If there is one thing we know at Kaizen Real Estate, it’s this: for families moving to Markham, the “dream home” isn’t just about square footage or an upgraded kitchen, it’s about the school zone.

Markham is widely recognized as having some of the highest-ranked public and Catholic schools in Ontario. For many of our clients, the school boundary is the non-negotiable starting point of their home search. But with so many options, French Immersion, International Baccalaureate (IB), Arts, and Gifted programs, it can be overwhelming to navigate.

Whether you are moving to Unionville, Berczy, or Wismer, this guide breaks down the top-performing schools in Markham and the neighborhoods that feed into them.

Top Rated High Schools in Markham (Secondary)

When buying a "forever home," secondary school catchments are critical because they often dictate property values for years to come. Here are the heavy hitters in Markham’s education scene.

1. St. Robert Catholic High School (IB Program)

• Fraser Institute Score: Consistently 9.0 - 10.0

• Neighborhood: Thornhill / West Markham

• Why it’s famous: St. Robert is often the #1 ranked school in York Region. It is famous for its rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme.

• Real Estate Insight: Homes in this zone (bordering the 407 and 404) are highly sought after for their accessibility to Toronto and this elite school.

2. Unionville High School (Arts Unionville)

• Fraser Institute Score: Consistently 8.8 - 9.2

• Neighborhood: Unionville / Buttonville

• Specialty: Arts Unionville. This specialized program is a magnet for students gifted in music, drama, dance, and visual arts.

• Real Estate Insight: The Unionville neighborhood is historic and prestigious. Expect to pay a premium for homes near Main Street Unionville, which offer a village lifestyle alongside top-tier education.

3. Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School (French Immersion)

• Fraser Institute Score: 9.2 - 9.5

• Neighborhood: Berczy Village / Angus Glen

• Specialty: A bilingual powerhouse. It is one of the primary centers for French Immersion in Markham and offers Specialist High Skills Majors (SHSM) in Business and Health.

• Real Estate Insight: Berczy Village is a favorite for families due to its abundance of parks (like Berczy Park) and newer, spacious detached homes.

4. Bur Oak Secondary School

• Fraser Institute Score: 9.0 - 9.3

• Neighborhood: Wismer Commons

• Why it’s famous: A newer school compared to Unionville HS, Bur Oak has rapidly climbed the ranks to become a top academic contender.

• Real Estate Insight: Wismer is full of beautiful semi-detached and detached homes built in the mid-2000s, offering a slightly more modern housing stock than central Unionville.

5. Milliken Mills High School (IB Program)

• Neighborhood: Milliken

• Specialty: Offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, providing a public school alternative to St. Robert for IB education.

• Real Estate Insight: Milliken offers excellent value, with larger lots and convenient access to Pacific Mall and Asian culinary hotspots.

Top Rated Elementary Schools in Markham

Great high schools are fed by great elementary schools. Based on recent EQAO and Fraser Institute data, these are standout performers:

Note: Rankings fluctuate yearly. Always check the latest EQAO results for the most current data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Markham schools have the IB Program?

In Markham, the International Baccalaureate (IB) program is available at St. Robert Catholic High School (Catholic Board) and Milliken Mills High School (Public Board). Private options include Town Centre Private Schools and NOIC Academy.

Does school zone affect home prices in Markham?

Yes. Homes located within the boundaries of top-tier schools like Unionville High School and Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School often sell for a 5-10% premium compared to similar homes just outside the boundary.

How do I check my school boundary in Markham?

You should never rely on a real estate listing alone. Always use the official school locator tools:

• Public: YRDSB School Locator

• Catholic: YCDSB School Locator

What is the best French Immersion school in Markham?

Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School is widely considered the premier destination for French Immersion at the secondary level in Markham, serving students from feeder schools like Sir Wilfrid Laurier and Milliken Mills P.S.

At Kaizen Real Estate, we believe in continuous improvement, and that applies to your family’s lifestyle. Buying a home isn't just a transaction; it's a strategic move for your children's future.

We don't just open doors; we help you analyze school boundaries, future development plans, and neighborhood trends to ensure your investment grows alongside your kids.

Looking for a home in Markham and GTA?

Stop scrolling through listings.
Start working with a team that knows Markham’s school zones inside out.

📞 Contact Kaizen Real Estate
We’ll send you a curated list of homes in Markham’s top school districts.