School Quality and Real Estate
For families with children, school quality often drives neighbourhood choice—and property values. Toronto offers excellent public school options, though quality varies significantly by neighbourhood. This guide helps you understand school ratings and identify the best areas for families.
Understanding Fraser Institute Rankings
The Fraser Institute publishes annual school rankings based on standardized test results (EQAO). While imperfect, these rankings provide useful comparisons. Scores range from 0-10, with 10 being highest.
Important caveats:
- Rankings measure test performance, not overall education quality
- Schools with diverse populations may score lower despite excellent teaching
- Private schools often have different testing standards
- Rankings can change significantly year to year
Top-Ranked Elementary School Areas
Lawrence Park / Lytton Park
- John Fisher PS: Consistently top 5 in Toronto
- Lytton Park PS: Strong academic performance
- Home prices: $2.5M - $5M+
Forest Hill
- Forest Hill Jr & Sr PS: Top 20 provincially
- Exceptional programs: French immersion, gifted
- Home prices: $3M - $8M+
Leaside
- Rolph Road PS: Excellent reputation
- Bessborough PS: Strong community school
- Home prices: $1.8M - $3M
North Toronto / Davisville
- Davisville Jr PS: Top performer
- John Ross Robertson PS: Highly rated
- Home prices: $1.5M - $3M
The Beaches
- Kew Beach Jr PS: Strong community focus
- Balmy Beach PS: Good ratings, excellent programs
- Home prices: $1.5M - $2.5M
Top Secondary Schools
Public Schools
- Earl Haig SS (North York): Claude Watson arts program
- Northern SS (North Toronto): IB program, top academics
- Leaside HS: Excellent athletics and academics
- East York CI: Strong performing arts
- Lawrence Park CI: Rigorous academics
Private Schools
- Upper Canada College: Boys, K-12, $36,000+/year
- Havergal College: Girls, JK-12, $35,000+/year
- Crescent School: Boys, Grades 3-12, $35,000+/year
- Bishop Strachan: Girls, JK-12, $35,000+/year
- Toronto French School: Co-ed bilingual, JK-12
French Immersion Considerations
French Immersion is popular in Toronto. Key points:
- Entry typically at SK or Grade 1
- Some schools have waitlists
- Not all neighbourhoods have immersion schools nearby
- Extended French programs available at some schools
Strong French Immersion Areas
- Midtown (Davisville, North Toronto)
- East York
- Beaches
- High Park
Gifted Programs
TDSB offers gifted programs starting Grade 4. Students must qualify through testing. Gifted programs are located at specific schools—not every neighbourhood has one.
Notable Gifted Program Schools
- Seneca Hill PS (North York)
- Bayview MS (North York)
- Earl Haig SS (Claude Watson)
Catholic Schools
TCDSB operates a parallel system with its own catchment areas. Notable schools:
- St. Michael's Choir School: Prestigious, audition-based
- Neil McNeil HS: Boys, strong athletics
- Loretto Abbey: Girls, excellent academics
Neighbourhood School Recommendations by Budget
Under $1.5M
- East York: Good schools, improving area
- Scarborough (Birch Cliff): Underrated schools
- Mimico: Improving schools with new families
$1.5M - $2.5M
- Leaside: Excellent public options
- Beaches: Strong community schools
- High Park: Good options, walkable
$2.5M+
- Lawrence Park: Top public schools
- Forest Hill: Exceptional options
- Rosedale: Access to best schools
Research Before Buying
Before purchasing based on school quality:
- Verify current catchment areas (they change)
- Visit schools in person
- Talk to parents in the community
- Consider your child's specific needs
- Look beyond rankings to school culture
Contact us to discuss family-friendly neighbourhoods that match both your school preferences and budget.
