A Comprehensive Guide to Ontario High School Rankings: 50 Best Schools

Exploring Ontario high school rankings is essential for anyone seeking the top high schools across the province, from urban centers like Toronto, Ottawa, and Windsor to smaller communities in rural areas.

To make informed decisions, check out the school rankings because they offer a snapshot of academic performance, extracurricular opportunities, and the overall educational environment.

Whether you’re looking for a school that excels in STEM subjects, boasts a strong arts program, or provides a supportive and inclusive community, the rankings can guide you to the high school that best meets your needs and aspirations.

With the right information at your fingertips, finding a top-ranking high school in Ontario becomes a much clearer path to securing a bright educational future.

Ontario high school rankings are determined by various organizations using different criteria, primarily focusing on academic performance and other key factors.

Here’s an overview of how these rankings are generally established:

Standardized Test Scores: Schools are evaluated based on student performance on Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) assessments, measuring proficiency in mathematics, science, reading, and writing.

Graduation Rates: The percentage of students graduating on time, indicating the school’s effectiveness in supporting student completion.

Post-Secondary Admissions: The rate at which graduates are accepted into universities and colleges, reflecting the school’s success in preparing students for further education.

Extracurricular Engagement: The quality and availability of extracurricular activities, such as sports and arts, showcasing the school’s commitment to a holistic education.

The Fraser Institute annually compiles and publishes rankings of Ontario high schools, utilizing publicly available data, including average results from tests conducted across the province. These rankings scored from 0 to 10, serve as indicators of a school’s performance relative to others. Scores above six suggest above-average outcomes, rather than a pass or fail status.

The Fraser Institute’s school report cards (2022) offer detailed analyses of academic performance across several years, enabling more informed school selection. This data encompasses test scores in mathematics and literacy (reading and writing) for grades 9 and 10, along with results from the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT).

Additionally, the report card they release provides comparisons of academic achievements among schools and tracks performance changes over the most recent five-year period.

It’s crucial to recognize that while these rankings provide valuable insights, they represent only one aspect to consider in assessing a high school’s quality.

Moreover, the Fraser Institute’s rankings do not cover all schools; exclusions occur when there is insufficient data from the provincial Ministry of Education for a fair assessment.

For schools not included in the Fraser Institute’s report cards, or if specific test results are missing, the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) offers an alternative resource for information.

From prestigious arts and science-focused academies in Toronto and Ottawa to specialized programs in smaller communities like Caledon and Oakville, Ontario’s top-ranking high schools consistently excel in provincial and national assessments.

Here is the list of the top 50 high schools in Ontario (739 schools), according to the latest rankings.

1. Wali ul Asr, Caledon – 9.9 (1/739)
2. Markville, Markham – 9.4 (2/739)
3. St. Michael’s Choir, Toronto – 9.4 (2/739)
4. Canadian Intl. School of Hong Kong, Hong Kong – 9.3 (4/739)
5. ISNA, Mississauga – 9.3 (4/739)
6. Colonel By, Gloucester – 9.2 (6/739)
7. Ursula Franklin, Toronto – 9.2 (6/739)
8. Bayview, Richmond Hill – 9 (8/739)
9. St. Theresa of Lisieux, Richmond Hill – 9 (8/739)
10. Abbey Park, Oakville – 8.9 (10/739)
11. Iroquois Ridge, Oakville – 8.9 (10/739)
12. Cardinal Carter-Arts, Toronto – 8.8 (12/739)
13. Lisgar, Ottawa – 8.8 (12/739)
14. Pierre Elliott Trudeau, Markham – 8.8 (12/739)
15. St. Augustine, Markham – 8.8 (12/739)
16. St. Mildred’s, Oakville – 8.8 (12/739)
17. Unionville, Unionville – 8.8 (12/739)
18. Leaside, Toronto – 8.7 (18/739)
19. Mitchell, Mitchell – 8.7 (18/739)
20. St. Robert, Thornhill – 8.7 (18/739)
21. All Saints, Kanata – 8.6 (21/739)
22. Earl Haig, Toronto – 8.6 (21/739)
23. Earl of March, Kanata – 8.6 (21/739)
24. Father John Redmond, Toronto – 8.6 (21/739)
25. Oakville Trafalgar, Oakville – 8.6 (21/739)
26. White Oaks, Oakville – 8.6 (21/739)
27. Ange-Gabriel, Brockville – 8.5 (27/739)
28. Garth Webb, Oakville – 8.5 (27/739)
29. Holy Name of Mary, Brampton – 8.5 (27/739)
30. John Fraser, Mississauga – 8.5 (27/739)
31. London Central, London – 8.5 (27/739)
32. St. Thomas of Villanova, LaSalle – 8.5 (27/739)
33. St.-Frère-André, Toronto – 8.5 (27/739)
34. William Lyon Mackenzie, Toronto – 8.5 (27/739)
35. Aurora, Aurora – 8.4 (35/739)
36. Bur Oak, Markham – 8.4 (35/739)
37. Centennial, Guelph – 8.4 (35/739)
38. Marymount, Sudbury – 8.4 (35/739)
39. St. Thomas Aquinas, Russell – 8.4 (35/739)
40. St.-Charles-Garnier, Whitby – 8.4 (35/739)
41. John McCrae, Nepean – 8.3 (41/739)
42. Bill Hogarth, Markham – 8.2 (42/739)
43. Collège Français, Toronto – 8.2 (42/739)
44. Father Michael McGivney, Markham – 8.2 (42/739)
45. Jeanne-Lajoie, Pembroke – 8.2 (42/739)
46. Nepean, Ottawa – 8.2 (42/739)
47. North Toronto, Toronto – 8.2 (42/739)
48. Paul-Desmarais, Ottawa – 8.2 (42/739)
49. Richmond Hill, Richmond Hill – 8.2 (42/739)
50. The Woodlands, Mississauga – 8.2 (42/739)

Here, you’ll also discover interactive rankings for public primary and secondary schools across Ontario, with options to filter by your specific place of interest.

High-ranking high schools are synonymous with academic excellence. Students graduating from these schools are often better prepared for the challenges of higher education and beyond, equipped with the knowledge and critical thinking skills needed to excel.

Beyond academics, the best high schools in Ontario offer a broad spectrum of extracurricular activities and specialized programs. From advanced placement (AP) courses and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs to arts, sports, and technology, these schools provide students with opportunities to explore and excel in their areas of interest.

With access to superior resources, including modern facilities, technology, and learning materials, students are placed in an optimal position to thrive.

As a result, graduates of these top high schools not only exhibit higher rates of college completion but are also more inclined to pursue advanced degrees, setting them on a path to significant achievements in their future endeavors.

When selecting a school, considering various factors beyond just academic performance or Ontario high school rankings is crucial. This includes exploring the specific programs offered by the school, as well as gathering insights from teachers, students, and parents to gain a well-rounded view of the institution.

Additionally, it’s essential to take into account the unique needs, interests, and objectives during the process of selecting the right educational institution.

However, the importance of a quality education in high-ranking high schools cannot be overstated. These institutions offer a pathway to academic and personal success, providing students with the tools they need to achieve their dreams. For those seeking the best possible educational experience, the best high schools represent an investment in the future that pays dividends in knowledge, opportunities, and success.