Key Factors Parents Consider When Choosing Schools in Markham (2025 to 2026 Family Guide)

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 planning to buy a home in Markham, Michael provides clear, data driven guidance on how school quality, boundaries, and neighbourhoods impact both lifestyle and long term property value.
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Why School Choice Strongly Influences Markham Real Estate

For families buying a home in Markham, school selection is often the single most important decision factor. Markham’s reputation for high performing public and Catholic schools attracts families from across the GTA, creating strong demand and price competition in specific neighbourhoods.

Parents typically evaluate academic rankings, school boundaries, specialized programs, safety, and proximity to home, all of which directly affect real estate values. As a top real estate agent in Markham, Michael John Lau helps families navigate this competitive landscape to secure homes in the right school zones without overpaying.

Academic Performance and Rankings Matter Most

Fraser Institute and EQAO Results

Academic performance is the top priority for most parents. Fraser Institute school rankings (2025 reports) remain one of the most widely used benchmarks, with families targeting schools scoring above 9 out of 10.

Highly sought after secondary schools include:

• St. Augustine Catholic High School (9.6) to Cachet, Berczy

• Bur Oak Secondary School (9.3) to Wismer

• Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School (9.2) to Angus Glen

• Unionville High School (8.8 to 9.2) to Unionville

At the elementary level, parents prioritize EQAO literacy and math performance, with top choices such as:

• Roy H. Crosby Public School to Unionville

• St. Justin Martyr Catholic Elementary School to Unionville

Trends show that Unionville and Wismer consistently rank among the most preferred neighbourhoods due to long term academic stability.

School Boundaries Can Determine Where Families Buy

Understanding YRDSB and YCDSB Catchment Areas

School boundaries enforced by the York Region District School Board (YRDSB) and York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) are a critical factor in home buying decisions. Many high ranking schools now operate at or near capacity.

For the 2025 to 2026 school year, capped schools such as Markville Secondary School are rejecting out of zone applicants, making proof of residency essential. Parents routinely verify addresses using official board boundary maps before purchasing.

Neighbourhoods like Cachet, Angus Glen, Unionville, and Wismer see increased buyer competition specifically because they fall within elite school zones. As a result, homes in these areas can command price premiums of up to 10%.

Specialized Programs and Extracurricular Opportunities

Beyond Academics

Parents increasingly look beyond rankings to evaluate program diversity and student development. Specialized offerings significantly influence school choice, including:

• International Baccalaureate (IB) at St. Robert Catholic High School

• Arts and performance programs at Unionville High School

• STEM focused curricula at Bur Oak Secondary School

Extracurricular activities such as competitive sports, music, robotics, and leadership clubs also factor heavily into decisions. Many of Markham’s top schools report 80 to 90% university placement rates, reinforcing their appeal.

Some families, particularly ESL households, also explore private and Montessori options, such as Town Centre Montessori, for early academic preparation.

Safety, Community, and School Culture

The Importance of Environment

A safe, inclusive, and supportive school environment ranks high for parents. Families often research:

• School safety records and bullying prevention policies

• Diversity and inclusivity

• Parent councils and community involvement

• Proximity to parks, trails, and recreation centres

Catholic schools under the YCDSB are frequently praised for strong community culture and staff support, which further drives demand in surrounding neighbourhoods.

Strategic Buyer Insights for Families

When buying a home in Markham with schools in mind, families should:

• Align purchases strictly with desired school boundaries to avoid future transfers

• Monitor YRDSB and YCDSB capacity updates for the 2026 school year

• Expect 5 to 10% pricing premiums in top performing zones

• Balance school access with commute convenience and transit options

Michael John Lau, widely recognized as the best realtor in Markham, Ontario, helps families evaluate both current school eligibility and long term neighbourhood value before making one of life’s biggest investments.

Buying a Home in a Top Markham School Zone? Get Expert Guidance

Choosing the right school starts with selecting the right home. Michael John Lau, a trusted Realtor in Markham, provides expert insight into school boundaries, neighbourhood trends, and resale value, ensuring families make confident and informed decisions.

📞 Planning to buy or sell in Markham or Unionville?
Visit www.callmikelau.com to connect with Michael John Lau, the Top Realtor in Markham, for personalized guidance and results you can trust.