For families in the Greater Toronto Area, securing a home near a highly regarded elementary school is often a top priority. New data, however, reveals that the price of entry into these coveted neighbourhoods varies dramatically, with median home prices ranging from just over half a million dollars to well over three million.
The Premium for Top-Tier Education Zones
Digital real estate platform Wahi conducted an analysis of median home prices in approximately 60 GTA neighbourhoods. The study focused on areas where the local elementary school received a score of 9.0 or higher out of 10 in the most recent annual report by The Fraser Institute, a Canadian public policy think tank.
The findings, published in December 2025, show a stark contrast in affordability. While the general trend confirms a significant premium, there are notable exceptions where buyers can find relative value. Of the 63 neighbourhoods with schools rated 9+, a majority—41 areas—had a median home price of at least $1 million. This figure is $100,000 above the overall GTA median price of $905,000 recorded in the third quarter of 2025.
Affordable Finds and Luxury Enclaves
At the most affordable end of the spectrum, the downtown Church-Yonge Corridor and Bayview Village emerged as surprising entry points. In these neighbourhoods, homes near St. Michael’s Choir School and Avondale Alternative Elementary School—both holding perfect ratings—had median prices of $570,000 and $597,000 respectively. Analysts note that these lower price points largely reflect a housing stock dominated by condominiums rather than detached single-family homes.
On the opposite end, the upscale midtown neighbourhoods of Moore Park and Summerhill command staggering premiums. Moore Park, which is home to two top-rated schools, Whitney Junior Public School and Our Lady of Perpetual Help, saw a median home price soar to $3.2 million. In Summerhill, where Cottingham School is located, the median price was $2,137,500. These figures highlight the intense demand for detached luxury homes within the boundaries of the most sought-after school zones.
Key Considerations Beyond the Price Tag
Benjy Katchen, CEO of Wahi, cautions that buying a home near a top-ranked school does not guarantee enrolment for your child. "With increased density and population growth, many of these schools are already at or nearing capacity," he notes. He strongly advises prospective buyers to conduct thorough research on local school enrolment policies and catchment areas before making a purchase decision.
Experts also remind families that school ratings are just one piece of the puzzle. While academic performance is a critical factor, other considerations are equally important. The programming options available, the overall fit with the neighbourhood community, the family's total budget, and whether the school's environment aligns with a child's specific needs should all play a decisive role in the decision-making process.
The disparity in prices across these high-performing school zones is influenced by more than just educational reputation. Local housing stock composition, current real estate market dynamics, and the range of other neighbourhood amenities all contribute to the final cost of buying into these communities.
