If you are considering purchasing a home in Mississauga and wish to learn more about the Catholic schools, then please contact us.
 

Top 10 Elementary Schools (Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board)

*Accurate as of May 2012

Top 10 Secondary Schools (Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board)

*Accurate as of May 2012

St. Therese jumped three places into first place and St. Matthew had the biggest jump going from 9th to 2nd place from our previous rankings! Also, all of the top 10 Catholic elementary schools in Mississauga scored above 8.0 – that is extremely impressive! In terms of secondary schools, St. Aloysius and St. Marcellinus continue to dominate at the top while most of the top 10 experienced solid increases in scores from previous years.

Next week, we'll take a look at the difference between top-ranked public and Catholic schools and their neighbourhoods to see which neighbourhoods you should aim for if you have a strong preference towards one school system or the other.

If you would like to receive listings in the boundaries of any of these schools then please contact us right away! 

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• This information was obtained through the Peel District School Board, and the EQAO results that they provide. 
• The data presented here is only from Grade 6
• The percentage represents the number of children who have achieved levels 3,4 in each of the major areas – Reading, Writing, Math.

According to the EQAO results, Tomken Road Middle School, our #1 middle school last year, has been dethroned by Green Glade Senior School who made a miraculous jump into the #1 spot with a 42% increase from last year. The ever-steady Tomken Road Middle and ever-improving David Leeder Middle School hold joint second place with Hazel McCallion making the long-time Mississauga mayor proud by improving to 4th place and Erin Centre Middle rounding out the Top 5.  

Notable mentions to Camilla Road Senior, Cheyne Middle, and Hillside Senior who all made huge improvements from last year's results. The biggest drops came from one of last year's top schools in Hillcrest Middle and Dolphin Senior also took a large and unexpected dip. There are a couple of schools here – namely Homelands Senior, and Queen Elizabeth Snr. whom do not have any posted information. The reason for this is because these schools only have Grades 7 and 8.

As always, there a couple of things to remember:

• Middle School is only 2-3 years of schooling.
• Many Elementary Schools feed into one Middle School – which is why it's always tricky to show consistent high numbers.

For these reasons, I would not solely base my purchase on Middle School ratings. As a reminder, we have to look at the long-term success of the school as some schools can see a large increase or decrease on a year over year basis (as we've seen from this year's results). Also, a very good middle school does not always correlate to a strong high school. 

If you're concerned about the quality of your child's education and would like assistance in choosing a home in any of the school areas listed above, contact us using the form below!

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Kenollie Public School is located in the highly prestigious Mineola neighbourhood, with the average home price in the district at almost $2 million, and the average home size sits at approximately 4,000 square feet.

If you would like to receive listings right away please scroll to the bottom and contact us!

CREDENTIALS:

SCHOOL BORDERS:

For many families, one of the most important factors when deciding to buy real estate is the quality of the school that their children will be attending. In Mississauga, the Peel District School Board sets very strict boundaries for its schools. This means that the street you live on could decide the difference between your child attending a top-ranked school versus an average or poorly rated school. Because of this, there are various neighbourhoods that are highly sought after based on the quality of the schools. Unfortunately, there is not a great deal of information available to the general public that says which schools are good, and perhaps more importantly, which schools are bad.

A great resource when determining the quality of the school is the Fraser Institute, a group that looks at various factors and comes up with a "Score" out of 10 to rate each school. A score of 7.5 or above is considered Very Good. Another great resource is the EQAO results that show how the schools grade in three key areas: Reading, Writing, and Math.

We've added up the scored out of 300% (% of students at or above provincial standards in each category) to calculate the score for both the primary division (P), which are Grade 3s, and junior division (J), which are Grade 6s. For the secondary schools, the Grade 9 EQAO Math results were used (out of 100%) for the "academic" stream. The "academic" stream is for those students on course for university/college after secondary school.

