As one of Canada's most vibrant and dynamic cities, Toronto offers newcomers everything from world-class entertainment and cultural attractions to top-tier restaurants and shopping. One of the biggest draws for families is Toronto's excellent education system. With a wide range of highly-rated primary, secondary, and post-secondary schools to choose from, Toronto families can provide their children with an education that will prepare them for success in the future. If you’re considering investing in Toronto real estate, use this guide to take a closer look at some of the best schools in the city.
Primary schools
For families considering a move to the GTA, the area’s highly-rated primary schools are a huge draw. Parents can be confident that their children will receive a strong foundation in academic and social skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.
Crestwood School
First on the list is Crestwood School, located in the North York area of Toronto. Crestwood is a co-educational private school for students from junior kindergarten to grade 6. The school's curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration; the goal is to help students develop a love of learning that will catapult them into success in high school and beyond. With smaller class sizes, experienced teachers, and a warm and supportive community, Crestwood School is an excellent choice for families seeking high-quality primary education.
Junior Academy
Junior Academy is another private school in Toronto near the Bridle Path, located in Toronto's York Mills neighbourhood. The school offers daycare and preschool programs alongside a challenging and engaging curriculum for students from kindergarten to grade 6. Junior Academy’s mission is to cultivate each student’s strengths in an environment that rewards individualized education, creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking. In addition to standard classes, Junior Academy offers enrichment activities like music, art, and drama.
In addition to Crestwood and Junior Academy, Toronto is home to many other excellent choices, including The Bishop Strachan School, St. Clement's, and the York School, giving families access to some of the best primary education opportunities in the province.
Secondary schools
Toronto is also home to some of the top secondary schools in Canada. The following schools stand out as some of Toronto’s best.
York Mills Collegiate Institute
When it comes to top education, York Mills schools in Toronto are hard to beat. The York Mills Collegiate Institute, for instance, is a top-ranked public school in North York known for its strong academic programs and commitment to student success. Serving students in grades 9–12, York Mills Collegiate names achievement, excellence, and community engagement as its three main areas of focus. Along with standard classes in math, science, and the humanities, York Mills Collegiate has a thriving performing and visual arts program as well as a robust athletics community. With a diverse student body and a supportive team of educators, York Mills Collegiate is a great choice for students looking to excel academically and socially.
Forest Hill Collegiate Institute
Alongside York Mills, Forest Hill Collegiate Institute is a top Forest Hill school in Toronto. This public high school is built on values of community, support, and academic excellence, and offers a wide range of courses in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, as well as the humanities and the arts. With a focus on personalized learning, Forest Hill Collegiate is perfect for families looking for a caring and compassionate community for their teens.
In addition to York Mills and Forest Hill, Toronto has many other excellent secondary schools, including Northern Secondary School, the Royal Crown School, and Upper Canada College.
Post-secondary schools
For families with children who will soon be pursuing post-secondary education, Toronto is a great place in which to do so. Not only is the city home to several world-class colleges and universities, but it’s also a haven for arts and culture organizations, museums, and galleries, as well as a thriving food and entertainment scene. The city also boasts an entrepreneurial spirit and is home to many startups and tech companies, making it an ideal place for students to network and gain valuable work experience.
University of Toronto
The University of Toronto is regularly ranked as one of the top universities in Canada and the world, offering a broad range of acclaimed undergraduate and graduate programs across three campuses. With over 700 undergraduate programs and more than 280 graduate programs in fields like engineering, business, the humanities, and social sciences, the University of Toronto is a leader in research and innovation, attracting students from all over the world.
York University
York University, located north of the city, is another staple in Toronto post-secondary education. York is a top-tier institution known for its interdisciplinary approach to education, offering programs in everything from business and law to science and engineering, as well as a strong arts program. Students at York have access to cutting-edge research facilities and opportunities for hands-on learning and experiential education.
Alongside U of T and York, post-secondary students can attend Ryerson University, the Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD), George Brown College, and Humber College. With so many excellent institutions, Toronto is an ideal destination for students looking to pursue higher education.
Call Toronto home
Toronto is a city filled with opportunities, no matter if families are looking for a primary, secondary, or post-secondary school for their children. If you’re hoping to call Toronto home, work with real estate broker Katy Torabi, who can help you find the perfect location near your first-choice schools. With a commitment to excellence and a proven record of satisfied clients, Katy is well-equipped to help you find a home and neighbourhood that meets your family's educational needs and lifestyle preferences. Reach Katy Torabi today to learn more about how she can help you make your dream of living in Toronto a reality.
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