Extraordinary Learning Is in Our Nature

At Rosseau Lake College, an independent co-ed day and boarding school in Ontario for Grades 7 to 12, we blend academics with experiential learning, outdoor education, and a commitment to inclusive and Indigenous education.

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Explore the region, the site, and the supports that make Rosseau Lake College one of the most unique independent schools in Canada.

Extraordinary learning
is in our nature.

Rosseau Lake College is an independent co-ed day and boarding school offering Grades 7 to 12, located on the shores of Lake Rosseau in Ontario, Canada.

Robert Carreau

1977-2020

" ... to accept challenges and grow from them. To never stop inquiring. To never stop supporting and inspiring others."

"I stayed for a weekend the year before enrolling to try it out. I thought it was awesome then and still did six years later when I graduated. ... it is one of the best things that ever happened in my life."

—Dylan Cunningham '07
Canadian Rockies ski and climbing guide; the third skier to descend the North Face of Mount Robson; in 2020, made the first ascent of Red Beard, a 420-metre M5 WI5, in Banff National Park.

"Probably the most useful tools I learned from my time at Rosseau were independence and the confidence to go out on my own."

—KatieTsuyuki '01
Elite snowboarder, consultant, and motivational speaker; Canadian Olympic Snowboard Team in Sochi 2014 and Pyeongchang 2018

"To attend RLC felt second-nature to me. It was as though I were going to school in my own backyard, immersed in the natural world ... RLC was a place of calm, focus, and inspiration."

—Samantha Brett '04
Founder of IronOaks Environmental Management Inc., addressing resource management and sustainability; senior environmental advisor to TC Energy Corporation in Calgary, Alberta.

Intentionally Small, Meaningfully Diverse

Our small school environment ensures authentic, meaningful relationships and an inclusive, warm community. We are leaders in true diversity, embracing over 20 different nationalities within our community. We ignite the “it” within each student, challenging and empowering your child to pursue their own passions.

Classrooms Without Walls, Learning Without Limits

Our lakefront campus provides a unique environment for an innovative academic program that immerses your child in powerful experiential learning that is impossible to achieve in traditional classroom settings.

Connected to the Spirit of Indigenous Teachings

Indigenous culture, history, and learning philosophies are a cornerstone of our school’s everyday learning experiences and are integrated throughout our curriculum. These experiences deepen the bonds in our community and foster understanding, personal growth, and inclusive leadership skills within our students.

Strength of Character and Sense of Self

Rosseau Lake College is committed to developing confident, well-rounded individuals. By combining leadership training for students, a focus on character development, and an environment of outdoor learning experiences, we empower students to leave with a strong sense of self, ready to thrive at university and beyond.

Life at RLC:
A Small School with a Big Heart

At Rosseau Lake College, every moment inspires growth, resilience, and confidence, whether through outdoor education, new passions, or lifelong friendships.

Boarding at RLC

  • 24/7 Support: Houseparents offer round-the-clock guidance and mentorship.

  • Global Connections: Students build lasting friendships with peers from Canada and around the world.

  • Leadership Opportunities: Mixed-age dorms encourage responsibility, teamwork, and collaboration.

  • Weekend Adventures: Activities like canoeing, skiing, and exploring the local village.

  • A Connected Community: Shared meals, cultural celebrations, and a welcoming environment.

A Connected Community

  • Strong bonds are formed through shared meals, cultural celebrations, and a supportive environment.

Co-Curricular Excellence

  • Arts Programs: Students explore creativity through drama, music, visual arts, dance, and media clubs.

  • Athletics: Opportunities include varsity sports like soccer and skiing or recreational options such as yoga and canoeing.

  • Leadership & Service: Leadership roles and volunteer projects help students build confidence and character.

Take a virtual tour

Explore the region, the site, and the supports that make Rosseau Lake College one of the most unique independent schools in Canada.

By the Numbers

1967

Year RLC was established

Grade 7-12

Co-educational day and boarding school

140

Number of students

50/50

Percentage of international to Canadian students

18

Average class size

5:1

1 faculty member for every 5 students

70%

of students live in residence on campus

40%

of students are female

23

Nationalities represented in our student body

23

Dialects spoken

Connecting Through Indigenous Teachings

Rooted in the principles of respect, reciprocity, and interconnectedness, Students gain meaningful insights through Indigenous teachings.

Our Indigenous Studies program, led by Dawn Tabobondung, Indigenous Seven Generations Program Coordinator, brings the wisdom of the Anishinaabe teachings to life.

Supporting Parents Every Step of the Way

At Rosseau Lake College, we believe in fostering strong relationships between parents, students, and the school community.

