Open House and Candlelight Concert
Saturday, December 6
6:00 – 8:30 pm
Celebrate the season with Laureate College at our special Open House and Candlelight Concert on Saturday, December 6, from 6:00 to 8:30 PM.
Begin the evening by exploring our campus, meeting faculty, and discovering our innovative programs during the Open House. Then, be serenaded by the warm glow and beautiful melodies of our candlelight concert, showcasing talented students and faculty in a cozy, festive atmosphere.
This event is perfect for families and community members eager to experience the spirit of Laureate through both education and the arts.
Robert Hamilton
Head of School
Situated on a picturesque 50-acre natural campus and housed in a historic four-storey stone school building dating back to 1927 and spanning 150,000 square feet, Laureate is a community STEAM school serving families and students in Canada and globally.
Founded in 2012, Laureate has proudly called its new campus home since July 2022. We are committed to providing an exceptional learning environment and enriching experiences to empower our students. We welcome students with different ambitions, passions, and perspectives to join us in co-creating an engaging and supportive school community. Through their journey at Laureate, our students acquire the knowledge, skill sets and growth mindset that foster intellectual curiosity, character development, and leadership skills to achieve mastery.
As a STEAM school, Laureaete integrates the disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering, Gifted Arts and Mathematics in a cohesive curriculum. This approach helps students develop not only the eight core competencies—critical thinking, collaboration, communication, creativity, citizenship, consolidation, consideration, and confidence—but also a deep understanding of how these disciplines intersect and complement each other. The result is a well-rounded skill set essential for success in today's technologically advanced and interconnected world.
Our enriched student life and beyond-classroom opportunities broaden horizons and inspire the next generation of leaders.
We have organised the information available for this school into 11 sections and 43 questions. Click or tap on the name of each section to read more.
Nationalities
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Number of students
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50
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Number of nationalities represented in the school
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5
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Most common nationality
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Our students are from Canada, USA, Asia (China and Japan), North America (Mexico), Africa (Nigeria and Egypt), Latin America (Brazil and Costa Rica), Central Asia (Bangladesh), etc.
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Ratio of local students to international students
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50% to 50%
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Languages
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Native English speaking teachers
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Yes
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Language support for students not fluent in English
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Yes
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Additional language classes offered by the school
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French
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Classroom
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Max. number of students per class
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15
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Average number of students per class
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8
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Does the school employ teaching assistants?
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Yes
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Use of technology in the classroom
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We use the Moodle platform, and students bring their laptops. All classrooms have a big-screen TV or monitor.
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Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures)
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Yes. We use TEAMS or ZOOM meeting platforms for online lessons when needed.
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Do students practice religion at the school? What religion?
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No. We are non-denominational, although we have a Catholic chapel on site and many religious symbols throughout the campus from our past as a private Catholic school (1927-1983).
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Academics
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External examinations or assessments available
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Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test
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Results in these examinations
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It is one of the requirements for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). To meet this requirement, all high school students must pass it or successfully complete the Ontario Literacy Course (OLC).
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Do teachers assign homework to their students?
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Yes. It varies by teacher and subject. Students are expected to complete homework, assignments, group projects or independent work as part of the assessment for/of/as learning defined by the Ontario Ministry of Education.
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Approximate hours of homework given
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An hour and a half to two hours a day. Laureate boarding students utilize their mandatory independent self-study time from 6:30 - 9:00 pm to work on their academics, while all students have the teacher-led tutorial opportunity during the independent learning period from 9:45-10:45 am Monday to Thursday.
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Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation
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100% admission to universities in Canada, the U.S.A., the U.K., Australia and worldwide.
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Student support
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Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs
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Individualized accommodation can be arranged when approved by the school principal.
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Learning support offered
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If needed, accommodations will be provided based on the student's IEP. For example, more time is needed to complete an exam, permission to wear noise-cancellation headphones to minimize distractions, or take the exam in a separate room.
