How We Support Families

Approximately 30% of LCS students receive tuition assistance or an Entrance Award each year.
 

Every year, a significant number of LCS families receive needs-based tuition assistance or an Entrance Award that helps make an LCS education accessible. Our process is confidential, compassionate, and grounded in our commitment to welcoming students from a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences.

This page explains how Tuition Assistance works, what families can expect, and the ways our awards support students and families.

Questions? Contact Admissions

How Tuition Assistance Works

A clear, confidential process shaped around your family’s needs.

Lakefield College School partners with Apple Financial Services (AFS) to provide an impartial assessment of each family’s financial circumstances. AFS reviews income, expenses, dependents, and other commitments to determine demonstrated need. Using this assessment and available funding each year, LCS offers needs-based support to eligible families. All applications are reviewed confidentially and with care.

Learn About Apple Financial Services

Students sitting in canoe, holding up their oars
 

 

Eligibility

Understanding who may qualify for Tuition Assistance.

Tuition assistance is open to Day, North American Boarding, and International Boarding applicants who demonstrate financial need. AFS evaluates each family individually, considering income, expenses, dependents, and other financial responsibilities. Families with multiple children in tuition-charging schools or experiencing significant changes in circumstances are encouraged to apply or begin the conversation early.

Contact Admissions to Discuss Eligibility

Student holding up green basket filled with freshly harvested produce
 

 

How to Apply

Simple steps to begin the Tuition Assistance process.

Begin by submitting your LCS application. Once underway, families complete the AFS assessment, which provides LCS with an independent review of financial need. AFS shares its report directly with the school, and tuition assistance decisions are made once admissions and financial reviews are complete. Families reapply annually to confirm continued eligibility.

Begin your Application

Student lying in the snow, smiling
 

 

Named Scholarships and Bursaries

A small number of named awards at Lakefield College School are made possible through the generosity of alumni and philanthropic families. These awards honour our history, celebrate leadership and service, and ensure transformational opportunities for students from across Canada.

Entrance Awards of Distinction

These awards support students who show initiative, promise, and a genuine engagement with learning and community life.

Academic Award of Distinction

The Academic Award of Distinction recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional curiosity, achievement, and enthusiasm for learning. Recipients model a deep love of inquiry and a commitment to academic growth across disciplines.

Process to Apply
  • Submit a personal statement describing your academic interests, goals, and motivations.
  • Provide a reference letter from a current teacher that speaks to your academic ability, work ethic, and character.
  • Upload your most recent school report card.
  • Submit your SSAT (or equivalent standardized test) results.
  • Include a list of academic awards, enrichment programs, competitions, or extension activities (if applicable).
Criteria for Renewal

The Academic Award of Distinction may be renewed annually, provided that families complete the Apple Financial Services application and financial need is demonstrated. Additionally, applicants must:

  • Maintain an overall average of 85% or higher across all academic courses.
  • Demonstrate strong academic engagement, consistent effort, and behaviours aligned with LCS values.
  • Maintain good standing in the LCS community.

Interested in this award? Contact our Admissions team 

Leadership, Character & Values Award

The Leadership, Character & Values Award recognizes students who consistently demonstrate integrity, empathy, courage, and a desire to make positive contributions to their communities. These students embody the spirit of ‘care, connect, and contribute,’ inspiring others through their actions and example.

Process to Apply
  • Submit a written statement describing your leadership experiences, character strengths, and meaningful contributions to your school or community.
  • Provide two reference letters from adults who can speak to your character and leadership.
  • Upload your most recent school report.
  • Include a list of leadership roles, initiatives, or projects.

Note: This award is non-renewable 

Interested in this award? Contact our Admissions team

Community Service Award of Distinction

The Community Service Award recognizes students with a strong commitment to service, civic engagement, and improving the lives of others. Recipients demonstrate compassion, social responsibility, and sustained involvement in meaningful service activities.