Note* Fraser Rankings exclude schools that only go up to Grade 5. A separate, and updated, review of the EQAO results of those schools will soon be provided.

If you are considering purchasing a home in Mississauga and wish to learn more about the schools, then please contact us.

Top 10 Elementary Schools (Peel District School Board – Fraser Institute Ranking)

*Accurate as of May 2012

Top 10 Secondary Schools (Peel District School Board – Fraser Institute Ranking)

*Accurate as of May 2012

This is just a snapshot of the information that we provide to our clients, and if you are interested in learning more about the schools before you make any decisions when buying Real Estate we encourage you to contact us!

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CREDENTIALS:

SCHOOL BORDERS:

The Peel District School Board is very strict regarding their school borders.  Being across the street could be the difference on which school your child will attend.  If you are purchasing your home based on the quality of school, it is very important to make sure that you are buying within the school boundaries.  The school boundaries below are as of June 28th, 2010 – please contact us for updated boundaries.

NOTE: The red line indicates the borders for the French Immersion program.  The blue line indicates the borders if your child is not enrolled in the French Immersion program.  View Vista Heights School Boundary in a larger map

School District Real Estate Information:

*Accurate as of May 2012

Other Top 10 Schools in Mississauga

Top 10 Elementary Schools (Peel District School Board – Fraser Institute Ranking)

*Accurate as of May 2012

If you would like to receive listings from this school area please contact us right away. 

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The Peel District School Board introduced a 5-year plan for full-day kindergarten and extended day programs in 2010-2011. Full details can be found on their website. However, let's take a look at the list of schools that will be offering full-day kindergarten programs in Mississauga in September 2012:

A word of note, registration for full-day kindergarten (as well as regular kindergarten) ended in February, so if you're interested in learning about property in Mississauga near a school that offers a full-day kindergarten program, contact us or leave a comment and we'll be glad to help you to discover your real estate and school options.

Check out the Peel District School Board's full-day kindergarten promotional video to get a peek at some of the early childhood educators and their philosophies for maximizing your children's creativity and learning potential

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#1 – St. Gerard

St. Gerard made the biggest leaps and bounds over the past 5 years. In 2007, they ranked a paltry 3.6 out of 10 on the Fraser Institute rankings. In fact, 53.8% of the written tests were considered below provincial standards. That left St. Gerard, a small school located in the Mississauga neighbourhood of Erindale, with one of the worst scores in the city. However, since 2007 they have markedly improved, jumping up 2 full points between 2007 and 2008. They've maintained that pace at the Grade 6 level and have made huge strides at the Grade 3 level in both math and reading. 

St. Gerard is located in the community of Erindale. Here are the boundaries for St. Gerard 
- – - > St. Gerard Boundary Map

Real estate values in Erindale vary greatly as the more luxurious neighbourhood of Credit Woodlands is located here, but for more budget-conscious homeowners there is still a great mix of affordable detached homes, condo town homes and condo apartments.

For more information on Erindale property or about St. Gerard Catholic school, please use the contact form below or leave a comment.

#2 – Our Lady of Good Voyage

Our Lady of Good Voyage is located in East Credit which has an abundance of choices when it comes to Catholic elementary schools. In fact, there are a total of 7 Catholic elementary schools in East Credit. Our Lady of Good Voyage, according to the 2011 rankings, now sits tied with St. Dunstan, a top-ranked Catholic elementary stalwart since 2007 - but that wasn't always the case. Back in 2007 and 2008, Our Lady of Good Voyage would have been looked upon as an average school. However, they made an incredible jump in 2009 into the top echelon of Catholic elementary schools in Mississauga. They've since maintained that pace in both 2010 and 2011. 

Our Lady of Good Voyage is located in large community of East Credit. Here are the boundaries for Our Lady of Good Voyage – - – > Our Lady of Good Voyage Boundary Map

East Credit real estate is an attractive Mississauga option as it's more affordable than a lot of other communities, lies near Hwy 401, and features a lot of area amenities including major clothing warehouses and one of Mississauga's top public golf courses in Braeben. 