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The school supports gifted, able and talented students
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We offer enriched opportunities, such as competitions, guest speakers, mentorship, master classes, internships, for-credit co-op placements, performances and art exhibition opportunities for gifted arts students, after-school art programs, choir, piano lessons, acting lessons, visual art lessons, portfolio preparation workshops, and STEAM project learning activities each term to support and hone students' talents.
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Student access to education psychologist
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It will be on a referral basis when needed.
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Admissions
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Entry evaluation for students
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Yes. International students whose first language is not English are required to take the English placement exam and have an online meeting with the school principal before enrolling with Laureate. An online or in-person audition is required for admission to Laureate's Gifted Arts Program.
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Brief description of entry evaluation required
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Yes. Admissions will review applicants' report cards, contact the school principal, or request a recommendation letter when needed.
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Waiting list
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No, not now, as we started the first school year in September 2023. We are accepting a kindergarten waitlist for the 2027-2028 school year.
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Deadline for registration (new academic year)
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The deadline for September entrance to high school is April 20 (G9-12). For Term 2 (November), Term 3 (January), and Term 4 (April) entrances, the deadline is two weeks prior to the start of each term. We have four terms a school year and four entry points throughout the school year, plus the summer term in July. For the elementary program (K-8), we offer rolling enrollment throughout the school year, with two semesters.
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Students can join after academic year begins
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YES. Students in grades 9 to 12 can join during the academic year in September, November, January, and April. Kindergarten (2027) to Grade 8 students can join anytime throughout the school year.
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School day
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School start time
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High school (G9-12) classes start at 8:30 a.m. each school day except Wednesday, which is a late start day with classes beginning at 10:00 a.m. Elementary school (K-G8) classes start at 8:40 a.m., and the house period is from 8:30 to 8:40 a.m.
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School finish time
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High school (G9-12) last period ends at 3:15 p.m. The after-school program starts from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m., Monday to Thursday. Boarding students must attend the after-school program from Monday to Thursday; day students are recommended to participate in at least two after-school programs. Elementary school students (K-G8) have a daily dismissal time of 3:30 pm.
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Supervised care before/after school
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High school students can arrive at 8:00 am when the school is open and leave at 4:30 pm. Elementary students can sign up for aftercare, which has fees for children 5 to 13 years of age.
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School bus service available
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Yes. A school van.
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School provided lunches
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Yes. Our 2,400 sq/ft commercial-grade kitchen prepares three meals daily, seven days a week, including holidays, for our boarding students. Day students can purchase the lunch tickets ($15) from the school front desk. Meals are served buffet-style in our 3,300 sq/ft dining hall.
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Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc)
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We don't offer alternative food items for special diets. Instead, we offer a variety of items during each meal, and students with special diets can choose according to their preferences. We do our best to accommodate food allergies if necessary.
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Uniform required
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High school students (G9-12) are not required to wear a uniform but must follow the school dress code to maintain clean and appropriate attire during school days. Elementary students (K-G8) students are required to wear the school uniform.
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Facilities
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Facilities at the school
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There is an activity room, cafeteria, on-campus residence with ensuite rooms, outdoor fields including a basketball court, soccer field, multi-purpose outdoor fields, Jubilee Garden, patio, BBQ, bonfire pit, gazebos, archery field, apple orchard, backyard harvest (vegetable farm), disc gold field, natural trails, and direct access to Bruce Trail, the ecological gem of North America and part of the Niagara Escarpment.
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Sports facilities at the school
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Outdoor basketball court, soccer field, disc golf field, fitness studio and 50-acre campus for all kinds of outdoor sports and direct access to the Bruce Trail for hiking.
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Boarding
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Grades/ages available for boarding
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Grade 7 (13 years of age) to G12.
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Boarding facilities at the school
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There are double, quadruple, and sextuple on—campus ensuite rooms with bunkbeds and scenic views. There is a large common area. There is a security system and fob access for boarders. There is an on-site laundry room and optional paid laundry services—wash, dry, fold, and deliver with commercial-grade facilities.
