REVIEW OF Lakefield College School BY student, Viviana Nocom

(5) Student Experience

Lakefield is a beautiful, close-knit community where nature, academics, and personal growth come together. I do love it here—it’s not perfect, but it’s meaningful. The connections with teachers and peers feel genuine, and I’ve grown a lot as a person. I wish I’d known how busy the schedule would be; balancing classes, sports, and house life can get overwhelming. If I could change one thing, I’d add more downtime—quiet hours or cozy indoor spaces to relax, especially in the winter. Still, moments like skating on the lake at night or bonding with housemates make it all worthwhile. Lakefield teaches you how to lead, how to listen, and how to discover who you are—even if you’re still figuring that out along the way.

(5) School Leadership

Yes, I respect the school leaders — they genuinely care about students and are approachable when you need support. Teachers are passionate and often go beyond the classroom to help. The guidance counsellors are especially supportive during stressful times like course selection or university apps. That said, I wish there were more student input in certain decisions, especially around schedules or wellness. Sometimes it feels like things are decided for us, not with us. More open dialogue would go a long way.

(5) Teaching

It depends on the teacher — some push you hard, others are more relaxed. I don’t think they ask too much, but the expectations can feel unclear at times, especially when different teachers have different standards. Sometimes, I wish there were more consistency across courses in terms of rubrics and deadlines. When teachers talk about success, I think they mean more than just good grades. They want us to be thoughtful, independent, and able to handle challenges. Success here seems to be about becoming a well-rounded person — academically capable, but also kind, responsible, and engaged. I appreciate that, but clearer communication on what “success” looks like in specific assignments would really help reduce stress and confusion. It’s a growth-focused school, but structure matters too.

(5) Academics

The workload is challenging but usually manageable — it really depends on how you balance your time. Some courses push you out of your comfort zone, while others can feel a bit repetitive. Overall, I’d say it’s just right, though certain assessments could be more engaging or relevant. What we’re learning does feel useful, especially the emphasis on critical thinking, communication, and time management. Even if I don’t use all the specific content later in life, the skills I’ve built — like working under pressure, collaborating with others, and thinking independently — will definitely carry over. That said, I wish more classes connected directly to real-world problems or future career paths. More experiential or project-based learning could make everything feel even more meaningful and applicable.

(5) Extracurriculars

Yes, I take part in both clubs and sports, and there’s definitely a wide variety to choose from. Most people find something they enjoy, whether it’s arts, athletics, or leadership. That said, I wish there were more options in areas like film, entrepreneurship, or casual student-led projects that don’t require a huge time commitment. Sometimes the schedule is so packed that it’s hard to fully commit to everything you want to try. More flexibility would help students explore without feeling overwhelmed.

(5) Students

Lakefield feels more like a small town than a city—everyone knows each other, and there’s a strong sense of community. The students are diverse, outdoorsy, and often pretty driven. Those who do best here are open-minded, independent, and willing to get involved. It helps if you’re comfortable being away from home and juggling a full schedule. Students who struggle tend to be those who need a lot of structure or aren’t ready for the pace and expectations. Inclusion is a priority, but like any community, it takes effort. Most people find their place, but it can take time. Being proactive and reaching out helps a lot. Overall, it’s a supportive environment where students are encouraged to grow, but it’s not one-size-fits-all.

(5) School Life

If I were giving a tour of Lakefield, I’d begin at the waterfront. It’s one of the most beautiful and peaceful areas on campus, perfectly capturing the spirit of the school. In winter, the lake turns into a skating rink where students glide under the stars. In warmer months, it’s where we kayak, canoe, or relax by the dock after class. It’s not just a scenic spot—it’s where friendships grow and where we find calm in a busy day. Starting the tour there gives people an immediate sense of what makes Lakefield different: the connection to nature, the focus on well-being, and the way outdoor life is built into our daily routine. It sets the tone for everything the school stands for.

(5) Community

Lakefield truly feels like home in many ways. The close-knit community, supportive teachers, and strong house spirit make it easy to form meaningful connections. You’re not just another student—you’re part of something bigger. People know your name, and it’s easy to find someone to talk to when you need support. That said, it can take a little time to adjust, especially if you’re introverted or come from a very different background. Inclusion doesn’t happen automatically—it takes effort from both students and staff to make sure everyone feels seen and valued. But once you find your place, the sense of belonging is real. It’s a school that genuinely wants you to grow, both as a student and as a person.

(5) School Location

Yes, we do go off campus occasionally, but most students stay on campus during the school day since everything—classes, meals, dorms, and activities—is all in one place. That makes the community feel close and connected. On weekends, though, there are chances to go off campus. The school offers a mall bus to Peterborough, which is great for grabbing essentials, hanging out with friends, or just getting a change of scenery. It’s a nice balance between campus life and some freedom.

(5) Admissions

The admissions process felt somewhere between exciting and stressful. I remember being nervous about the interview, but it turned out to be more of a conversation than a test—they just wanted to get to know me. The application itself asked thoughtful questions that helped me reflect on who I was and what I was looking for in a school. My advice? Be honest and show who you are beyond your grades. They’re looking for students who will contribute to the community, not just academic stars. I didn’t realize back then how much Lakefield values character and curiosity, not just accomplishments. Looking back, I wish I’d worried less about saying the “right” thing and focused more on sharing my real story.