School Zones

Before You Buy, Check the School Catchment Boundaries

In Ontario, school catchments are drawn by street and address, and school boards adjust boundaries when new schools open or enrolment changes. Before you buy, always check the designated schools with the full address on the school board's website, rather than relying on the listing, ads or what neighbours say. This article covers how to look up each board, boundary changes and full schools, specialty programs, out-of-area applications and a checklist before you sign.

School Zones

Choosing a School: Look Beyond the Fraser Rankings to the Programs

Canada has no official school ranking. The Fraser Institute report looks only at provincial test scores in math, reading and writing; it is a useful reference, but not the whole picture. When choosing a school, start with Ontario's four types of school boards and catchment boundaries, then look at how to apply for French Immersion, IB, AP, Gifted and SHSM programs, along with your child's interests and the commute.