Mastering Markham School Boundaries: Your Complete Guide to Eligibility, Access, and Smarter Home Buying (2025 to 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.
👉 Official website: www.callmikelau.com

If you’re planning to buy a home in Markham, understanding school boundaries is just as important as price, layout, or neighbourhood amenities. As a Realtor in Markham, one of the most common and costly mistakes I see buyers make is assuming a home automatically qualifies for a desired school. In reality, school boundaries can change, overlap, or differ between public and Catholic boards, directly affecting both eligibility and property value.

This guide explains exactly how Markham school boundaries work, how to verify them correctly, and why they matter so much in today’s competitive market.

Why School Boundaries Matter in Markham Real Estate

School boundaries shape demand across Markham neighbourhoods such as Unionville, Wismer, Cornell, Cachet, Berczy Village, and Angus Glen. Homes located within top ranked school zones often sell faster and command price premiums, while homes just outside a boundary may experience slower appreciation.

As a top real estate agent in Markham, I help buyers confirm eligibility before they make an offer because once a purchase is complete, boundary exceptions are extremely rare.

Official School Boundary Locators in Markham

Both school boards serving Markham provide free, official tools to confirm eligibility based on your exact address.

York Region District School Board (YRDSB) Public Schools

The YRDSB School Locator allows families to identify assigned public elementary and secondary schools.

• Enter your full street number and name

• Select Markham as the municipality

• View assigned schools, feeder pathways, and downloadable PDF boundary maps

This tool is essential for confirming access to high demand schools such as Bur Oak Secondary School, Milliken Mills High School, Unionville High School, and Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School.

York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) Catholic Schools

The YCDSB School Locator works similarly but includes Catholic eligibility requirements.

• Confirms attendance areas for Catholic schools in Unionville, Cachet, Cornell, and surrounding communities

• Shows feeder patterns from Catholic elementary schools to secondary schools such as St. Augustine Catholic High School and St. Robert Catholic High School

• Interactive maps highlight precise boundary lines

Catholic school eligibility typically requires proof of Catholic baptism for at least one parent or the student.

Step by Step: How to Verify School Boundaries Correctly

When clients ask how to safely confirm school eligibility before buying, I recommend this exact process:

Step 1: Enter Your Full Address

Input the full civic address into both the YRDSB and YCDSB locators. Public and Catholic assignments differ, even on the same street.

Step 2: Review Assigned Schools and Feeder Paths

Pay close attention to feeder schools. For example, a home may feed into Castlemore Public School, which then leads to Bur Oak Secondary School a major value driver in Wismer and Berczy Village.

Step 3: Check PDF Boundary Maps

Always download and review the official PDF maps. These maps reveal boundary edges, holding zones, and transitional areas that may not be obvious in the locator summary.

Step 4: Confirm Transportation Eligibility

Student Transportation Services determines busing eligibility based on distance:

• Elementary: typically over 0.8 km

• Secondary: typically over 1.6 km

This can impact daily logistics and family planning.

Step 5: Verify Before Making an Offer

School boundaries are reviewed annually under board policies, especially in fast growing areas like Cornell and Wismer. I always recommend verifying directly with the school or board planning office if anything is unclear.

Eligibility Rules: Public vs. Catholic Schools in Markham

Public Schools (YRDSB)

• Assignment is strictly address based

• French Immersion, IB, and specialized programs still require living within designated boundaries

• Transfers are limited and subject to space availability

Catholic Schools (YCDSB)

• Requires residence within the boundary and Catholic faith documentation

• IB and advanced programs are faith integrated

• Parish verification may be required for transfers

International and non Catholic families typically default to the YRDSB unless Catholic eligibility is confirmed.

How Boundary Changes Affect Home Values

Boundary adjustments often occur due to population growth and new developments. In neighbourhoods like Cornell, Wismer, and Upper Unionville, temporary holding schools and revised feeder patterns are common.

From the perspective of a top realtor in Markham, Ontario, this is why buyers should never rely solely on listing descriptions. Even minor boundary changes can impact resale value, buyer demand, and long term appreciation.

Expert Advice from a Top Realtor in Markham

School boundaries are not just an education issue; they are a real estate strategy. Buyers who understand boundaries early gain access to better neighbourhoods, avoid costly mistakes, and protect their investment over time.

Whether you’re targeting Unionville Markham real estate, Berczy Village, Angus Glen, or Cornell, I help families verify school eligibility, assess long term value, and buy with confidence.

Planning to Buy or Sell in a School Focused Neighbourhood?

Work with a local expert who understands how school boundaries impact pricing, competition, and future growth.

👉 Visit www.callmikelau.com to connect with Michael John Lau, the Top Real Estate Agent in Markham, and get expert guidance tailored to your family’s goals.