Top Public and Private Schools in Toronto
When choosing a location for a new home purchase, proximity to good schools is usually one of the main decision-making factors. Here are the lists of top public and private schools in Toronto, based on EQAO results (which measure reading comprehension, writing, and math skills) and specialized program offerings (such as the arts and athletics) from rankings by the Fraser Institute, an independent non-partisan research and educational organization based in Canada.
Top Public Schools in Toronto (2020)
1) Rosedale Junior Public School (JK – Grade 6)
Rosedale Junior Public School has been providing a high level of academics, artistic enrichment, and community involvement for the children of Rosedale and nearby neighbourhoods for over a century. Founded in 1891, the JK through Grade 6 community school was re-constructed to its present location in 1957.
2) Ossington / Old Orchard Junior Public School (JK – Grade 6)
Ossington/Old Orchard Public School, fondly known as OOOPS, is located southwest of College Street and Ossington Avenue.
3) Ecole Owen Public School (English: JK – Grade 5; French Immersion: SK – Grade 5)
Ecole Owen Public School is located in an area of York Mills that was originally the St. Andrew’s Golf Course. Ecole Owen is a dual track school offering instruction in both English (JK – Grade 5) and French Immersion (SK – Grade 5). The school is very multiculturally diverse, with one-third of children speaking a language other than English at home.
4) Blythwood Junior Public School (JK – Grade 6)
Blythwood is located in a North Toronto residential area. The school grounds border a ravine and are used extensively by the community all year round for sporting and other group activities. Teachers and staff work collaboratively to provide a positive and enriching learning environment for students.
5) Pape Avenue Junior Public School (JK – Grade 6)
Pape Avenue School Public School is located at the corner of Pape and Langley Avenue. Today Pape Avenue School is a community of students from diverse cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic backgrounds.
6) Swansea Junior and Senior Public School (JK – Grade 8)
Swansea School is located south of Bloor Street and west of High Park. It has a history of over a hundred years.
7) John Ross Robertson Junior Public School (JK – Grade 6)
John Ross Robertson Public School is located slightly southeast of Lawrence Ave. West and Bathurst Street. The school’s motto is “Learning Together”. The word Learning reflects the school’s focus on high academic standards and on helping students reach their full potential.
8) Crescent Town Elementary Public School (JK – Grade 4)
Crescent Town School is part of a large inner-city apartment complex located next to the Metro Toronto valley system. The school underwent a major construction project over the past few years, which also includes a daycare centre. Today, the school serves a diverse ethnocultural and multilingual population. As part of the Model Schools for Inner City initiative, the staff, parents, and community are committed to providing increased educational opportunities and rich learning experiences for the students.
Top Private Schools in Toronto (2020)
1) Avondale Elementary Alternative School & Avondale Secondary Alternative School
Avondale Alternative Elementary School and Avondale Alternative Secondary School, located in North York, provide a commitment to small class sizes and high teacher engagement. Avondale offers rigorous yet supportive academic environment from Junior Kindergarten (JK) to Grade 12. Extra-curricular activity offerings range from dance and drama to ceramics and athletics.
Havergal College, also located in North York, is an independent boarding and day school for girls from Junior Kindergarten (JK) to Grade 12. The Liberal Arts program exceeds the expectations of the Ontario Ministry of Education. All courses are college-preparatory and are at the advanced level. Many students choose to write Advanced Placement (AP) exams. The school also offers online courses, and has a technological education program that includes animation, web design, graphic design, video and multimedia production. Courses provide students with the opportunity to explore current industry-standard software such as Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Microsoft Office, Final Cut Pro, Dreamweaver, and Flash – equipping students with real-world technical skills and knowledge for the workplace.
3) Islamic Institute of Toronto
This non-profit, federally registered, educational institute in Scarborough scores highly in students’ EQAO results. The school campus includes a conference centre, mosque, triple gymnasium, library and reading room, a swimming pool. Islamic High School, which caters to Muslim students, combines modern learning with studies in Arabic language and Islamic studies.
Northmount School in North York is an independent Catholic boys elementary school (JK to Grade 8). With an average class size of 12, the school offers personalized instruction and a strong sense of community. Smaller class sizes allow educators to design and tailor studies based on individual student needs.
Sathya Sai School, located in Scarborough, is a non-profit, private, non-denominational, and co-educational day school of approximately 240 students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8. The school offers the Ministry of Ontario’s curriculum integrated with value-based education, and is open to all students regardless of socio-economic status, ethnic origin, or religion. This educational approach employs a variety of teaching methods structured around human values, including daily light meditation, yoga, and community service activities. These values are also integrated in the traditional academic subjects such as math, science, language, social studies, and physical education.
6) St. Sebastian Catholic School
Located in the Dufferin-Peel region, St. Sebastian Catholic School is ranked as one of the best schools in the Toronto area for standardized test results in reading, writing, and math. Students are also able to participate in various activities including arts, athletics, and sports teams.