For more information on East Credit property or about Our Lady of Good Voyage Catholic school, please use the contact form below or leave a comment.

#3 – St. Mark

Led by passionate students like Matthew (seen at the annual Dufferin-Peel Catholic School Board public speaking competition), St. Mark's is one of three schools on the most improved list that went from an "average" elementary school to one of the now top-ranked schools in the area. In fact, just in 2007, St. Mark's rating sat a relatively mediocre rating of 5.9, but has now jumped into the top echelon with a solid rating of 8.1/10. 

St. Mark's is located in one of the biggest and most popular areas in Mississauga in the community of Erin Mills. Here is the boundary map for St. Mark's – - – > St. Mark's Boundary Map

Real estate in Erin Mills is another attractive option for homeowners because of its proximity to the Erin Mills Town Centre Mall and one of Mississauga's largest and best hospitals in Credit Valley Hospital. 

For more information on Erin Mills real estate or about St. Mark's Catholic school please use the contact form below or leave a comment. 

#4 – Divine Mercy

Divine Mercy has been a school consistently on the rise since 2007. In fact, it is the only school on the Top 5 Most Improved Catholic Elementary School's list that has remained at the same level or increased in every year since 2007. Thanks to the help of dedicated parents such as Jolanta Padiasek (seen winning 3rd place in Divine Mercy's creative and successful lottery fundraiser), Divine Mercy has stabilized itself as one of the top Catholic elementary schools in all of Mississauga and also filters into one of the top-ranked high schools in St. Aloysius of Gonzaga in Central Erin Mills.

Divine Mercy is located in the powerhouse school area (both public and catholic) of Central Erin Mills. with highly-ranked middle school, Thomas St. Middle, and the top-ranked public high school, John Fraser, all located in the community. Here is the boundary map for Divine Mercy – Divine Mercy Boundary Map

Property values in Central Erin Mills are a little pricier than some other options in Mississauga, but a lot of that is due to its fabolous location in the west of Mississauga, near Hwy 403 and a stone's throw away from the Erin Mills Town Centre mall and Credit Valley Hospital. For the more budget-conscious homeowner, there are a good amount condo town homes and condo apartments available.

For more information on Central Erin Mills real estate or about Divine Mercy school please use the contact form below or leave a comment. 

# 5 – St. Louis

While St. Louis isn't the top-ranked Catholic school in its community of Clarkson, there is no denying that it has made leaps and bounds from previous years and nicely rounds out our Top 5 Most Improved Catholic Elementary Schools. St. Louis really struggled until 2010 when the turnaround began. Now, it sits at a rating of 6.2/10, a very respectable score for a school that also filters into one of the top Catholic high schools in Mississauga in Iona SS. Also, St. Louis offers parents the added bonus of hosting full-day kindergarten classes making this school a highly attractive option in the more affordable parts of the highly affluent community of Clarkson.

Here is the boundary map for St. Louis Catholic school – - – > St. Louis Boundary Map

While the Clarkson-Lorne Park area is considered one the most highly affluent in Mississauaga, there are still affordable options for many homeowners ranging from detached homes all the way to condo apartments. 

For more information on Clarkson real estate or about St. Louis Catholic school please use the contact form below or leave a comment. 

That does it for now but stay tuned for more rankings and analysis of other Catholic, Public, Private, and French Immersion schools here in Mississauga. And as always, please comment or contact us if you require help finding a great home in a great neighbourhood with a great school for your children!

