Many Toronto families—especially those relocating or moving into new school districts—face the same question:
Should we focus on buying near a top public school, or consider private?

This decision isn’t just educational. It has major real estate implications, too.

Here’s what I advise clients who are weighing school choices as part of their home buying strategy.

Please check these articles for more information:

• A Comprehensive Comparison: Catholic vs Public Schools in Toronto
• Best School Districts in Toronto for Families New to the City

Public Rankings Can Drive Price—but Not Always Value

Homes in high-ranked public school zones often come with a premium. Why? Because demand is concentrated. Buyers filter for those specific districts first, especially at the elementary level.

But school rankings alone don’t guarantee long-term value. Some highly ranked schools experience declines in leadership or overcrowding over time, while other mid-ranked schools steadily improve.

What matters more: neighbourhood stability, school consistency, and the broader community network around the school—not just a numerical score.

Private Schools Don’t Anchor Value the Same Way

While prestigious private schools like Havergal, Crescent, UCC, or Branksome offer academic advantages, their presence alone doesn’t drive property value the way a public school zone does.

Why? Because private school students come from across the city—and beyond.
That means no built-in catchment area pushing local real estate demand.

However: proximity to respected private schools can attract specific buyers. For example, Bedford Park or Lawrence Park homes often appeal to families sending children to nearby private institutions. But the premium tends to be home-driven, not school-driven.

Blended Strategy: Why Many Families Buy in Public Zones—and Supplement Privately

Many of my clients choose to buy in top public school districts and budget for extracurricular or academic support privately.

This gives them access to stable neighbourhoods, better resale value, and flexibility if school needs change later. It’s a strategy that balances education, investment, and long-term planning.

Resale Tip: Always Lead with the Public School Catchment

If you’re selling a home near both public and private schools, your lead marketing asset should still be the public catchment.
That’s what most buyers will search by—and it’s often what drives multiple-offer competition.

I work with sellers to highlight catchments, lifestyle access, and neighbourhood context—because buyers aren’t just choosing a school; they’re choosing a community.

Final Thoughts

If you’re trying to align your next home purchase with educational goals—public or private—be careful not to assume rankings equal value.

There’s nuance to Toronto’s school landscape. And with the right guidance, you can make a decision that supports your child’s future and protects your investment.

I’ve personally attended private school open houses, spoken with school reps, and helped dozens of families think through these trade-offs from both the parental and investment lens.

Send an email at olena@agentolena.com or call 647.294.3039 to get started.