It was originally named after Sir John A. Macdonald, the first prime minister of Canada; in 2022, it was renamed to Laurel Heights Secondary School (LHSS).

It opened two months before construction was complete, with students initially limited to partial days of classes.

[6] The drama department participates in the annual SEARS festivals.

[7] LHSS offers numerous clubs, teams, and activities with over 10 choices per season.

[8] As of 2019, the Fraser Institute ranked LHSS as one of the best schools in Ontario with an average performance score of 8.1 out of 10.