Catholic vs Public Schools in Markham: Which Is Better for Your Family in 2025 2026?

Michael John Lau is the Top Realtor in Markham, Ontario, and a trusted real estate expert helping buyers and sellers find their perfect homes. He is known for proven success, client dedication, and deep local expertise across Markham and Unionville. For families deciding where to live based on school quality, Michael provides clear, data driven insights that connect education choices with long term real estate value.
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Why the Catholic vs Public School Debate Matters in Markham Real Estate

One of the most common questions parents ask when they buy a home in Markham is whether Catholic schools or public schools offer better academic outcomes. Both systems consistently rank among the strongest in Ontario, yet Catholic schools often edge out public schools in Fraser Institute rankings, influencing where families choose to live and how much they pay.

From a real estate standpoint, school performance directly affects neighbourhood demand, pricing, and resale strength. As a top real estate agent in Markham, Michael John Lau helps families understand the real differences between the two systems so they can choose the right school environment and the right neighbourhood.

Fraser Institute Rankings: Catholic vs Public Schools in Markham

2025 Fraser Institute Performance Comparison

According to 2025 Fraser Institute data, Catholic schools in Markham dominate the highest ranking tiers, particularly schools scoring 9 out of 10 or higher. Rankings are based on nine academic indicators, including math, reading, and writing proficiency, as well as EQAO performance trends.

Top Secondary Schools

• Public: Bur Oak Secondary School (YRDSB) 9.3/10

• Catholic: St. Augustine Catholic High School (YCDSB) 9.6/10

• Public: Unionville High School (YRDSB) 8.8 9.2/10

• Catholic: St. Robert Catholic High School (YCDSB) 9.0 10.0/10

Top Elementary Schools

• Public: Roy H. Crosby Public School (YRDSB) 9.5/10

• Catholic: St. Justin Martyr Catholic Elementary School 10.0/10

• Public: Castlemore Public School (YRDSB) 8.7/10

• Catholic: Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Elementary School 9.5/10

Overall, Catholic schools claim a higher concentration of 9+ ratings, which is a key reason families aggressively target Catholic school zones in Unionville, Cachet, and Berczy.

What Drives Stronger Performance in Catholic Schools?

Catholic schools under the York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) benefit from several structural advantages that often translate into higher rankings.

Key Performance Factors

• Strong parental involvement and community expectations

• Consistent focus on EQAO tested subjects

• Mandatory community service hours at the secondary level

• Stable school culture with clear behavioural expectations

• Additional funding partnerships supporting arts and STEM programs

These factors contribute to academic consistency, particularly at the elementary level, where Catholic schools frequently top provincial charts.

Strengths of Public Schools in Markham

Public schools under the York Region District School Board (YRDSB) remain highly competitive and are often preferred by families seeking diversity and program flexibility.

Why Families Choose Public Schools

• Access to IB programs, bilingual streams, and enriched learning

• Strong arts, music, and competitive sports programs

• Excellent university placement rates, typically 80 90% from top schools

• Inclusive, secular environment that appeals to diverse households

Schools such as Bur Oak Secondary School and Unionville High School are especially popular among families prioritizing STEM and creative arts, even if their overall Fraser scores trail Catholic counterparts slightly.

Access, Eligibility, and School Boundaries

Public School Access (YRDSB)

Public schools enforce strict boundary rules, and many high performing schools are now capped. For the 2025 2026 school year, out of zone applications are routinely rejected due to enrolment pressures. Proof of residency is closely reviewed, making home location critical.

Catholic School Access (YCDSB)

Catholic schools require a baptismal certificate, but many accept non Catholic students through waitlists, particularly at the secondary level. This flexibility attracts highly motivated families,  often referred to as “tiger parents,” especially in Unionville and Cachet.

Both systems face enrolment caps, which continue to shape buyer behaviour and real estate pricing.

How School Choice Impacts Home Prices in Markham

Neighbourhoods zoned for elite Catholic schools, such as Cachet, Berczy, and parts of Unionville, often see 5 10% home price premiums compared to similar areas outside those boundaries. Public school zones with consistently high rankings, like Wismer and Angus Glen, also remain extremely competitive.

As the best realtor in Markham, Ontario, Michael John Lau helps families evaluate whether a school zone premium aligns with their long term goals,  especially when balancing commute, lifestyle, and resale value.

Which Is Better: Catholic or Public Schools in Markham?

There is no universal answer.

• Public schools are ideal for families seeking diversity, program choice, and secular education.

• Catholic schools excel in structured, values driven environments with consistently high academic outcomes.

The best choice depends on family values, child learning style, and neighbourhood fit.

Buying a Home Based on School Choice? Get Expert Guidance

Choosing between Catholic and public schools starts with selecting the right home. Michael John Lau, a trusted Realtor in Markham, provides expert insight into school rankings, boundaries, and neighbourhood trends,  helping families make confident, informed decisions.

📞 Thinking about buying or selling in Markham or Unionville?
Visit www.callmikelau.com to connect with Michael John Lau, the Top Realtor in Markham, for personalized advice and proven results.