Process to Apply
  • Submit a written statement describing your community service involvement and its impact.
  • Provide one reference letter from someone who can speak to your service work.
  • Upload your most recent school report.
  • Provide a list of service experiences and leadership roles.
Criteria for Renewal

The Community Service Award of Distinction may be renewed annually, provided that families complete the Apple Financial Services application and financial need is demonstrated. Additionally, applicants must:

  • Maintain an academic average of 80% or above
  • Complete a minimum of 50 community service hours, annually
  • Have no academic failures
  • Maintain a standard of good behavior and citizenship

Interested in this award? Contact our Admissions team

The Arts Award of Distinction

The Arts Award of Distinction recognizes students with a passion for creative expression in visual arts, music, drama, or interdisciplinary arts. Recipients demonstrate originality, discipline, and a desire to grow artistically while contributing to the LCS arts community.

Process to Apply
  • Submit a portfolio of recent artistic work (visual art, music recordings, performance clips, or creative writing).
  • Provide a written statement describing your artistic interests and goals.
  • Include a list of artistic experiences, training, or achievements.
  • Provide one reference from an arts instructor or mentor.

Note: Applicants may be invited to an interview or audition.

Criteria for Renewal

The Arts Award of Distinction may be renewed annually, provided that families complete the Apple Financial Services application and financial need is demonstrated. Additionally, applicants must:

  • Maintain an academic average of 80% or above
  • Participate in a credit granting and/or co-curricular arts program
  • Have no academic failures
  • Maintain a standard of good behavior and citizenship

    Short-listed candidates may be contacted for an audition and/or interview.

Interested in this award? Contact our Admissions team

Musical Theatre Award of Distinction

The Musical Theatre Award recognizes students who demonstrate passion and skill in singing, dancing, acting, or musical theatre production. Recipients contribute positively to the performing arts community and show a commitment to developing their craft.

Process to Apply
  • Submit a video showcasing two contrasting performance selections (e.g., monologue, vocal piece, choreography).
  • Provide a written statement outlining your musical theatre experience and goals.
  • Include a list of training, productions, ensembles, or workshops.
  • Provide one reference from a performing arts instructor or director.
Criteria for Renewal

The Musical Theatre Award of Distinction may be renewed annually, provided that families complete the Apple Financial Services application and financial need is demonstrated. Additionally, applicants must:

  • Maintain an academic average of 80% or above
  • Participate in a school theatrical production and enroll in an LCS credit-granting arts course
  • Have no academic failures
  • Maintain a standard of good behavior and citizenship

Short-listed candidates may be contacted for an audition and/or interview

Interested in this award? Contact our Admissions team

Outdoor Education Award of Distinction

The Outdoor Education Award recognizes students who embrace outdoor adventure, environmental stewardship, and the spirit of teamwork and resilience. Recipients contribute to the LCS outdoor community through curiosity, leadership, and a commitment to learning outside.

Process to Apply
  • Submit a personal statement about your outdoor education experience, interests, and goals.
  • Include a list of related activities (e.g., canoeing, hiking, camping, climbing, expeditions).
  • Provide a school reference that speaks to your character, resilience, and leadership.
  • Upload your most recent school report.
Criteria for Renewal

The Outdoor Education Award of Distinction may be renewed annually, provided that families complete the Apple Financial Services application and financial need is demonstrated. Additionally, applicants must:

  • Maintain an academic average of 80% or above
  • Enroll in a LCS outdoor education course
  • Have no academic failures
  • Maintain a standard of good behavior and citizenship

Interested in this award? Contact our Admissions team

Environmental Responsibility Award of Distinction

The Environmental Responsibility Award recognizes students who demonstrate leadership in sustainability, conservation, and environmental action. Recipients are change-makers committed to protecting the natural world and inspiring others to act.

