurturing community.

Experience Our School

List of 6 news stories.

SMLS Alumna Named U of T's New President
3/26/2025
Congratulations to SMLS alumna Dr. Melanie Woodin ‘91 on her recent appointment as President of the prestigious University of Toronto. A distinguished scientist and academic leader, Dr. Woodin has made a profound impact in the fields of neuroscience and higher education.
Read More
Fearless Futures Begin Here
3/4/2025

Saturday, March 8th marks International Women’s Day - a day when women are recognized for their achievements without regard to divisions (whether national, cultural, economic, or political). This is a spirit that SMLS embraces every day. In every classroom, in every program, in every opportunity, girls are recognized for their strength, their spirit, their talent, their skill, their ambition, and their fearlessness.

Read More
SMLS Earns AP Computer Science Principles Female Diversity Award
2/27/2025

Recognized for Improving Female Representation in AP Computer Science Principles

Read More
Keen Curiosity and Determined Persistence Will Solve Some of the World's Biggest Challenges
2/21/2025
What sets SMLS’s programming apart from others is that we are inspiring a keen curiosity, a deep work ethic, and a determined persistence in our students. These are the attributes that will help SMLS graduates own their future.
Read More
SMLS Featured in The Globe and Mail: The Benefits of Entry Years, Small Class Sizes & All-Girls Education
2/7/2025
SMLS has been featured in three recent Globe and Mail articles, each highlighting a key aspect of the independent school experience - strategic entry years, the advantages of small class sizes, and the transformative impact of an all-girls education.
Read More
SMLS's Senior School: A Catalyst for Success
2/7/2025
SMLS’s Senior School is a catalyst for success in so many ways. The school itself was recently recognized with the College Board’s APⓇ Computer Science Female Diversity Award for expanding young women’s access to AP Computer Science Principles. SMLS is one of only 847 schools worldwide (and the only Ontario-based CAIS school) to achieve this accomplishment.
Read More

Come Visit Us Take the Next Steps

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.

Angel N., Class of 2023

“Through SMLS’s unique opportunities available to students, I was able to join SWAT 77 [the school’s robotics team] in Grade 8. This allowed me to learn more about and pursue my interest in STEMR. I have also found ways to become involved in the school community with the numerous leadership opportunities offered to students.”
Bisma B., Class of 2008

“Once you become a Millie, you are welcomed into a family, a community, and a network with deep and loving traditions…When I was a new entrepreneur, this community supported me. It provided mentorship from other alumnae who had been in business long before me. This community provided me with a network that I could rely on and a foundation to help me thrive.”
Claire B. Class of 2013

“SMLS is a community which offers all girls life-changing experiences to grow, build self-confidence, and to thrive academically. I started as a student in kindergarten and stayed all the way through to the end of Grade 12. SMLS was a safe place for me growing up, where I could be my true self and where I was welcomed warmly by all staff.”
Eva L, Class of 2022

“As a Senior School student, I had designated advisor times when I could meet with advisor teachers and have individual, one-on-one conversations. This is how I learned firsthand that, whenever I need help, there would always be someone in the SMLS community who could give me guidance.”
Jessica M., Class of 2023

“As I enter into my final year of high school…I get to think back now and count all of the things I love about SMLS. Things like our small class sizes, which mean we get the help and academic attention we deserve. I have always found my teachers to be caring and supportive and I can approach them with any questions or issues I may have. All the teachers and faculty members are amazing and all have the same goal of making students more successful.”
Katie D., Class of 2025

"In my time at St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School, I have had so many fantastic experiences. I never feel scared to share my voice in the classroom, and I love being surrounded by courageous and confident women. I am constantly pushed out of my comfort zone, and exposed to leadership and learning opportunities. Across my extracurricular activities, I have made connections with students across the grades, and have built strong relationships with many of my teachers.”
Melanie P., Class of 2018

"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.”
Miranda P., Class of 2003

"I was taught that my ideas and voice mattered. I was taught to care for myself and others, both at school and in my community. We practised the joy that comes from supporting and lifting up other women, and it was so easy and natural to do.”
Paisley H. Class of 2023

“The impact that SMLS has had on me is substantial. SMLS Has both amazing opportunities as well as excellent staff that have helped guide me towards achieving my goals.”
Sena Y., Class of 2022

“As students here, we are able to receive a world-class education, with teachers who support us, encourage us to grow and chase our dreams. We have literature resources, experiential learning, STEMR opportunities, arts programs and sports facilities all at the tip of our fingers.”
Sophia T., Class of 2024

"For thirteen years, SMLS has pushed me to explore my horizons, make new connections, and discover my place in the world as an ambitious young woman."