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1. My main source is the EQAO results collected and published by the government of Ontario. It is by far the most accurate and comprehensive metric. The Fraser institute and the CD HOWE institute also rely on this provincial report to publish their own reports.
2. Fraser Institute only ranks a handful of schools in Mississauga that are from kindergarten to grade 6. This leaves thousands of parents in our city in the dark with regard to the quality of education their children are receiving and how they compare with other schools in the region.
3. Old information: I do not understand why some bloggers insist on using old and outdated information regarding school rankings when they are, or should be, based on the most current published results.
   • CD HOWE institute (2008/2009)
   • Fraser Institute (2009/2010)
4. No ranking is set in stone and there are excellant schools throughout Mississauga not mentioned in this report. A detailed analysis is provided by our Team for our clients.
5. Gender also plays a role when selecting the best school for your children with the majority of schools seeing Female students exceed the results of their Male counterparts. A balanced school should be sought depending on your situation.

Here we go:

#1. Kenollie Public School

Kenollie is a powerhouse when it comes to elementary school performance in Mississauga. Year after year students have far exceeded provincial standards. The overall trend for Kenollie is positive as marks have steadily increased over the years.

As far as the neighbourhood (Mineola and Port Credit) is concerned, it is one of the most expensive in Mississauga – with many lots being redeveloped into Multimillion dollar homes with the most exquisite finishes and designs from the very best in the world.  A recent search of sales in the past 6 months (2012) reveals:

• Free Hold Sales: Average prices $880,059 to median values around the $715,000 mark.
• Lowest freehold sale was $330,000 highest was $2.7 million.
• Condominium Sales: Average of $426,667 to a median of $420,000.
• Lowest condominium sale: $410,000 to $450,000

Average family income in the area is: $200,000 (2008/2009)

#2. Plum Tree Park Public School

Plum Tree looks more like a high school than it does an elementary school with recent additions embracing modernity. It is a French Immersion and English school that has consistently achieved great results over the past 5 years. The overall trend is a one of consistent growth with a 4 percentage point increase from last year’s results. The school is located at the border of the community of Meadowvale and Lisgar. The community of Meadowvale is much older (around the 30+ year mark) and properties in the Lisgar area are all under 20 years old.  Properties in the area are reasonably priced and inventory levels are relatively high compared to other parts of Mississauga. Recent search of sales in the past 3 months (2012) reveals:

• Free Hold Sales: Average prices $467,457 to median values around the $446,000 mark.
• Lowest freehold sale was $322,000 highest was $795,000.
• Condominium Sales: Average of $426,667 to a median of $420,000.
• Lowest condominium sale: $410,000 to $450,000

Average family income in the area is: $104,000

#3. Sheridan Park Public School

Located in the transitioning neighbourhood (old to new) of Sheridan and Sheridan park, Sheridan Park public school should return consistent, if not higher, numbers as area demographics become increasingly more affluent. The current trend in the area is to purchase 40 to 50 year plus homes with large lots and turn them into Lorne Park type Million dollar properties. It is important to note that in this school boundary it is easy to be priced in and also priced out when it comes to real estate. A detailed analysis, including a home inspection, property value comparisons, and growth/decline trends, needs to be conducted if you are considering purchasing in Sheridan. As far as academics, this is what a healthy stable program looks like – steady growth over the last 5 years with some minor variances. Properties in the area include some of the very first subdivisions in Canada which are not recommended for first time buyers. Only those with do it yourself experience and/or available funds for improvements and property maintenance should consider those types of purchases.  Lower levels of inventory mean that this is a high competition area as well. Recent search of sales in the past 6 months (2012) reveals:

• Free Hold Sales: Average prices $987,404 to median values around the $663,000 mark.
• Lowest freehold sale was $338,000 highest was $7.5 million.
• Condominium Sales: Average of $222,667 to a median of $175,000.
• Lowest condominium sale: $140,000 to $442,000

Average family income in the area is: $108,000

#4. Vista Heights Public School

Vista Heights is located in the Village of Streetsville. This school, as far as grade 3 results go, is on par for excellence compared with other public schools in Mississauga. However, starting in 2008/2009, students are sent to Dolphin Middle School where results have been less than stellar for Grade 6. Parents should be aware that Dolphin also has students from Ray Underhill Public School, a mediocre school with a total score of 60% EQAO 5 year average and Britannia Elementary School, an average public school, with a 5 year EQAO average of 71%.

