Buying a Home Near Top Schools in Richmond Hill and Markham
Buying a Home Near Top-Rated Schools in Richmond Hill and Markham
For families buying in York Region, the school catchment is often the first filter. You choose the school, then you choose the neighbourhood. In Richmond Hill and Markham, the concentration of highly rated public and Catholic elementary schools and secondary schools is one of the primary reasons families relocate from Toronto and other parts of the GTA. This guide maps the top-performing schools to the neighbourhoods they serve, explains how catchments work in Ontario, shows how school proximity affects home prices and tells you exactly what to verify before making an offer.
Written by a Richmond Hill and Markham Expert
This guide is written by Kirby Chan, Broker with eXp Realty and leader of the Kirby Chan & Co. Real Estate Team, the #1 Individual Producer in Ontario for eXp Realty in 2023. Kirby and his team have helped hundreds of families buy homes across Richmond Hill, Markham and Thornhill, and the team verifies school catchments at the street level for every family buyer. Everything below is drawn from real transactions in these communities, not generic advice.
Quick takeaway: York Region is home to some of the highest-performing schools in Ontario. Neighbourhoods within the catchment of top-rated schools consistently command a price premium of 5% to 15% over comparable neighbourhoods with lower-performing schools. The premium is highest for secondary school catchments because families plan further ahead and competition for homes in those zones is strongest. Confirming the catchment before making an offer is essential because boundaries shift, new developments may be assigned to different schools than expected and the school you assume you are zoned for may not be the school your address actually feeds into.
Table of Contents
- Why Schools Drive Real Estate Decisions
- How School Catchments Work in Ontario
- Top Secondary Schools and Their Neighbourhoods
- Top Elementary Schools and Their Neighbourhoods
- French Immersion and Specialty Programs
- How Schools Affect Home Prices
- What to Verify Before Buying
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Schools Drive Real Estate Decisions
In Richmond Hill and Markham, school quality is not a secondary consideration. It is the primary driver for a significant portion of buyers. Families relocating from Toronto, newcomers to Canada who prioritize education and move-up buyers planning for their children's future all use school performance as the starting point for their home search. The result is that neighbourhoods with access to top-performing schools experience stronger demand, lower inventory, faster sales and higher prices than comparable neighbourhoods with average-performing schools.
This dynamic creates both opportunity and risk. The opportunity is that buying in a strong school catchment protects your investment because demand remains high even in softer markets. The risk is overpaying for a home based on a school catchment assumption that turns out to be incorrect. Confirming the catchment with the school board before you make an offer is the single most important step for school-motivated buyers.
How School Catchments Work in Ontario
In Ontario, your home address determines which public school your children attend. Each school board (York Region District School Board for public, York Catholic District School Board for Catholic) divides its territory into catchment areas. Your address falls within one elementary and one secondary catchment. The school board's website has a "Find Your School" tool where you enter an address and it returns the designated schools for that location.
School boards periodically redraw catchment boundaries to balance enrollment across schools. A new development may be assigned to a different school than the established neighbourhood next to it. A boundary review can reassign your address to a different school. This is why confirming the current catchment directly with the school board (not relying on a real estate listing or a neighbour's assumption) is critical before purchasing. I verify catchments on behalf of every family buyer before they make an offer.
York Region is served by four school boards: York Region District School Board (YRDSB, English public), York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB, English Catholic), Conseil scolaire Viamonde (French public) and Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir (French Catholic). Most families in Richmond Hill and Markham use YRDSB or YCDSB. Each board has its own catchment map. Catholic school enrollment requires a Catholic baptismal certificate for at least one parent or the student (eligibility rules vary).
Some schools accept out-of-catchment students when space is available. But enrollment is not guaranteed and priority always goes to in-catchment families. If a school reaches capacity, out-of-catchment students are redirected to their designated school. Do not buy a home outside the catchment assuming you can enroll at a nearby school. If the school matters, buy within the catchment.
Top Secondary Schools and Their Neighbourhoods
Secondary school catchments are the primary driver for school-motivated buyers because families plan years ahead. Tap each school to see the neighbourhoods it serves.
MarkhamUnionville High School TAP TO OPEN ▾
Consistently one of the top-performing secondary schools in York Region. Known for strong academic results, arts programs and a competitive, achievement-oriented culture. The catchment draws from Unionville and surrounding areas. Homes in the Unionville High School catchment command a measurable premium over comparable homes in adjacent catchments.
Typical home types in catchment: detached homes ($1.3M to $2.5M+), semis and townhomes ($900K to $1.3M). The Unionville village core offers walkability, character and proximity to the school itself.
MarkhamMarkville Secondary School TAP TO OPEN ▾
Another consistently high-performing school with strong EQAO scores and university placement rates. The catchment covers parts of central Markham including portions of Berczy Village and surrounding residential areas. The school offers AP (Advanced Placement) courses and a range of extracurricular programs.
Typical home types: detached ($1.2M to $2.0M), semis ($900K to $1.2M), townhomes ($800K to $1.1M). Berczy Village within this catchment is one of the most sought-after family neighbourhoods in Markham.
