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LCS Guidance Update: Looking Ahead with Our Grade 10 and 11 Families

 

Thank you to everyone who joined us during Parents Week 2026. For those unable to attend or who would like to revisit the presentation, the complete university guidance slidedeck and recording are now available in the University Guidance for Parents group on Edsby and here below.


Looking at our graduating Class of 2026 offers a reassuring window into what lies ahead: 

  • Strong Outcomes: 117 graduates earned 729 offers across ~140 universities worldwide (averaging 6 offers per student).
  • Global & Domestic Reach: 74% of enrolling grads chose top Canadian destinations, led by U of T, Queen's, Dalhousie, UBC, McGill, McMaster, and Western. While 26% selected top UK, US, global, or gap year paths.
  • Scholarship Success: 72% of the cohort earned merit awards totaling over $2.5 million. 

Looking ahead, here are some key milestones for Grade 10 & 11 students. University guidance at LCS is a four-year scaffolded journey designed to prevent last-minute stress:

Grade 10 Focus (Enrichment & Prerequisites): Focus on exploring interests through co-curriculars, building strong study habits, and aligning course selection with future program requirements (navigating required subjects for STEM, Business, or Humanities).

Grade 11 Focus (Strategy & Testing): University research begins in earnest through our Springboard Series, campus visits, and testing plans. 

  • Standardized Testing: For students considering US universities, we recommend sitting the SAT or ACT in the winter or spring of Grade 11 to allow time for a second attempt. Virtual SAT prep is available through The Learning Curve.
  • Language Proficiency: Students studying in an English-language school for fewer than 3–4 years should plan for tests like the Duolingo English Test (DET) or TOEFL.
  • The "Safety Net" Strategy: Where possible, accelerating into a Grade 12 credit early builds flexibility into a student's final "Top 6" or "Top 5" admissions average.

Guidance counsellors want to build a partnership with your family, here’s how parents can be part of the journey with us. 

  • Focus on "Fit Over Prestige": Use these years to explore where Academic, Social, and Financial Fit overlap rather than focusing solely on brand names.
  • Shift from "Manager" to "Consultant": Because LCS students manage their own daily study, co-curricular, and living routines on campus, they are equipped to lead this process. Support their growing agency by designating regular, short "office hours" for university talk while keeping midweek check-ins focused on connection and emotional wellness. 

Our upcoming opportunity for university exploration will be next week’s University Fair at LCS:

  • Date & Time: Thursday, November 19, 2026 | 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
  • Details: 20 university and college representatives (including Queen's, Western, U of T, Waterloo, UBC, Mount Allison, and Fleming College) will be on campus. We strongly encourage Grade 10 and 11 students to attend, ask questions, and practice networking with admissions reps. Parents visiting campus are welcome to join! 
     

Whether your teen is exploring initial interests or starting to map out specific application streams, our goal is to build clarity and confidence early. Our guidance counsellors Jenn Browne, Jess Hart, Jon Holmes, Kirsten Johnston, and Cory Miller are here to partner with your family every step of the way. Please reach out to us via Edsby, phone, or email anytime!