Although middle school is a transition from elementary into high school (where material and work load are eased due to maturing pre-teens) an underperforming grade 6 environment will most undoubtedly have some effect on your children’s performance.  It should be noted that Streetsville Secondary School has consistently ranked high in our Secondary School rankings. Overall this school has performed very well and this slow decline is attributable to the elimination of grade 6. Current and potential residents should consider the entire picture before making any decisions or jumping to any rash conclusions. 

The Neighbourhood itself is a mix of 1950/60s properties with newer developments to the south and hundred year old homes near Queen St. The area looks and feels like Port Credit and Sheridan Park but is slightly older with a mix of new and old properties. The area is becoming increasingly affluent and is known for its historic feel and small retail shops. Recent search of sales in the past 6 months (2012) reveals:

• Free Hold Sales: Average prices $558,741 to median values around the $500,000 mark.
• Lowest freehold sale was $317,000 highest was $1.1 million.
• Condominium Sales: Average of $321,202 to a median of $352,000.
• Lowest condominium sale: $209,000 to $589,500

Average family income in the area is: $103,000
 

#5. Hawthorn Public School:

Located at the southern tip of the community of Erindale, Hawthorne Public school is one of the few schools in Mississauga that start at Kindergarten and goes up to grade 8. A recent 11 point dip is rather alarming, but with a history of above 80% results, this is hopefully a blip in the long term future of this school. With a total registration of students of approximately 240, and literally enough students for one class per grade, even a small batch of poor performances can have a significant impact. So, my hopes are high that this school returns to its former glory.

The highly affluent area sits snugly just minutes from the QEW and prestigious Mississauga Golf and Credit Valley Golf and Country Club. As far as real estate goes, it is hot as they come in Mississauga. 

Recent search of sales in the past 6 months (2012) reveals:

• Free Hold Sales: Average prices $982,275 to median values around the $812,425 mark.
• Lowest freehold sale was $367,900 highest was $1.8 million.
• Condominium Sales: Average of $261,295 to a median of $229,000.
• Lowest condominium sale: $153,000 to $790,000

Average family income in the area is: $100,229      

#6. Mineola Public School

Mineola Public school is located in the community of Mineola – one of the most prestigious neighbourhoods in MIssissauga located just north of Port Credit. Mineola is transitioning from a neighbourhood of mainly old homes with large lots to luxurious multimillion dollar mansions. Mineola public school's scores had dipped over the past couple of years, but began to increase again with a small upward shift in 2010/2011. Mineola Public school is a French immersion school with slightly more French immersion students than English students.  Mineola Public ranges from Kindergarten to Grade 6.

The highly affluent area is just minutes from the QEW and Lake Ontario. Recent search of sales in the past 6 months (2012) reveals:

• Free Hold Sales: Average prices $924,458 to median values around the $717,500 mark.
• Lowest freehold sale was $330,000 highest was $2.7 million.
• Condominium Sales: Average of $426,667 to a median of $420,000.
• Lowest condominium sale: $410,000 to $450,000

Average family income in the area is: $124,000

#7. Munden Park Public School:

A Kindergarten to grade 5 school, Munden Park is located at 515 Tedwyn Drive in Mississauga. Munden Park has seen dwindling local numbers as far as students are concerned. As such, they have an expanded boundary at the western tip of the community of Fairview extending southwards at the Go Train lines. Munden Park's home boundary is located at the Eastern tip of the community of Cooksville. These areas differ immensely as far as real estate goes. Fairview is known for condominium apartments with a spattering of detached homes. Recent search of sales in the past 6 months (2012) reveals:

Western Fairview Boundary:

