This comprehensive guide breaks down exactly how the Fraser Institute rankings work, the latest 2025 results (relevant for 2026 home buying), the top-performing schools in Toronto and the GTA, and how these ratings directly impact property values and your home-buying decisions.
What Are Fraser Institute School Ratings?
The Fraser Institute releases annual Report Cards that rank Ontario elementary and secondary schools based on standardized EQAO test results (Education Quality and Accountability Office).
Elementary Schools (2025 Report): 3,052 schools ranked using 9 academic indicators.
Secondary Schools (2025 Report): 747 schools ranked using 7–8 academic indicators.
Schools receive an overall rating out of 10. A score of 9.0+ is considered excellent, while 8.0+ is still very strong. The rankings are based purely on objective test score data in reading, writing, and mathematics — not on facilities, extracurriculars, or teacher quality.
Important Note: These ratings are one tool among many. Many parents also consider school culture, French immersion, special programs, and EQAO participation rates.
Top Secondary Schools in the GTA (Fraser Institute 2025)
Here are the standout high schools in the Greater Toronto Area from the latest rankings:
Perfect 10.0/10 Schools (Tied for #1 in Ontario):
St. Robert Catholic High School – Thornhill
St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic High School – Richmond Hill
St. Augustine Catholic High School – Markham
St. Michael’s Choir School – Toronto
Other Top-Rated GTA High Schools (9.0+):
Ursula Franklin Academy – Toronto (9.7)
Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School – Markham (9.5)
Iroquois Ridge High School – Oakville (9.3)
Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts – Toronto (9.3)
Abbey Park High School – Oakville (9.3)
Bayview Secondary School – Richmond Hill (9.2)
Bloor Collegiate Institute – Toronto (9.2)
Leaside High School – Toronto (9.1)
Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute – Toronto (9.1)
Malvern Collegiate Institute – Toronto (9.1)
York Region (Markham, Richmond Hill, Thornhill) and Oakville continue to dominate the top spots.
Top Elementary Schools in the GTA (2025)
Many GTA elementary schools achieved perfect or near-perfect scores of 9.5–10.0/10. Notable mentions include:
Cottingham Public School (Toronto)
High Park Alternative School (Toronto)
Northmount School (Toronto)
Several schools in Oakville, Richmond Hill, Markham, and Vaughan
These top elementary schools often drive the highest demand in family neighbourhoods.
How School Ratings Affect Home Prices in the GTA
Neighbourhoods with high-rated schools (8.5+) typically see:
Faster selling times
10–25% premium on home prices compared to similar homes in average-rated areas
Stronger long-term appreciation
Higher rental demand from families
Best value areas in 2026 for strong schools:
Parts of Markham and Richmond Hill (still relatively more affordable than central Toronto)
Oakville (premium but excellent consistency)
Select pockets in Vaughan, Burlington, and Milton
Tips for Families Using Fraser Ratings in 2026
Check the latest rankings yourself at compareschoolrankings.org — filter by city or postal code.
Look at 5-year trends, not just the latest score (consistency matters more).
Consider catchment boundaries — even one street over can mean a different school.
Balance with lifestyle — great schools + long commute vs. good schools + family time.
Visit the schools and talk to parents in the neighbourhood.
Final Thoughts for 2026 Home Buyers
In the competitive GTA market, Fraser Institute ratings remain one of the most trusted tools for families. Areas with consistently high-rated schools (especially 9.0+) are expected to remain in high demand throughout 2026 as immigration and family relocation to Canada continue.
Whether you're looking in Toronto proper, Vaughan, Brampton, Mississauga, Markham, Richmond Hill, Caledon, or Oakville — pairing strong school ratings with your budget and lifestyle needs is the smartest way to choose where to buy.
Ready to find the right neighbourhood with excellent schools?
Contact a local real estate agent who specializes in family relocations and school districts.