One of the primary concerns for families when selecting a place to live is the quality of education available for their children, and few regions of Toronto boast the same volume of quality schooling opportunities as North York. 

North York boasts a wide selection of respected, well-regarded schools which serve the full scope of age ranges, grade levels, and education styles. 

In this blog post, we’ve outlined our selections for North York’s most exceptional public and private schools. 

Curious about life in North York? Click here to access our article about what it’s like to live in this sought-after part of Toronto. 

Top Public Schools in North York

North York families land within one of the best public school catchment areas in the city.  

Our top picks consider traits such as a school’s reputation, degree of community involvement, extracurricular opportunities, quality of academics, and beyond. 

John Wanless Jr Public School

Serving grades Jr Kindergarten through 6, John Wanless Jr Public School is one of North York’s best elementary schools. Known for its commitment to educational excellence and personal growth, the school has a nurturing environment where students can thrive academically and socially. With a focus on fostering creativity and critical thinking skills, John Wanless Jr Public School’s curriculum is complemented by various enrichment programs.

Blessed Sacrament Catholic School

Focusing on Catholic values and academic comprehension, Blessed Sacrament Catholic School provides a supportive learning environment where students are encouraged to grow and thrive. With a strong emphasis on community, the school instills values focused on equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism, and anti-oppression. Blessed Sacrament Catholic School provides education from Kindergarten to Grade 8, with an option for French semi-immersion classes for Grades 5 to 8.

Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute

Long considered to be one of the best public high schools in Toronto, Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute is a co-ed school serving students from grades 9 through 12. With a legacy of academic excellence spanning almost 90 years, the school offers a challenging and enriching educational experience. Beyond the classroom, Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute is celebrated for its wide selection of extracurricular activities, including more than 50 athletic teams, countless clubs and councils, and an award-winning drama program. 

North Toronto Collegiate Institute

Offering both English language and Francophone learning, North Toronto Collegiate Institute is another highly-regarded high school in North York. With a focus on preparing students for post-secondary success, the school provides a rigorous curriculum alongside opportunities for leadership and personal growth. 

Buying a family home in North York? Explore these related posts for helpful anecdotes and insights. 

Top Private Schools in North York

As North York is home to some of Toronto’s most elite neighbourhoods, it is perhaps no surprise that the region features an exceptional number of private schools. Our top picks below are based on a number of factors including acceptance rate, class size, reputation, alumni success, and more. 

Crestwood School & Preparatory College

Two schools operating on the same principles of excellence, Crestwood School (Jr. K-6) & Crestwood Preparatory College (7-12), are considered to be two of the best schools in all of Toronto. Their process-oriented approach to learning ensures each student feels heard and inspired. In addition to academics, Crestwood Preparatory College is renowned for its successful athletics programs. 

Havergal College

Widely regarded as Canada’s top all-girls school, Havergal College is a prestigious institution with an unmatched legacy dating back to 1894. Offering both day studies and a boarding track, Havergal College serves grades Jr Kindergarten through 12. With an average student-to-teacher ratio of 20:1, students receive an education that is second to none. The school is also recognized for its amenity-dense campus which resembles a fully-fledged university.  

Crescent School

Boasting a discerning acceptance rate of only 25%, Crescent School is considered to be one of Toronto’s most prestigious private day schools. Founded in 1913, this all-boys institution serves grades 3 through 12 and is recognized for its exceptional class sizes which average between 15 and 20 students per class. Crescent School’s curriculum is vigorous, ensuring all students who graduate are accepted into university. 

Glen Briar Academy

Among North York’s many historic and tradition-oriented private schools, Glen Briar Academy stands out for its emphasis on innovation-fueled education. Nurturing students from Kindergarten through Grade 8, Glen Briar Academy’s cross-curricular approach creates a dynamic learning environment where students are both nurtured and challenged. The school also offers a unique Greek Language Program which emphasizes language acquisition as part of the curriculum, ensuring students successfully pass the Ellinomatheia Proficiency Test.

Searching for more home-buying advice? Consider these additional resources hand-written by our team. 

Finding the Ideal Family Home in North York

If you’re seeking the perfect home for your family in North York or beyond, you’ll want to work with a knowledgeable, top-performing real estate team – like us. As veterans of Toronto’s ever-evolving market (including a dynamic specialization in North York), we leverage our industry expertise to match you with the right property while getting you the best value for your dollar. 

Looking to buy a home in North York? Ramsay Group is your ticket to a successful purchase. Click here to contact us by email or call 416.906.8366 to begin your bespoke buying journey.

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