MarkhamBur Oak Secondary School TAP TO OPEN ▾
A newer school serving the rapidly growing communities of northeast Markham. Draws from Cornell, Wismer Commons and surrounding developments. Modern facilities, growing reputation and strong community engagement.
Typical home types: newer detached ($1.3M to $1.8M), towns ($800K to $1.1M). These are newer communities with homes built in the 2000s through 2020s, offering modern layouts and larger lots compared to older Markham neighbourhoods.
Richmond HillBayview Secondary School TAP TO OPEN ▾
One of the top-performing secondary schools in Richmond Hill with consistently strong academic results. The catchment covers some of the most desirable residential areas in Richmond Hill including parts of Bayview Hill, Jefferson and surrounding pockets. Known for strong math, science and AP programs.
Typical home types: executive detached ($1.5M to $3.0M+), custom homes on premium lots. The Bayview Hill and Jefferson areas within this catchment represent some of the highest-value residential real estate in Richmond Hill.
Richmond HillRichmond Green Secondary School TAP TO OPEN ▾
A large, modern secondary school with strong academic and extracurricular programs. Draws from several established Richmond Hill neighbourhoods. The school benefits from newer facilities and a diverse student body. Adjacent to the Richmond Green Sports Centre and Park, which adds to the neighbourhood's family appeal.
Typical home types: detached ($1.2M to $1.8M), semis and towns ($800K to $1.2M). The catchment includes a mix of established and newer residential areas offering a range of price points for family buyers.
Markham (Specialty)Bill Crothers Secondary School TAP TO OPEN ▾
Ontario's only publicly funded secondary school dedicated to student-athletes. Located in Unionville, it serves student-athletes from across York Region (not catchment-based, admission is by application). Students balance academic studies with athletic training in partnership with sport organizations. Strong academic results alongside competitive athletics. This school does not follow standard catchment rules. You do not need to live nearby to attend, but you need to apply and be accepted.
Top Elementary Schools and Their Neighbourhoods
Elementary school quality varies street by street. Tap each to expand.
MarkhamUnionville and Berczy Village Elementary Schools TAP TO OPEN ▾
The elementary schools feeding Unionville High School and Markville Secondary School consistently rank among the top performers in York Region. Schools like Unionville Meadows PS, Parkview PS and several others in the Berczy and Unionville catchments show strong EQAO results year after year. The family-oriented neighbourhoods surrounding these schools offer safe, walkable environments with parks, community centres and established retail.
Richmond HillBayview Hill and Jefferson Elementary Schools TAP TO OPEN ▾
The elementary schools feeding Bayview Secondary School serve some of Richmond Hill's most affluent residential areas. Schools like Crosby Heights PS, Bayview Hill ES and others in this zone benefit from strong parental involvement, well-funded school councils and a community that prioritizes academic achievement. Homes in these catchments are predominantly executive detached properties on larger lots.
MarkhamCornell and Wismer Commons Elementary Schools TAP TO OPEN ▾
Newer elementary schools in the Cornell and Wismer Commons communities serve the growing northeast Markham population. These schools have modern facilities, growing student populations and are building strong academic reputations. The advantage for buyers: homes in these areas are newer, often more affordable per square foot than older Markham neighbourhoods and the schools are still in their growth phase with capacity available.
Richmond HillRichvale and Mill Pond Elementary Schools TAP TO OPEN ▾
Established elementary schools in central Richmond Hill serving mature residential areas with tree-lined streets and strong community identity. These schools have decades of track record and established reputations. Homes are typically 25 to 40 years old, well-maintained and priced below the executive neighbourhoods further east. For families who want a strong elementary school at a more accessible price point, these central Richmond Hill pockets offer excellent value.
French Immersion and Specialty Programs
Tap each program type to expand.
French Immersion TAP TO OPEN ▾
YRDSB offers French Immersion starting in Grade 1 at designated schools throughout Richmond Hill and Markham. Not every school offers the program, so if French Immersion is a priority, you need to confirm which schools in your area offer it and whether your address falls within that school's catchment. Demand for French Immersion is strong and some programs have waitlists. Early registration is important. The catchment for French Immersion schools is often different (larger) than the regular English program catchment.
IB (International Baccalaureate) Programs TAP TO OPEN ▾
Select secondary schools in York Region offer the IB Diploma Programme, which is internationally recognized and valued for university admissions globally. IB programs are application-based and draw from a wider geographic area than the school's regular catchment. Living near an IB school is not required for enrollment, but proximity reduces commuting time. Check the YRDSB website for current IB offerings in Richmond Hill and Markham.
AP (Advanced Placement) Courses TAP TO OPEN ▾
Several secondary schools in Richmond Hill and Markham offer AP courses, which allow students to earn university-level credit while in high school. AP courses are offered within the regular school program (no separate application required in most cases). Schools with strong AP offerings include Markville SS, Bayview SS and others. The availability and range of AP subjects varies by school.
How Schools Affect Home Prices
The School Premium
Top school catchments add 5% to 15% to home values.
