Toronto neighbourhoods with the best schools

A Guide to Toronto’s Top School Zones and Family-Friendly Neighbourhoods

When it comes to buying a home in Toronto, priorities vary—some buyers focus on commute times or walkability, while others zero in on one key factor: school quality. For many families, finding a home within the boundaries of a top-ranked Toronto school is the #1 goal.

Toronto is home to some of the best school districts in Ontario, with highly rated elementary and secondary schools across the city. The Fraser Institute regularly publishes school rankings and report cards, offering an at-a-glance view of academic performance across neighbourhoods. 

Searching for homes near the best schools in Toronto? Here are a few of the most sought-after neighbourhoods for education-focused buyers—where location and learning go hand in hand.

Top Schools In Davisville Village

Midtown’s Davisville Village continues to be a go-to destination for families, largely thanks to top-rated schools like Maurice Cody Junior Public School and North Toronto Collegiate Institute, one of the city’s most respected secondary schools. The area features a blend of charm and convenience, with access to parks, transit, and boutique shopping. Known for its welcoming community, Davisville gives families the educational edge without sacrificing urban comforts.

Top Schools In High Park & Bloor West Village

Family life thrives in High Park and Bloor West Village, two west-end neighbourhoods offering both community charm and access to some of Toronto’s best schools. Runnymede Junior and Senior Public School and Humberside Collegiate Institute are standouts, consistently scoring high for academics and student engagement. These areas boast leafy, bikeable streets, and are only a short walk from High Park—the city's largest green space—making them ideal for active, school-age families.

Top Schools In Lawrence Park

Lawrence Park walking path in the park. Greenery on both sides of the path.

Among Toronto’s most prestigious areas, Lawrence Park excels in both luxury living and academic opportunity. Public options like Blythwood Junior Public School and Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute are top performers, while elite private schools such as Crescent School and Havergal College are also nearby. Tree-lined streets, stately homes, and strong community values make Lawrence Park one of the best neighbourhoods in Toronto for families focused on long-term educational success.

Top Schools In Leaside

Leaside has earned its reputation as one of Toronto’s top family neighbourhoods, thanks in part to stellar schools like Bessborough Drive Elementary and Middle School and Leaside High School. These institutions consistently rank well provincially and offer excellent programs in academics, athletics, and the arts. Leaside also features great parks, shopping along Bayview Avenue, and easy TTC access, making it a top pick for parents who want it all—education, convenience, and community.

Top Schools In Riverdale

Located just east of downtown, Riverdale offers a mix of heritage charm and academic strength. Schools like Withrow Avenue Junior Public School and Frankland Community School are top-rated, while Riverdale Collegiate Institute is a strong performer at the secondary level. Families here enjoy tree-lined streets, farmers’ markets, and a tight-knit community vibe—plus easy access to downtown, making it one of Toronto’s most well-rounded family neighbourhoods.

Top Schools In Rosedale-Moore Park

Among Toronto’s oldest and most prestigious neighbourhoods, Rosedale–Moore Park is prized for its heritage homes, lush ravines, and access to some of the city’s top-performing schools. Whitney Junior Public School and Rosedale Heights School of the Arts are academic leaders, with strong reputations in both core subjects and creative programs. The area’s timeless elegance and superior school access make it a favourite for professionals with school-aged children.

Top Schools In The Beaches

If lakeside living with top-notch education is on your wish list, look no further than The Beaches. Families are drawn to Kew Beach Junior Public School and Malvern Collegiate Institute, both of which deliver outstanding academic results and active extracurricular programs. The community offers a small-town feel with access to sandy beaches, waterfront trails, and excellent restaurants—proving you don’t have to give up lifestyle to get a great education.

Top Schools In Willowdale East (Bayview-Sheppard)

Willowdale East is a North York favourite due to Earl Haig Secondary and the renowned Claude Watson Arts Program. This area has it all: education, entertainment, and plenty of transit options. It’s great for both long-time residents and newcomers.

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This website may only be used by consumers that have a bona fide interest in the purchase, sale, or lease of real estate of the type being offered via the website. The data relating to real estate on this website comes in part from the MLS® Reciprocity program of the PropTx MLS®. The data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed to be accurate.