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.
Do you have a budget in mind and want a great school district to match? We can help with that.
Charming, eclectic, and effortlessly cool — The Annex is one of Toronto’s most iconic downtown neighbourhoods. Known for its heritage homes, leafy streets, and vibrant energy, this area is steps from the University of Toronto, Bloor Street boutiques, and a thriving arts and foodie scene. Residents love the easy transit access, walkability, and rich character that blend old-world charm with modern city life. Whether you're catching a show at the ROM or sipping espresso on a historic veranda, The Annex delivers a downtown lifestyle with timeless appeal.
Forest Hill is one of Toronto’s most prestigious and picturesque neighbourhoods, known for its tree-lined streets, grand homes, and elite schools. It blends classic charm with modern convenience, offering upscale boutiques, gourmet dining, and easy transit access. With top-ranked public and Catholic schools, plus nearby private institutions like Upper Canada College and St. Michael’s College School, Forest Hill is a top choice for families seeking excellence in education and a refined urban lifestyle.
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.
A lively, creative enclave in Toronto’s downtown core, these neighbourhoods blend family-friendly charm with downtown edge. Anchored by Trinity Bellwoods Park and rich in cafes, boutiques, and culture. Walkable, transit-friendly, a wide variety of home types, with top schools, these pockets blend academic focus with the ultimate urban lifestyle. Perfect for those who love vibrant streets, green space, and a strong sense of community.
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.
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, village feel community, and excellent local restaurants—proving you don’t have to give up lifestyle to get a great education.