Our mentor program ensures that every student is closely supported by a faculty member who works as their guide and advocate. Mentors are the main point of contact for students and parents, helping to:

  • Facilitate communication between parents and teachers.

  • Provide regular updates on academic progress and student well-being.

  • Address concerns or questions, ensuring each student’s needs are met.

Book a Private Tour

The best way to get a feel for the way of life at Rosseau Lake College is to come and see us.

Request Information

Think Rosseau Lake College is a good fit? Get in touch —we’re here to support you through the admissions process.

Preparing Students For
What’s Ahead

Our students have an advantage when applying for post-secondary education. Year after year 100% of our graduates are accepted at their top schools of choice, throughout Canada, the US, and beyond.

Over the past 5 years, our graduates have received admission offers from the following institutions.

Canada:
Algonquin College, Bishop’s University, University of British Columbia, Carleton University, Centennial College, Conestoga College, Dalhousie University, Durham College, Emily Carr University of Art & Design, Fanshawe College, St. Francis Xavier University, George Brown College, University of Guelph, University of Guelph - Humber, Humber College, Huron University College, King’s University College, Lakehead University, McGill University, McMaster University, Mohawk College, University of New Brunswick, Northern College, Nipissing University, OCAD University, Ontario Tech University, University of Ottawa, University of PEI, Queen’s University, St. Lawrence College, Sheridan College, Simon Fraser University, Toronto Metropolitan University, Trent University, University of Toronto, Vancouver Island University, University of Waterloo, Western University, Wilfrid Laurier University, University of Windsor, York University

United States
Bentley University, University of California - Riverside, CaseWestern Reserve University, Culinary Institute of America - New York, Eckerd College, Florida Southwestern College, University of Hawaii-Manoa, HofstraUniversity, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Lehigh University, LynnUniversity, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Michigan State, Minnesota State, Middlebury College, New York University, University of Pittsburgh, University of Rochester, St. Lawrence University, University of Washington, University of Wisconsin - Madison

The United Kingdom:
Brunel University London, Durham University, University of Edinburgh, University of Manchester, University of Southampton, Warwick University

 Other regions:
University of Amsterdam, University of Hong Kong, University of Sydney

FAQs

Q: What is Rosseau Lake College?

A: Rosseau Lake College is an independent co-ed day and boarding school in Ontario, Canada, offering Grades 7–12. It emphasizes experiential learning, outdoor education, and a strong sense of community.

Q: Where is Rosseau Lake College located?

A: RLC is situated on the shores of Lake Rosseau in Ontario’s Muskoka region, just a 2.5-hour drive north of Toronto.

Q: What grade levels does Rosseau Lake College offer?

A: RLC offers programs for students in Grades 7 through 12.

Q: What makes Rosseau Lake College unique?

A: RLC combines small class sizes, experiential learning opportunities, and a deep connection to nature, along with a focus on diversity, leadership, and Indigenous teachings.

Q: What are the boarding options at Rosseau Lake College?

A: RLC provides boarding options in four houses, including male, female, and a gender-inclusive house, creating a supportive and inclusive community for students from around the world.

Q: Does Rosseau Lake College accept international students?

A: Yes, RLC welcomes international students, who make up 50% of the student body, representing over 20 nationalities.

Q: What is the average class size at Rosseau Lake College?

A: The average class size at RLC is 18 students, with a 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio.

Q: How does Rosseau Lake College integrate experiential learning?

A: RLC uses its natural environment for hands-on learning through outdoor activities like canoe trips, snowshoeing, and environmental studies, ensuring students apply knowledge beyond the classroom.

Q: What post-secondary institutions do Rosseau Lake College graduates attend?

A: RLC graduates go on to attend top universities in Canada, the US, and globally, with tailored guidance to help students choose programs aligned with their interests and goals.

Q: What extracurricular activities are available at Rosseau Lake College?

A: RLC offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including varsity and recreational sports (e.g., skiing, rugby, soccer, and sailing), arts programs (e.g., drama, visual arts, and music ensembles), and unique clubs like debate, paddle making, and Indigenous arts. Outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and camping are also integral to student life.

Q: How does Rosseau Lake College incorporate Indigenous teachings?

A: Indigenous culture, history, and teachings are embedded throughout the curriculum and daily activities at RLC. Programs like the Seven Generations Initiative emphasize Indigenous values, such as environmental stewardship and community responsibility, while students participate in Indigenous celebrations, ceremonies, and guided teachings.

Q: How does Rosseau Lake College prepare students for the future?

A: RLC prepares students through personalized learning, experiential education, leadership training, and access to strong post-secondary planning. Students graduate with critical life skills, a global perspective, and admission to top universities worldwide, thanks to tailored guidance and mentorship programs.