Do top-ranked schools protect Markham home values?Strong schools support demand, but they do not protect a home from market swings. Markham’s Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School ranked sixth of 747 Ontario secondary schools in the Fraser Institute’s November 2025 report, and many families choose areas such as Berczy, Unionville and Wismer partly for their schools. Research is more cautious: a UBC study found school quality affected prices mainly at the top of the market, with no measurable effect on the least expensive 75% of homes. Boundaries also change, and an address does not secure a seat in a specialized program. Confirm boundaries for the exact address before you buy.
For many Markham families, schools are the first filter in a home search. Names such as Pierre Elliott Trudeau, Unionville and Bur Oak come up in almost every conversation about where to buy.
Michael John Lau, a REALTOR® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, one of the most active real estate teams in Markham and York Region, has families confirm the attendance area for each specific address with the school board before making an offer, because two homes on neighbouring streets can be zoned for different schools.
What the rankings say
The Fraser Institute ranks Ontario schools using results from provincial tests run by the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO). Its November 27, 2025 report ranked 747 secondary schools.
| Markham school | Board | 2025 provincial rank |
|---|---|---|
| St. Augustine Catholic High School | York Catholic District School Board | Tied for 1st of 747 |
| Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School | York Region District School Board | 6th of 747 |
Fraser Institute 2025 Ontario secondary school rankings, as reported by CP24 on November 27, 2025. Check the full report for Unionville High School, Bur Oak Secondary School and other schools, since rankings change from year to year.
You can also look at EQAO results directly. EQAO publishes school-level results for reading, writing and math in Grades 3 and 6, Grade 9 math and the Grade 10 literacy test. Looking at several years together gives a steadier picture than any single ranking.
Rankings measure test results. They do not capture programs, arts and athletics, special education support or whether a school suits your child, so visit schools and talk to other parents too.
Schools and neighbourhoods: what to check
| Neighbourhood | Why families look here | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Berczy | Strong school reputation and family streets | Exact elementary and secondary boundaries for the address |
| Unionville | Heritage village, established schools and parks | Specialized programs often need a separate application |
| Wismer | Newer homes, parks and Mount Joy GO nearby | Whether students attend a holding school while space is built |
For more on each area, see Berczy Village for families who care about schools, the Wismer neighbourhood guide and Unionville real estate.
Searching for a home near a great school?
Michael John Lau can match your shortlist with confirmed school boundaries and compare prices inside and outside popular areas.
Book a family buyer consultationSearch Markham homesPrefer to talk? Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885.
Do schools protect home values in a downturn?
It is a common belief that homes near top schools hold value better when the market softens. Demand from families can help these homes sell when others sit, but there is no published Markham data that measures how much school reputation cushions prices during a pullback.
The best available research is from UBC’s Sauder School of Business. It studied 19,225 Vancouver sales after a school boundary change and found:
- No measurable effect on the prices of the 75% least expensive homes.
- At the top of the market, buyers paid about 1.9% more for a meaningfully better secondary school and about 5.4% more for a better elementary school.
That study used Vancouver data from 1996 to 2003, so treat it as a guide, not a Markham price list. In Markham’s fall 2026 buyer’s market, homes in popular school areas still face more competition and longer selling times than in recent years.
Boundaries change
The York Region District School Board says attendance areas are subject to change based on enrolment, new schools and program changes. In growing areas, students may attend a holding school until long-term space is available. That means:
- The school serving a street today may not serve it in five years.
- New development nearby can shift enrolment and boundaries.
- Specialized programs, such as arts or International Baccalaureate, often have their own application rules.
Catholic board schools have their own admission rules. Check directly with the York Catholic District School Board.
Is a school premium worth paying?
Suppose two similar homes are a few streets apart, one inside a popular boundary and one just outside. If the first costs more, ask three questions:
- How long will you use the school? A family with a toddler may benefit for twelve years. A family with a teenager may benefit for two.
- What else does the extra money buy? The same amount could mean a larger lot, a finished basement or a shorter commute somewhere else.
- Who will buy it from you? If you plan to sell when your children finish school, the next buyer is likely another family looking for the same school, which supports demand. If the boundary changes before then, that advantage can shrink.
There is no single right answer. Comparing recent sales on both sides of the boundary shows what the premium actually is today, rather than what people assume it is.
A family buyer’s checklist
- Use the school board’s school locator for the exact address, for both elementary and secondary.
- Call the school to confirm boundaries, capacity and any planned changes.
- Compare sales just inside and just outside the boundary to see the real price difference.
- Think about the full timeline: eight years of elementary and four of high school.
- Choose a home that works even if boundaries or rankings change.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. The goal is to make sure you have all the information.
Schools matter, and so do space, commute and budget. The best purchase balances all of them. Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885 or book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Which Markham high schools ranked highest in 2025?
In the Fraser Institute’s November 2025 report, St. Augustine Catholic High School tied for first in Ontario and Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School ranked sixth out of 747 secondary schools.
Do homes near top Markham schools cost more?
Family demand can support prices near popular schools. Research from UBC found the effect was strongest at the top of the market, with no measurable effect on the least expensive 75% of homes.
Do school rankings protect home values in a slow market?
There is no published Markham data that measures this. Family demand can help homes sell, but homes near popular schools still face more competition in a buyer’s market.
Can school boundaries change after I buy?
Yes. The York Region District School Board says attendance areas can change based on enrolment, new schools and program changes. Students in growing areas may attend a holding school.
Does living near Unionville High School mean my child gets into its arts program?
No. Specialized programs usually have their own application or audition process. Check the program’s admission rules with the school board.
How do I check which school serves a Markham address?
Use the school board’s online school locator for the exact address, then call the school to confirm current boundaries and capacity.
Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani are licensed REALTORS® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, eXp Realty, Brokerage, 9763 Markham Rd, Markham, ON L6E 1A4. Licence #4784577. Call (647) 370-8885. School rankings are from the Fraser Institute’s 2025 Ontario secondary school report as reported by CP24 (November 27, 2025). Research findings are from the UBC Sauder School of Business study by Tsur Somerville and John Ries. Boundary information is from York Region District School Board Policy 108.0. Confirm boundaries and admission rules directly with the school board. This article is general information only and is not financial, legal or tax advice. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract with another brokerage.