Weekly housekeeping service.
The on-campus dining hall provides three meals a day, including holidays.
After-school, weekend and holiday activities or excursions.
Onsite fitness studio, study hall, chapel, activity room, pianos, kitchens (under supervision), live-in dorm parents, separated dorm winds for boys and girls with security door system.
Custodianship or airport pickup services if needed.
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About the school
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Qualities and characteristics best defining the school
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We are a community school that welcomes students with different talents and passions to co-create an inclusive learning environment with the support of the school faculty, staff, parents, and community partners. We believe in forward learning, which allows students to explore possibilities while pursuing mastery of their knowledge and skills at this stage of their transformation to become compassionate, confident and independent thinkers, learners, innovators and leaders.
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Teaching approach of the school
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A student-focused educational framework that balances progressive and rigorous elements integrates various complementary strategies, catering to diverse learning needs and preparing students for future challenges. Strategies such as differentiated instruction combine high academic standards with personalized learning paths, ensuring each student can achieve their potential. Blended learning merges experiential, project-based activities with structured, content-focused instruction, offering an engaging learning experience. Formative assessments guide instruction and support student growth by identifying areas needing improvement. Reflective practices encourage self-assessment and personal reflection, helping students develop critical thinking skills alongside rigorous academic work. Together, these approaches create a balanced educational environment.
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Junior School | Ages 6-14
IB-Inspired & STEAM Focused
Laureate College has long been recognized for its commitment to academic excellence and innovation. Now, with the launch of its junior school program, families have even more opportunities to benefit from its holistic approach to education. Under the leadership of Principal Robert Hamilton, Laureate College Junior School is set to offer enriched learning experiences that integrate STEM subjects with music, languages, and visual arts.
Very few schools offer a balanced approach to academics and extracurricular activities. At Laureate, we offer enrichment in STEM, music, languages and visual arts, all under the caring supervision of strong teachers. Register you child and allow us to engage them in a unique STEAM program.
Ontario Secondary School Diploma | Ages 14-18
Laureate offers credit courses that lead to the completion of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). This diploma is achieved by obtaining 30 credits of which 18 are compulsory credits and 12 are elective credits. In addition, a student must complete 40 hours of community service and pass the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT). If the final average of the top 6 grade 12 credits is 80% or higher, a student may also receive an Ontario Scholar Certificate.
The OSSD will provide the opportunity to advance further in the post-secondary education programs in Ontario as well as other provinces in Canada and other countries.
Our Campus
Against the backdrop of the awe-inspiring Niagara Escarpment and spread across a picturesque 50-acre property, Laureate’s campus sets the stage for academic excellence, personal growth, and vibrant campus life.
The campus boasts 150,000 square footage of a historical four-storey stone main building (1927) that seamlessly blends historical architecture with natural beauty, creating an inspiring environment that encourages learning, reflection, and connection.
The outdoor fields provide ample space for sports and recreational activities, fostering a sense of camaraderie and physical well-being among our high school students. The Jubilee Garden, a vibrant and meticulously maintained oasis, offers a serene escape for reflection and relaxation or an idyllic spot for students to gather, organize events, or simply enjoy the garden’s beauty.
Boarding
Laureate College’s Boarding Program provides a welcoming and caring community environment that helps students become responsible, self-disciplined, and socially skilled in Canadian cultures and values.
We offer on-campus residences at the east (girls) and west (boys) wings on the second floor of the school building. A live-in house parent is residing on each wing as the supervisor and is responsible for the well-being of the boarding students. Each room is fully furnished with bunk beds, closets, desks and chairs, and a full bathroom. A limited number of wheelchair-accessible rooms are also available. All rooms have scenic or courtyard views with plenty of natural light through windows.
There is also a spacious common area for boarders to utilize or hang out. Each wing has a security system and requires a fob or passcode for entry.
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