Inclusivity and Belonging

Young people thrive when they are seen, known, and valued.

Our students live and learn within a global community—intentionally shaped to reflect a broad range of cultures, identities, and lived experiences. While two-thirds of our students are Canadian, our community includes boarding and day students from over 40 countries, 8 provinces and the North West Territories. 

Individual perspectives are respected and something we learn through. Learning through diverse perspectives isn’t always easy, but it builds both confidence and humility. We’re continually learning how to listen better, understand more deeply, and lead with empathy.

Our Value: Inclusive, Caring Community

  • We believe in the dignity and worth of every individual.

  • We embrace diversity, practise equity, and foster connection.

  • We lead with empathy to create a sense of belonging for all.

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“We believe in the dignity and worth of all individuals. We embrace diversity, practise equity and foster connection. We lead with empathy to create a sense of belonging for all.”

Our Commitment to Inclusion

A Culture of Belonging

We work to ensure every student feels seen, supported, and valued. That means creating space for student voice, honouring cultures, and celebrating lived experiences through inclusive programming.

 

 


Students doing jigsaw


Access and Affordability

Inclusion begins with access.

Through our tuition assistance program—including the Indigenous Leadership Bursary and Katchewanooka Scholarship full-support award—roughly one in three students receives some form of tuition assistance. This makes it possible to welcome young people from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds.

We believe potential should never be limited by circumstance, and we are deeply grateful to our generous alumni and family supporters who make these bursaries possible.

Explore Tuition Assistance


Students having one-on-one chats


Learning Across Perspectives

Equity, identity, and global awareness are woven throughout the curriculum—from English Harkness discussions and intercultural case studies in History to ethical dilemmas in Science and Outdoor Education.

We deepen this learning through:

  • Community and Connect and School Life classes that spark dialogue and build leadership.
  • Chapel gatherings and community events that reflect a range of identities, beliefs, and perspectives.
  • Student- and staff-led clubs that encourage authentic expression and exploration.
  • Service Learning
  • Round Square participation.
  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion student club.
  • Speaker and cross-cultural programming.
  • Ongoing faculty professional development.

Students chatting at desk


School Leadership and Accountability

Inclusion is a shared responsibility and a journey we take together. 

  • From our Head of School and Boards to faculty, staff, and student leaders, we’re committed to building a respectful and inclusive culture grounded in learning and action.
  • Our School Values were revised through community input to reflect this shared commitment.
  • We regularly review admissions, hiring, and governance practices to ensure inclusion is a lived standard.
  • Students and staff engage in ongoing education and know how to access support when it’s needed.

Two students tending to soil by tree


Respect for People and Planet

Inclusion and interdependence are at the heart of our environmental ethos.

We believe that respect for people and respect for the planet go hand in hand.

Students engage with sustainability and stewardship through:

  • our regenerative educational farm,
  • Green Industries coursework, and
  • Environmental and Outdoor Education programs.

These experiences remind us that thriving communities—human and ecological—depend on mutual respect and shared responsibility.

Our Land Acknowledgement

We respectfully acknowledge that Lakefield College School is located on the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations, which include: Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Rama, Beausoleil, and Georgina Island First Nations. Lakefield College School respectfully acknowledges that the Williams Treaties First Nations are the stewards and caretakers of these lands and waters in perpetuity and that they continue to maintain this responsibility to ensure their health and integrity for generations to come.

Celebrating Our Community