How can parents confirm a Markham home is in the right school zone before buying?Look up the address in the York Region District School Board School Locator and the York Catholic District School Board locator, then call the school to confirm. Boundaries can change, and in growing areas new students may be sent to a holding school. Check bus eligibility: YRDSB buses JK to Grade 3 students who live more than 1.2 km from school and Grades 4 to 8 more than 1.6 km. French Immersion starts in Grade 1, and specialized programs such as IB and Specialized Arts are tied to your address. Registration requires original proof of address.
For many Markham families, the school is part of the reason for buying the home. That makes it worth confirming before you offer, rather than relying on the listing or a neighbour’s memory.
Michael John Lau, a REALTOR® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, one of the most active real estate teams in Markham and York Region, helps families check school boundaries, programs and transportation as part of their home search.
Step one: look up the address
- YRDSB School Locator: enter the street number and name. Results include a boundary map. It uses the municipality name, so search “Markham” rather than “Unionville.”
- YCDSB locator: for Catholic schools.
- Call the school: confirm the boundary and whether the grade you need has space.
Step two: check for holding schools
YRDSB notes that in fast-growing areas, some new students may temporarily attend a school other than the designated one, and that holding areas can change without notice. New schools are planned for Markham, including Markham Centre Elementary School, expected in September 2028 with a boundary review starting in fall 2026, and Berczy Glen Secondary School in 2030. If you are buying in a newer community, ask whether it is a holding area.
Step three: confirm transportation
| Grade, YRDSB | Bus eligible if you live more than |
|---|---|
| JK to Grade 3 | 1.2 km from school |
| Grades 4 to 8 | 1.6 km |
| Grades 9 to 12 | 3.2 km from the nearest secondary school, where there is no public transit |
YRDSB Policy #680.0. Student Transportation Services of York Region serves both public and Catholic boards; YCDSB distances for secondary students differ.
Living just inside a walking zone means no bus, so check the walking route, sidewalks and crossings.
Buying near a specific school?
Michael John Lau can help you confirm boundaries, programs and transportation for every home on your list.
Book a family consultationSearch Markham homesPrefer to talk? Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885.
Step four: programs tied to your address
- French Immersion: starts in Grade 1. YRDSB’s 2026 registration ran January 16 to February 9 and is not first-come, first-served during that window.
- International Baccalaureate: applications depend on the program’s boundary. For example, Milliken Mills High School considers applicants within its IB boundaries, with a 2026 window of October 16 to November 12.
- Specialized Arts: students apply at the school that serves their attendance boundary, and transportation is not provided.
Step five: before- and after-school care
Before- and after-school programs in YRDSB schools are run by third-party non-profit operators, and you register directly with them. Spaces can be limited, so contact the operator at your future school early. For younger children, see daycare and preschool programs in Markham.
Registering and proof of address
YRDSB requires one original Category A document, such as a property tax notice, MPAC notice or agreement of purchase and sale, plus two Category B documents. Leases, driver’s licences and cell phone bills are not accepted. A firm agreement of purchase and sale can help you register before closing.
A school checklist before you offer
- Look up the address in both board locators.
- Call the school to confirm the boundary and space in your child’s grade.
- Ask whether the area is a holding area for a future school.
- Check bus eligibility, or walk the route at school time.
- Confirm program eligibility, such as French Immersion or IB, for that address.
- Contact the before- and after-school care operator about spaces.
- Gather the proof of address documents you will need.
Rankings and home values
School rankings, such as the Fraser Institute’s, are widely discussed, but some trustees caution against using them to judge schools. Visit the school, talk to parents, and look at programs that fit your child. For the link between schools and prices, see school boundaries and home values in Markham. Ultimately, the decision is yours. The goal is to make sure you have all the information before you buy.
Confirm the school before you confirm the offer. Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885 or book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find my school zone in Markham?
Use the YRDSB School Locator or the YCDSB locator with the street address, then call the school to confirm.
Can my child be sent to a different school than the boundary school?
Yes. YRDSB says new students in fast-growing areas may temporarily attend another school, and holding areas can change without notice.
How far do students have to live to get a school bus in York Region?
For YRDSB, more than 1.2 km for JK to Grade 3 and more than 1.6 km for Grades 4 to 8.
When does French Immersion start in YRDSB?
Grade 1. Registration for 2026 ran January 16 to February 9.
What proof of address does YRDSB require?
One original Category A document, such as a property tax notice or agreement of purchase and sale, plus two Category B documents.
Is IB available to any student in Markham?
IB admission is tied to the program's boundary. Check with the school offering it.
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 locator, holding area and registration details are from YRDSB (accessed October 22, 2026; registration page modified January 6, 2026). Planned schools are from YRDSB (October 14, 2026). Transportation distances are from YRDSB Policy #680.0 (October 15, 2026). Program details are from YRDSB and Milliken Mills High School. Ranking comments are from the Georgina Post (February 23, 2026). 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.