Process to Apply
  • Submit a written statement describing your environmental involvement and impact.
  • Provide a list of related activities or initiatives (e.g., eco-club leadership, advocacy, conservation projects).
  • Upload your most recent academic report.
  • Provide one reference from someone connected to environmental work or leadership.
Criteria for Renewal

The Environmental Responsibility Award of Distinction may be renewed annually, provided that families complete the Apple Financial Services application and financial need is demonstrated. Additionally, applicants must:

  • Maintain an academic average of 80% or above
  • Enroll in a environmental sustainability course or cocurricular  activity
  • Have no academic failures
  • Maintain a standard of good behavior and citizenship

Interested in this award? Contact our Admissions team

Athletics Award of Distinction

The Athletics Award recognizes students who demonstrate athletic skill, dedication, sportsmanship, and a commitment to team culture. Recipients show leadership on and off the field and strive for excellence in both training and competition.

Process to Apply
  • Submit a list of athletic involvement, teams, competitions, and achievements.
  • Provide a written statement outlining your athletic goals and values.
  • Upload your most recent school report.
  • Provide one reference from a coach or trainer.
Criteria for Renewal

The Athletics Award of Distinction may be renewed annually, provided that families complete the Apple Financial Services application and financial need is demonstrated. Additionally, applicants must:

  • Maintain an academic average of 80% or above
  • Participate in three terms of competitive and/or recreational sport
  • Have no academic failures
  • Maintain a standard of good behavior and citizenship

Short-listed candidates may be contacted for an audition and/or interview.

Interested in this award? Contact our Admissions team

Team Racing (Sailing) Award of Distinction

The Team Racing Award recognizes students with strong sailing experience, a passion for racing, and the discipline required for competitive performance. Recipients contribute to LCS’s tradition of excellence in sailing.

Process to Apply
  • Submit a written statement outlining your sailing experience and goals.
  • Provide a list of competitions, training, certifications, or results.
  • Upload your most recent school report.
  • Provide a reference from a coach, instructor, or sailing organization.
Criteria for Renewal

The Team Racing Award of Distinction may be renewed annually, provided that families complete the Apple Financial Services application and financial need is demonstrated. Additionally, applicants must: 

  • Maintain an academic average of 80% or above
  • Participate in two terms of competitive sailing
  • Have no academic failures
  • Maintain a standard of good behavior and citizenship

Short-listed candidates may be contacted for an interview.

Interested in this award? Contact our Admissions team

Nordic Skiing Award of Distinction

The Nordic Skiing Award recognizes students committed to training, discipline, and competitive performance in cross-country skiing. Recipients model resilience, teamwork, and dedication to the sport.

Process to Apply
  • Submit a list of skiing accomplishments, races, or training history.
  • Upload your most recent school report.
  • Provide a written statement outlining your involvement and goals.
  • Provide one reference connected to your skiing experience.
Criteria for Renewal

The Nordic/Alpine Skiing Award of Distinction may be renewed annually, provided that families complete the Apple Financial Services application and financial need is demonstrated. Additionally, applicants must:

  • Maintain an academic average of 80% or above
  • Participate in competitive Nordic/Alpine skiing program
  • Have no academic failures
  • Maintain a standard of good behavior and citizenship

Short-listed candidates may be contacted for an interview.

Interested in this award? Contact our Admissions team

Canadian National Boarder Award

The Canadian National Boarder Award recognizes Grade 9 Canadian boarding students who reside full time in Canada and demonstrate character, leadership potential, and readiness to contribute to the LCS community.

Process to Apply
  • Submit a written statement describing why you are interested in attending LCS and living in residence.
  • Upload your most recent school report.
  • Provide a reference letter from a teacher or administrator who can speak to your character and readiness for boarding life.
Criteria for Renewal

In order to maintain the Canadian National Boarder Entrance Award of Distinction in subsequent years, recipients are required to:

  • Attain an overall academic average of 85% or above.
  • Obtain no lower than 75% in any individual class.
  • Maintain a standard of good behavior and citizenship, as determined by the school’s expectations for community living and student conduct.

Interested in this award? Contact our Admissions team

Real Scenarios

What Tuition Assistance Looks Like for Families

Examples to help you understand how Tuition Assistance works

Every family’s financial picture is unique.

These fictionalized case studies show how different factors—income, savings, household size, and educational costs—shape what a family may contribute and whether they qualify for assistance. They’re designed to give you clarity, not assumptions, and to help you plan with confidence.

View Case Studies