Top Schools in the Greater Toronto Area: A Guide for Parents

Choosing your new home sometimes starts with locating the best schools in the neighbourhood. As an experienced realtor, I work across the GTA, and as such, I've compiled a list of great schools.

Choosing the right school for your child is a vital decision that impacts their academic success and personal development. The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is home to some of Canada’s finest schools at the primary, elementary, and high school levels. Drawing from numerous reviews and accolades, this article highlights the best schools in the GTA and explores what makes them stand out.

Top Primary Schools in the GTA

Established in 1980, Cottingham Junior Public School is located south of Avenue Road between Yonge Street and Avenue Road at 85 Birch Avenue. This small school welcomes students from kindergarten to sixth grade and has a long history of providing excellent programs to a well established and involved parent community.

Cottingham Junior Public School (Toronto)

Cottingham is celebrated for its small class sizes and strong sense of community. Parents rave about the dedication of teachers and a curriculum emphasizing critical thinking and creativity.

Located at 625 Seneca Hill Drive, south of Finch Avenue, east of Don Mills Road and near Seneca College, Seneca Hill Public School in North York welcomes kids from junior kindergarten to grade five.

Seneca Hill Public School (North York)

Seneca Hill has a reputation for academic rigor, particularly in math and sciences. The school emphasizes enrichment programs, including coding and robotics, to prepare students for future success.

Opened in 1975, Arbor Glen Public School in North York welcomes students from junior kindergarten to grade five. The school is located in a lovely community south of Steeles Avenue and east of the Don Mills Road at 55 Freshmeadow Drive.

Arbor Glen Public School (North York)

Arbor Glen offers an inclusive environment with a strong focus on academic excellence and leadership skills. Parents praise the school’s ability to foster a love for learning among young children.

Outstanding Elementary Schools in the GTA

Located north of HWY7 and west of Islington Avenue at 86 Gamble Street in Woodbridge/Vaughan, Pine Grove Public School invites students from kindergarten to grade eight. The school is known for its French immersion program.

Pine Grove Public School (Vaughan)

With consistently high scores in standardized tests, Pine Grove is a top-performing primary school. It’s known for its robust STEM programs and extracurricular activities that nurture well-rounded students.

Located at 1450 Arrowhead Road in Oakville, Joshua Creek Public School, part of the Halton District School Board, and welcomes students from kindergarten to grade eight. The school offers English as second language classes and focuses on health and wellness as well as academic excellence.

Joshua Creek Public School (Oakville)

This school is frequently lauded for its diverse extracurricular programs, from music to athletics. Reviews highlight the strong parent-teacher collaboration and the nurturing environment.

Located at 120 Carlton Road in Unionville, William Berczy Public School welcomes students from junior kindergarten to grade eight. William Berczy is an established elementary school located in the village of Unionville. The school is within walking distance of Toogood Pond and its surrounding parkland, as well as the quaint historic homes, shops and restaurants located on Main Street.

William Berczy Public School (Markham)

Known for its excellent teachers and advanced curriculum, William Berczy consistently ranks as one of the best in Ontario. Parents appreciate the school’s focus on cultural diversity and inclusive learning.

Top High Schools in the GTA

Located next to the Markham Civic Centre and the Markham Theatre, Unionville High School offers a diverse set of courses designed to round out the scholastic experience of youths as they prepare for post-secondary.

Unionville High School (Markham)

Renowned for its arts program, Unionville High School attracts creative students from across the GTA. Its rigorous academic curriculum and commitment to fostering artistic talents make it a standout choice.

Bayview Secondary School is a grade 9–12, 2-semester secondary school operated by the York Region District School Board. It is located just north of the northeast corner of Bayview Avenue and Major Mackenzie Drive in Richmond Hill at10077 Bayview Avenue.

Bayview Secondary School (Richmond Hill)

Bayview is a top choice for academically inclined students, with its International Baccalaureate (IB) program setting high standards. Parents and students praise its challenging curriculum and excellent university preparation.

St. Michael's Choir School is a semi-private Catholic choir school for boys from grades 3-12, located at 67 Bond Street in Toronto. It boasts a reputable music program and academic success.

St. Michael’s Choir School (Toronto)

As a unique all-boys Catholic school, St. Michael’s combines a world-class music education with academic excellence. Its small classes and focus on discipline create a highly supportive learning environment.

Why These Schools Excel

1. Dedicated Staff: These schools boast highly qualified teachers who are committed to fostering academic and personal growth.
   

2. Enrichment Opportunities: From arts and music to STEM programs, these schools offer diverse extracurricular activities that engage students and enhance their skill sets.
   

3. Strong Community Ties: Parent involvement and supportive school communities create environments where students thrive.
   

4. Diverse Curriculum: Many of these schools offer specialized programs, such as French immersion, IB, and arts-focused education, catering to a variety of student interests and aspirations.

Making the Right Choice

Choosing a school involves understanding your child’s strengths and aligning them with a school’s offerings. Visiting schools, speaking with staff, and exploring online reviews can provide valuable insights.

Whether you’re moving to the GTA or simply seeking the best education for your child, these schools represent excellence in academics, extracurriculars, and overall student development.

There are many schools in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), including schools in the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), the Toronto Catholic District School Board, and smaller French-language school boards: 

• Toronto District School Board (TDSB)

  The TDSB is Canada's largest school board, with 583 schools serving about 246,000 students. The TDSB includes 472 elementary schools, 110 secondary schools, and 5 adult education schools.

• Toronto Catholic District School Board

  The Toronto Catholic District School Board has 197 schools serving over 91,000 students. These schools include 164 elementary schools, 29 secondary schools, and 2 schools that combine both grades. 

  
  

• Conseil scolaire Viamonde and Conseil scolaire de district catholique Centre-Sud

  These two smaller school boards provide French-language public education in Toronto. 

The GTA is made up of six local boroughs and the cities of Mississauga and Brampton.