When buying a home in Toronto, one of the most common — and important — questions buyers ask is: Which school will my child attend if we buy this property? School catchments, also known as school boundaries or attendance zones, can significantly impact property values, and knowing how to find this information can help buyers make more informed decisions.
This guide walks you through how to determine which schools are associated with a given address, why school districts can affect real estate prices, and how to compare school performance across the city.
What Is a School Catchment?
A school catchment is a geographical area assigned to a specific school. If you live within that boundary, your child is typically eligible to attend that school. In a city as diverse and dynamic as Toronto, catchment areas can be as impactful on home value as square footage or renovation quality.
Even a small difference — like being north vs. south of a particular street — can mean attending a completely different school, which can shift a home’s desirability and market value.
How to Find Your School Catchment in Toronto
To check which schools are associated with a specific address, the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) provides a user-friendly tool.
This tool will tell you:
It also accounts for address-specific differences — so two homes on the same street but different street numbers might be assigned to different schools.
Real-Life Examples from Toronto Neighbourhoods
Bloor West Village / High Park:
A street like Windermere Avenue runs through several distinct school zones. On the southern end near Lake Shore, a home might be in the catchment for Swansea Junior and Senior Public School. However, a few blocks north, the catchment might change to Runnymede Junior and Senior. These differences often align with shifts in home prices across the neighborhood.
Roncesvalles / Fern Avenue:
On Fern Avenue, catchments vary between Fern Avenue Junior and Senior Public School and Garden Avenue Public School depending on the house number. This type of subtle shift in boundaries is common across the city and can influence a family’s decision when choosing where to live.
Bedford Park / Lawrence Park:
Woburn Avenue showcases even more variation, stretching from Yonge Street to Bathurst. Homes here might fall under Bedford Park Public School, John Wanless Junior Public School, or Ledbury Park Elementary and Middle School — depending again on the address range.
Why School Rankings Matter
Beyond just knowing the designated school, many families want to understand the school’s reputation. That’s where third-party rankings come in.
The Fraser Institute publishes annual rankings of Ontario schools based on standardized test scores and other factors. You can visit compareschoolrankings.org to view performance scores for both elementary and secondary schools in Toronto.
For instance, Withrow Avenue Junior Public School in Leslieville consistently receives strong ratings. It’s one reason homes in that pocket remain in high demand — even when the broader market cools.
Additional Tools for Buyers
In addition to TDSB’s official tool, websites like HoodQ offer property reports that include:
However, for official school assignment based on address, the TDSB website remains the most accurate source.
Understanding school catchments is an essential step when buying a home in Toronto, especially for families with school-aged children. It’s not just about proximity to schools — it's about knowing exactly which school your child would attend, and how that may affect your home’s current and future value.
If you’re considering a move and want help understanding which areas might be the best fit for your family’s educational needs, consult a real estate professional who can walk you through the process and provide additional resources.
This guide walks you through how to determine which schools are associated with a given address, why school districts can affect real estate prices, and how to compare school performance across the city.
What Is a School Catchment?
A school catchment is a geographical area assigned to a specific school. If you live within that boundary, your child is typically eligible to attend that school. In a city as diverse and dynamic as Toronto, catchment areas can be as impactful on home value as square footage or renovation quality.
Even a small difference — like being north vs. south of a particular street — can mean attending a completely different school, which can shift a home’s desirability and market value.
How to Find Your School Catchment in Toronto
To check which schools are associated with a specific address, the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) provides a user-friendly tool.
- Visit tdsb.on.ca
- At the top of the page, select "Find Your School"
- Choose “By Home Address”
- Enter the street address of the property you're considering
This tool will tell you:
- The designated elementary and secondary schools
- French immersion or alternative program schools (if applicable)
- Technological or specialty programs
It also accounts for address-specific differences — so two homes on the same street but different street numbers might be assigned to different schools.
Real-Life Examples from Toronto Neighbourhoods
Bloor West Village / High Park:
A street like Windermere Avenue runs through several distinct school zones. On the southern end near Lake Shore, a home might be in the catchment for Swansea Junior and Senior Public School. However, a few blocks north, the catchment might change to Runnymede Junior and Senior. These differences often align with shifts in home prices across the neighborhood.
Roncesvalles / Fern Avenue:
On Fern Avenue, catchments vary between Fern Avenue Junior and Senior Public School and Garden Avenue Public School depending on the house number. This type of subtle shift in boundaries is common across the city and can influence a family’s decision when choosing where to live.
Bedford Park / Lawrence Park:
Woburn Avenue showcases even more variation, stretching from Yonge Street to Bathurst. Homes here might fall under Bedford Park Public School, John Wanless Junior Public School, or Ledbury Park Elementary and Middle School — depending again on the address range.
Why School Rankings Matter
Beyond just knowing the designated school, many families want to understand the school’s reputation. That’s where third-party rankings come in.
The Fraser Institute publishes annual rankings of Ontario schools based on standardized test scores and other factors. You can visit compareschoolrankings.org to view performance scores for both elementary and secondary schools in Toronto.
For instance, Withrow Avenue Junior Public School in Leslieville consistently receives strong ratings. It’s one reason homes in that pocket remain in high demand — even when the broader market cools.
Additional Tools for Buyers
In addition to TDSB’s official tool, websites like HoodQ offer property reports that include:
- Nearby public, Catholic, and private schools
- Community insights
- Local amenities and walkability
However, for official school assignment based on address, the TDSB website remains the most accurate source.
Understanding school catchments is an essential step when buying a home in Toronto, especially for families with school-aged children. It’s not just about proximity to schools — it's about knowing exactly which school your child would attend, and how that may affect your home’s current and future value.
If you’re considering a move and want help understanding which areas might be the best fit for your family’s educational needs, consult a real estate professional who can walk you through the process and provide additional resources.
