Top Public vs. Catholic Schools in Markham: Programs That Set Them Apart (2025 2026 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, strong client dedication, and deep local expertise across Markham and Unionville.
👉 Official website: www.callmikelau.com

Families looking to buy a home in Markham quickly learn that school choice plays a major role in both lifestyle and property value. One of the most common questions I get as a Realtor in Markham is whether public or Catholic schools offer better programs and how that decision impacts neighbourhood selection, resale value, and long term appreciation.

The answer isn’t one size fits all. Both York Region District School Board (YRDSB) and York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) offer elite programs that consistently rank among the best in Ontario. Understanding the differences can give buyers a serious advantage.

How School Programs Shape Markham Real Estate Demand

As a top real estate agent in Markham, I’ve seen firsthand how specialized school programs create intense buyer demand within specific boundaries. Homes tied to IB, French Immersion, arts magnet, or high ranking Catholic schools often sell faster and command price premiums.

School driven demand is especially strong in Unionville, Berczy Village, Angus Glen, Wismer, Cornell, and Cachet, where both public and Catholic schools offer standout academic tracks.

Elite High School Programs in Markham (Public vs. Catholic)

Top Catholic High School Programs (YCDSB)

Catholic high schools in Markham are widely recognized for academic rigour and strong Fraser Institute rankings.

• St. Robert Catholic High School (Thornhill/Markham)
  Offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, STEM focused curriculum, and exceptional university placement results. Consistently one of the top performing Catholic schools in Ontario.

• St. Augustine Catholic High School (Cachet)
  Known for advanced academics, technology integration, and one of the highest Fraser Institute scores in York Region. Homes in this boundary often see double digit demand premiums.

Catholic schools appeal strongly to families seeking structured learning, faith based education, and long term academic consistency.

Top Public High School Programs (YRDSB)

Public schools in Markham offer unmatched program variety and flexibility.

• Milliken Mills High School
  IB Diploma program, Specialist High Skills Majors (SHSM), and dual credit pathways. Highly attractive for academically driven families.

• Unionville High School
  Home to Arts Unionville, one of Ontario’s most respected arts programs for music, drama, and dance. This program significantly boosts demand for Unionville Markham real estate.

• Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School (Angus Glen)
  Offers French Immersion, SHSM Business and Health programs, and modern facilities, making Angus Glen one of the most competitive neighbourhoods for families.

• Bur Oak Secondary School (Wismer/Berczy)
  Known for gifted programs, SHSM options, and strong overall academic performance.

Public schools excel in bilingual education, arts specialization, and flexible academic streams that appeal to diverse and international families.

Standout Elementary School Programs That Feed Top High Schools

Elementary schools play a critical role in long term planning when families buy a home in Markham.

Top Public Elementary Schools

• Roy H. Crosby Public School (Unionville) French Immersion and enrichment programs with excellent EQAO results

• Stonebridge Public School (Berczy Village) Strong wellness, leadership, and academic focus

Top Catholic Elementary Schools

• St. Justin Martyr Catholic Elementary (Unionville)  consistently top ranked with outstanding EQAO scores

• Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Elementary (Cornell) Strong academic performance combined with community engagement

• Sainte Marguerite Bourgeoys French Catholic Immersion option, highly sought after by bilingual families

These elementary programs create seamless pathways into elite high schools, which is why boundary accuracy matters so much when buying.

Public vs. Catholic Schools in Markham: Key Differences

Public School Strengths

• IB, French Immersion, and arts magnet programs

• Greater flexibility for secular and international families

• Broad SHSM and experiential learning options

Catholic School Strengths

• Faith integrated education with consistent academic discipline

• Strong IB performance and university placement

• Historically higher average Fraser Institute rankings

Both systems produce excellent outcomes, but the right choice depends on family values, learning style, and long term goals.

Why School Boundaries Matter for Home Buyers

Even homes on opposite sides of the same street can fall into different school zones, impacting resale value and buyer demand. As the best realtor in Markham, Ontario, I always advise clients to verify boundaries directly through official YRDSB and YCDSB school locator tools before submitting an offer.

Listings are not always accurate, and mistakes can be costly.

Final Advice from a Top Realtor in Markham

If schools are a priority, you need a strategy, not just a listing search. Understanding how programs, rankings, and boundaries intersect with neighbourhood trends is essential to protecting your investment.

Whether you’re targeting Unionville Markham real estate, Berczy Village, Angus Glen, or Cornell, I help families align the right school programs with the right home without overpaying.

Thinking of Buying or Selling in a Top School Zone?

Work with a local expert who understands how schools impact pricing, competition, and long term value.

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