While some homebuyers purchase homes due to work proximity or that boasts an easy commute, most buyers, especially parents and would-be parents, need to factor in school districts when choosing a neighborhood to call home.
The good news is that the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is celebrated for its public education, providing families with several options for their school-aged children. In fact, a few GTA cities outshine the rest for having the best public schools in the area, from offering an excellent teaching staff and internationally-recognized programming to expansive arts electives and sports teams.
Here are our top five cities that offer a competitive education beyond the classroom in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
Milton
A city situated in southwestern Ontario, between Hamilton and Mississauga, Milton is part of the GTA and is considered a front-runner for the best public education in the area.
In fact, Milton Public Schools (MPS) is a high-performing district, as it is well-funded and boasts high-quality and experienced teachers and administrators in every school. Their teachers are known to have high expectations and provide rigorous instruction.
Furthermore, student outcomes on standardized tests, graduation rates, and student growth exceed state averages. Parents and caregivers are fully engaged, highly involved, and supportive of the schools and their children's learning. The district also has all the building blocks to provide an excellent education for all students.
Richmond Hill
A known hub for large homes, well-tended gardens, a spacious backyard, and plenty of professional and personal growth opportunities for the residents, it's no surprise that Richmond Hill is also one of the choice cities for quality public education in GTA.
In fact, the sky is the limit for children living in Richmond Hill. Aside from being home to multiple EarlyON Child and family centers, the city boasts many excellent institutions, whether in elementary or high school. For instance, Silver Stream Public School offers a gifted program for students from grades 4 to 8, and Langstaff Secondary School features a prestigious French immersion program strengthened by its commitment to enhancing learning through technology.
Learning opportunities continue outside the classroom for Richmond Hill students through the city's four public libraries for resources and internet access or learn about the community by visiting the town's Heritage Centre.
Oakville
One of the largest towns in Ontario, Oakville is located in Halton Region on Lake Ontario and is a part of the Greater Toronto Area. It's also a top Canadian city that offers a strong economy and a good public education, specifically its college education.
For one, The Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, a sought-after college in GTA, is known for its graphic design and business programs. Some of Sheridan College's best students have created well-known animation movies; the list includes Ratatouille, WALL-E, Toy Story 3, and Lilo & Stitch. Another top college is Appleby College, a choice school for fascinating minds since 1911.
Oakville is also only a 30-minute drive away from the major city of Toronto in Ontario, meaning that commuting is generally a breeze, even if you work out of town in the larger centers. The same thing goes if you're thinking of pursuing studies in the town's neighboring areas.
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Halton Hills
An Ontario community located in the south, directly north of Milton, and only a 30-minute drive east of Guelph, Halton Hills offers a unique combination of two urban centers and several hamlets surrounded by rural countryside and natural attractions, including portions of the Niagara Escarpment and the Bruce Trail.
The city, aside from serving as a great getaway trip with its hiking opportunities, shopping areas, and casual dining, also boasts many higher education institutions within its boundaries. Most of these schools are acknowledged by the IRCC as Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs).
The public schools in the area are highly rated, from kindergarten to grade 12.
Burlington
Offering residents a fair distance to bigger cities like Toronto and Hamilton, Burlington is one of the more vegan-friendly GTA cities and boasts a balanced combination of urban fun and quiet family living, including competitive public education.
In fact, the Halton District School Board prides itself on its high standard of education, not only with its public stream but with its Catholic Schools and several private schools within the community as well.
Across the city, there are over 25 public elementary schools that feed into six different high schools. There are also numerous private schools in the Burlington area. Its key location also allows its residents to commute to several post-secondary institutes outside city limits. For one, McMaster University is just across the water in Hamilton, Ontario - as is the Mohawk McMaster Institute for Applied Health Sciences campus.
McMaster's DeGroote School of Business campus in Burlington offers both Undergraduate and professional programs.