Choosing the right neighbourhood often comes down to schools — and in the GTA, certain communities are known for outstanding secondary education. Below is an overview of top high schools along with neighbourhoods where families often seek homes because of them.
1. St. Michael’s Choir School — Downtown / Church–Wellesley
⭐ Top Academic Performer
One of Ontario’s elite academic institutions with a perfect rating in 2025.
Strong music and arts focus alongside rigorous academics.
🧭 Neighbourhood: Central Toronto (Church–Wellesley/Downtown)
This downtown location appeals to families who prioritize specialized education and urban living. Condos, townhomes and character homes are popular here.
2. Ursula Franklin Academy — Seaton Village / Little Italy
⭐ Specialized Public School with STEM Focus
Among the highest‑ranked public secondary schools in the GTA.
🧭 Neighbourhood: Seaton Village / Little Italy
A lively west‑end community with great restaurants and easy transit, making it attractive to families who want strong schools plus vibrant city life.
3. Leaside High School — Leaside
⭐ Strong All‑Around Public School
Excellent programs in academics, clubs and extracurriculars.
🧭 Neighbourhood: Leaside
One of Toronto’s most desirable family neighbourhoods — known for parks, shopping, and a tight‑knit community feel. Homes here tend to command a premium, driven in part by school demand.
4. Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute — Lawrence Park
⭐ Prestigious Academic Reputation
Consistently high performance and broad programming including advanced placement.
🧭 Neighbourhood: Lawrence Park (Midtown Toronto)
A leafy, upscale neighbourhood with heritage homes and a strong community — buyers often compete for properties here because of the school quality.
5. Bloor Collegiate Institute — Bloor West Village / High Park North
⭐ Excellent Academic School in a Family Neighbourhood
🧭 Neighbourhood: Bloor West Village / High Park North
A vibrant community near High Park with family‑friendly shopping, cafes, and green spaces — ideal for families who want both education and lifestyle.
6. Malvern Collegiate Institute — Birch Cliff / Upper Beaches
⭐ Strong Academic & Community Programs
🧭 Neighbourhood: Birch Cliff / Upper Beaches
A more affordable option by Toronto standards, with a community‑oriented feel and waterfront access — popular with families priced out of core central districts.
7. Collège Français & École secondaire Étienne‑Brûlé — Downtown/Core and North York
⭐ French‑Language & Bilingual Options
Collège Français serves downtown families seeking French education.
École secondaire Étienne‑Brûlé offers French‑language programming in North York.
🧭 Neighbourhoods: Downtown Toronto and York Mills / North York
French programs remain in high demand in the GTA, giving families a bilingual edge without leaving the urban core.
Top School‑Driven Neighbourhoods in the GTA
While individual schools matter, the neighbourhood itself often becomes a draw because of the overall education ecosystem: strong public schools and nearby amenities. Here are some areas worth watching:
📍 Leaside – Outstanding school options + community vibe
📍 Lawrence Park / Bayview Village – Upscale neighbourhoods with top rated schools and great amenities
📍 High Park & Bloor West Village – Balanced urban family living with access to excellent schools and recreation
📍 Oakville (Glen Abbey & Joshua Creek) – Suburban comfort with highly regarded high schools in the Halton District
📍 Richmond Hill & Markham – Suburban centres in York Region with strong academic performance overall
These neighbourhoods consistently show high demand from families seeking quality education — and that demand often translates to stable property values and strong resale potential.
Why High‑Performing Schools Matter for Real Estate
Stability in home values: Families tend to stay long‑term in areas with strong schools.
Broader buyer pool: Good schools draw buyers beyond the typical local market.
Community engagement: Neighbourhoods with excellent schools often offer stronger support systems and amenities for families.
Thinking of Moving to the GTA for Schools?
If education is a priority in your home search, let’s connect! I can provide up‑to‑date school boundary maps, recent school performance data, and tailored neighbourhood comparisons so you can find a home that meets both your lifestyle and academic goals.
👉 Contact us for a personalised school‑focused home search report!