Two identical homes on adjacent streets can sell $75,000 to $200,000 apart if one is in a top school catchment and the other is not. The premium is highest for secondary school catchments because families plan 5 to 10 years ahead. It is also more pronounced in the $1.2M to $2.0M price range where school-motivated buyers are most concentrated.
The school premium also protects your investment in softer markets. Homes in strong school catchments experience smaller price declines during corrections and recover faster because the demand from school-motivated buyers is persistent regardless of market conditions.
When I evaluate properties for family buyers, the school catchment is part of the comparable analysis. I price the school premium into every recommendation so you know exactly what you are paying for and why.
What to Verify Before Buying
These are the steps I take for every family buyer.
Do not rely on the MLS listing, the seller's word, a neighbour's assumption or a third-party website. Use the YRDSB or YCDSB "Find Your School" tool with the exact address. If the address is in a new development, call the school board directly to confirm the designated schools because new subdivisions are sometimes assigned to different schools than the surrounding established neighbourhood.
School boards periodically conduct accommodation reviews that may redraw catchment boundaries. Ask the board whether any boundary reviews are planned or underway that could affect the address you are considering. A home that is currently in a top school's catchment may be reassigned to a different school after a boundary review. This risk is higher in growing communities where new schools are being built.
Fraser Institute rankings and EQAO scores provide one measure of school performance but they do not capture everything: teaching quality, extracurricular offerings, school culture, special education support, arts programs, athletic programs and community engagement. Visit the school. Attend a school council meeting. Talk to parents in the neighbourhood. The data tells part of the story. The visit tells the rest.
Being in the catchment and being within walking distance are two different things. Some catchments are large and a home on the edge may be 3 to 4 kilometres from the school. Confirm whether school bus transportation is available for your address (typically provided for students living more than 1.6 km from the school for elementary, 3.2 km for secondary). Walkability to the school adds convenience and often adds value.
Recognition
Kirby Chan Awards and Achievements
🏆 #1 Individual Producer in Ontario for eXp Realty 2023
🏆 Top 3 Best Rated Real Estate Agent in Richmond Hill
🏆 Toronto Star Platinum Award for Best Real Estate Agent
🏆 Top Real Estate Agent Award in Markham
🏆 2X ICON Agent Award with eXp Realty
🏆 2025 Community Votes Platinum Award, Thornhill
🏆 2024 Community Votes Platinum Award, Thornhill
🏆 2025 Gold Award for Real Estate Brokers in Markham
🏆 2024 Community Votes Bronze Award, Richmond Hill
🏆 2023 Community Votes Platinum Award, Thornhill
Frequently Asked Questions
Tap a question to expand the answer.
How do I find out which school my address is zoned for?
Use the YRDSB "Find Your School" tool at yrdsb.ca or the YCDSB equivalent at ycdsb.ca. Enter the exact address and the tool returns the designated elementary and secondary schools. For new developments, call the board directly to confirm.
Can school catchment boundaries change after I buy?
Yes. School boards conduct periodic boundary reviews to balance enrollment. A review can reassign your address to a different school. This risk is higher in rapidly growing communities. Check with the board for any planned reviews before purchasing.
How much more do homes cost near top schools?
In Richmond Hill and Markham, the school premium ranges from 5% to 15% over comparable homes in adjacent catchments. On a $1.5M home, that is $75,000 to $225,000. The premium is highest for secondary school catchments.
Can I send my child to a school outside our catchment?
Some schools accept out-of-catchment students when space is available, but enrollment is not guaranteed. Priority always goes to in-catchment families. If the school matters, buy within the catchment.
Are Catholic schools available to non-Catholic families?
Catholic elementary schools require a Catholic baptismal certificate for at least one parent or the student. Catholic secondary schools in Ontario are open to all students regardless of faith. Eligibility rules vary so check with the YCDSB directly.
Where can I find school rankings?
The Fraser Institute publishes annual school rankings based on EQAO standardized test scores. These rankings are a starting point but should be supplemented with school visits, parent conversations and a review of the school's programs, culture and extracurricular offerings. Rankings change year to year and do not capture every dimension of school quality.
Who can help me find a home near a top school?
Kirby Chan and the Kirby Chan & Co. Real Estate Team verify school catchments on behalf of every family buyer before making an offer. I know the Richmond Hill and Markham school landscape at the street level and I help families find homes that align with both their school priorities and their budget. Reach me at (416) 305-8008.
Looking for a Home Near the Right School?
The school catchment is the starting point. From there, I help families find the right home within that zone that fits their budget, their space needs and their lifestyle. I verify every catchment, compare the options and ensure the school you want is the school you actually get.
Book a consultation with me to discuss your school priorities and start your home search with the catchment confirmed.
Kirby Chan | Kirby Chan & Co. Real Estate Team
416-305-8008
kirby@kirbychanandco.com
https://kirbychanandco.com
Note: School rankings, catchment boundaries, program offerings and enrollment policies change periodically and are determined by the respective school boards (YRDSB and YCDSB). The school information in this guide is general in nature and may not reflect current boundaries or rankings. Always confirm catchment assignments directly with the school board before making a purchase decision. This guide is for general information only and does not constitute advice on school selection. For the most current information, visit yrdsb.ca or ycdsb.ca.
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