• Free Hold Sales: Average prices $552,333 to median values around the $557,500 mark.
• Lowest freehold sale was $425,000 highest was $715,000.
• Condominium Sales: Average of $244,565 to a median of $252,000.
• Lowest Condominium Sale: $195,000 to highest sale: $346,000

Average family income in the area is: $80,500

Eastern Cooksville Boundary

• Free Hold Sales: Average prices $520,292 to median values around the $544,000 mark.
• Lowest freehold sale was $368,000 highest was $705,000.
• Condominium Sales: Average of to a median of $.
• Lowest condominium sale: $410,000 to $450,000

Average family income in the Area: $80,500

#8. Tecumseh Public School:

Tecumseh public school is located at 480 Chriseden Drive in Mississauga. From Kindergarten to Grade 8, Tecumseh is located in Lorne Park – one of the most affluent neighbourhoods in Mississauga. Tecumseh eventually feeds into Lorne Park Secondary School which is one of the top-ranked secondary schools in Mississauga. Recent search of sales in the past 6 months (2012) reveals:

• Free Hold Sales: Average prices $1.09 Million to median values around the $937,500 mark.
• Lowest freehold sale was $302,000 highest was $4.65 million
• Condominium Sales: Average of $542,278 to a median of $500,000.
• Lowest Condominium Sale: $430,000 to highest sale: $1,013,500

Average family income in the area is: $200,000

#9. Whiteoaks Public School:

White Oaks Public School is located in the western boundary of Lorne Park. It is a French Immersion school from Kindergarten to Grade 5.

• Free Hold Sales: Average prices $1.09 Million to median values around the $937,500 mark.
• Lowest freehold sale was $302,000 highest was $4.65 million
• Condominium Sales: Average of $542,278 to a median of $500,000.
• Lowest Condominium Sale: $430,000 to highest sale: $1,013,500

Average family income in the area is: $200,000

#10. Westacres Public School:

Westacres Public School is located at the southern tip of the community of Dixie and at the northern tip of Lakeview north of the QEW and south of Queensway. Westacres, as of March 14th 2012, had 135 students. Westacres is situated in a mature neighbourhood that is in a state of transition and houses an older demographic. This is prime real estate for those that work in Toronto but like the safety of the City of Mississauga. The school's performance has been consistent, and as such, rounds out our top ten elementary schools in Mississauga.  

• Free Hold Sales: Average prices $504,984 to median values around the $518,750 mark.
• Lowest freehold sale was $116,000 highest was $680,000
• Condominium Sales: There are currently no condominium units available in this school district.
• Lowest Condominium Sale: Not applicable

Average family income in the area is: $102,871

Now, what is important to point out is that the number of homes available for sale has been down substantially compared to 2010. I often get asked as to why this is the case — I wish I knew. There has been a lack of inventory for the last 2-3yrs or so and the case has many Realtor's and industry leaders completely stumped. Increased competition between buyers for (a lack of) available listings has really prompted this upward pressure on prices.

Here is a quick summary of sales in May, along-with average prices:

One request I have had from a number of buyers are listings within specific school boundaries (I am looking at you, John Fraser Secondary School). I am finding that there is a lack of inventory in many of these boundaries and there is a huge demand for them. It really doesn't surprise me one bit. Especially around the top schools.

I only deal with current situations. With the Spring market well underway, parents will be looking to purchase their home now in-order to get their kids ready for September. If you are interested in selling your home, give me a shout. Now may be the best time this year.

5 or so Mississauga-based Lion's Club's will be a part of this years walk. My Club, the Churchill Meadows Lion's Club would like to ask you for help.

The details for the walk are as follows:

Date: June 5th, 2011
Time: 11:00AM
Walk Location: J.C. Saddintion Park – 53 Lake Street, Mississauga, ON

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If you would like to register for a walk please click here.
If you would like to make a contribution please click here.
If you would like to learn more about the people who we help, click here.